Bluetooth 5.3: Everything you need to know about the latest update

François

Bluetooth is the most widely used wireless technology in the world, enabling devices to connect to each other, transfer data, stream music, or control smart objects.

But did you know that Bluetooth is constantly evolving and improving? The latest update, Bluetooth 5.3, has already been released and it's a game changer in terms of connectivity.

In this article, we will explain in detail what Bluetooth 5.3 brings that's new and how it will transform your wireless experience.

What is Bluetooth 5.3?

Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest version of the Bluetooth standard, announced in July 2021, and officially released in May 2022.

It succeeds Bluetooth 5.2, which was launched in 2020. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that works by radio frequencies, by UHF (ultra-high frequency) radio waves.

It allows you to connect devices together, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, speakers, headphones, watches, etc.

Furthermore, this article might help you if you want to: Connect a device via Bluetooth to a smartphone

Bluetooth 5.0 vs 5.1 vs 5.2 vs 5.3

Here is a table comparing the different versions of Bluetooth:

Version	Release date	Main features
Bluetooth 5.0	2016	Doubles the data rate, quadruples the range, increases message capacity, introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Bluetooth 5.1	2019	Enables device location with centimeter-level accuracy, improves connection stability and security
Bluetooth 5.2	2020	Improves efficiency and sound quality, introduces the Low Complexity Communication Codec (LC3) and Bluetooth LE Audio
Bluetooth 5.3	2022	Offers lower power consumption, connections with less interference, greater connection security and consistently better quality, using Enhanced Attribute Protocol (EATT) and Isochronous Channels (ISOC) modes

What are the new improvements in Bluetooth 5.3?

Bluetooth 5.3 offers several advantages over previous versions of Bluetooth, both for users and developers.

Increased speed : Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster data transfer rates, reaching up to 2 Mbps . This allows for faster transmission of large files and improved audio and video streaming quality.
Increased range : Bluetooth 5.3 offers a longer communication range. It is now possible to transmit data over a distance of up to 200 meters in open field.
Reduced power consumption : Bluetooth 5.3 uses Enhanced Attribute Protocol (EATT) mode to reduce device power consumption. It controls the minimum number of characters used to encrypt transferred data, thus reducing round-trip data exchanges between devices.
Improved location accuracy : Bluetooth 5.3 allows transmitting and receiving devices to exchange more accurate information about their relative position through improved periodic advertising and channel classification.
Connections with less interference : Bluetooth 5.3 uses Isochronous Channels (ISOC) mode to provide more stable connections and less interference.
Greater connection security : Bluetooth 5.3 offers greater connection security through improved control of the encryption key size.
Coexistence with Wi-Fi : Bluetooth 5.3 allows connected devices to avoid interference with Wi-Fi by using shared channel classification.

The 5 areas where Bluetooth 5.3 is useful!

Smartphones : The latest smartphone models are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 to offer a fast, reliable and energy-efficient connection with other compatible devices.
Wireless headphones : Bluetooth 5.3 headphones offer superior audio quality, better synchronization and reduced power consumption compared to previous versions.
Home automation : Bluetooth 5.3 allows for the use of more applications in the field of home automation, connected objects and medical devices.
Automobiles : Bluetooth 5.3 offers increased range for connections between automotive devices and smartphones, allowing drivers to stay connected without having to hold their phone.
Health : Bluetooth 5.3 is used in medical devices to remotely monitor patients' health.

Which devices are already equipped with Bluetooth 5.3?

Here are the new devices equipped with Bluetooth 5.3:

Laptops and desktop computers

Desktop and laptop computers use Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to other wireless devices, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and printers. Bluetooth 5.3 offers better audio quality, a longer range, and enhanced security than previous versions.

