Why the Smart 5G Phone is More Important than You Think

Smart is set to unveil its own 5G phone soon. Based on what we saw so far, Smart wants to make 5G more affordable and accessible to everyone. While some may dismiss it as another budget 5G device, Smart’s latest move is a big deal for Filipinos yearning fo better internet access.

Ahead of its official launch, here are the things that make the Smart 5G Phone a big deal:

Millennials will most likely remember this candybar phone.

It will most likely be someone’s first 5G phone. Back in the 2000s when smartphones were a luxury at a time that Nokia was at their peak, Smart made the smartphone accessible to Filipinos with the Smart Amazing Phone (and Amazing Phone 2). Launched in 2002, the Amazing Phone came with a traditional candybar form factor and is powered by Windows Mobile, which meant doing smartphone things like installing different apps, being able to browse the web, check emails, and more.

Fast forward to 2024, Smart is going for the same approach–this time in making more Filipinos have access to 5G connectivity with their own smartphone that’s based on the ZTE A75 5G. With a price of Php 5.5k, this makes it Smart’s most affordable 5G device–even more affordable than their 5G Pocket WiFi.

At Php 5.5k, it is one of the most affordable 5G phones in the Philippines.

Smart has a wide distribution channel. While it may not be the most affordable 5G phone at Php 5.5k, Smart’s can make use of its broad distribution network in making its 5G phone available to more markets–especially in the province, where people are looking to buy their first 5G phone without breaking the bank. Making it more accessible means that Filipinos wanting to get their first 5G device should not a hard time finding Smart’s 5G phone at the nearest store.

ZTE will also benefit from this, as it can utilize Smart’s distribution channels to increase its presence in the Philippines beyond Metro Manila–and beyond its nubia and Red Magic sub-brands. For Smart, this means that it can maximize its 5G coverage in the Philippines and properly showcase it to more Filipinos–which brings us to our next point:

Based on data from Opensignal’s April 2024 report.

Smart leads in terms of 5G availability. If you look at all of the reports regarding internet connectivity, Smart leads in terms of 5G availability: the latest Opensignal report states that Smart remains to be the leader when it comes to 5G coverage by a significant margin. By offering an affordable 5G phone–on top of its competitively-priced data promos, Smart will be able to properly showcase the improvements it has made when it comes to 5G coverage.

Are you excited for Smart’s own 5G phone offering? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

2 Comments

Reply

Zith , August 22, 2024

When is the release date? I am interested to see your review first before trying the Phone, I already have a 5G phone but the problem is out area , but still I want to support Smart for doing that we also have a PLDT Smart modem but LTE Advance only, still better than Globe Modem in our Area. So it’s another good move from Smart and Boss MVP I hope they even subsidized And make Android Boxes more legit and Affordable too aside from Phones, it could Help many students too if they have devices connected to each other, plus if Smart can also offer a 5G Smartwatch in the future those with Sim Slots and wifi connectivity too , it would really be great for the masses.
Reply

Joshieng , August 24, 2024

I can still remember Smart and MyPhone’s partnership offering the Php888 My28 smartphone. It was my first android phone! Thanks to Smart for doing it again. ?