en.Wedoany.com Reported - SpaceX has launched a new Starlink antenna, the V5, which offers slightly lower maximum internet speeds than its predecessor, the V4, but reduces hardware weight, size, and power consumption through design improvements.

Starlink.com recently updated its page regarding this next-generation antenna, with related information also appearing in the Starlink mobile app. The product is considered a successor to the current V4 model, which was launched in late 2023 and is available through the Starlink Residential plan.

A support page comparing the two states: "Starlink V5 is smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient than Starlink V4." Surprisingly, the new V5's maximum speed is rated at 375+ Mbps, slightly lower than the V4's 400+ Mbps. However, the new antenna's weight has been significantly reduced from 6.5 pounds for the V4 to 2.4 pounds.

In terms of power consumption, the V5 averages 35 to 50 watts, compared to 75 to 100 watts for the V4. The V5's weight is comparable to the portable Starlink Mini, which itself weighs 2.4 pounds, or 2.5 pounds with the mounting bracket. The V5 measures 12.05×15.12 inches, wider than the Starlink Mini's 11.75×10.2 inches.

Notably, the V5 does not come with a new router. SpaceX plans to bundle it with the Router Mini, which has limited Wi-Fi range. On the plus side, the new antenna model will include a "pipe adapter" for easy roof mounting.

Another support page states that the V5 is "now available to residential customers in the US." However, as of the time of this report, the new model has not yet appeared on the Starlink store or Starlink.com. The site appears to be continuously updating with more information, including specification sheets, accessory guides, and setup guides. SpaceX added in a support page: "Currently available in select areas only. As production ramps up, Starlink V5 will become available in more areas. Starlink V5 is not intended for use in motion." Pricing information has not been disclosed as of yet.

Tim Belfall, director of UK-based Starlink installer Westend WiFi, discovered these support pages and told PCMag that the new V5, due to its smaller size and lighter weight, could be a "game-changer" for those installing Starlink antennas. He said, "I don't climb ladders, but watching installers struggle with the V4 is nerve-wracking."

For existing users, the V5 may not be a compelling reason to upgrade, especially as SpaceX has been focusing on delivering gigabit speeds through new satellites. Another question is whether the V5 will be sold alongside the current V4 antenna under different Starlink Residential plans, given that the V4 offers higher maximum speeds and is bundled with the Router 3, which has a wider Wi-Fi range. Company CEO Elon Musk has stated that the new antenna model will help the company reach more customers. He said last month while previewing the V5 and the upcoming new Mini antenna: "These are new Starlink terminals, and we are producing them in much higher volumes than current terminals. Ultimately, we believe there could be hundreds of millions of Starlink terminals in use in the future."