Does the iPhone 11 support 5G? This question is of interest to many users who are interested in the technology of the Apple corporation. Fifth generation communications are developing in Russia and many Russians would like to already have smartphones that support this data transfer technology.
Many phone manufacturers are in no hurry to introduce 5G communications in their devices, since it is not yet stable. It can only be tested in certain locations. Today there is no stable large coverage in any country in the world.
How to enable 5G on iPhone 13
To be able to enable 5G, you need to make sure you have the following prerequisites:
- Your network provider offers 5G services
- You are in an area with good 5G coverage
- You inserted a SIM card into your iPhone or activated an eSIM
- You are subscribed to a 5G mobile data plan.
Once you have sorted out the above-mentioned requirements, you can proceed to enable 5G on your iPhone 13.
First, open the Settings app and then select Mobile Data.
On the Mobile Data screen, select Mobile Data Options.
On the next screen, tap Voice & Data.
Now choose any of the following options to enable 5G on your iPhone:
- 5G On : Selecting this option will keep your iPhone connected to a 5G network as long as it's available, even if it offers the same speeds as 4G/LTE. You can select this option in areas with medium to high 5G coverage, but doing so may impact battery life.
- 5G Auto : Selecting this option will make your iPhone use Smart Data and connect to a 5G network if it offers faster speeds and connectivity. If you get a similar experience on LTE, your iPhone will immediately switch to the 4G/LTE network. This option can be chosen for areas with low 5G coverage and does not drain your battery much.
If the area you are in has 5G coverage, you should be connected to a 5G network. When your iPhone is connected to a 5G network, you should see a 5G icon in the top right corner of the screen, provided you've turned off Wi-Fi and turned on mobile data instead.
Is there 5G on iPhone?
Support for 5G mobile networks appeared in the iPhone only in 2020 with the release of the iPhone 12 line of smartphones. All models released in the iPhone 12 line support 5G (including the compact iPhone 12 mini).
Older iPhone models (such as iPhone 11) do NOT support 5G.
The Chinese mobile operator China Mobile sold the iPhone 11 5G model in China. But despite the name, it also did not support 5G networks. Like the rest of the iPhone 11 models, this phone transmitted data via a 4G network.
It should also be noted that iPhone 12 smartphones only support 5G when using a single SIM card. If the user uses the device in Dual SIM mode (real SIM card and eSIM), then 5G support will be disabled. Apple plans to fix this with firmware updates in the future.
Why can't I see the 5G icon in the status bar?
If you've enabled 5G in the Settings app on your iPhone 13 but still don't see the 5G icon in the status bar at the top, it could be because of the following reasons:
- You haven't turned on Mobile Data : Apple doesn't show your network connection type in the status bar if your iPhone isn't connected to Mobile Data to access the Internet. If you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, you'll have to disconnect from it and turn on mobile data in Control Center. You should now see a 5G icon in the status bar in the top right corner.
- There is no 5G coverage in your area . If you're in an area that only offers 4G connectivity, you won't see a 5G icon in your status bar because there's no 5G network to connect to.
iPhone 4 (2010): retina and cameras
The fourth iPhone had the slogan “This changes everything.” Again." - and this loud statement was completely justified.
First, the screen . All three previous generations of iPhone had the same resolution of 480x320. Already in 2007 this was not the ultimate dream (in the same year Toshiba announced the Portege G900 with 800x480), and by 2010 it looked completely disgraceful for a flagship. It seemed that Apple was terribly behind its competitors.
But it turned out to be part of the plan. The company did not increase the resolution gradually, but waited and doubled the increase exactly on both axes - to 960x640. And she became a queen: instead of subtle progress, it turned out to be a loud statement. Users compared it with other phones and were impressed. Application developers rejoiced at the multiple increase, which simplified their lives. Jobs proudly explained that this is a “retina display” with a density of 326ppi, which is higher than the ability of the retina to distinguish pixels, so increasing the resolution further is completely pointless.
Well, we note that later Apple itself continued to expand, introduced a new name “super retina” and now explains how cool it is. There's a catch here somewhere! But be that as it may, in 2010, retina really became a powerful breakthrough for iPhones.
