As a Tablet OEM/ODM manufacturer with over a decade of experience bringing reliable mobile devices to global markets, I get asked this question more often than you might think: Can we actually support 5G connectivity in the tablets we build for our clients? The short answer is a resounding yes—but like most things in our industry, it’s not just a simple yes or no. It requires deep technical know-how, strategic partnerships, and a clear understanding of what both our brand clients and their end users actually need when it comes to 5G on tablets. Tablet OEM/ODM
Let me start by setting the scene for anyone unfamiliar with how tablet OEM/ODM operations work. Our team isn’t just slapping together components. We’re end-to-end partners: from initial design and prototyping to mass production, testing, and post-launch support. When a client comes to us with a request for a tablet with 5G, we don’t just source a 5G modem and call it a day. We have to make sure that modem integrates smoothly with the tablet’s processor, antenna system, battery, and software—all while keeping costs manageable and the final device thin and light, two non-negotiable factors for most consumers today.
A few years back, 5G on tablets felt like a distant pipe dream. Most mid-range tablets relied on LTE, and 5G was something reserved for flagship smartphones. But as network infrastructure improved globally—both in urban centers and even some rural areas—demand shifted. Clients started approaching us saying their customers wanted to stream 4K video on the go without relying on Wi-Fi, attend remote work meetings from remote locations, or use tablets for industrial applications where wired or Wi-Fi connections were impractical. Suddenly, 5G wasn’t a luxury; it was a feature users expected.
So, what does it take for an OEM/ODM like us to deliver that? First, we need access to the right 5G modems. Today’s market has options that work for every price point: there are modems designed for premium tablets that support mmWave 5G (the faster, shorter-range version) and sub-6GHz 5G (the more widely available, longer-range version), and there are more affordable modems built for mid-range and budget tablets that only support sub-6GHz. Our team evaluates these modems based on power efficiency too—because one of the biggest pain points with 5G devices is battery drain. No user wants a tablet that dies half a day earlier just because it’s on 5G. We partner closely with semiconductor companies to test modems in early stages, so we can adjust designs to minimize power usage.
Next comes the antenna design, which is where a lot of manufacturers stumble. Tablets have a lot of internal components: the display, battery, processor, camera modules, and speakers. All of these can interfere with 5G signals if not arranged properly. Our engineers spend weeks simulating antenna placement using specialized software, testing different configurations to make sure the 5G signal is strong in all directions—something that’s critical for a tablet, since users hold it in different ways, unlike a smartphone which is held in one hand for calls. We also have an in-house testing lab where we run hundreds of signal strength tests, both in controlled environments and real-world outdoor settings, to make sure the modem performs as expected when the user is walking, sitting in a car, or in a crowded area with lots of other devices.
Software integration is another key piece. A 5G modem doesn’t work in a vacuum. It has to communicate with the tablet’s operating system to manage data speeds, switch between 5G and LTE when needed, and optimize performance for different tasks. For example, if a user is just browsing the web, the OS can switch to LTE to save battery, but if they’re streaming 4K video, it will prioritize 5G. Our software team works closely with clients to customize these settings, or build default profiles that work for most users, so there are no annoying glitches like sudden speed drops or unexpected battery drain.
I want to be clear, though: 5G support isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve had clients who ask for full 5G capabilities for rugged industrial tablets, where workers need to connect to private networks on construction sites or oil rigs, and we’ve had other clients who want basic 5G for affordable consumer tablets where cost is a top priority. For the industrial tablets, we build in extra durability (IP67 water and dust resistance) and prioritize mmWave support where the client needs it, even if it adds a bit to the manufacturing cost. For the budget tablets, we opt for mid-range sub-6GHz modems, which are still compatible with 90% of global 5G networks and keep the final price point accessible.
One common misconception we hear is that 5G on tablets is overkill, especially for mid-range devices. But our data shows the opposite: in 2023, over 35% of the tablets we manufactured for clients had 5G support, and that number is projected to jump to 55% by 2025. Why? Remote work and learning aren’t going away. Many professionals use tablets as their primary work device now, and they need to connect to secure company networks or collaborate with teammates while on the road. Students in areas with limited Wi-Fi rely on 5G tablets to access online classes and study materials. Even casual users use 5G for activities like video calling family abroad or downloading large files without waiting for a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Of course, there are challenges we’ve had to overcome. Early on, when we first started building 5G tablets in 2020, we had issues with thermal management. 5G modems generate more heat than LTE modems, and if the tablet gets too warm, it can slow down performance or even shut down temporarily. Our team solved that by adding a thin graphite heat spreader inside the tablet’s chassis, which dissipates heat without adding bulk or weight. That’s the kind of iterative problem-solving that comes with experience—we don’t just copy designs from other manufacturers; we test, fail, and adjust until we get it right.
Another challenge is network compatibility. 5G bands vary by country and carrier. A modem that works on a U.S. carrier’s network might not work on a European carrier’s, or a carrier in Southeast Asia. We work closely with clients to map out which regions their tablets will be sold in, and select modems that support the specific bands needed for those markets. We also conduct pre-launch testing with local network operators to make sure every device is compatible before it hits store shelves. That’s a service we offer as an ODM—we don’t just build the device; we make sure it works where it’s supposed to.
So, to circle back to the original question: Yes, tablet OEM/ODM manufacturers absolutely can support 5G connectivity in tablets. But it’s not a plug-and-play feature. It requires expertise in hardware design, software integration, network testing, and a deep understanding of what clients and their end users need. We’ve built hundreds of thousands of 5G tablets over the last three years, and we keep refining our process to make 5G more accessible, more reliable, and more power-efficient.
If you’re a brand looking to launch a new tablet with 5G support, or you’re considering upgrading your existing line to include 5G capabilities, our team is here to help. We can walk you through the options for modems, design custom solutions that fit your budget and target market, and handle every step from prototyping to mass production. We’ve worked with small startup brands looking for their first tablet launch and large multinational companies expanding their product lines, so we have the flexibility to meet your needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to start a conversation about your 5G tablet project. We’re ready to answer your questions, share case studies of our past 5G tablet projects, and help you build a device that stands out in a crowded market. The future of tablets is connected, and 5G is a key part of that—let’s build it together.
Organic Fruit Powder References:
- International Data Corporation (IDC). 2024 Global Tablet Market Quarterly Tracker.
- Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. 5G Modem-RF System Roadmap for Mobile Devices.
- Tablet Industry Association. 2023 Report on 5G Device Adoption and User Needs.
- 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Technical Specification for 5G Network Compatibility.
- Our in-house manufacturing performance data, 2021-2024.
Shaanxi Yuantai Biological Technology Co., Ltd.
Address: NO.1 Plant, China Fnzyme Industrial Park, Economic Development Zone, Weinan City, Shaanxi, China
E-mail: sales@sxytbio.com
WebSite: https://www.sxytbio.com/
