You pick a 5G CPE, see same '5G' label but 2x price gap — different chips. Not markup, different platforms: Qualcomm X62/X65/X75 and UNISOC (Tanggula/V510...). Compare right and you won't buy wrong.
Carrier aggregation and real speed
- X75: strongest CA, most bands at once, highest peak, but pricey and hot.
- X65: solid CA, balanced price/heat, common in mid-high CPE.
- X62/UNISOC: basic CA, fine for everyday FWA, cheaper and cooler.
Power, heat, supply
- X75 packs the most but runs hottest, needs good cooling.
- UNISOC runs cooler, better thermal stability in small gear.
- Supply worry: Qualcomm stable but import-exposed; UNISOC domestic, lower political-disruption risk.
Pick by price tier and scenario
- High-end/enterprise, peak + full SA: pick X75.
- Mainstream FWA, balanced price: X65 is the default.
- Low-cost / high-volume / supply worry: UNISOC or X62.
Don't just stare at '5G'. X75 for the fastest-need crowd, UNISOC for stable-and-cheap. Right platform is right value.
FAQ
5G CPE power consumption and cooling?
5G modems draw more power—need metal casing/venting; industrially, check operating temp range.
Can 5G FWA replace fiber?
With good coverage it hits hundreds of Mbps—great where fiber is hard to run; but stability/latency still trail fiber.
What real-world speed does a 5G CPE deliver?
Depends on band (n1/n78/n41), signal, and carrier aggregation; real numbers fall short of specs.
Is lightweight 5G (RedCap) right for IoT?
RedCap cuts module cost and power—fits mid-speed IoT (surveillance/wearables), not high-bandwidth uses.