Dell XPS 13
HP Spectre x360
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
Apple iMac (from 2021)
Dell Inspiron Desktop (from 2021)
HP Pavilion Desktop (from 2021)

Smartphones that use Bluetooth 5.3

Several recent smartphone models are compatible with Bluetooth 5.3, such as:

Samsung Galaxy S21 : It uses Bluetooth 5.3 to support the Scalable , which allows audio quality to be adjusted based on connection stability. The Samsung Galaxy S21 also uses Bluetooth 5.3 to offer Dual Audio , which allows audio to be streamed to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
OnePlus 9 : The OnePlus 9 is a high-end smartphone that uses Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to other wireless devices. The OnePlus 9 uses Bluetooth 5.3 to support the LDAC codec , which allows for wireless transmission of high-resolution audio.
Xiaomi Mi 11 : The Xiaomi Mi 11 uses Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to other wireless devices. The Xiaomi Mi 11 uses Bluetooth 5.3 to support the aptX Adaptive codec , which allows the audio quality to adapt according to the environment and content.
Huawei P50 : With Bluetooth 5.3, this smartphone supports the AAC , enabling high-quality wireless audio transmission. The Huawei P50 also uses Bluetooth 5.3 to offer the Huawei Share , which allows for easy data sharing with other Huawei devices.

Wireless headphones that use Bluetooth 5.3:

Wireless headphones are one of the main uses of Bluetooth 5.3, which offers improved sound quality and battery life. Among the well-known brands, we can mention:

Apple AirPods Pro
Sony WF-1000XM4
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Jabra Elite 85t

Speakers that use Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3 speakers offer better range and connection stability.

JBL Flip 6
Bose SoundLink Revolve II
Sony SRS-XB43
Anker Soundcore Motion Boom

Smartwatches that use Bluetooth 5.3

Smartwatches use Bluetooth 5.3 to sync with smartphones and receive notifications, calls, or messages. Some examples of well-known brands:

Apple Watch Series 7
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Fitbit Versa 3
Garmin Venu 2.

Why is there an apparent contradiction between the release dates of the devices and Bluetooth 5.3?

Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest version of the Bluetooth standard, which was announced in July 2021, but was not officially released until May 2022. However, this does not mean that devices released in 2021 cannot be compatible with Bluetooth 5.3.

Indeed, some device manufacturers anticipated the release of Bluetooth 5.3 and integrated Bluetooth chips capable of supporting this version . Therefore, these devices can benefit from the improvements of Bluetooth 5.3 through a simple software update .

For example, the Samsung Galaxy S21, released in January 2021, uses a Qualcomm QCC3056 Bluetooth chip, which is compatible with Bluetooth 5.3. Similarly, the Xiaomi Mi 11, released in February 2021, uses a Qualcomm QCC5144 Bluetooth chip, which is also compatible with Bluetooth 5.3

Is Bluetooth 5.3 compatible with previous versions of Bluetooth?

Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 is backward compatible with previous versions of Bluetooth , making it easier to connect between different devices with different versions of Bluetooth.

This is called backward and forward compatibility . This means you can use a Bluetooth 5.3 device with a Bluetooth 5.2, 5.1, 5.0 or even 4.x device without any problems.

However, it should be noted that the performance and features of Bluetooth 5.3 will not be fully utilized if the other device is not compatible with the same version .

For example, you will not benefit from the faster throughput or extended range of Bluetooth 5.3 if you connect it to a Bluetooth 4.x device.

How exactly does Bluetooth 5.3 work?

Bluetooth 5.3 operates using UHF (ultra-high frequency) radio waves, which are low-power, short-range electromagnetic waves. These waves are emitted and received by devices equipped with a Bluetooth antenna , which can be integrated or external.

To communicate with each other, Bluetooth devices must be paired, meaning they must recognize each other and exchange a security key. Once paired, the devices can establish a wireless connection and exchange data.

Frequency band and channels

Bluetooth 5.3 uses a frequency band between 2.402 GHz and 2.480 GHz, which is divided into 40 channels of 2 MHz each. Each channel can be used to transmit or receive data between devices.

Bluetooth 5.3 uses an adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) , which automatically switches channels depending on signal strength and the presence of other sources of interference, such as Wi-Fi or microwaves. This helps avoid interference and optimize performance.

Digital modulation (GFSK)

Bluetooth 5.3 also uses a digital modulation system (GFSK) , which encodes data as frequency variations of the radio signal. This increases the transmission speed and reliability.

