5G Advanced is the next evolution of cellular technology and it is already on its way. it is promising faster speeds, better reliability, and energy savings. The first smartphones with 5G Advanced support have hit store shelves. So, what exactly does 5G Advanced mean for consumers like you and me? Let’s find out.
5G Advanced is an upgrade to existing 5G networks and has already seen initial deployment in some countries. It introduces various optimizations to current 5G deployments and lays the groundwork for future cellular generations like 6G.
Historically, mobile networks undergo upgrades approximately every decade. While it may seem like they only go through major changes every ten years. 5G Advanced can be seen as one of these ongoing enhancements to the existing 5G standard. Similar updates occurred in the past, such as LTE Advanced, which introduced Carrier Aggregation for faster speeds.
5G Advanced promises several improvements over regular 5G:
Faster speeds: It claims of achieving download speeds up to 10Gbps. 5G Advanced promises faster data transfer rates than ever before.
Massive MIMO: It has Built on the success of 5G’s Massive MIMO technology. 5G Advanced enhances connection quality by adding more antennas and utilizing AI to improve signal strength.
Energy efficiency: It allows devices to enter low-power states when idle and enabling cell towers to adjust their power output intelligently. 5G Advanced reduces battery drain and improves energy efficiency.
High-precision finding: 5G Advanced can locate devices with centimeter-level accuracy and it has opens up possibilities for applications in logistics and asset management.
Additional mid-band frequencies: 5G Advanced supports frequencies above 6GHz and provides a smooth transition to 6G networks and unlocking new spectrum for improved performance.
China Mobile became the first carrier to announce a limited launch of 5G Advanced in March 2024, showcasing China’s technological prowess. Countries like South Korea, the United States, and the UAE are expected to adopt 5G Advanced by 2025 with large cities being the initial focus. The OPPO Find X7 series is currently the only smartphone lineup that supports 5G Advanced.
