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Verizon reveals a Samsung Galaxy S20 built for its mmWave 5G network

Want a Samsung flagship phone that can take advantage of Verizon’s 5G network? Well, you’re in luck. Samsung and Verizon are releasing a new Galaxy S20 model called the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW. It’s a mouthful, to be sure, but the basic idea is that the device is able to use Verizon’s mmWave 5G network, which continues to spread around the U.S.

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When the Galaxy S20 series first launched, only the Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20 Ultra supported mmWave 5G, which is essentially the ultra high-frequency 5G that delivers much faster speeds. The standard Galaxy S20 still supported 5G, but only low-band and mid-band 5G. With the new release you can now get any of the three Galaxy S20 models to work with Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network.

Of course, Verizon’s mmWave network in general is still relatively small. While Verizon says mmWave is available in 34 cities, it’s really only available in certain parts of those cities — so you may not actually be able to take full advantage of the higher speeds very often. Still, having a device that supports the tech may come in handy as 5G networks continue to roll out, and mmWave becomes more common.

Alongside the new model of the Galaxy S20, Verizon is also touting a few deals for the new phone. Notably, customers who buy any Galaxy S20 device from Verizon will get $1,000 towards another Galaxy S20, as long as they add a new Unlimited line and buy the phone on the Verizon device payment plan.

Not only that, but both new and existing customers will be able to save $150 when they buy a Galaxy S20 5G UW, which will be distributed over 24 monthly bill credits. Last but not least, customers can get up to $350 off when they trade in their existing device. The Verizon model of the phone will also come in a new color — Cloud White.

The Galaxy S20 in general is one of the best phones of the year, thanks to the Snapdragon 865 processor, beautifully modern design, and 120Hz display. In our review, we noted that the phone offered excellent performance, but that the device is a little too small to truly take advantage of the beautiful display — unlike the larger Galaxy S20 Plus.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW will be available for pre-order from Verizon starting on May 21, with wide availability to begin on June 4.

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
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