Quectel Launches Android 16 Smart Modules for 4G and 5G IoT Devices
The new SH602FA and SE505FE represent Quectel's move toward smart modules that combine cellular connectivity, application processing, graphics, multimedia, positioning and operating-system support in a single embedded platform.
Instead of using a separate application processor, cellular modem and several connectivity components, manufacturers can use a smart module as the core computing and communications platform of an IoT device. This can simplify hardware architecture, reduce development effort and potentially shorten time-to-market.
The two modules address different connectivity requirements:
- SH602FA - Android 16 + 4G LTE Cat 4, aimed particularly at industrial and commercial equipment.
- SE505FE - Android 16 + 5G Sub-6 GHz, aimed at newer connected devices requiring higher-speed cellular connectivity.
Specifications - SH602FA and SE505FE
| Feature | SH602FA - Android 16 4G | SE505FE - Android 16 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 16 | Android 16 |
| Cellular connectivity | LTE Cat 4 | 5G Sub-6 GHz + LTE |
| 5G standard | — | 3GPP Release 16 |
| Maximum data rate | 150 Mbps DL / 50 Mbps UL | 5G Sub-6 GHz |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8786 | MediaTek MT8863T |
| CPU | 2 × Cortex-A75 @ 2.0 GHz + 6 × Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz | 2 × Cortex-A76 @ 2.4 GHz + 6 × Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | IMG GE8300 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 & 5 GHz | 2.4 & 5 GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS | GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS |
| Form factor | LCC | LGA |
| Dimensions | 40.5 × 40.5 × 2.8 mm | 42.5 × 56.5 × 2.95 mm |
| Memory | — | 4 GB LPDDR4X + 64 GB eMMC; 2 GB + 32 GB option |
| Operating temperature | −35°C to +75°C | −35°C to +75°C |
| Camera | Up to 64 MP | Up to 32 MP @ 30 fps |
| Video | Up to 2560 × 1440 @ 30 fps | Up to 1080 × 2520 @ 120 fps |
| Interfaces | LCM, camera, touch, video, audio, UART, USB, I²C, I²S, SPI | LCM, camera, touch, microphone, UART, USB, I²C, SPI |
| Regional variants | SH602FA-EM, SH602FA-NA, SH602FA-JP, SH602FA-WF | SE505FE-EM, SE505FE-NA, SE505FE-WF |
Quectel describes SH602FA as a multi-mode LTE Cat 4 smart module built around the MT8786 octa-core platform. It integrates cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, graphics and multimedia functionality, making it suitable for products that require local application processing without an additional host processor.
Key Features
- Full Android 16 OS for modern UI, multimedia, security, and easier system integration.
- High-performance MediaTek octa-core processors with dedicated GPUs suitable for graphics-intensive and multimedia applications (no external host processor required in many cases).
- Integrated multi-mode cellular (4G Cat 4 or 5G Sub-6 + fallback), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and multi-constellation GNSS.
- MIMO support for improved data rates and reliability.
- Strong camera and video capabilities tailored to each module’s positioning.
- Compact industrial form factors (LCC or LGA) with a wide temperature range.
- Extensive peripheral interfaces for rapid integration into end devices.
- Global coverage variants and Quectel certification/support services to ease worldwide deployment.
- Reduced development complexity and faster time-to-market for OEMs.
Applications
Both modules target industrial and commercial IoT devices that benefit from Android’s ecosystem and integrated connectivity/multimedia. Typical use cases include:
- Handheld terminals, industrial PDAs, and inspection devices.
- Smart intercoms, safety equipment, and industrial smart handhelds.
- Retail kiosks, digital signage, smart cash registers, POS terminals, and tax control machines.
- Vending machines, logistics cabinets, and smart gateways.
- AR/VR devices, tablets, robotics, and intelligent video platforms.
- On-board/in-vehicle systems, smart wearables, smart home/hardware, and audio/video recorders.
- Broader sectors: industrial automation, retail, logistics, smart cities, healthcare, and connected environments.
Availability
Quectel official press release and product pages for the SH602FA and SE505FE series.The company describes them as production-ready smart modules with global certification support and regional variants. They are described as production-ready and globally certifiable smart modules. Regional variants (EM, NA, JP, WF, etc.) support different markets. Quectel provides related testing/certification services, antennas, and broader IoT support.