The maximum data rate of Bluetooth 5.3 depends on the mode used:

The EATT mode allows you to choose the speed between 1 Mb/s and 2 Mb/s , depending on the needs of the applications.
ISOC mode allows a throughput of up to 4 Mb/s , depending on the type of data transmitted.

Bluetooth 5.3 range

The maximum range of Bluetooth 5.3 also depends on the mode used:

The EATT mode allows the range to be varied between 60 meters and 200 meters , depending on the chosen flow rate.
ISOC mode allows the range to be extended up to 200 meters in open field or reduced to 60 meters or less depending on obstacles.

The range of Bluetooth 5.3 can also be influenced by other factors, such as the transmission power of the devices, the type of antenna, the environment or the positioning of the devices.

Good to know : Bluetooth 5.3 is also compatible with Bluetooth LED strips, such as ELK-BLEDOM , which are flexible and customizable light sources that can be controlled with your smartphone or tablet.

What are the health risks of Bluetooth 5.3?

Bluetooth 5.3 is a wireless technology that emits electromagnetic waves , like Wi-Fi, television, or mobile phones. These waves are classified as non-ionizing, meaning they cannot alter the structure of atoms or molecules. They are therefore considered less dangerous than ionizing waves, such as X-rays or gamma rays.

However, non-ionizing radiation can have thermal or biological effects on living tissue, depending on its frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure. These effects can be:

Thermal effects, which correspond to an increase in the temperature of tissues exposed to the waves. This can lead to burns, inflammation, or cell damage.
Biological effects, which correspond to a change in the functioning of cells or organs exposed to the waves. This can lead to sleep disorders, stress, headaches, dizziness, nausea, heart rhythm disorders, DNA alterations, tumors or cancers.

The health risks of Bluetooth 5.3 are difficult to assess , as there are few specific studies on this technology. Most studies focus on the effects of electromagnetic fields in general, or on the effects of mobile phones in particular.

Existing studies are often contradictory or incomplete because they use different methods, criteria, or timeframes. They are also subject to biases or limitations, such as lack of follow-through, lack of control, lack of reproducibility, or lack of independence.

However, some studies suggest that exposure to Bluetooth 5.3 waves, such as those from Bluetooth headphones, could have adverse health effects .

What precautions should be taken when using Bluetooth 5.3?

Given the uncertainties and controversies surrounding the health effects of Bluetooth 5.3 , it is recommended to adopt the precautionary principle, which consists of limiting exposure to waves and reducing potential risks.

Here are some tips for using Bluetooth 5.3 safely:

Avoid wearing Bluetooth devices close to the body or head, such as wireless headphones, smartwatches or earbuds.
Opt for Bluetooth devices certified by the CE (European Conformity) label, which guarantees compliance with safety and quality standards.
Check the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) of Bluetooth devices before buying them. SAR measures the amount of energy absorbed by the body when using a wireless device. It should be less than 2 W/kg for the head and torso and less than 4 W/kg for the limbs.
Limit the duration and frequency of use of Bluetooth devices , especially for children or sensitive individuals.
Keep Bluetooth devices away from sources of interference, such as microwaves, televisions, or Wi-Fi routers.
Turn off or disable Bluetooth when not in use.

What is the difference between Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth Classic?

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a version of Bluetooth that was introduced in Bluetooth 4.0 in 2010. BLE is designed to consume less power than Bluetooth Classic, while still providing sufficient throughput for most wireless applications.

BLE is suitable for devices that need to communicate intermittently or with small amounts of data, such as sensors, watches, activity trackers, etc. BLE uses a 2.4 GHz frequency and can achieve a range of 100 meters and a data rate of 1 Mbps.
Bluetooth Classic is the original version of Bluetooth, launched in 1999. It's designed for continuous wireless communication with high data transfer rates, suitable for devices like headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and more. Bluetooth Classic uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band and can achieve a range of up to 10 meters and a data rate of 3 Mbps.

Bluetooth 5.3 supports both BLE and Bluetooth Classic, but it brings more improvements to BLE than to Bluetooth Classic .