Don’t rush to buy 5G phone, there’s no network yet

The race to 5G has been expected to reach its fruition in 2020. India isn’t ready but smartphone makers are, with the first two 5G phones in India being launched this week. What does a 5G phone really mean for you? Mint takes a look.

Who has launched 5G phones in India?

Realme and iQoo are the first companies to launch 5G-ready smartphones in India. Interestingly, both the companies are owned by BBK Electronics of China. The smartphones, Realme x50 Pro and iQoo 3, start at ₹37,999 and ₹36,999, respectively. Realme had started off as a sub-brand of Oppo and later became independent, while iQoo is a sub-brand of Vivo now. Oppo and Vivo are also owned by BBK Electronics. All three—Oppo, Vivo and Realme—rank among the top five smartphone sellers in India at present, according to market research firm Counterpoint Research.