Just because they don't have a 5G network doesn't mean they wont see improvements in the modem. I jumped on the iPhone 12 because it's finally a qualcomm modem and not the trash Intel ones. I have coverage in places I could only dream from my XS.
I upgraded from XS to 12 as well, interestingly I didn't see any improvements over cellular reception aspect.
I paid for a Verizon Premium data plan, however whenever started downloading a large file, the 12 will immediately switch from 5G to LTE, need to mention the heat dissipation is significantly higher on the 12 as well.
To me the 5G is just a display gimmick, at least for now.
If you were on T-Mobile you'd probably see a huge difference. I'm able to get faster internet eating at my favorite mexican place than my house at times. Maybe adjust your settings to allow more data over 5G as well?
The usage of a 5g capable phone may also require an "upgrade" to a 5g capable plan. The major upgrade at the moment is paying more money. If it is 1 phone, then it is not that big a deal, but the cost value is not there with an (extended) family plan of 6 phones.
I use verizon prepaid, my plan is 5 gigs for 25 a month (which is plenty of data for me and a really decent rate rivaling walmart-type plans), and I just upgraded to the TCL 10 5G UW phone which cost me <$300. Runs like a dream, competitive with phones that cost double that.
Postpaid is basically a scam, the plans are just more expensive AND you're on the hook for X amount of years, in exchange for small upfront savings on a phone (but not even in all cases).
These are not "5G smartphones". These are "5G-capable smartphones". They still have improvements in other electronics, battery life, screens, cameras, firmware, possibly even cost.
These smartphones may not need to use 5G networks to be useful. It also makes little sense to produce a smartphone without a 5G capability today, except at the low end where many other compromises are made anyway.
