While researching for a new Android phone I came across some hidden dangers if you expect to access 5G. When you find an unlocked GSM phone you might assume it will work on all GSM networks, especially since they are advertised that way, but you would be wrong. While it is likely that 4G LTE/VoLTE will work it is more than likely that the very same phone, even though it's a 5G capable phone, will not work on 5G and here's why. Cell phones operate on bands that correspond to specific frequencies and generally speaking all GSM phones will work on just about all of the bands or at least a majority because all phones include those bands. That is not true of 5G bands. If, for instance, you buy an unlocked T-Mobile phone it will work as advertised on all GSM systems such as the AT&T system. I've been using T-Mobile phones on AT&T for years.
However, here's where the problem occurs, most of these 5G capable phones do not, unlike 4G, include all or most of the bands. A T-Mobile phone has none of the bands that would work on AT&T while AT&T has none that would work on T-Mobile. Now you might wonder why the mfgs would do this and here is what my research has indicated, this appears to be AT&T's doing. They will only allow their branded phones, and those of their associated MVNOs, to access 5G on their network.
So, while technically "Will work on all GSM networks" might be correct, it is only correct for 4G. The problem is the mfgs and resellers don't differentiate between 4G and 5G when making that claim so people naturally assume 5G will work and more than likely it won't. So be very diligent in researching your next phone.
Here are some charts showing what bands are built in to, in this case, OnePlus new 5G phones. There's more info available on the Internet but you're really going to have to dig to find out what 5G bands are built in to any phone you might be interested in. What it's come down to for me is do I change phones or networks? T-Mobile has my area blanketed with 5G while AT&T has spotty coverage at best for 5G. Rats, I hate having to change out my whole system.
Will OnePlus Nord N10 5G work in USA?
However, here's where the problem occurs, most of these 5G capable phones do not, unlike 4G, include all or most of the bands. A T-Mobile phone has none of the bands that would work on AT&T while AT&T has none that would work on T-Mobile. Now you might wonder why the mfgs would do this and here is what my research has indicated, this appears to be AT&T's doing. They will only allow their branded phones, and those of their associated MVNOs, to access 5G on their network.
So, while technically "Will work on all GSM networks" might be correct, it is only correct for 4G. The problem is the mfgs and resellers don't differentiate between 4G and 5G when making that claim so people naturally assume 5G will work and more than likely it won't. So be very diligent in researching your next phone.
Here are some charts showing what bands are built in to, in this case, OnePlus new 5G phones. There's more info available on the Internet but you're really going to have to dig to find out what 5G bands are built in to any phone you might be interested in. What it's come down to for me is do I change phones or networks? T-Mobile has my area blanketed with 5G while AT&T has spotty coverage at best for 5G. Rats, I hate having to change out my whole system.
Will OnePlus Nord N10 5G work in USA?
