The telecommunications landscape and smartphone industry have evolved with the creation of 5G. The technology was a massive improvement over 4G, offering reduced latency, reliable connections, and faster download speeds.
5G technology has impacted the smartphone industry beyond just better internet connection and redefining how users interact online. 5G is also impacting the refurbished phone market. As consumers become more conscious of technology's environmental impact and costs, refurbished devices are becoming more popular for those who want a 5G-supported device.
Retailers in the refurbished phone market have also had to adapt to the emerging technology. This is because 5G is becoming more in demand, with consumers seeking out 5G-compatible devices.
The rollout of 5G technology has also impacted pricing trends, especially for phones that only support 4G networks. For example, as more consumers shifted to 5G, the resale value of 4G-only phones declined faster than that of previous generations of devices.
In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about mobile phones and 5G technology. This includes what refurbished 5G devices are the best, which preowned 5G phones to keep an eye out for, and the overall impact the technology has had.
What Is 5G Technology?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless communication networks. Cellular phone companies began deploying the use of 5G-compatible devices in 2019, as a successor to 4G technology. Similarly to its predecessors, 5G networks are cellular networks.
All 5G-compatible wireless devices, including smartphones, connect to the internet and telephone networks through radiowaves. 5G networks are an improvement over the technology used for 4G, allowing for a higher bandwidth.
This higher bandwidth allows for better download and upload speed compared to 3G and 4G. 5G can also allow more devices to connect to a network and improve the quality of internet connection in crowded areas.
5G may have been released to the public in 2019, but it has a rich history dating back to the late 2000s. In 2008, NASA partnered with Geoff Brown and Machine-to-Machine Intelligence (M2Mi) Corp to develop a fifth-generation wireless communication. The same year, a South Korean IT R&D program for 5G development was also formed.
In the following years, various groups and programs were formed around the world to promote 5G development. On April 3, 2019, South Korea became the first country to adopt 5G technology. Soon after, the United States, the Philippines, and most of the world adopted the technology.
Samsung was the first phone manufacturer to release an all-5G smartphone. The first all-5G smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S20, was released on March 6, 2020.
Why 5G Technology Is Better
In almost every facet, 5G is better than 4G and 3G technology. 5G is capable of delivering faster data speeds than 4G, with peak data rates of up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps). This is higher than the peak data rate of 4G, which is 1 gigabit per second.
For providers, 5G networks are also designed to be able to handle more users and have a bigger capacity than 4G networks. It’s estimated that 5G networks can handle a 100-fold increase in network capacity and efficiency.
5G technology also has a lower latency than 4G and 3G alternatives. 5G technology also utilises adaptive modulation and coding schemes (MCS) to keep the block error rate (BLER) extremely low.
The average phone user who switches to a 5G phone can expect to see the following improvements.
- Better performance and a more stable connection when playing games that require an internet connection.
- Better and more consistent quality when streaming videos.
- Better download and upload speeds.
- Faster loading when browsing the web.
- Better internet connection in crowded spaces.
What Refurbished Phones Are 5G Capable?
When it comes to 5G capability, refurbished phones aren’t any different from their new counterparts. So, any phone model that can support 5G will be able to, regardless of if it is second-hand or not.
Most smartphones, especially flagship phones like Samsung’s Galaxy S range and Google’s Pixel devices, released in 2019 onwards, are capable of a 5G connection. Apple’s iPhone 12 series and onwards also support 5G technology.
As a few years have passed since 5G technology first went public in 2019, there are plenty of refurbished 5G-capable phones on the market. We’ve included a list below of the most popular refurbished 5G phones.
- Apple’s iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series of devices.
- Samsung Galaxy’s S series, Note series, and A series devices.
- Google’s Pixel range from 5 onwards.
- Sony’s Xperia range of phones that were released in 2021 and later.
Other manufacturers, including OPPO, LG, Huawei, Motorola, and Xiaomi, all offer 5G-capable devices. Buying refurbished is a cost-effective way to get a device that supports 5G connections at a fraction of the original price.
If you’re unsure if a phone supports 5G networks, you can always check yourself using the manufacturer’s official website or platforms like GSMArena. Any website that lists the phone model’s specifications will also list whether it is 4G or 5G compatible.
The Impact Of 5G Technology On The Refurbished Phone Market
The introduction of 5G technology in the smartphone industry has had a massive impact on the refurbished phone market. Firstly, it has changed what consumers are seeking. Demand for a 4G-enabled device has dropped, while interest in 5G phones is increasing rapidly.
4G-only devices are experiencing a depreciation, which is resulting in price drops. As users become more aware of the advancements that 5G technology offers, including faster speeds, lower latency, and better network capacity, the interest in upgrading to a 5G-compatible phone is growing for future-proofing.
Refurbished phones are also cost-effective for people to upgrade to 5G technology. It is cheaper than buying brand new. Many of the first 5G-capable phones, like the iPhone 12 series and Samsung Galaxy S20, are very accessible in the refurbished market in greater numbers.
The refurbished phone market benefits from the shift to 5G-only capable phones and yearly upgrades. This is because consumers are beginning to prioritise cost-efficiency while still wanting to experience the latest cutting-edge technology, which is what refurbished models offer.
Buy 5G Capable Refurbished Phones At OzMobiles
If you’re looking for the best deals on 5G-capable phones, buying refurbished is a great way to save money and access the latest tech. Here at OzMobiles, we pride ourselves on the best deals on refurbished phones. If you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply).
All the devices we stock, including our Samsung phones and Apple iPhones, go through an extensive refurbishment process. During this process, every component is checked, including 5G connectivity, to ensure the phone is running optimally and fully functional.
The devices we sell also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy. So, if you have any concerns about the device or have a change of heart, you can contact our team for assistance.
If you have any questions about 5G technology or what 5G-capable device would be best for you, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you. Our team would be more than happy to answer any queries you have and connect you with the right phone to last you for years to come.
