Bluetooth is the world's most widely used wireless technology, allowing you to connect devices, transfer data, stream music or control smart objects.
But did you know that Bluetooth continues to evolve and improve? The latest update, Bluetooth 5.3, is already out and it's a game-changer when it comes to connectivity.
In this article, we'll explain in detail what's new with Bluetooth 5.3 and how it will transform your wireless experience.
What is Bluetooth 5.3?
Bluetooth 5.3 is the most recent version of the Bluetooth standard, which was announced in July 2021, it was 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, headsets, watches, etc.
Besides, this article could help you if you want to: Connect a device via Bluetooth on a smartphone
Bluetooth 5.0 vs 5.1 vs 5.2 vs 5.3
here is a table that compares the different versions of Bluetooth:
| Version | Release date | Main characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 5.0 | 2016 | Doubles throughput, quadruples range, increases message capacity, introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
| Bluetooth 5.1 | 2019 | Allows devices to be located with an accuracy of a few centimeters, improves the stability and security of connections |
| Bluetooth 5.2 | 2020 | Improves efficiency and sound quality, introduces Low Complexity Communication Codec (LC3) and Bluetooth LE Audio |
| Bluetooth 5.3 | 2022 | Offers lower consumption, connections with less interference, greater connection security and better quality at all times, uses Enhanced Attribute Protocol (EATT) mode and Isochronous Channels (ISOC) mode |
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 throughput : Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster data throughput, reaching up to 2 Mbps . This allows for faster transmission of large files and better audio and video streaming quality.
- Increased range : Bluetooth 5.3 provides a wider 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, reducing back-and-forth exchanges between devices.
- Improved Location Accuracy : Bluetooth 5.3 allows transmitting and receiving devices to exchange more precise information about their relative location through improved periodic advertising and channel classification.
- Connections with less interference : Bluetooth 5.3 uses Isochronous Channels (ISOC) mode to provide more stable connections that are less prone to interference.
- Greater connection security : Bluetooth 5.3 provides greater connection security through improved encryption key size control.
- 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 provide a fast, reliable and energy-efficient connection with other compatible devices.
- Wireless Headphones : Bluetooth 5.3 headphones offer higher audio quality, better synchronization and lower power consumption compared to previous versions.
- Home automation : Bluetooth 5.3 makes it possible to use more applications in the field of home automation, connected objects and medical devices.
- Automobiles : Bluetooth 5.3 provides 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 monitor the health of patients remotely.
Which devices already have Bluetooth 5.3?
Here are the new devices equipped with Bluetooth 5.3:
Laptops and desktops
Desktop PCs or laptops use Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to other wireless devices, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice or printers. Bluetooth 5.3 offers better audio quality, longer range and enhanced security than previous versions.
- Dell XPS 13
- HP Specter x360
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
- Apple iMac (from 2021)
- Dell Inspiron Desktop (from 2021)
- HP Pavilion Desktop (as of 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 you to adjust the audio quality depending on the stability of the connection. Samsung Galaxy S21 also uses Bluetooth 5.3 to offer the Dual Audio , which allows audio to be streamed to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
- OnePlus 9 : OnePlus 9 is a premium smartphone that uses Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to other devices wirelessly. OnePlus 9 uses Bluetooth 5.3 to support the LDAC codec , which allows high-resolution audio to be transmitted wirelessly.
- Xiaomi Mi 11 : Xiaomi Mi 11 uses Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to other devices wirelessly. Xiaomi Mi 11 uses Bluetooth 5.3 to support the aptX Adaptive codec , which allows audio quality to be adapted depending on the environment and content.
- Huawei P50 : With Bluetooth 5.3, this smartphone supports the AAC , which allows high quality audio to be transmitted wirelessly. Huawei P50 also uses Bluetooth 5.3 to offer the Huawei Share , which makes it easy to share data with other Huawei devices.
Wireless headphones that use Bluetooth 5.3:
Wireless headphones are one of the main uses of Bluetooth 5.3, which allows for better sound quality and better 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 provide better range and connection stability.
- JBL Flip 6
- Bose SoundLink Revolve II
- Sony SRS-XB43
- Anker Soundcore Motion Boom
Connected watches 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 . So, these devices can benefit from Bluetooth 5.3 improvements with 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 compatible with earlier 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 that you can use a Bluetooth 5.3 device with a Bluetooth 5.2, 5.1, 5.0 or even 4.x device without problems.
However, it should be noted that the performance and functionality of Bluetooth 5.3 will not be fully exploited if the other device is not compatible with the same version .
For example, you won't benefit from the faster throughput or longer 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 works by UHF (ultra high frequency) radio waves , which are low-power, short-range electromagnetic waves. These waves are transmitted 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, that is, 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 changes channels based on signal quality and the presence of other sources of interference, such as Wi-Fi or microphones. waves. This helps avoid disruptions and optimize performance.
Digital modulation (GFSK)
Bluetooth 5.3 also uses a digital modulation system (GFSK) , which allows data to be encoded in the form of frequency variations of the radio signal. This increases the throughput and reliability of the transmission.
The maximum throughput 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 you to reach 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 you to vary the range 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 the open field or reduced to 60 meters or less depending on obstacles.
The range of Bluetooth 5.3 may also be influenced by other factors, such as the transmitting 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 cell phones. These waves are classified as non-ionizing, meaning they are not capable of modifying 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 waves can have thermal or biological effects on living tissues, depending on their frequency, intensity and duration of exposure. These effects can be:
- Thermal effects, which correspond to an increase in the temperature of tissues exposed to waves. This can lead to burns, inflammation or cell damage.
- Biological effects, which correspond to a modification in the functioning of cells or organs exposed to waves. This can lead to sleep disturbances, stress, headaches, dizziness, nausea, heart rhythm disturbances, DNA damage, 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 the effects of cell phones in particular.
Existing studies are often contradictory or incomplete, because they use different methods, different criteria or different durations. They are also subject to biases or limitations, such as lack of perspective, lack of control, lack of reproducibility or lack of independence.
However, some studies suggest that exposure to waves from Bluetooth 5.3, such as Bluetooth headphones, could have harmful effects on health .
What are the precautions to take when using Bluetooth 5.3?
Faced with the uncertainties and controversies over the effects of Bluetooth 5.3 on health , 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 near your body or head, such as wireless headphones, smartwatches or earbuds.
- Favor Bluetooth devices certified by the CE (European Conformity) label, which guarantees compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Check the SAR level of Bluetooth devices before purchasing them. SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measures the amount of energy absorbed by the body when using a wireless device. It must be less than 2 W/kg for the head and trunk and 4 W/kg for the limbs.
- Limit the duration and frequency of use of Bluetooth devices , especially by children or sensitive people.
- Keep Bluetooth devices away from sources of interference, such as microwaves, televisions or Wi-Fi routers.
- Turn off or disable Bluetooth when not needed.
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. thread.
- BLE is suitable for devices that need to communicate intermittently or with little 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 throughput of 1 Mbps.
- Bluetooth Classic is the original version of Bluetooth that was released in 1999. Bluetooth Classic is designed to provide continuous, data-intensive wireless communication, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, etc. Bluetooth Classic also uses a 2.4 GHz frequency band and can reach a range of 10 meters and a speed of 3 Mbps.
Bluetooth 5.3 supports both BLE and Bluetooth Classic, but it brings more improvements to BLE than Bluetooth Classic .
