Gone are the days when mobile phones’ main function was just for making calls. Internet connection has become such an important feature that it has overtaken voice and text as our preferred mode of communication. However, not all mobile data technologies are created equal. You have certainly heard the terms “3G” and “4G” data before, but what do they signify in terms of your network connection? Well, their differences lie in their capabilities. In this guide, we will walk into what 3G and 4G phones are. Let’s get started.
The third age of wireless communication is known as 3G. High-speed transmission, enhanced multimedia access, and worldwide roaming are several features that set it apart from previous wireless technologies. 3G is primarily a connection for mobile phones and the world wide web or other IP networks to make audio and video conversations, web surfing, and upload data and download.
Although some cellular companies still use it, the 3G standard has been overtaken by the 4G standard, which is superseded by 5G services. 3G has several advantages over 2G and earlier networks: higher internet speeds, improved audio, and streaming plus video conferencing support are some of them. The transfer rate for 3G connection is across 128 - 144 kbps for fast-moving devices and 384 kbps for slow-moving devices. Meanwhile, the speed of fixed wireless LANs exceeds 2 Mbps.
Unlike wi-fi, which is available for free in hotspots, 3G network connectivity requires a service provider subscription. A data plan or a network plan are terms used to describe this type of service. The SIM card or 3G data card that your device uses to connect to the 3G network is normally given or sold by the service provider. When the device is within a 3G network range, these cards act as a means of connecting with the web.
The fourth age of mobile technology is known as 4G. Every major network provider has implemented 4G, which supports a substantially larger value of users compared to 3G. Besides the 5G option, it is the leading communication method for mobiles.
Two significant difficulties that plagued the 3G connections are addressed in the 4G connection. In particular, it tackles speed and network traffic, permitting users to access all network services with their domestic wi-fi connection. In addition to that, it also permits them to utilize services that require greater bandwidth. Such services include music streaming, video streaming, mapping, social networking, and of course, calls.
It also has lower latency, meaning replies to user requests are faster. Customers can get a speed style like broadband while using their laptop, mobile device, or tablet. This is as long as they utilize top-speed downloading and uploading packages offered by their network providers.
· 4G LTE: LTE acronym for Long Term Evolution provides 20Mbps download speed on average and 150Mbps theoretically. A 500MB file will download in as little as 4 minutes.
· 4G LTE-Advanced: This provides 42Mbps average download speed and 300Mbps theoretically. A 500MB file will download in as little as 2 minutes.
Generally, 4G stands at around three times the speed of 3G. It’s important to note, though, that 4G speed differs depending on where you are. 4G is generally the fastest in more populated regions. Rural places have less need for quick connectivity than cities with many companies and businesses demanding a faster network. Furthermore, the level of speed differs among network service providers.
Flexibility and speed are now available for businesses and companies when they use 4G. The advancement in mobile connectivity has grown a new mode of working tagged as remote. With this, companies can now hire people from across the country or the world with the skills and expertise they desire. With this new phase of working experience, companies can now set up virtual workplaces and create links where all of their remote workers can connect to and work from.
Below, we will explore the varied differences that make up the 3G and 4G connections. We will explore speed, coverage, voice calls, and cost.
Speed here refers to how quickly 3G and 4G connections can download web-based data. This distinction is significant in understanding the difference between both. 3G connects to the internet at 210Mbps, and 4G connects to the web at 300Mbps. Making 4G a faster option.
This difference favours 3G over 4G. The biggest downside to 4G is how expensive a subscription plan is. Excluding some exceptional high-end mobile network providers that offer zero cost for a 4G subscription, every other option comes with a premium cost added to the subscription plan.
4G offers VoLTE that is Voice Over Long-Term Evolution. The feature offers 4G calling with all the benefits of 4G, such as better call quality, more like a high-resolution phone call with clear voices on all ends. Of course, this feature also extends to video calls allowing better videos and smoother connections. In some cases, it also extends to better video voicemails. These benefits are certainly outstanding and cannot be offered by the 3G connection.
Excluding that some smart devices lack 4G capabilities, many regions still lack a 4G connection. However, before getting on the 4G band train, ensure that the network you choose provides 4G coverage in your locality. If not, you could be charged for premium 4G services but end up only with a 3G connectivity much of the time.
Wrapping it, these are the major separations of the 3G and 4G connections. While 4G has challenges with cost, coverage, and compatibility, it is certainly superior to 3G in terms of performance. It will only get better since technology is working to improve VoLTE, prices, and coverage. Smart devices that connect to 3G and 4G are readily available in the market. So, choosing among these two comes down to other decisions, personal and work-related.
Cards are issued by Dzing Finance Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International Inc. Dzing Finance Ltd is authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Reference Number 900993.
Choose payment method
