So now I have 5G... (sort of!)

[j_hansen]

Last year when I was buying the Note 10 plus I had to wait until I got back from holidays as I couldn't get a 5G version in Spain at the time, 5G was supposed to be just outside my bedroom window so it made sense to wait until home (Ireland) and pay the *little extra* for a 5G phone, even if it meant settling for 256gb instead of 512gb.
Well that 5G outside my bedroom window didn't materialise but since yesterday I have noticed my 4G icon changing every now and again to this framed 5G rather than a solid 5G.
My understanding is that proper 5G is a solid symbol and that what I see here is an LTE with some 5G connected or along those lines...
Any opinions?

 

[BergerKing]

You may be seeing 5G networks that are being tested, but not actually in service, yet. I had this happen in the early days of LTE when they were updating towers, but data was yet to be activated on them, so that could well be what you're seeing, too.

 

[j_hansen]

You may be seeing 5G networks that are being tested, but not actually in service, yet. I had this happen in the early days of LTE when they were updating towers, but data was yet to be activated on them, so that could well be what you're seeing, too.

I think you're correct on that because I am not seeing higher data speeds than on LTE, however... it should be a good sign that it is finally coming to my area like they promised that it should have been already last year.

 

[BergerKing]

Yeah, it's also strange how symbology and icons on some carriers will vary, especially here in the US. I saw a lot of crazy network things in the years I used smartphones as a commercial truck driver. This sounds like it fits in those boots.

 

[j_hansen]

Found this info from Samsung.
Today the 5G icon has been showing more consistent than yesterday, still no more than regular LTE speeds though but it will probably happen out of the blue at some stage.

 

[j_hansen]

5G speeds just up the road from my house are very good, LTE and LTE-A is just fine here though

 

[bandofbrothers2112]

I bought the 5G version too to future proof my purchase.

However it's my understanding even in a 5G area a person really needs to be close to a 5G module.

And 5G allows faster downloads of large files but does not actually improve general surfing speeds.

Stay Safe.

 

[Mooncatt]

That looks like a Wi-Fi signal meter. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, turn that off and see if it goes away. If so, then it would be indicating 5GHz Wi-Fi connection, not 5G mobile data.

 

[j_hansen]

That's because I took the screenshot after I got back home and reconnected to the WiFi.
On the left you see the connection type.
The 5G connection indicated is 5G NR, NR is new radio, it is definitely 5G, wifi wasn't even on when I ran those tests.