Bluetooth is a revolutionary wireless communication technology initially developed for connecting wireless headsets. Today, it has expanded to many more electronic gadgets. According to a report, 1.4 billion audio and entertainment devices will use Bluetooth technology in 2023.
BT has evolved through several versions- Bluetooth 1.0, Bluetooth 2.0, Bluetooth 3.0, and Bluetooth 4.0 (Known as Bluetooth smart in the Bluetooth world).
Features of the latest versions:
The last three latest major versions – Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.1 Vs 5.2 have some distinctive features:
BT 5.1 has better accuracy in tracking, advertising sync transfer, and GATT caching enhancements than BT 5.0.
BT 5.2 has enhanced attribute protocol and a new low-power codec.
If you are a wireless user, you might be interested to know which BT version is the best fit for you. Keep reading this article to know the fundamental differences between Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.1 Vs 5.2.
- 🤔What Is The Difference Between Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.1 Vs 5.2? [The Clever Chart Sheet]
- 📶Connection Range
- 💪🏻Connection Strength
- ⚡Data-transfer Speed
- 🔌Power Requirement
- 📳Connection Security
- 🧐Should You Upgrade From Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.1? [Pros and Cons Explained!]
- ⚖️Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.2: Is It Worth the Upgrade? [New Advice]
- 💥Introducing Bluetooth 5.3 [The Latest Version]: All We Know So Far
- 🔎Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.1 Vs 5.2 FAQs
🤔What Is The Difference Between Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.1 Vs 5.2? [The Clever Chart Sheet]
The reason behind the explosion of Wireless connectivity technology since its invention in 1994 is its affordability and easy connectivity. Since its intervention, BT has had several versions where it updated its features.
Here is an intelligent chart sheet comparing Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.1 Vs 5.2:
| Parameters | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Connection Range | Up to 200 m. | Up to 200 m. | More than 200 m. |
| Connection Strength | Strong | Stronger | Stronger |
| Data-transfer Speed | 2 Mbps | 2 Mbps | 2 Mbps |
| Power Requirement | Low | Lower | Very low |
| Connection Security | Not secure | Not secure | Not secure |
📶Connection Range
BT 5.0
The previous versions of Bluetooth 5.0 faced lots of issues related to connection range. I have used several headsets with Bluetooth 4.2, and the connection range was a real problem.
With the introduction of BT 5.0, this issue was resolved by introducing a wide range of connectivity. BT 5.0 solved this issue by improving the connectivity range upto 200 meters.
With BT 5.0, you will get perfect sound quality even if the connected device is placed in the next room. The walls can’t block the wireless transmission between the connected Bluetooth devices.
BT 5.1
The connection range remained the same as its previous version. In the outdoors, the connection range is 200 meters, and indoors the connection range is 40 meters.
BT 5.2
BT 5.2 came with a greater connection or communication range. It gives more than 200 m connection range outdoors.
Also Read: 5 Best Bluetooth Speaker For Garage
💪🏻Connection Strength
BT 5.0
In BT 5.1, the connection strength improved significantly. You can use a connected device from another room or a crowded place, which was impossible in the previous versions.
The signal quality is strong enough to pass the walls and many other obstacles within the range. This made BT 5.0 a useful wireless technology.
BT 5.1
The next version of Bluetooth 5.1 improved connection strength or data transmission power by enhancing pairing and catching processes, making the discovery and advertising much more efficient than Bluetooth 4.2.
BT 5.2
It has an improved attributed protocol. This protocol helps to connect to wireless devices simultaneously without hampering the connection.
I have used several wireless devices with BT 5.2, and it is effortless to use multiple applications on the mobile device connected to the Bluetooth device simultaneously. I have used these three BT versions and experienced progress in the connection strength with each update.
⚡Data-transfer Speed
BT 5.0
The BT 5.0 solved the latency issues of its Bluetooth 4.2. In addition, this version improved the data-transfer speed significantly.
The data-transferring speed almost doubled compared to its earlier versions. The data-transfer rate in this version was 2 Mbps.
BT 5.1
BT 5.1 has the same data transmission rate as its earlier version i.e., 2 Mbps.
