Every 4G phone you can buy in the UK today!
EE’s 4G network launch is still a few weeks away, but as of today, you can now walk into any T-Mobile or Orange shop and pick up a 4G-ready handset for the first time: then when it hits the switch, it’s a simple case of upgrading your tariff for those juicy super speeds on the go. We’ve already looked at just how fast it really is in practice: now we’re looking at what smartphones can reap the benefits right now.
If you’re coming to the end of the contract or tired of slow 3G, why not take a look?
Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE
The baddest Android smartphone on the block is on sale today in its 4G flavour from T-Mobile and Orange, so you can match its super processing speeds with turbo download speeds. If you caught our hands on, you’ll know that on average it produced the fastest download speeds of any 4G phone – at least in the spot where we tested it. That’s probably all the encouragement you need, right?
Apple iPhone 5
The Apple iPhone 5 was actually the first phone in the UK to go on sale with 4G powers, but so far they’ve remained dormant. Not to worry though: the iPhone 5 runs just fine on EE 4G, and turns in some impressive speeds that outstrip much of the competition. Note though that only iPhone 5 units locked to Orange or T-Mobile networks, or completely unlocked (if you bought one SIM-free, say), can be upgraded to EE 4G.
HTC One XL
The HTC One XL is a souped up 4G version of the hit One X phone from earlier this year. Unfortunately, it’s since been superseded by the new HTC One X+, with even beefier specs – but no 4G. Choices, choices! Rest assured we’ll get you a review as soon as we can to answer this little dilemma.
Huawei Ascend P1 LTE
Huawei’s Ascend P1 doesn’t exactly leap out from the line up with its dual-core processor and chunky build. But if the price is right, this could be an attractive option nonetheless – it’s the only one of the 4G ready launch phones that you can get free on contract right now.
and the ones on the way…
Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Samsung’s all singing, all dancing Samsung Galaxy Note 2 monster phone is already on sale, but the 4G variant will hit T-Mobile and Orange store on 15 October, just in time for the 4G launch, we hope.
Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820
Nokia’s Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 should be the first Windows Phone 8 devices in the UK to pack in 4G super speeds. But we’re still waiting on Nokia to give them a release date less vague than, er, this year.
Which 4G phone will you be buying? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.
User comments (12)
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SteveBaxter03 October 2012
Definitely waiting to upgrade from WP7 to WP8 but contract not up till January next year so hopefully be spoilt for choice by then !! Nokia Lumia's looking good but hoping HTC will come out a new WP8 device.
Report as inappropriateCameron03 October 2012
Does anyone know if the iPhone 5 will have 4G capabilities on the O2 network when they launch their 4G next year? Or is the bandwidth that they will use different to what the iPhone 5 can use?
Report as inappropriatejimbo03 October 2012
The iPhone 5 is currently rated for the 1800MHz spectrum that EE are launching. The general spectrum auction will be for the 800MHz & 2.3GHz frequencies so at the moment it's unlikely
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James Joy03 October 2012
What about the unlocked phones you can buy and go sum only? Worth looking at as Sim only tends to be cheaper per month, have shorter contract lengths and if you calculate it out cheaper in the long run even with the phone purchase. Like the look of the Motorola Razr i.
Report as inappropriate@SimplyApple_03 October 2012
No question is stupid, it's how civilised people found out stuff. More info can be found on the ofcom website. My understanding is that EE, the umbrella company which includes Orange and T-Mobole will be able to offer 4G. To some extend, probably later, three will offer 4G. Vodafone and O2 will eventually offer 4G, but the current iPhone 5 doesn't support those frequencies.
Report as inappropriateChris Mayer03 October 2012
Lumia 920 for me. Windows Phone is such a great OS.
Report as inappropriateIchi_Bear03 October 2012
I like the Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE. There might be a Galaxy S3 Mini coming out soon. I find the S3 a bit big. Hope the Mini is a 4G phone. :-\
Report as inappropriatevitoscaletta03 October 2012
Can't wait for the Lumia 920 release! A truly innovative smartphone which deserves more attention in a market where innovation seems to be fading. In the US there are strong rumors it will be 4th November. I'll be getting it in gloss white. :)
Report as inappropriateRobert03 October 2012
Having my old HTC being repaired and using a Samsung Toco ugg I am happy to wait for the Nokia 920 in yellow and cant wait!!
Report as inappropriatedrogen2404 October 2012
I bought the galaxy note 2 3g version on monday after waiting 2 months for an announcement on the 4g version, then they announced the 4g one on tuesday. I'm very annoyed
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