5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) is a new 5G NR standard designed for mid-tier devices like wearables, IoT sensors, and industrial handhelds, offering a balance of performance, efficiency, and cost. With growing support from major U.S. carriers and 20 operators globally in 17 countries operating RedCap networks or trials (as of April 2025 according to the GSA), the ecosystem is rapidly expanding. This article explores key use cases, compares RedCap to other network technologies, and highlights devices like the RHINO H1 and D2 built on Snapdragon X35.

In this article:

• What is 5G RedCap?
• 5G RedCap vs. 4G LTE vs. 5G-Advanced
• 5G RedCap Use Cases
• 5G RedCap for IoT
• 5G RedCap for Wearables
• Our 5G RedCap Devices: RHINO H1 and RHINO D2
• 5G RedCap Networks in the USA: Current Deployments and Coverage
• Choosing the Right Network Technology for Your Deployment

What is 5G RedCap?

5G RedCap, short for Reduced Capability, is a new 5G NR (New Radio) standard introduced in 3GPP Release 17. Designed to bridge the gap between high-performance 5G and legacy LTE networks, RedCap targets devices that don’t require full 5G throughput, such as wearables, industrial sensors, video surveillance units, and healthcare monitors. RedCap offers the essential benefits of 5G, like low latency, improved spectral efficiency, and better battery performance, without the complexity and cost of full-fledged 5G modems.

5G RedCap vs. 4G LTE vs. 5G-Advanced

RedCap sits in the sweet spot, offering more than LTE but less than high-end 5G, making it ideal for a broad range of enterprise and IoT applications.

5G RedCap Use Cases

RedCap is unlocking new possibilities across a variety of sectors:

• Healthcare: Remote patient monitoring, diagnostic wearables, PERS devices.
• IoT: Smart meters, hotspots, CPE devices, surveillance cameras, logistics sensors.
• Industrial: Connected robots, machine monitoring, smart grid systems.
• Consumer: Smartwatches, kids’ smartwatches, mobile gaming devices.

5G RedCap for IoT

The IoT landscape is shifting. Traditional LTE-M and NB-IoT networks struggle to deliver the low latency and bandwidth needed by next-gen devices. 5G RedCap offers a middle ground—enabling real-time control, video streaming, and analytics in a cost-optimized package.

5G RedCap for Wearables

Medical wearables, PERS (Personal Emergency Response Systems) devices, and electronic monitoring wearables all benefit from RedCap’s enhanced battery life, compact modem size, and native 5G connectivity. It allows wearables to work seamlessly in 5G networks without relying on Bluetooth tethering to smartphones.

Our 5G RedCap Devices: RHINO H1 and RHINO D2

Our own Rhino Mobility line includes two RedCap-enabled devices:

RHINO H1: A 5G RedCap hotspot built for enterprise.

RHINO D2: A compact 5G RedCap USB dongle.

Both are powered by the Snapdragon X35 modem—the world’s first commercially available RedCap modem platform.

5G RedCap Networks in the USA: Current Deployments and Coverage

As 5G RedCap technology gains traction, major U.S. carriers are actively deploying networks to support this new wave of efficient, low power 5G connectivity. T-Mobile USA launched their 5G RedCap network in late 2024 and has a nationwide 5G SA network covering over 325 million people. A requirement for any 5G RedCap deployment. Other US carriers are following suit.

Choosing the Right Network Technology for Your Deployment

When selecting the right wireless technology for a deployment, consider the following factors:

• Device Capabilities: Does the device require ultra-high speed or minimal data throughput?
• Power Consumption: Battery life is critical for wearables and sensors.
• Network Availability: RedCap needs 5G Standalone (SA) networks, not just 5G NSA.
• Cost Efficiency: RedCap is more affordable to implement than high-end 5G.

If your deployment needs modest data rates, reliable latency, and excellent battery life, 5G RedCap may be your best fit.

Final Thoughts

5G RedCap represents a pivotal evolution in cellular connectivity—delivering just the right mix of performance, efficiency, and simplicity. As operators deploy RedCap networks and OEMs like RHINO bring RedCap devices to market, now is the time to explore how this technology can power your next innovation.

Looking to deploy 5G RedCap at scale? Let’s talk.