It's worth noting that while the 4G LTE network was officially launched and unveiled in 2011, it wasn't until 2012 that Apple introduced its first 4G device. History seems to be repeating itself as companies like OnePlus, Samsung, and Huawei are planning to unveil 5G devices this year, while Apple's plans for 5G devices may not materialize until 2020.
Interestingly, even if Apple wanted to, it would be difficult to release a 5G device this year, as the company relies entirely on modem chips from Intel and Qualcomm. Additionally, the relationship between Apple and Qualcomm has been deteriorating over the past few years due to patent and copyright disputes, forcing the iPhone manufacturer to shift its supply source to Intel.
It's understandable that Apple hasn't been able to release 5G devices in 2019 since Intel's modem chips can't compare to Qualcomm's 5G chips.
Additionally, sources indicate that Apple is developing its own modems, but this will take several years. If Apple were to use 5G modems like Samsung and Huawei, it couldn't possibly collaborate with its direct competitors. Therefore, the only solution for Apple at the moment is to wait until 2020 to use Intel's 5G modem.
In general, this dilemma leaves many users, especially iPhone users, contemplating whether to use an Android 5G phone or instead opt for the new iPhone 4G LTE.
Android 5G vs iPhone 4G LTE: Which One is Better?
To evaluate which is better between Android 5G and iPhone 4G LTE, we must first understand the overview and the pros and cons of each device.
An Overview of Android 5G Phones Set to Launch This Year
At last year's Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, Samsung showcased its 5G smartphone in a demo:
- Cutting-edge technology.
- Highest bandwidth for AR/VR and streaming.
- Faster speeds.
The 5G network promises higher speeds for mobile devices, combining multi-gigabit bandwidth for activities like streaming 4K videos or live AR / VR. The 4G LTE era was largely defined by video on mobile devices - this trend may continue and expand into even better experiences.
The initial speed of 5G networks is not much different from gigabit LTE speeds. However, 5G users will experience higher speeds as networks develop. Even if not experiencing maximum speeds, at least 5G users will experience speeds not as slow as 4G LTE.
An Overview of Apple's iPhone 4G LTE Phones
The iPhone XS Max, Apple's latest iPhone series:
- Extended battery life.
- Enhanced network interaction capabilities.
- Slimmer design.
From the perspective of wireless network connection speed, Apple's iPhone devices are less impressive compared to Android devices. In fact, Apple has improved speed by integrating various Intel and Qualcomm variants of previous iPhone models. However, mid-range iPhone users are unlikely to be concerned, as they only need fast enough connectivity for all mobile tasks like web browsing, video calling, and more.
In reality, using Apple devices, as well as non-5G devices in 2019, also has its benefits. Specifically, the prices of non-5G iPhones may be similarly high to Android 5G devices, but they come with a slimmer design and longer battery life.
Moreover, transitioning between 5G and 4G LTE networks may drain device batteries more. US carriers are building their 5G networks on different frequencies, meaning device interoperability may be affected in the short term.
Choosing Between Android 5G and iPhone 4G LTE?
There's no single correct answer to this question. Even if you own the first Android devices this year, you'll still have to wait until the 5G technology effect is strong enough. And if you're willing to spend a hefty sum to buy Apple's iPhone 4G LTE, despite being expensive, it's not equipped with many new technologies.
And if you're willing to take risks, buying an Android 5G phone will make more sense. But if you're not interested in new technology and want to own a safe and reliable phone, iPhone will be the best choice for you or non-5G Android phones.
Hoping after reading this article, readers will find the answer for themselves between Android 5G and iPhone 4G LTE, which one is better? Also, if there are any doubts or questions that need clarification, readers can leave their opinions in the comments section below the article.
