If not for the coronavirus, the whole world is probably basking on the technology that is 5G and not on the conspiracy theory being linked to it. Luckily, theses crazy theories have not stopped tech companies to push the next-gen network into the market.
Qualcomm, for one, is making 5G available to people who don't have the luxury to buy flagship-grade phones. With the introduction of the Snapdragon 690, 5G is now available to the budget segment.
The Snapdragon 690 will arrive on smartphones ranging from $300 to $500, according to Qualcomm. In India, however, there's a lot of the 6xx designs in the sub-$200 category, so there's a potential for more affordable devices.
According to Android Central, Snapdragon 690 will release later in 2020 in phones like LG, HMD, Motorola, Wingtech, and TCL. It features an X51 5G modem with a global 5G connectivity over SA and NSA and a 2.5Gbps downlink. In areas where 5G network hasn't rolled out yet, the 690 has an LTE Category 18 modem with 1.2Gbps downlink.
In the U.S., there's a noticeable lack of recent designs in the Snapdragon 6xx and 7xx series, but according to the company's VP for Product Management Kedar Kondap, it will arrive in the country, although at a later date. As with the case of most Qualcomm mid-range designs, Snapdragon 690 devices will debut in China first. A "decent number of devices" will arrive in the U.S. next.
As to why the U.S. will get it late, it's pretty understandable. Much of the consumers in America always go for phones with the 8xx series. However, since 5G is wading the mainstream waters, devices with the Snapdragon 690 will be made available since the next-gen network is already somewhat established in the country.
Kondap, on that note, made an update about the launch of the 7xx series in the U.S., saying that the delay is all due to COVID-19. Phones powered by the Snapdragon 765 will definitely arrive in the country, though no date was specified.
Back to Snapdragon 690, it sure is one of the most exciting offerings made by Qualcomm in recent years. The industry is undoubtedly progressing toward the next-gen mobile network with over 40 brands already launching 5G capable devices.
Already, 30 countries are making 5G the standard available to their customers. 375 models with 5G support are ready, and there are 60 carriers that can provide the service. It's clear we're headed toward the normalization of the network soon.
