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You're not dumb. The Verizon guy spent too much time talking about their (practically useless) mmWave 5G... though they finally admitted that you'll likely only find it in Stadiums, Venues, and Airports.

I'm sure we'll get more info soon.

Upon further research... I'm reading that Verizon is now using dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) to basically split a tower's capacity between 4G and 5G.

So it sounds like you'll get 4G or soon 5G in most areas... but you won't get the insane 1gbps speeds unless you're in a major city on a sidewalk or stadium.

I'm fine with that. Though I honestly don't have a problem with 4G today.
Thank you. Agreed. Their 4G in my area is great, 5G is just icing on the cake for me.
 
In the UK carriers are using n78 (3500MHz) for 5G. O2 is looking at rolling out n40/band40 (2300MHz) at some point, all of which are support by all iPhone 12 regional variants.

There is an additional auction for long range 5G on 700MHz in the UK and parts of Europe (Italy?) but this isn't being used yet. According to https://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular/ this band is also supported on on regional variants (n12 and n28).

Europe and Canadian model iPhones don't support mmWave (above 6-GHz) 5G. At this stage, there is no mmWave in Europe, although the EU (and UK?) are looking to license 26Ghz (n258) mmWave at some point. However, the US model does not support n258 - it supports n260 (39 GHz) and n261 (28 GHz) which are not in the pipeline for Europe. So the additional bands of the US model are pointless outside the US.

I note there also is the 600MHz 5G band which is supported in the Canadian (and US) version, but not in the European one... Not sure what the pipeline is for this?


Comparing the US and European models you'll notice that the US includes all the same frequencies as the European one + additional ones. It's not a matter of Apple optimising based on regions because they can't support all frequencies at once. It's basically a matter of cutting cost trying to skip support frequencies in regions where they are otherwise not needed.

I find it rather stupid for such a premium device. But it is what it is I guess. At least they support 700MHz which will be the major frequency here in Norway.
 
Which models support mmWave. For example, the S20 series, only the unlocked s20+ and s20Ultra support mmWave out of the box. Verizon and Samsung worked together to bring a special and unique mmWave version of the regular s20. Is it the same thing with the new iPhone 12 models? Does anyone know?

Edit: " mmWave is supported on all iPhone 12 models sold in the United States, ranging from the iPhone 12 mini to the iPhone 12 Pro Max." Cool beans. So that means with this model, if I get it, the main thing to consider is whether I need a more advanced camera or if I want to save some money and get the non-Pro variant... I may wait for a 120 Hz display.
 
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Europe and Canadian model iPhones don't support mmWave (above 6-GHz) 5G. At this stage, there is no mmWave in Europe, although the EU (and UK?) are looking to license 26Ghz (n258) mmWave at some point. However, the US model does not support n258 - it supports n260 (39 GHz) and n261 (28 GHz) which are not in the pipeline for Europe. So the additional bands of the US model are pointless outside the US.

5G mmWave is and will always be pointless everywhere. Coverage is like 100 meters max and with direct light of sight to antenna. There will never be significant network buildout anywhere for it to matter. In the USA is being pushed because Verizon has to sell something but 5G benefits if any are in 5G sub6.
 
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3G!? Who's your carrier? I live in a medium sized US city near the mountains and I only ever see LTE. It may be 4G here and there in the the mountains but NEVER 3G.

It used to be AT&T, recently it is Verizon. And I clarify 3G is just during commuting, as soon as I get to my place or to work I get 4G.
 
First world problems: looking at the Verizon 5G mmWave coverage map, and realizing their coverage ends just one block before my house. #fml
 
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I actually got the dreaded "No Service" in a rural part of North Carolina.

It was especially frustrating since I needed to use GPS to leave the campground. Luckily I got service soon after I left.

Do you mean online mapping, because GPS doesn't require a cell signal on any phone?
 
Well that’s disappointing.
Atleast we're not getting that ugly mmwave antenna cutout and possible structural weakpoint of the phone :)
mmwave support isn't coming here so I'm glad they left it out.


US model:
PMAynXS.png


International model:
8Zq7NJL.png
 


As expected, the entire iPhone 12 lineup is compatible with faster 5G networks, but Apple's website confirms that support for high-frequency mmWave bands is limited to models sold in the United States. This includes compatibility with Verizon's new 5G Ultra Wideband network, which as of today is available in 55 cities across the country.


