Understanding SA Networking: 5G Phones Downgrade to 4G?

With the commercial use of 5G, there has been ongoing debate regarding the two networking modes: NSA and SA. Initially, some 5G phones that only supported NSA mode were questioned for not being true 5G devices. Currently, many regions have completed SA network coverage, and NSA is indeed starting to show signs of obsolescence.

Many operators have switched their base stations from NSA (non-independent networking) to SA (independent networking). Since SA networking requires a complete rebuild of the base stations, the costs are higher. NSA networking, on the other hand, is built on 4G base stations and architecture as a transitional solution. Starting this month, operators have requested some smartphone manufacturers to remove the NSA/SA switching option from their systems, defaulting to SA mode.

The current issue is that users with single-mode 5G phones may experience disruptions to their 5G signal if NSA networking is disabled in their area. A look at relevant forums for affected models shows that some users have reported issues with 5G connectivity, but the number of affected models is not large, including the iQOO Pro 5G, Nex3 5G, Xiaomi 9 Pro, Note 10+ 5G, and others.

While NSA is not expected to be phased out quickly, given the current pace, experts who initially claimed it would last “at least ten years” are certainly facing some backlash.

Users with 5G phones that only support NSA are invited to share whether your phone can still connect to 5G~