BT 5.2
Bluetooth 5.2 also has the same data-transfer speed i.e., 2 Mbps, following its earlier versions.
🔌Power Requirement
BT 5.0
BT 5.0 communicates over low power or low energy. Bluetooth Low Energy was available on Bluetooth 4.2 as well, but it was not efficient enough. Therefore, BT 5.0 introduced low power energy, which implies less battery usage and long battery life.
BT 5.1
It made Bluetooth Low battery usage easier than ever before. In addition, the advertising and GATT enhancements improved the battery life.
BT 5.2
With 5.2, BT introduced the Bluetooth Low Energy power control. This helps in transmitting large files or data at very low power consumption. This is possible for its new LC3 codes.
Conclusion:
As a result, the chances of failed connection requests are very low in BT 5.2 due to its lower power utilization.
📳Connection Security
BT 5.0
It brought many new features, including enhancement of connection range, implying malicious actors can not attack the Bluetooth device from a greater distance.
BT 5.1
The BT 5.1 didn’t bring any changes to security concerns.
BT 5.2
The BT 5.2 has a larger connection range, bringing more security risks.
The only plus point is that, unlike other malicious attacks, you can’t conduct Bluetooth hacks from a distance. The hacker needs to be near the Bluetooth device to hack it.
For safety purposes, always turn off the Bluetooth when you are not using it. Contact Bluetooth through email at security@bluetooth.com or visit the Bluetooth Technology Website to report any malicious activity on your device.
🧐Should You Upgrade From Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.1? [Pros and Cons Explained!]
I have used both the BT 5.0 & BT 5.1, and here I will tell you their pros and cons so that you can decide whether you should upgrade to the BT 5.1.
Pros
- Better audio clarity and quality than its previous version (the BT 5.0).
- Accurate and better BT device detection is a significant plus point of this version. This version can accurately locate the connected device. BT 5.1 can accurately detect how far the receiver device is located.
- To enjoy this feature, one of the devices needs to support BT 5.1- if it’s the transmitter, then it will utilize the Angle of Departure, and if it’s the receiver, then it will utilize the Angle of Arrival.
- The enhanced advertising capability in the BT 5.1 improved the connectivity. As a result, wireless BT earbuds or speakers start looking for devices to connect to immediately after switching on or removing them from their case.
- You will experience a smooth wireless experience with the BT 5.1. Also, there are lesser chances of lags between the connected devices.
- The improved GATT Catching feature makes connecting with Audio source devices easy. After the initial pairing, the wireless device can easily connect with the host device using low energy.
- The BT 5.1 also consumes lower power, so you can enjoy your favorite music longer without worrying about battery drainage.
- The BT 5.1 also has stronger connectivity indoors.
Cons
- Though there are many upgrades in BT 5.1, the improvements are minor compared to the previous updates. The connection range and data-transfer rate even remained the same in BT 5.1.
- The new, improved version of 5.1 introduced the direction-finding feature, which helps to detect the exact location of the audio devices.
Still, this feature is better fitted for industry and enhancing smart home appliances rather than improving your listening experience. - There are still fewer gadgets that support Bluetooth 5.2. So it will take more time to get more wireless options that support this version.
The 5.1 version is a part of the 5.0 line of BT. So, the core features remain the same in the 5.1 version. Therefore, it is safe to say that Bluetooth 5.1 didn’t add any extra value to its previous version but enhanced some of the existing features.
However, Bluetooth 5.1 is comparably slightly superior to the 5.0 version, but new wireless gadgets are yet to come that support the 5.1 version.
🔙Backward Compatibility of Bluetooth
BT devices have backward compatibility, which implies that if you are using an audio source or device that supports the 5.0 version will be compatible with the earlier versions of 5.0. But if you are using a 5.1 headset with a device that only supports 5.0, you will get the features of the 5.0 version only.
⚖️Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.2: Is It Worth the Upgrade? [New Advice]
Now, let’s put light on BT 5.2 – if it is worth upgrading or not. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros
- This improved version has a Bluetooth low energy power control feature, which transforms larger information using lower power consumption.
- This feature enhances the battery life of the audio device and helps other devices by optimizing their transmit power.
