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: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.
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.
RedCap is unlocking new possibilities across a variety of sectors:
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.
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 own Rhino Mobility line includes two RedCap-enabled devices:
: A 5G RedCap hotspot built for enterprise.
: A compact 5G RedCap USB dongle. Both are powered by the
Snapdragon X35modem—the world’s first commercially available RedCap modem platform.
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.
When selecting the right wireless technology for a deployment, consider the following factors:
If your deployment needs modest data rates, reliable latency, and excellent battery life, 5G RedCap may be your best fit.
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.