Secondly, cameras . Now there is a front-facing flash, a flash at the back, and focusing by tapping on the screen. The two-megapixel sensor has been replaced by a five-megapixel one, and video shooting has become possible in 720p resolution. In general, finally the iPhone was truly suitable for filming (and for video calling, at the same time FaceTime appeared).
And all this went well with the improvement of the screen: now it was more pleasant to admire the photographs taken on the iPhone. Is it any wonder that Instagram appeared in 2010, and at first it was only available for iOS?
The iPhone 4 also had a popular, recognizable design with flat side edges on which it could be placed, for example, for taking pictures. And in the US it was the first iPhone available with a contract not only from AT&T.
As a result, even “antennagate” (a scandal about problems with the antenna) did not hinder the success of this model, and no other iPhone was released for so long - the life cycle was more than four years.
Why iPhone doesn't support 5G
By delaying the launch of a 5G-compatible iPhone, Apple is essentially taking a timeout to immediately begin releasing smartphones that support both communication standards, which is not so easy. The same Qualcomm, one of the leaders in the development of fifth-generation networks, is just about to introduce the X55 modem, which is compatible with NSA and SA standards, planning its commercial use only at the beginning of next year. But it is Qualcomm that will supply Apple with the necessary equipment, the Cupertino company simply has nowhere and no one to buy analogs of which except Huawei. But she, apparently, intends to keep proprietary developments in the field of 5G development only for herself.
5G Cellular Mode
- In the Settings app → Cellular → Cellular data settings.
- Click on Data Mode and select one of the three available options:
- Allow more data in 5G: Apps and system tasks consume more cellular data for better quality and clarity.
- Standard: Typically the default cellular mode. It allows standard quality settings, automatic updates and background tasks.
- Low Data Mode: Reduces Wi-Fi and cellular data usage by limiting background tasks and pausing automatic updates.
Notably, the first option may be the default setting if you have unlimited data plans. So check your data mode if your iPhone 12 battery is draining too quickly, as this could be the culprit.
iPhone 5 (2012): 4G, 4" and Lightning
If before this the changes were clearly for the better, then with this generation subjective things begin.
Firstly, the size . Before this, all five models had the same 3.5" screen diagonal. But other phones were growing, and under this pressure the screen was carefully increased for the first time (from 3.5" to 4"). Moreover, the aspect ratio has changed: from 3:2 they moved to 16:9.
Today, when even 4" is considered a very small screen, it is difficult to argue with the decision. But this was the first step down a slippery slope. Then Apple removed an advertisement that with 4 inches a finger could reach the entire screen, and this was an obvious jab at the “too big” 5-inch Android phones. But later the company itself could not resist further enlarging the screen, so today this advertisement cannot be found on the official channel. And over time, many users began to complain that iPhones had turned into shovels, and lovers of miniature phones were spat on.
In addition, if until this moment there was “an Android zoo and the convenient uniformity of an iPhone” for mobile developers, now iPhones have their own mini-zoo with different diagonals, different aspect ratios and multiple resolution differences. It was no longer possible, by looking at one screen, to understand what the application would look like for all users at once.
The second controversial decision: the Lightning connector . Of course, it is better than the 30-pin connector that came before: users were finally able to connect the charger to either side! And compared to micro-USB, which was a generally accepted alternative in 2012, the same gains are visible.
But here's the thing. A couple of years later, USB-C appeared, eventually spreading to just about everywhere except iPhones. The same Apple uses it in the MacBook and iPad, creating the idiotic situation “you can charge a MacBook and Android with one cord, but you can’t charge an iPhone.” And it turns out this: if in 2012 iPhones had remained with the old connector, then later it would have been possible to change it not to Lightning, but immediately to USB-C, and the world would now be much more convenient for all of us.
But there was a clear improvement: LTE support . A year earlier, while Android manufacturers were vying with each other to boast about 4G, Apple said “all these divisions are relative, we have such 3G in our iPhone that it will give other 4G a head start.” But then they still followed everyone else.
Apple introduced new iPhones with support for 5G and wireless charging (VIDEO)
Apple/YouTube
iPhone 12 Apple / YouTube
At the presentation of new devices, Apple officially presented the iPhone 12 line of smartphones, which, as expected, included four models: iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. All new Apple smartphones receive support for 5G networks and Super Retina XDR OLED displays with HDR10 technology. The event, which was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic, was broadcast on the company’s YouTube channel.