In addition, this energy efficiency feature also allows for providing much better audio quality compared to its earlier version. - With BT 5.2, users can easily use multiple applications simultaneously without facing any issues. This is because this new version has an upgraded ATT or Attributed Protocol- EATT. EATT needs an encrypted connection between Bluetooth LE gadgets.
- This version faces lesser latency issues than its previous versions. As a result, mobile gamers can have a smooth experience using wireless headsets for gaming.
- The major change in 5.2 is the introduction of ISOC or isochronous channels. As a result, wireless devices can be connected to multiple devices (Earlier versions supported single-device connections).
- Simultaneous wireless earbuds or headset connections to your TV, laptop, smartphone, and other host devices will bring a seamless experience.
This new feature is based on the dual audio concept of BT 5.0, and it further allows several connections of BT gadgets to single sources. - With the BT 5.2, if you are watching a TV show using a wireless headset, you can easily switch to the phone audio if you get a call on your phone. You don’t need to unpair the TV and pair the phone manually- it will happen naturally.
- Even after taking the call, you can switch to the laptop to see some Youtube videos if you want. This seamless experience of direct connection is only possible for the ISOC feature.
Cons
- The 5.2 version is comparably new to its prior versions, and few wireless devices support this version. Only the earbuds and headsets of 2022 and 2021 support Bluetooth 5.2.
- This version didn’t improve the data-transfer speed.
Although there are some cons, upgrading your wireless device to the 5.2 version is more convenient. In addition, Bluetooth 5.2 has improved and introduced many features compared to the 5.0 version, giving you a smooth and seamless wireless experience.
💥Introducing Bluetooth 5.3 [The Latest Version]: All We Know So Far
The latest BT version is the 5.3 version which was first announced in July 2021 by Bluetooth. It was launched in the market in the second quarter of the following year. Manufacturers of wireless headsets and smartphones are now including this latest version in their devices.
Here are the noteworthy changes that can be seen in the latest version:
Conclusion:
So, it is safe to say that the BT 5.3 is more like an evolution than a revolution as there are many upgrades of the existing features than introducing new features.
However, the BT 5.3 has brought advances in user experience, performance, and battery consumption (With its Bluetooth Low Energy Audio). The new version has also enhanced connection security by enhancing the encrypted key size control.
🔎Bluetooth 5.0 Vs 5.1 Vs 5.2 FAQs
Does Bluetooth 5.2 have better sound quality?
Ans: Yes, the 5.2 version has better sound quality than its previous versions. According to the Bluetooth SIG (Bluetooth Special Interest Group), this improved version has the LC3 or Low Complexity Community Codec, which gives a better sound quality than ever.
The LC3 is considered one of the most compact and effective codecs to stream music or audio. With this feature, users can hear the audio or song in one earbud and the sound of instruments from another. This high-quality audio is perfect for any audiophile.
Can a phone with 5.0 Bluetooth connect to 5.2 earbuds?
Ans: You can connect a phone with 5.0 Bluetooth to 5.2 earbuds. We’ve discussed earlier that all wireless BT devices are backward compatible. It means if you connect a phone which supports the 5.0 version to 5.2 version earbuds, it will enjoy all the features of the 5.0 version.
How far can Bluetooth 5.1 reach?
Ans: With the BT 5.1 version, you can use the Bluetooth-enabled device up to 200 meters from the source device. The audio signal can be transmitted through a wall or any other thing. So you can easily enjoy the wireless connection from another room.
What is LC3 in Bluetooth 5.2?
Ans: One of the major changes in the 5.2 version is the LC3. LC3 refers to the Low Complexity Communications Codec. It helps produce much better sound quality in the 5.2 version compared to its previous versions.
What is Enhanced Attribute Protocol?
Ans: EATT refers to an improved version of the attributed protocol. The EATT works sequentially; in other words, the transaction is conducted once at a time. But it can also perform parallel transactions or concurrent transactions between a server and a Bluetooth LE client.
This protocol allows connecting two or more applications with a wireless device. This helps to connect several devices with the Bluetooth-enabled device simultaneously. You can find this feature in the BT 5.2 version.
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