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Lloyd Kelly Miralles chevron_right
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Why You Might Want to Think About 5G in Your Pocket Wi-Fi Device
Ever been stuck in a corner of your office or a quiet cafe, trying to send that urgent email or video call a colleague, only for the Wi-Fi to stutter and freeze mid-sentence? We've all been there, right? It’s like having the world at your fingertips but being trapped in a digital traffic jam. And let's face it, in Singapore, where everyone’s on the move—whether it’s hopping on the MRT or juggling work from a bustling cafe, reliable and fast internet is a must. Enter 5G. Sure, we’ve heard a lot about it, but is it worth the upgrade when it comes to pocket Wi-Fi?
Let’s take a deeper dive into 5G in pocket Wi-Fi and figure out if you should jump on the bandwagon or stick with good ol’ 4G for now.
So... What Exactly is 5G?
We all know about 4G, right? It’s the internet speed that’s been serving us well over the years—fast enough for streaming Netflix on the MRT, making video calls, and browsing the web without much fuss. But 5G? Well, 5G is the shiny new kid on the block, promising faster speeds, lower latency (that’s the lag between your device and the network), and the ability to support a whole lot more devices at once.
Think of it as a supercharged version of 4G. While 4G is great, 5G is like upgrading from a car to a sports car—faster acceleration, smoother ride, and better at handling multiple passengers (devices). And in Singapore’s hyper-connected world, that’s a game changer.
Why Does 5G Matter for Your Pocket Wi-Fi in Singapore?
Alright, let’s get practical. Here in Singapore, we’re always connected. Whether it's on the MRT, at hawker centres, or while you're grabbing a kopi at your local cafe, the demand for internet is sky-high. But Singapore’s dense urban landscape, along with its humid, tropical weather, can make Wi-Fi a bit finicky sometimes. Plus, if you’re working from home or juggling multiple devices at once (who isn’t?), a fast and reliable connection is essential.
That’s where 5G shines. Here’s why it could be a big deal for your pocket Wi-Fi needs:
- Speed: 5G promises internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G. Imagine downloading a movie or large files in seconds, not minutes. Say goodbye to buffering while streaming on your smart TV or Netflix when you’re waiting at Orchard MRT.
- Better Performance in Crowded Spaces: You know those moments when you're at lunch at your favourite hawker centre, and the Wi-Fi just can't handle the crowd? 5G can manage more devices at once without slowing down. Perfect for those of us who are juggling our phones, tablets, and laptops (and maybe even a smartwatch!).
- Lower Latency: Whether you're gaming or on a video call for work, 5G’s low latency means less lag. Think smooth Zoom calls and seamless gaming with minimal delay, whether you’re sitting in your condo or a crowded food court.
How Does 5G Fit Into Your Singapore Lifestyle?
Let’s be real: how often do we sit at home and do nothing but stream or surf? Singaporeans are always on the move—whether it’s commuting via the MRT, heading out for a meeting, or grabbing a quick bite at the food court. That’s why having fast and reliable internet on the go is a must.
- Commuting on the MRT: If you’re like most Singaporeans, you probably spend hours a week on the MRT. With 5G, those trips will be way more enjoyable—whether you're binge-watching your favourite show or making work calls. You won’t need to worry about signal drops or lagging streaming.
- Outdoor Work or Café Hopping: With the humid weather and constant threat of power cuts in our compact urban spaces, being able to rely on fast, portable internet becomes crucial. And trust me, your meetings, emails, and social media scrolling will be a lot less stressful when you're connected to 5G instead of struggling with 4G speeds.
- Heavy Data Users: Let’s face it, we love to consume data in Singapore—streaming, gaming, and working on the go are a big part of our routine. If you're someone who uses a lot of data and needs constant, uninterrupted connection, 5G will make your life a lot easier.
Is 5G Really Worth the Extra Cost?
Okay, so now we know what 5G can do—but is it worth upgrading from a 4G pocket Wi-Fi device?
Well, it depends.
The Pros of Going 5G:
- Speed and Performance: As mentioned earlier, 5G can give you super-fast speeds and smoother performance, especially in crowded areas. This is perfect if you’re a heavy user of data or need reliable connections at all times.
- Future-Proofing: If you're planning to hold onto your pocket Wi-Fi for a few years, 5G makes sense as it's the future of connectivity. Singapore is rolling out 5G coverage, so you’ll be ready for it.
- But Here’s the Catch:
Price: 5G devices can be significantly more expensive than their 4G counterparts. Depending on the model, you could be looking at anywhere between SGD 300 to 700 for a solid 5G pocket Wi-Fi device. Compare that to SGD 100 to 250 for a reliable 4G model. - Network Coverage: While 5G is growing rapidly in Singapore, 5G coverage is still limited to specific areas. If you live in more suburban or less-developed regions, 4G might still be your best bet for the time being
- Battery Life: Some 5G devices tend to drain their battery faster due to the high speeds and constant connection demands. It’s something to consider if you're someone who needs a long-lasting battery for day-long work trips or heavy usage.
How to Choose the Right Pocket Wi-Fi Device?
Alright, so now that you know what 5G can do for you, let’s talk about choosing the right pocket Wi-Fi device for your needs. Here are a few things to consider when hunting for the perfect device, especially during Singapore’s mega sales on Shopee SG, Lazada SG, or Qoo10 (you know how much we love a good deal):
- Network Compatibility: Make sure it supports 5G if you're going for future-proofing, but check the network bands to ensure it works well with local providers like Singtel, StarHub, or M1. You don’t want to end up with a device that doesn’t support the local 5G bands.
- Battery Life: The battery life is crucial, especially if you're constantly on the move. Check if the device can last long enough for your typical day—ideally 8 hours or more. For longer battery life, some 5G models might require you to carry a power bank with you.
- Device Support: Think about how many devices you’ll connect. A device that supports 10 to 20 devices should be enough for personal or small group use, but if you're sharing it at a gathering or working in a co-working space, look for something that supports up to 30 devices.
- Portability: Some pocket Wi-Fi devices are bulkier than others, so make sure you choose one that fits in your bag, tote, or even your back pocket if you're commuting.
Where to Buy?
Now, let’s talk shopping. Here are some places where you can grab these 5G pocket Wi-Fi devices:
- Shopee SG, Lazada SG, Qoo10: These platforms offer flash sales, cashback deals, and sometimes bundle discounts (like a SIM card with a 5G plan). Don’t forget to check out the 9.9 or 11.11 mega-sales for the best deals.
- Carousell: You might find second-hand 5G pocket Wi-Fi devices here at a lower price. Just make sure you check the condition and warranty.
- Amazon.sg: For global options, Amazon can be a good bet, especially if you’re looking for premium devices like NETGEAR’s Nighthawk or Huawei’s 5G mobile hotspots.
Conclusion
To 5G or not to 5G—that is the question! If you're always on the go and rely on your pocket Wi-Fi for work or entertainment, 5G could be a game-changer. It offers blazing speeds, low latency, and can handle more devices, all of which make life easier in Singapore’s busy, fast-paced environment.
But if you’re just using Wi-Fi for simple browsing or the occasional video call, a solid 4G pocket Wi-Fi device could still be your best bet—without the extra cost. And as always, keep an eye on sales, and remember: there’s no rush to upgrade if your current device still works just fine.