By supporting 5G in new smartphones, Apple wants to achieve higher download and upload speeds, better streaming and online gaming performance, higher resolution when communicating via video calling, and more. Speaking at the presentation, the head of the American cellular operator Verizon, Hans Vestberg, promised that under ideal conditions, the download speed of data via 5G will be up to 4 Gbit per second, and the upload speed - 200 Mbit per second, writes TJ. However, in Russia, in the foreseeable future, future owners of new iPhones will not be able to take advantage of 5G due to the lack of commercial fifth-generation networks and vague prospects for their development.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini smartphones presented first differ only in size: the iPhone 12 mini is equipped with a 5.4-inch screen with a resolution of 2340*1080 pixels, and the iPhone 12 received a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2532*1170 pixels. The displays are covered with glass called Ceramic Shield. The use of this glass makes the phone four times more resistant to damage from falls, writes Rozetked.
The design of the new smartphones has changed, but at the same time it looks familiar: the front and back panels are covered with flat glass, and the role of the side edges is played by an aluminum frame, which is also used as an antenna. The iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 smartphones had a similar appearance. Both new devices are available in black, white, red, blue and light green colors. Apple also emphasized that the iPhone 12 has the same display size as the iPhone 11, but the smartphone is 11% thinner, 15% more compact and 16% lighter than its predecessor. The housings of both devices are protected from dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard.
The new smartphones are equipped with the A14 Bionic processor, which also powers the iPad Air tablet introduced in September. The chip, made using a 5-nanometer process technology, has six computing cores (four low-power and two high-power), a quad-core graphics chip, and two different coprocessors to accelerate machine learning algorithms. All this provides the A14 Bionic with noticeably higher performance compared to previous generation chips manufactured using the 7nm process technology.
The iPhone 12, like the iPhone 11, uses only two cameras: a 12-megapixel wide-angle and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle. Despite this, Apple was able to improve night photography by installing additional lenses and increasing the aperture to F/1.6 on the main camera. In addition, the night mode now works on the ultra-wide-angle and front cameras, writes Durov Code. The front 12-megapixel camera is complemented by FaceID facial recognition system sensors.
Next up: iPhone 12 Mini All the same features as iPhone 12, just in a smaller body with a 5.4″ display! pic.twitter.com/LLJkOGeqAX
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) October 13, 2020
Finally, the iPhone 12 and 12 mini received support for MagSafe wireless charging with a circular set of magnets for more precise positioning on the Qi charging plane and connection of accessories (they are recognized thanks to NFC), notes 3DNews. Apple has promised that a large number of iPhone 12 cases with MagSafe support will soon appear. Also, the magnetic mount allows you to use many other accessories.
iPhone 12 mini will be available for pre-order on November 6 and will hit the market on November 13. The smartphone will cost from $699, and in Russia its price will range from 69,990 rubles for the version with 64 GB of memory to 84,990 rubles for the version with 256 GB. iPhone 12 will be available for pre-order starting October 16, starting at $799. It will go on sale on October 23, and in Russia its price will range from 79,990 rubles to 94,990 rubles for similar versions. At the same time, pre-orders for iPhone 12 mini in Russia will also open from November 6, and iPhone 12 can be pre-ordered from October 21. Smartphones will go on sale on the Russian market on November 13 and October 23, respectively.
During the presentation, Apple also confirmed rumors that appeared in the summer: chargers and wired headphones will no longer be included in the package of new smartphones (the box will only contain a smartphone and a cable for connecting to a PC or charger). The company explained this as a concern for the environment, but this step is likely to also allow Apple to cut costs.
