Everyone seems in on the debate. From salespeople to manufacturers, to technology experts. What is the debate about? It’s about whether 5G is fit for the Indian mobile market or not.

Already the market is rife with 5G mobile phones. The reigning monarchs of mobile phones like Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, and naturally, Apple either already unveiled 5G-enabled phones, or are in the process of launching them. Nonetheless, as multiple models and brands compete, and the debate gets louder, let’s take a look at the pros and cons very objectively.

It is clear that the view of telecom operators is a tad confusing. The largest operator is Reliance Jio, and though it wants an auction to bag rights, it hasn’t particularly asked to buy 5G airwaves. All telcos feel that the current 5G spectrum rates are too high and want them lowered. The government hasn’t shown any signs of having a 5G spectrum auction, and this seems low on its list of priorities.

5G Technology and Users

The primary use of 5G technology is in the enhanced use of mobile broadband. With 5G technology, Indians will experience much better internet speeds across all their devices, including 5G mobiles. Everybody wants greater speed while connecting to services, and reduction in glitches, and the familiar “flapping” of Wi-Fi. Nonetheless, according to experts– and common sense, this won’t come cheap. Media barons are already predicting that these services are going to cost a lot more than 4G.

While upcoming phones may be affordable by many in our price-sensitive Indian populace, will Indians be ready to shell out more for broadband services also? Over 95% of users are using their mobile phones on the basis of prepaid subscription plans. This implies that the majority of users are from the category who are on a low budget.

You have to ask an obvious question here – Does it really make sense for telcos to invest greatly in something only for the remaining 5%? The technology of 5G works on dense networks. Investments in these will be heavier than that of 4G networks. When, and if, consumer-motivated 5G does hit the Indian mobile phone market, it will be through large investors like Reliance Jio.

5G Smartphones

Considering that India is a developing country, and most smartphone users look at phones in the sub-12,000 INR price range, the device environment in India isn’t conducive to owning a 5G phone. The prices for these start at a whopping 50,000 INR approximately in the premium segment and Rs. 25,000 in the mid-range segment. A fully functional high-end 4G mobile costs that much.

China controls around 72% of global smartphone revenues, and the average price at which their 5G phones sell is about 34,000 INR, far greater than the average for 4G phones. When it does come to India – and it will no doubt, the initial use of 5G will be for industrial use rather than in retail. Still, you can bag an impressive 5G handset, and consider these just launched phones with bookings or come soon.

• Samsung – This Galaxy Note 20 Ultra from the Korean phone giant is powerful enough to use for any purpose. It has a 108MP camera sensor with a periscope telephoto lens, and a 6.9-inch screen, with 12GB RAM and a Snapdragon 865 processor. It works on Android v.10 OS.
• Xiaomi – This brand’s Mi 10 model is more affordable, and is a bundle of energy with 8GB RAM and a 6.67-inch display. Running on Android v.10 OS, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor. It is an excellent option for avid gamers as well.
• Apple – The best phone brand in the world recently announced the iPhone Pro 12, which has all the features of an iconic technological wonder. Along with Apple’s reputation for quality and convenience to the max, this 5G phone comes with its own A14 Bionic chipset and works on iOS 14. With 4 and 6GB of RAM, the internal storage can go up to 128GB on these phones. Apple has improved Face ID too.