This is, in effect, Europes first commercially available 5G smartphone.
Prices for the Reno 5G will start from CHF 999 (roughly $980).
Thats more thandouble the cost of the 4G OPPO Reno handset, which retails for 499 across Europe.
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The good news is that the5G versionof theXiaomi Mi Mix 3will launch in the country on May 2.
This represents Xiaomis first 5G handset, and will be tied to Swisscoms biggest domestic rival, Sunrise.
Its also slightly cheaper than the Oppo Reno 5G, retailing at CHF 847 ($830).
Unsurprisingly, theres also an offering from Huawei.
Given its building much of the infrastructure, it make sense the company has a phone to accompany it.
Its interesting to note that all of the 5G phones launching this week in Switzerland come from Chinese manufacturers.
South Koreas finest arent too far behind, however.
Anyone who buys one of these phones isnt guaranteed to enjoy a blazing-fast 5G signal.
However, its worth setting some expectations.
These smaller municipalities already have comprehensive 5G coverage.
Compared to neighboring France, Switzerland has a population density thats 80.75 percent higher.
Its easy to forget, but much of Switzerland is rural.
The countryproduces almost 70 percent of its domestic food consumption.
Agriculture is therefore a crucial part of the Swiss economy.
At first, 5G will be expensive, as data pipe providers attempt to recoup their investment.
Someone working in a skilled industry, like IT and or Finance, will earn a lot more.
And yes, 5G is a luxury.
Swiss Diplomacy
And then, finally, theres the politics.
Switzerland is known for its enduring stance of neutrality.
Switzerland didnt take part in WW2, even as Axis troops surrounded its borders on all sides.
Neither was the country party to the Vietnam or Iraq wars.
you’re able to call it pacifism, or even isolationism.
I just call it being Swiss.
And this tendency runs deeper than most people realize.
Why does this matter?
Because it means the national psyche isnt one of paranoia.
Switzerland isnt afraid of much.
Can you imagine ifRed Dawnwas set in Switzerland?
Itd be the most chilled-out action film… ever?
Broadly speaking, nobody cares.
Its just a piece of boring technology acquired from a vendor.
Some even think it could cause people to develop life-threatening cancers.
Why Switzerland?
Why isnt it in London, with the famed Silicon Roundabout?
Or perhaps in Berlin or Paris?
And did I mentionthe emergency stockpile of coffee it maintains?
Switzerlands got the whole package.
Its dense, small, and affluent.
Theres an obvious commercial need for 5G technology from pretty much all sectors of the economy.
However, none will come close to beating the Helvetic Confederation in terms of sheer speed.
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