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
As for the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max smartphones, these devices are the successors to the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max introduced a year ago, and the main feature of these devices that distinguishes them from younger models is their advanced cameras. The appearance of the devices is similar to the appearance of the iPhone 12 (the metal frame of these smartphones is made of stainless steel) and the smartphones have the same A14 Bionic processor. The iPhone 12 Pro screen has a diagonal of 6.1 inches and a resolution of 2532*1170 pixels, while the Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2778*1284 pixels. This is the largest iPhone in Apple history. The device cases are also protected from dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard, and smartphones support MagSafe technology.
iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, like their predecessors, received a triple main camera of 12-megapixel modules, which is complemented by a LiDAR sensor designed to determine the distance to objects using an infrared beam. Thanks to this sensor, the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max cameras focus faster and more accurately in low light, which, among other things, allows you to take portraits in night mode.
The iPhone 12 Pro camera set includes a wide-angle module with an F/1.6 aperture, an ultra-wide-angle module with a viewing angle of 120 degrees, and a telephoto module with four times optical zoom (double zoom when approaching and double zoom when moving away). The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the same set of modules, but in this model the telephoto module provides a five-fold zoom (2.5x for zooming in, 2x for zooming out). The camera matrix of new smartphones has increased by 47%, and optical stabilization when shooting is ensured by shifting it horizontally and vertically.
Apple also reported that the cameras of the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max for the first time received the function of shooting HDR video at up to 60 frames per second. The company claims that this will allow achieving cinematic video quality without post-processing.
"We've really pushed the boundaries with iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max." #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/jDkDAZAU2O
— UseGadgetPro (@UseGadgetPro) October 13, 2020
iPhone 12 Pro will be available for pre-order on October 16 (in Russia - October 21) and will hit the market on October 23. The smartphone will be available in dark gray, gold, silver and blue colors. The iPhone Pro will cost $999 in the US. In Russia it will cost from 99,990 rubles for the version with 128 GB of memory to 129,990 rubles for the version with 512 GB. The iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available for pre-order starting November 6, starting at $1,099. It will go on sale on November 13, and in Russia its price will range from 109,990 rubles to 139,990 rubles for similar versions.
iPhone X (2017): “eyebrow” and FaceID
Over the years, the changes between generations became less and less noticeable, and the presentations became more and more boring. Apple was clearly thinking about how to shake things up again. And in 2017, on the tenth anniversary of the iPhone, they presented the result.
For the first time ever, the Home button was abandoned, increasing the screen area. For the first time ever, they abandoned the rectangular shape of the screen, adding a cutout on top. For the first time, an OLED screen was used. They introduced facial recognition (to replace finger recognition in the disappeared Home button), and beat it with the help of Animoji. And they didn’t limit themselves in price: this iPhone started at $999 instead of the more usual $699.
In essence, they made an “iPhone at maximum speed”: the original idea of “let’s remove the buttons and make the screen the entire front side” went further than ever.
And, as in the case of the original idea, at first there were laughs from everywhere at the eyebrows and the price, but then competitors followed suit, vying with each other and began to make cutouts for cameras in the screens.
And, as with the original idea, at first it looked too expensive for most people, but later the same features became much more affordable. Starting today, all iPhones $499 and up are built using X principles.
Maximum access point compatibility
There also appears to be a new setting for Personal Hotspot called “Ultimate Compatibility.” Apple says that "Internet performance for devices connected to your hotspot may be slower when turned on." But it looks like connections may be more consistent and/or more accessible using your iPhone's hotspot.
What are you going to do? Will you use 5G Auto by default, also known as Smart Data Mode, or will you turn 5G on/off manually to manage speed and battery life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
iPhone 12 default 5G settings
By default, Auto 5G is enabled on iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max. This option is optimized for battery life and data usage based on your data plan.
Called Smart Data Mode, it automatically switches between 5G and LTE according to the available network and usage needs. Although Apple is wise enough, 5G is not yet available everywhere.
So, you can change your 5G settings manually to save battery and data.
What is the difference between NSA and SA
The X55 modem is the only Qualcomm modem to support SA and NSA standards
The thing is that 5G technology in its current form consists of two standards: NSA (non-standalone) and SA (standalone). The first, as the name suggests, is a non-standalone standard dependent on the infrastructure on which 4G networks operate. This is a kind of transitional option, which is nevertheless the most popular. After all, it was much easier and cheaper for operators to do a little magic on the existing capacities and adapt them to work with 5G. That is why, on the basis of NSA, Russian operators, who are not sure that they will be allowed to launch fifth-generation networks at all, are testing a new communication technology.
