Even though affordable 5G smartphones have been around for a while, these devices usually missed out on support for advanced, faster 5G technologies like sub-6 and mmWave. With its newest self-branded smartphone, AT&T seems to be wanting to change all that.
The carrier today introduced the AT&T Fusion 5G — an affordable, AT&T-branded, future-proof 5G device that appears to offer a lot for something that costs this less. As you might have already guessed, the AT&T Fusion 5G is among the rare sub-$250 smartphones that support advanced 5G technologies like sub-6 and mmWave — both of which not only promise higher data speeds but also essentially future-proofs the handset as far as network support goes.
That doesn’t mean the Fusion 5G misses out on all the hallmarks of an affordable Android phone — perhaps best exemplified by its prominent “chin” and the obnoxious number of rear-facing cameras (kidding!). The phone does manage to score some points in the looks department, thanks to the frosted glass-clad rear panel. While AT&T stopped short of revealing the complete spec-sheet for the Fusion 5G, here’s what we know about the rest of the hardware and software features of the phone.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCeHR2Kt8m8]
While we do not have information about the specific chipset that powers this phone, we know it is an octa-core CPU. We also know that the internal storage tops out at 64GB, and that the phone supports memory expansion using microSD cards.
The AT&T Fusion 5g packs a 4750 mAh battery that supports fast charging using the included charger. AT&T also throws in support for a fingerprint scanner and wireless charging — the latter being something you do not usually see on sub-$250 phones. We also know that the Fusion 5G will boot a near-stock version of Android 11 at launch, with a possible update to Android 12 several months down the line.
The large 6.82-inch screen has a teardrop notch for the selfie camera, only supports HD resolution, and claims to be scratch-resistant as well. While AT&T did not reveal the display type, chances are we are looking at an IPS LCD here. The camera setup on the AT&T Fusion 5G includes a quad-camera array at the rear and a 13MP front-facing camera. As of now, we only have details about the primary rear-facing camera, which we know uses a 48MP sensor.
The Fusion 5G will go on sale starting January 7, 2022, for $220 or $6 a month with no trade-in. AT&T adds that customers who use the Fusion 5G with the carrier’s unlimited plans will get access to 5G at no extra charge.