Verizon's new "ultra wideband" C-band 5G is a big deal. Covering more than 100 million people, it has significantly better performance than Verizon's existing 4G system, making it worth seeking out where coverage is available.
But for now, it's only available on a limited number of devices. Fortunately, many are very popular phones (and some tablets), but it's not every device available. Additional products will be released this year, Verizon notes. We'll update this list as we learn more.
As of Feb. 28, 2022, supported devices include:
Apple iPhone 12 series
Apple iPhone 13 series
Samsung Galaxy A42
Samsung Galaxy S21 series
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung Galaxy S22 series
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
TCL 30 V
Apple iPad 5G
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
There are several phones approved for C-band by the FCC, or on Verizon's list of future C-band phones, that do not have C-band support right now. After talking to Verizon and manufacturers, the reason seems to be a mix of software updates and testing on both sides. I just hope they get it all straight.
Phones with C-band hardware, but not the appropriate updates so far, include the following devices (this is from a Verizon list, plus some of my own research):
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Kyocera DuraSport 5G UW
LG Wing 5G
Motorola One 5G UW Ace
Motorola Edge 5G UW
Orbic Myra 5G
Orbic Tab8 5G
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G (Unlocked)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G
TCL 10 5G UW
AT&T has very little C-band coverage right now and is focused on combining it with its upcoming 3.45GHz band later this year. If you're interested in a future-proof phone, go with the Samsung Galaxy S22 line, the first phones to support both new systems.
T-Mobile doesn't use C-band. Its mid-band
Read more on pcmag.com