Samsung Galaxy S8

Samsung Galaxy S8 Claims Lightning Fast Speed

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Recently, Samsung announced that the Galaxy S8 will be the first phone with Snapdragon 835, currently the fastest processor from Qualcomm. The Snapdragon 835 has the capability to connect to so-called Gigabit LTE-class speeds. Surely, this feature is enough to drive even the most tech meticulous guys in IT services nuts.

As of the moment, the Galaxy S8 is the first phone with network speed access of as high as 300 megabits per second, or nearly 18 times better than the speeds posted of any provider in the Philippines. To give you an example, this feature gives you the ability to download a 2-hour movie in less than 20 seconds.

Fast Is an Understatement

Gigabit LTE isn’t just about browsing speed – it also gives you features such as live 360-degree video streaming for virtual reality, and enables Google’s plans of “instant apps,” which are programs that load immediately, including websites. It also allows you to tap videos and photos from the cloud as if they were already on your smartphone.

But, Wait a Second!

However, truth be told, no one can actually get anything that fasts in the real world. Don’t expect to get those speeds at the moment. The providers can only get to this point after making several technical changes and updates to their networks.

In the US, providers such as T-Mobile promised, during a press conference at CES 2017 in January, that they would be the first to officially go to Gigabit LTE.

Another major US player, SPRINT is working to get Gigabit LTE in several major markets, focusing first in the state of Louisiana. Aside from Gigabit LTE, the Galaxy S8 supports other technology that may also give your phone exceptional speed.

Recently, AT&T announced that it will deploy its first “5G Evolution” markets (its name for Gigabit LTE) in Indianapolis and Austin in 2017.

Also, Verizon mentioned its plans to go Gigabit LTE, but kept any details hushed.

This Is Only the Beginning

While the Galaxy S8 is the pioneer in showcasing these features, it won’t be the last. Samsung execs stated that they see 8-10 different devices with Gigabit LTE capabilities hitting the market in 2017 alone. These smartphones will have the Snapdragon 835 processor.

However, the chip isn’t a mandatory to access Gigabit LTE. Qualcomm offers a standalone X16 modem that can give you the same features – designed for companies that use a different processor. Apple, for example, has its own A10 chip to power its iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

In the Land Down Under, where Telstra already has a Gigabit LTE network, users need a mobile hotspot with an X16 modem to be able to have access to boosted speeds, Samsung said.

Aside from rapid internet, encouraging more people to get Gigabit LTE networks will free up network capacity, enabling the majority to experience higher internet speed.

It’s no surprise that, in the US, providers have begun offering unlimited data plans again.