2019
will usher in new 5G phones, but do we need one? First, 5G
service will not be available in many places, so the technology
will be useless to most. Second, 5G pioneers will suffer the
slings and arrows of new technology and we all know the first
generation of most new technology is buggy. Third, the
technology is expensive and may cost a few hundred dollars more
per phone with 5G.
5G mmWave has worse range and worse penetration compared to the
current LTE. A mmWave signal can be blocked by buildings, trees,
and even your hand. It also does not work well in the rain or
fog, and the ~60GHz chunk of this spectrum can actually be
blocked by the air around you. To get around the hand blockage,
extra antennas will be added to phones, taking up valuable
battery space. One redeeming feature is the phones will be
backward compatible, so you can spend more money to get the same
service you have now.
First generation 5G chips will be much larger compared to the
other extremely-small smartphone components. They will also
require more power to use. More size for technology means less
size for battery and smaller battery means less usage time
between charging.
Bottom line, increased cost, limited availability of 5G
coverage areas, new technology woes, and less use time from
the battery all point to waiting to buy, unless you have a
desire to be 'first on your block' to have new technology for
bragging rights.