In addition to creating a favorable environment for its 5G-enabled phones to deliver considerably higher download speeds (eventually) than 4G LTE-only handsets, T-Mo obviously needs to make sure said phones are actually capable of leveraging all this super-advanced cellular technology from both a hardware and software standpoint.
Knowing how the nation's third-largest wireless service provider usually operates, you shouldn't be surprised to hear T-Mobile is thinking ahead when it comes to 5G band support as well. The OnePlus 8, for instance, is reportedly receiving a software update as we speak that enables among others said 5G support on bands 2 and 66.
In other words, T-Mobile's OnePlus 8 5G is being prepared for future 5G rollouts on additional bands after making its commercial debut with 5G support on bands 5, 41, and 71. In case you're wondering, no, this particular 6.55-inch handset with an 8GB RAM count, 4,300mAh battery, and 48 + 16 + 2MP triple rear-facing camera system doesn't have what it takes to support mmWave speeds from a hardware standpoint, so you shouldn't expect a software update to enable that.
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Interestingly, the only other 5G phone sold by T-Mobile currently listed with 5G support for bands 2 and 66 is the LG V60 ThinQ, although we obviously expect Samsung's Galaxy S20 family to follow suit eventually, possibly alongside the Galaxy Note 10+ and OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren as well.
For now, we should also mention the extremely well-reviewed OnePlus 8 5G is getting Google's live caption functionality, "general improvements and fixes", and April 2020 security patches too as part of the same 300MB+ update on T-Mobile.
Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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