Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is widely utilized due to its ease of use. Every year, Bluetooth releases a number of new versions to accommodate the expectations of users and counteract the problems (although most problems can be solved with troubleshooting). However, as the need for Internet-of-things grows, users also seek new and sophisticated Bluetooth functionalities.
Bluetooth 5.0 is the most recent wireless communication upgrade. With so many new Bluetooth-enabled devices hitting the market, here we will compare Bluetooth 4.2 vs. 5 and Bluetooth 4 vs. 5.
Bluetooth 5.0 vs. 4.0
Bluetooth 5.0 was released in 2016 with the goal of meeting all of the wireless industry’s improved privacy and security standards. It requires the most up-to-date hardware to function properly and is incompatible with older versions, such as Bluetooth 4.0.
How do the two versions stack up against one another? It’s time to compare Bluetooth 5.0 with 4.0.
Speed
Speed is one of the most remarkable Bluetooth version 5.0 features. Its speed is twice that of Bluetooth 4.0. It can meet all of the Internet of Things connectivity standards, with a speed of 2Mbps.
In comparison to the previous version, which recorded a defined time period of 2120 microseconds, a packet of data worth 251 bytes can now be delivered in 1060 microseconds.
This demonstrates that, despite the fact that the data is transferred faster, the distance between packets has not been shortened or crammed. In summary, Bluetooth 5.0 is 1.7 times faster than Bluetooth 4.0.
Compatibility
Compatibility is essential in technology, especially when it comes to smartphones and the Internet of Things. You’d like to keep up with new trends and upgrade your numerous digital equipment on a regular basis. This isn’t always doable, though.
You can’t just toss your smartwatch in the trash or get a new phone to be fashionable. That is the issue that the Bluetooth 5.0 specifications finally solve.
Bluetooth 4.0 can only be used with devices that are specially built for the version 4 series. It does not, however, function with Bluetooth 5 devices.
While this is not a problem with version 5 as it is backward compatible with all versions, the device will not be able to use all of the Bluetooth version 5.0 characteristics.
Range
If the item is out of range, users may not detect audio dropping out or entirely stopping. Bluetooth 4.0 has a problem with this, yet the upgraded technology claims otherwise.
While Bluetooth 4.0 has a range of 10 meters indoors and 50 meters outdoors (these are absolute maximum ranges, actual usable range is often less. Mostly, Bluetooth functions perfectly at less than 10 meters), its successor has a range of 200 meters outdoors and 40 meters indoors. It indicates that Bluetooth 5.0 specs are considerably superior to any Bluetooth 4.0 version.
Bluetooth 5 enables low-energy transmission, allowing for greater data range.
Because of the advanced range, you can stream music from your smartphone through your wireless earphones while moving around the house or yard.
Hardware Support
Due to its enhanced range and speed, Bluetooth 5 fulfils the requirements for the Internet of Things. Its predecessor, on the other hand, is demoted due to its slowness and limited range.
However, you’ll need the new and enhanced Bluetooth 5.0 gear to get the most out of it. A Bluetooth adapter or a Bluetooth Receiver, for example, may be required to make a gadget work properly. You can update your device to the latest version by plugging it into a USB port.
Bluetooth 4.2 vs. 5.0
Here we have compared the main features like speed, compatibility, range, etc., to get deep insight on 4.2 vs. 5.0.
Speed
Bluetooth 5 has a data rate of two megabits per second (Mbps), which is twice as fast as Bluetooth 4.2’s 1 Mbps. The new version’s increased 5 Mbps bandwidth makes it compatible with Internet of Things devices.
Bluetooth 5 has a maximum wireless range of roughly 120 meters. We want to take this opportunity to tell you that your version 4.2 only has a maximum range of approximately 30 meters. So, there you have it.
Compatibility
Bluetooth enables backward compatibility, which indicates you can use older devices that support version 4.2 or older with newer devices that support version 5.0.
Furthermore, owing to your Bluetooth 5.0 phone, new Bluetooth 5.0-enabled accessories will work better.
Message Capacity
Bluetooth 5 has a large message capacity of 255 bytes, allowing for more bytes for actual data payload. Still, Bluetooth 4.2 has a modest message capacity of 31 bytes, allowing for only 17 to 20 bytes for actual data payload.
Power Requirement
When compared to Bluetooth 4.2, the Bluetooth 5 has been designed to utilize less power on your smartphone. In comparison to Bluetooth 4.2, which consumes more power than its newer equivalent, this means you can leave your Bluetooth on for longer periods of time and do a lot more with it.
Conclusion
Bluetooth’s adoption will continue to rise as the Internet of Things, Android, and iOS app development grow. Isn’t it impossible to fathom life without Bluetooth?
Apple accepted Bluetooth technology as the new audio connectivity standard when it initially removed the headphone jack from the iPhone. A step that many other smartphone manufacturers have followed suit with. Since then, technology has advanced leaps and bounds, as demonstrated here.
Given what we’ve learned from our Bluetooth 5.0 vs. 4.0 and Bluetooth 4.2 vs. 5.0 comparison, there’s little doubt that the Bluetooth 5 version series is far superior to the prior generations.
