From artificial intelligence for self-driving cars to virtual reality and future technologies, all the modern high-tech gadgets that seek to make life easier will likely require high-speed, always-on internet connections.
At its fastest claimed speed, a full 4K definition movie can be downloaded over the air in under a minute. This is made possible by 5G, the fifth generation of wireless networking technology. More than just speed, 5G also introduces new wireless spectrums, such as mmWave. 5G can also deliver much lower network latency for better response.
While Singapore has limited 5G network coverage today, there’s certainly nothing stopping you from being an early adopter with these latest wireless gadgets:
Apple
www.apple.com/sg/
iPhone 12 Series
The new iPhone 12 is available in a bevy of sizes and colours. The phones come in 5.4 to 6.1-inch screen sizes, and all boast support for 5G cellular networks, OLED displays, improved cameras, and Apple’s latest A14 chip, as well as a refreshed design.
The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max differ from the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini by having more advanced cameras, bigger display options and unique colour schemes. Regardless of model, all iPhone 12 units are powered by Apple’s new A14 Bionic processor.
Samsung
www.samsung.com/sg/
Galaxy Smartphone Series
Samsung arguably has the most offerings for 5G capable mobile telecommunication devices. The Galaxy smartphones range from the budget-friendly A42 options to bleeding-edge folding phones like the Z Fold2 5G and Z Flip 5G.
For those who fancy tech-packed but more in a conventional candy-bar format, Samsung offers the S20 series as well as the larger-screened “phablet” Note20 Ultra 5G. For those who need a tablet on the go, consider Samsung’s 12.4-inch screen Tab S7+ 5G.
Huawei
consumer.huawei.com/sg/
Huawei’s 5G offerings start from the mid-range smartphone category with the Nova 7 SE 5G. The rest of its line-up are firmly in the high-end segment of the market, with the P40, P40 Pro and P40 Pro+ 5G.
To compete in the high-end phablet (a combination of phone and tablet) segment, they offer the Mate 40 Pro 5G as well as the Mate Xs, which unfolds into a huge 8-incher. None of Huawei’s new phones offer Google Play Services integration but apps can be obtained through Huawei’s own App Gallery.
OnePlus
www.oneplus.com/sg
Considered by many to be a phone geek’s dream high-end android smartphone brand, OnePlus is keeping its product portfolio slim with two distinct offerings: the enthusiast-focused 8 and 8T 5G.
The company has also introduced the Nord, a range of budget-focused phones. Tapping into the entry level crowd is the Nord N10 5G, one of the latest additions.
Oppo
www.oppo.com/sg/
Well-known for innovation in mobile imaging, Oppo’s Find X2 Pro 5G boasts an impressive camera specification with a triple-camera setup: standard-wide, 5x telephoto and 16mm ultra-wide cameras.
The standard-wide camera uses a 1/1.4-inch 48MP sensor, 26mm-equivalent lens and f/1.7 aperture. The ultrawide camera features f/2.2 lenses, while the 13MP 5x tele-camera offers optical image stabilisation, albeit at a lower f/3 aperture.
Realme
www.realme.com/sg/
Realme might be best known for its cheap smartphones, but Realme is trying to penetrate the high-end of the market with the X50 Pro 5G, its first flagship 5G smartphone.
As well its 5G connectivity, it also carries a quad rear camera and huge display. Its claim to high-end positioning comes with its latest processing hardware, along with a Vapour Cooling System.
Vivo
www.vivo.com/sg/
Vivo is known for the first elevating front camera and in-display fingerprint scanner. With the X50 Pro 5G, it crams a full gimbal system for its primary 48MP rear camera. Vivo claims it’s more effective than regular image stabilisation.
For folks who are particular about price, the X50E 5G does away with the gimbal system, offers the same processor, but with more advanced 5G connectivity options.
Xiaomi
www.mi.com/sg/
Starting as a smartphone manufacturer, Xiaomi has since expanded to offer an entire smart ecosystem. On the phone front, the company has been riding the 5G wave with 3 distinct offerings.
The Black Shark 3 is a gaming-focused phone, while the Mi 10 series is built to be a premium smartphone, with the Pro model offering better cameras. Last but not least, the Poco F2 Pro 5G is aimed at value-oriented phone enthusiasts.
D-Link
www.dlink.com.sg
D-Link is known for its networking equipment such as wireless routers. The DWR-2101 is a 5G Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot that allows wireless devices to access 4G LTE or 5G NR mobile networks
This router can provide wireless transfer rates of up to 1200 Mbps in 802.11ac mode and up to 2Gbps in 802.11ax mode, as well as through a 1Gbps Ethernet wire connection. It is powered by a 5260mAh battery which is removable.
