LG To One-Up Samsung By Releasing First 5G Phone With Sprint

It seems LG does not want Samsung to realize its goal of being the first one to commercially release a 5G-ready smartphone. The South Korean tech company has already made plans with Sprint to launch the first 5G phone in the U.S. market in within the first half of 2019.

On Tuesday, Sprint announced via its website its partnership with LG that aims to deliver the first mobile 5G smartphone in the U.S. within the first half of next year. The carrier also proudly shared that its customers would be among the first in the world to have access to the advanced wireless technology.

"Sprint is moving fast on the road to 5G and we are thrilled to announce the first 5G smartphone with the innovative team at LG," Sprint chief technology officer Dr. John Saw said. "LG has done tremendous work developing technical designs that enable us to be among the first movers in mobile 5G. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to putting a beautifully-designed advanced 5G smartphone in our customer’s hands. And we’re excited to revolutionize the mobile industry as we dramatically improve the way Sprint customers work, play and stay connected."

With 5G, users of the upcoming phone will get to enjoy incredible data speeds and ultra-reliable wireless experience with the country’s first 5G network. Sprint pointed out that with the phone’s connection to 5G, users can download full-length HD movies in seconds and not minutes like with 4G connection. Graphic-heavy videos and games will also play smoothly and without hiccups.

Sprint is setting up its first 5G network in select parts of the country. So far, the only ones confirmed to have access to the network at launch are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix and Washington D.C. Sprint confirmed that it will announce other cities soon. It will also disclose the specifications of its first 5G-enabled phone with LG at a later time.

"LG has been working side-by-side with Sprint for nearly 20 years, and we are looking forward to expanding this partnership with 5G," LG Electronics North America President and CEO William Cho said. “Building on LG’s legacy of innovation, our teams are enthusiastic about partnering with Sprint’s 5G experts to bring next-generation mobile to market in the U.S., while continuing to evolve LG’s best-in-class design elements for Sprint customers."

IBTimes previously reported that Samsung is eager to be the one to launch the world’s first 5G smartphone. But contrary to earlier speculations and rumors, the Galaxy S10 won’t be Samsung’s first 5G-enabled device. The tech giant’s mobile chief, DJ Koh, said a different handset will get the title instead. Samsung, so far, is focused on introducing its first 5G phone in its home country. Therefore, LG could have the upper hand in the U.S. market when it becomes the first one to launch a 5G handset in the country.