As the newest and currently the fastest networking option, 5G has now become more accessible to phone users all across the globe. And some mobile providers are now offering various icons on their devices based on the type of 5G cellular network a user is connected to. These icons showcase the speeds you can expect every time you connect your tablet or phone. For instance, some of these cellular networks display a 5G UC icon, which we will look at in this article.
Table of Contents
- What Does 5G UC Stand For?
- What Is 5G Ultra Capacity?
- Does the 5G UC Icon Apply Outside of the USA?
- 5G UC Advantages
- 5G UC Disadvantages
- What Phones Support 5G UC?
- How to Tell You’re Using 5G UC
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Does 5G UC Stand For?
It refers to a 5G Ultra Capacity network. Today, you’ll find the icon only on specific iPhones and Android phones with 5G capabilities. Aldo, this new network is available only to T-Mobile users who can now see the ‘5G UC’ icon on their iPhone status bar.
(Caption: Image of iPhone status bar)
In September 2021, you would see the icon solely on iPhones. But today, you can also access the network on some Android phones, news that has been well-received by those with newer Android phone versions.
What Is 5G Ultra Capacity?
Unlike regular 5G connectivity, this network is a bit more complicated. See, T-Mobile classifies its 5G network into the following two kinds:
- 5G Extended Range: This 5G is roughly as fast as the 4G LTE. Also, it’s available in most of the US, including rural areas.
- 5G Ultra Capacity: This 5G network is faster than 4G LTE.
As a user, here’s how you can distinguish between the two 5G networks. Simply look for a 5G UC icon that appears when you’re connected to T-Mobile’s more advanced 5G network. Conversely, you’ll only see the standard 5G icon when connected to T-Mobile’s slower Extended Range 5G network.
(Caption: Image of standard 5G network icon)
Does the 5G UC Icon Apply Outside of the USA?
According to Apple’s official support website, where they discuss various terms like 5G+, 5G UC, and 5G UW, they do not mention specific carriers. Therefore, it is safe to assume that you might see these logos on other cellular carriers operating outside the borders of the United States in the near future.
However, we must also point out that for any user who only sees the 5G logo, it does not necessarily mean that you’re using a slower low-band 5G. Sometimes, it could be that your specific cellular carrier chooses to display the logo that way.
5G UC Advantages
Higher Frequency
As the term Ultra Capacity suggests, yes, this network offers users higher frequency levels than the standard 5G and 4G networks.
(Caption: Image of 4G network logo)
As mentioned earlier, and according to T-Mobile, this 5G network provides superfast connection capabilities that surpass those offered on regular 4G and 5G networks.
More Reliable In Crowded Spaces
Due to its Ultra Capacity features, the network’s connectivity option is usually more reliable when a user is in a crowded space.
5G UC Disadvantages
Poor Coverage over Long-Distances
Despite its being superfast, it also has problems covering longer distances.
Poor Saturation
Unfortunately, a primary downside of this network is that it is not as effective in spaces with walls or other obstacles.
What Phones Support 5G UC?
Some reports saturated to the public indicated that as of September 2021, the logo appeared only on the iPhone 12, 13, and SE3 series on T-Mobile’s connectivity platform.
However, after just a few months of its launch, the icon was on many Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy’s newer and mid-range models. These include:
- Galaxy S22 (S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra)
- Galaxy S21, and S21FE
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy A52 5G
- Galaxy A53 5G
- Galaxy A32 5G
- Galaxy A13 5G
- Galaxy A715G
Also compatible with this network are the Pixel 4a, 5, and 6 series.
How to Tell You’re Using 5G UC
Usually, the icon will appear whenever you’re connected to a 5G network. However, as mentioned, it will only appear on iPhones and Android phones with 5G capability on T-Mobile’s 5G network.
FAQs
Is 5G UC Better Than 5G?
Yes, it’s typically faster than the standard 5G since it utilizes higher frequencies. Also, the same is true for AT&T’s and Verizon’s 5G UW 5G+ networks.
Is 5G UC Real 5G?
Yes, it’s real 5G, only it has ultra-capacity features and higher frequencies. Also, it’s displayed on 5G-enabled phones.
Is 5G UC Faster Than Wi-Fi?
In most cases, this will depend on the context in which you use it. As mentioned earlier, this 5G network can have connectivity issues if there are walls or other obstructions. However, this is not always the case with Wi-Fi. And even when it is, there are ways to extend WiFi coverage.
Conclusion
Now you understand better about this type of 5G network. It’s a more advanced kind of 5G network available only in phones that are compatible with it and on T-mobile’s platform. As mentioned, it’s super fast, has a higher frequency, and works better in crowded spaces.
