5G launched in India on October 1, 2022 at the 6th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) and it took the internet speed to next level by offering super fast downloading and uploading speed to users. Airtel and Jio are the top 2 telecom services providers who offers 5G services all over India. Where Jio offers SA 5G technology, the Airtel offers both SA and NSA 5G which creates confusing among users. Hence, we come with a guide and let you know everything about SA vs NSA 5G aka Standalone and Non-Standalone 5G in detail below so you don’t face any problem in near future while using 5G on budget 5G smartphones.
SA vs NSA 5G: Introduction
When you buy a internet based device like a smartphone or a tablet, it is clearly mentioned on its box what type of 5G network it supports like SA 5G supported or NSA 5G supported or both SA and NSA supported. This thing mentioned on the box because 5G networks are mainly of two types in India and globally and these are:
- Standalone (SA) 5G and
- Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G
SA 5G is a completely independent network that does not rely on 4G infrastructure. It offers more advanced features and better performance as it is completely based on 5G capabilities.
On the other hand, NSA 5G networks are based on the existing 4G LTE infrastructure. This means that the existing network of 4G is used for the NSA 5G network, allowing it to be implemented faster and at a lower cost.
Under NSA 5G, users get an initial 5G experience, which includes higher data speeds and better connectivity. However, NSA 5G also has limitations such as it is not able to fully utilize the full 5G capabilities due to its dependence on 4G infrastructure and it doesn’t work is all smartphones.
SA 5G solves this problem as this network is completely based on 5G infrastructure, allowing for ultra-low latency, higher capacity, and better network efficiency. This network works on all types of 5G phones whether they are expensive or entry-level budget 5G phones.
Airtel 5G: SA vs NSA
Airtel has rolled out its 5G network in India through the NSA architecture. The company has launched 5G services quickly and effectively using the existing 4G LTE infrastructure. This move by Airtel is aimed at providing customers with a quick 5G experience. Through the NSA network, Airtel has facilitated high-speed data and better network connectivity to its customers.
If we talk about Airtel SA 5G then the SA coverage provided by Airtel is limited or available only in selected areas. They are working on it so that they can expand it and make it available in every big or small city across India.
With SA 5G, Airtel is committed to providing a better experience to its existing 4G and 5G customers, which will include ultra-low latency, high speed, and improved network performance.
In short, those 5G smartphones that only support SA 5G, they won’t work with Airtel NSA 5G and its biggest example is Redmi A4 5G phone which only support standalone 5G network and backed by Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor. However where Airtel SA 5G available, it will work.
Jio 5G: SA vs NSA
Jio has adopted the SA architecture for its 5G network. Jio’s strategy is to provide its customers with a pure 5G experience, independent of the existing 4G infrastructure. Using SA 5G, Jio has leveraged cutting-edge technology, allowing them to provide ultra-fast data speeds, minimal latency, and improved network capacity all over India at every location.
Jio’s SA 5G network reflects the company’s commitment to the Digital India mission. Jio believes that through SA 5G they can provide customers with advanced services, such as smart city solutions, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and high-definition video streaming. Jio’s move is an important initiative towards digitally empowering the country.
In short, Redmi A4 5G phone will work fit and fine with Jio Sim as Jio offers standalone 5G services in India.
Conclusion
In India, Jio offers Standalone 5G network, while Airtel offers both Standalone and Non-Standalone 5G network. In short, Jio’s 5G is true 5G that works everywhere where the connectivity is available, but Airtel 5G is not fully true 5G as in some areas Airtel use 4G towers to offer 5G services to users and in small cities or village they do it by offering NSA 5G.
You may experience the difference between SA and NSA 5G, by analyzing these 2 budget 5G smartphones which recently launched in India under the price bracket of Rs 10,000 for 5G users.
- Redmi A4 5G
- Redmi launched 5G in A series named Redmi A4 5G having Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor and this budget 5G phone support standalone 5G.
- Jio 5G will work on A4 5G
- Airtel SA 5G will work on A4 5G
- Airtel NSA 5G will not work on A4 5G.
- Redmi launched 5G in A series named Redmi A4 5G having Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor and this budget 5G phone support standalone 5G.
- Motorola G35 5G
- Motorola also launched budget 5G smartphone under Rs 10,000 having Unisoc T760 processor and this supports both standalone and non-standalone 5G.
- Jio 5G will work on G35 5G
- Airtel SA 5G will work on G35 5G
- Airtel NSA 5G will work on G35 5G.
Both companies are committed to delivering better and advanced services to their customers and are playing a vital role in driving the digital revolution in India. With this technological advancement, Indian consumers will soon enter a new and advanced digital era.
That’s regarding SA vs NSA 5G on Airtel and Jio with example of 2 budget 5G smartphones named Redmi A4 5G and Motorola G35 5G. If you looking for a budget 5G phone out of Redmi or Motorola that works well on Jio and Airtel anywhere in India then you can opt for SA & NSA supported Motorola G35 5G.
Note: In future if VI (Vodafone Idea) launches the 5G network in India, then it will be NSA 5G.
Want to know more about SA and NSA 5G technology? Please let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share.
