Could we Actually Witness 5G Smartphones Earlier Than Expected: Intel’s New 5G Modem Says Yes

Are 5G-compatible smartphones hitting our pockets earlier than expected? This could very well be a reality if Intel has its way of commercially launching its 5G modem by second half of 2019. chipboard manufacturer has w anunced and accelerated production of its XMM 8160 - a multimode modem developed to offer 5G wireless connectivity on a host of mobile devices including smartphones.

Anuncing XMM 8160, Intel stated that apart from comparatively faster speeds, it would be modem’s single-chip multimode baseband capacity that is aimed at allowing original equipments manufacturers (OEM) to incorporate relatively smaller form factors on ir devices.

“We are seeing great demand for vanced feature set of XMM 8160, such that we me a strategic decision to pull in launch of this modem by half a year to deliver a leing 5G solution." stated Dr Cormac Conroy who is Corporate Vice-President and General Manr at Intel’s Communication and Devices Group, during showcasing of Intel 5G modem.

As  far as allowing for 5G speeds are concerned, Intel XMM 8160 5G Modem should support speeds up to 6 gigabits per second; reby oretically allowing for more transfer of data especially during downlos. Downlo speeds could go up to 6Gbps depending on how well a particular 5G Network is deployed.

 That is t all. The Intel 5G modem also supports older and existing network standards viz LTE, HSPA, and GSM; within its single chipset.

However, Intel states that device makers should ensure to offer backwards compatibility; such as from 5G to LTE; in case former is t deployed in certain areas.

w, this is important at a time when a host of smartphone makers are vying for credit of having launched first 5G compatible handset. At this point in time, rumour mills are hinting at a 2019 showcase for a possible OnePlus smartphone (before alleged OnePlus 7) driven by Snapdragon 8150 which itself is speculated to feature within a Snapdragon X50 5G modem.

Finally, Intel’s XMM 8160 is slated to be shipped towards later part of 2019; reby hinting at commercial launch of new 5G-enabled devices during earlier part of 2020.