Qualcomm showcases a 5G NR reference device with smartphone-like form factor; streams a video over 5G

“5G is coming sooner than you might think”

Along with announcing new 5G antenna modules (among other things), Qualcomm also showcased a 5G NR (New Radio) reference design during the recent 4G/5G Summit. In fact, Qualcomm president Cristiano Amon highlighted the fact that the reference device has similar dimensions as a regular smartphone. Additionally, in partnership with Ericsson, the chipmaker also streamed a live video over 5G on the device.

After #5G modem and antenna modules, @Qualcomm is now announcing 5G NR Qualcomm Reference Design. The QRD is almost the same size as our smartphones! @qualcomm_in #4G5GSummit pic.twitter.com/UK89B236Dg

— 91mobiles (@91mobiles) October 23, 2018

Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies announced their partnership in December 2017 as they formed IODT (interoperability development testing) in a bid to ensure compatibility in commercial 5G-enabled devices, which are set to launch early next year. The companies have already been testing 5G OTA (over the air) calls on mmWave frequencies, and most recently, tested a 3GPP Rel-15 spec-compliant 5G call on the 3.5GHz band. The companies believe that these tests will instigate telecom operators and OEMs to utilise these products to conduct their own trials.

For this demo, the test device was running Qualcomm’s X50 modem and 5G antenna modules, while the network was powered by Ericsson’s NR radio AIR 6488. The test unit can also be seen with the 5G icon. With the reference design, Qualcomm also wanted to drive home the point that it’s possible to put antennas and other resources for 5G in a small form factor.

Think #5G is a pipedream? Here’s a video streaming on 5G NR network using @Qualcomm‘s mobile test device and @Ericsson‘s equipment. @qualcomm_in #4G5GSummit pic.twitter.com/yv44bleHTn

— 91mobiles (@91mobiles) October 23, 2018

The San Diego-based company also reiterated that we’ll see a couple of flagship smartphones with 5G support in the first half of next year. For now however, we just have to wait and watch how (soon) 5G changes the world around us.

Disclosure: this writer attended the 4G/5G Summit in Hong Kong on Qualcomm India’s invitation

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