5G is the next big leap in mobile technology, delivering blazing-fast downloads, smoother video calls, lag-free gaming, and more responsive online experiences.
No longer is it a futuristic proposition or a luxury reserved for people who can afford the most expensive high-end phones.
TCL looks at what mainstream 5G means for you.
5G rollout gains momentum
Over 50% of the South African population had access to 5G networks by the end of 2024, according to ICT market researcher Africa Analysis. This shows that the technology has moved into the mainstream, with high-speed 5G connectivity available across most of South Africa’s major cities.
Following on 4G/LTE, 5G is the next evolution in mobile connectivity. The technology offers real-world speeds that can be 10 or 20 times better than 4G. 5G also offers a significant improvement in latency, which means there is less delay between your actions and the response from a server or another device at the other end of the connection.
What can you do with a 5G smartphone?
Access to 5G will take your experience with mobile services and applications to a whole new level. Less latency will mean that you’ll have a much smoother experience when playing online games like Fortnite. 5G will offer you a far crisper experience in downloading and streaming ultra-HD content, including 4K videos, from services like Netflix.
You’ll be able to download files like music albums and movies within seconds as well as enjoy videoconferencing in HD without judder and frozen faces. When you share a 5G hotspot with your laptop, you’ll be enjoy an experience that compares favourably with fibre internet from your mobile connection.
What to look for in a 5G smartphone
5G started out as a feature found only on the most expensive flagship phones. But it’s now available on mid-range smartphones and is even starting to appear in entry-level models. This means that the tech is becoming accessible to a wider audience, including students and small business owners.
One of the standout options in the affordable 5G space is the TCL 40 NXTPAPER, a budget-friendly 5G smartphone. In addition to 5G, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER includes next-generation features like NXTPAPER, an eye-friendly display technology that filters harmful blue light by up to 61% while retaining sharp images, vibrant colours, deep contrast and natural motion.
If you’re shopping for a 5G device, here some points to consider:
· Battery life: 5G can drain power faster than 4G, so look for phones with large battery capacity and power-saving features.
· Software updates: A phone with regular security and OS updates stays usable for longer.
· Display and Camera: Look for a good display to enjoy 4K streams and rich gaming graphics. You’ll also want a capable camera system for photography and video recording.
· Performance and Processor: A powerful processor and sufficient RAM ensure smooth multitasking and lag-free performance, particularly when running resource-intensive games or applications.
Stretch your data further
Once you get a 5G phone, you might find yourself using a lot more data. Not because 5G itself is inherently more data-hungry, but because the higher speed and capabilities allow you to enjoy more HD video, faster downloads and smoother gaming. Here’s how to make your data allowance go further:
· Turn on data-saving modes in apps like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
· Use Wi-Fi wherever possible, especially when downloading large files or updating apps.
· Set background data limits to stop apps from using data when you’re not actively using them.
Why 5G is a smart long-term buy
Investing in a 5G phone now doesn’t just improve your experience today, it also prepares you for tomorrow. As mobile networks expand their 5G coverage across South Africa, having a compatible device means you’ll automatically benefit from better speeds and improved digital services without needing to upgrade again anytime soon.
About TCL Mobile
TCL Mobile specialises in the research, development and manufacturing of smartphones, tablets and connected devices. On a mission to deliver 5G for all, TCL Mobile helps its customers ‘Inspire Greatness’ in their lives through industry leading technology and solutions.