I think it would be more accurate to say it is "available on 55 city blocks across the country."


I want to hear more about this new "Verizon Nationwide 5G" that they talked about today.

They briefly mentioned it at the end.

Is that Sub-6GHz like the other carriers?

Here's a good description of Verizon's non-mmWave nationwide 5G done by PC Magazine which detected it being tested in Chicago:


Basically, they're taking the 850Mhz band that is used for 4G service and turning it over to 5G service using the DSS (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing) feature in 5G phones. It's the same thing that AT&T has done to create their 5G network. Of course, like the AT&T 5G network, the Verizon 5G DSS speed is slower than Verizon's 4G LTE:

019JAdDjIHjpCXp3vlsXUge-1.fit_lim.size_1152x99999.jpg


But hey, the 5G icon lights up on your phone so it's worth it!
 
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From the way Verizon was pushing it, it sounds like they intend it to be used in stadiums, arenas, large controlled commercial spaces and buildings due it's short range line of sight.
 
The only reason I'm getting a new iPhone this year is the Qualcomm modem. Reception and speeds on regular 4G or LTE will be far better than the Intel modem in the 11 Pro I currently have.
 
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From the way Verizon was pushing it, it sounds like they intend it to be used in stadiums, arenas, large controlled commercial spaces and buildings due it's short range line of sight.
Not really only at these spaces. I live in a quiet residential neighborhood in the Baltimore County and I was surprised, twice, to find out Baltimore had 5G and the 5G mmWave is actually available. A block before my home (#fml), but still in a residential neighborhood. The closest to such venues is the State Fairgrounds maybe 3/4 of a mile from here, but much farther away than the two blocks the mmWave antenna is mounted at from me.
 
I actually got the dreaded "No Service" in a rural part of North Carolina.

It was especially frustrating since I needed to use GPS to leave the campground. Luckily I got service soon after I left.
This is because North Carolinians who live in the Smokies dont want to see their mountain top views full of antennas, just leave it natural and leave your stupid phone in the car or at home.
 
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i am deeply disappointed. the apple i knew was destroyed merely in minutes. not sure whether having the Verizon guy delivering his marketing pitch is part of the apple revenue plan, but i was shocked to hear the phrase '5G' more than 100 times during this 1hr long show.

it's not a thing now, especially not with mmWave. you can't do much with 4Gbps download speeds. you don't need multi-gigabit connectivity to stream a movie in HDR. you don't need it to pass 3d model data, textures and positioning info to another phone. you don't need 5G for AR, as all the calculations happen on the phone in real time. and you definitely don't need stuff like this to download a 10ish MB skin for your LoL character. and i bet apple music will not sound any better when on 5G :)

hell, mm wave effectively renders mobile devices stationary otherwise it will not work.

Apple brought a hunk of great deal tech to these devices, the first time ever i felt that iPhone pro deserves its 'pro' suffix. despite the pretty dumb '4x improvement in drop test' the ceramic infused glass is again a great engineering feat, A14 is a beast, and i could go on - but everything is overshadowed by this overly dumb and simplified 5G-hype machine.

5GNR is a great stuff, but things are not just about the 'air interface' between the phone and the basestation. so far the killer application for 5G is "speedtest" and I have hard time to believe it's usefulness. 5G in the mid and low band will enable operators to deliver LTE like performance to more customers at the same time, to utilise the available spectrum more efficiently.

Apple was always mixing tech with usability, focusing on the 'human' part, but this 5G-marketing-wankery left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth.

stop this number-war. please.
 
mmWave 5G is literally a WiFi hotspot. We all know how finicky WiFi can be. Walls destroy it and it’s got very short range.

My prediction is carriers will drop mmWave 5G. Maybe they’ll keep it in stadiums and airports but that’s it. The dreams of implementing it in downtown rural areas just isn’t feasible.
 
First world problems: looking at the Verizon 5G mmWave coverage map, and realizing their coverage ends just one block before my house. #fml

You'd probably be better of with a WiFi 6 router in your house and a fast internet connection anyway.
 
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet will stop mmWave

Oh wait it will

as will leaves, fog and even paper

I for one wont miss It
 
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