Skip to main content

Qualcomm releases new antennas that will make 5G phones a reality in 2019

Qualcomm

After years of network upgrades, it looks like the final pieces of 5G technology are finally coming together. Qualcomm has just announced the release of its first “first fully-integrated 5G NR mmWave and sub-6 GHz RF modules for smartphones and other mobile devices.”

Recommended Videos

Qualcomm actually announced two antenna modules.  The first is called the QTM052 mmWave antenna module and was engineered to “open up spectrum and improve mmWave signal using 5G technologies.” Since the mmWave signals don’t travel very far and are easily blocked by objects as small as your hand, Qualcomm created this antenna array to overcome those challenges. It uses something it calls “beam forming, beam steering, and beam tracking for bi-directional mobile mmWave,” allowing it to improve overall range and coverage. The module is also a series of antennas to be placed in the handset so the beams can move whenever there’s signal blockage.

The second antenna, called the QPM56xx sub-6 GHz RF module, works on lower 3.3-4.2 GHz, 3.3-3.8GHz, or 4.4-5.0 GHz bands. This sub-6 antenna will provide more consistent 5G coverage in fixed locations

These antennas will be used alongside the Snapdragon X50 5G modem that was released in 2016. The two antenna modules will be used in tandem to deliver 5G speeds in a variety of settings.

Several of the world’s largest handset manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Sony, HTC, Samsung, and LG, have already confirmed that they will work with Qualcomm in the coming months to create mobile devices that are compatible with 5G. These devices should be released during the first half of the year with many likely making their debut at Mobile World Congress next February.

Huawei has also announced it is planning a 5G phone for late 2019. Earlier this year the Chinese tech giant announced its Balong 5G01 modem. The modem is schedule for the third quarter of 2019, meaning we should see its 5G handset soon thereafter.

And while we’re still many months away from seeing 5G handsets, most of the major networks are quickly building out their 5G networks to prepare for the launch. AT&T and Verizon have each indicated they plan to release 5G hot spots (also known as pucks) later this year in selected markets so users can get a taste of 5G.

Steven Winkelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Steven writes about technology, social practice, and books. At Digital Trends, he focuses primarily on mobile and wearables…
Qualcomm’s new chip looks like a big upgrade for mid-range phones
The back of the Realme 14 Pro Plus.

Prior to the release of the Samsung Galaxy S25, a lot of speculation focused on whether it would run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3. Now Qualcomm has revealed another chip that could bring a major upgrade to mid-range phones: the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. This chip could bring upgraded performance, AI, and connectivity to more budget-friendly devices.

Let's start with its performance. The Qualcomm Kryo CPU brings a 10% improvement in general performance, while the Adreno GPU bumps graphical performance by 30%. Those might not seem like huge gains, but even a small amount of performance increase can yield dividends down the line.

Read more
Motorola just announced a new Moto G phone with a surprising spec
Motorola's new Moto G Power 2025 in Slate and Leaf Green.

It’s a new year, and Motorola is kicking it off with two new Moto G phones. Both the new Moto G Power 2025 and Moto G 2025 are budget-friendly phones that look solid on paper, but the Moto G Power stands out with a unique feature.

The Moto G Power offers some premium specs at a not-so-premium price. With the Moto G Power, you get a large 6.8-inch display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and maximum 1,000 nits of brightness. The display has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for durability. It's pretty standard stuff, but it's also nice to have it on a device that only costs $300. It even has a sleek vegan leather finish.

Read more
TCL is finally launching a phone in the U.S. with its unique Nxtpaper display
TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G display

If you’ve ever wanted a smartphone with a display that isn't uncomfortable to look at for extended periods, then good news! TCL has announced the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G at CES 2025, and while this is not the first Nxtpaper phone, it is the first one to launch in the U.S., which is a big deal.

For those who haven’t seen a Nxtpaper device, TCL’s innovative display technology blends advanced screen capabilities with digital health and comfort. Handsets like the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G have previously offered Nxtpaper tech on smartphones, but now this advanced display tech is coming to North America for the first time, allowing consumers in the U.S. to experience a display that protects their eyes from the harsh effects of blue light and glare during extended viewing periods.

Read more