On October 17, 2024, TCL has introduced the TCL LINKPORT IK511, a portable 5G connectivity device developed in collaboration with T-Mobile, o Designed as an affordable entry into 5G, it offers a faster, more reliable, and secure experience compared to Wi-Fi and 4G LTE. This release is a key milestone in enhancing wireless communication across the continent.

The device features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System, launched on November 6, 2023. This modem enables connection to T-Mobile's 5G RedCap [Reduced Capability] network (we talk more about the tech in this article), which provides improved power efficiency, extended battery life, and better 5G coverage with high uplink speeds and low latency.

Notably, the TCL LINKPORT IK511 is the first 5G RedCap device available in North America, allowing users to upgrade their existing devices without purchasing entirely new hardware.

It is important to note that the TCL device is not an IoT device. While MediaTek's RedCap-enabled SoC (T300) for IoT integrates a modem (M60), Qualcomm's X35 is solely a modem, requiring integration into a device with an existing processor, microcontroller, or SoC -- essentially, the "brain" of the device.

The LINKPORT IK511 offers plug-and-play 5G connectivity via USB-C, supports major operating systems, and provides up to 220 Mbps data transfer speeds. It delivers significantly faster speeds than traditional tethering and LTE Cat 4 connections, along with advanced features like network slicing for businesses.