3G vs 4G – Is the older generation better than the newer one?

It is important to establish a foundation on the evolution of cellular networks, what they are, and how they different from one another. For this reason, we came up with this comprehensive comparison review. Here is 3G vs. 4G with more.

For most people, it is easy to assume that 4G is better than 3G, well technically it is. The 4th generation of cellular network standards is designed to replace the 3rd generation with faster speeds, capabilities, capacities and much more. Since 4Gis founded on very different system architecture, the services available, scope of applications and even its performance varies very greatly.

Below, we are going to analyze both 3G and 4G networks, the technologies upon which they are founded, and how both generations different from each other. If you are interested in comparing 3G to 4G, take a look.

What are the differences between 3G and 4G?

3G
4G (Winner) 
Full description
Third Generation 3G
Fourth Generation 4G
Peak Upload and Download Rates
1000Mbps, 500Mbps
100Mbps, 50Mbps
Transmission technologies
CDMA 2000, WCDMA
LTE-OFDMA downlink with SCFDMA uplink tech

WiMax

Frequency bands
1.8 GHz – 2.5 GHz
2GHz – 8 GHz
Switching
Circuit switching-Packet switching hybrid
All IP based Packet switching

 

3G vs 4G- How they compare

Speeds

Based on the features alone, 4G is designed to offer faster connection speeds compared to 3G. With these, users have more reliable connections with speeds on 4G, previously unavailable on older cellular network generations.

Usually when comparing speeds between cellular networks, we are speaking about the download and upload speeds. Looking strictly at the peak speed, 4G offers nearly ten times the Upload and download Rate available on 3G networks with 1Gbps, and 500Mbps Upload Rate compared to 100Mbps Download Rate and 50Mpbs Upload Rate available on 3G.

Latency

In telecommunications, latency is used in reference to the response time while on a particular network. It basically indicates how responsive a network is. With this mind, 4G has the capacity to offer quicker response times compared to 3G. In addition to faster speeds offered by this network, we can safely conclude that 4G out performs 3G by a milestone.

Battery consumption

One of the major issues with 4G is the problem with intensive battery consumption. Since 4G allows faster and more reliable connections with extensive applications unavailable over 3G, users spend more time on data and power intensive applications. While 3G allows mobile internet access, the connection is incomparable to 4G connections, and limits users’ power consumption rates.

Coverage

Currently, 3G is more available on a global scale compared to 4G. However, vendors are in the process of extending 4G infrastructure to allow connection over 4G network. This makes access to 3G easier on a global scale compared to 4G.

Currently, many carriers are invested in expanding their 4G network coverage: closing the gap in terms of availability. In fact, some vendors have set sunset dates for 3G networks. However as it stands, 3G has the upper hand in regard to coverage.

3G vs. 4G- Comparing the two

3G

The evolution of the 3G network is very convoluted, and can get quite confusing; especially with all the changes made. It is the 3rd generation of cellular networks developed for great voice and data transfer. Overtime, 3G has changed to incorporate more improvements for even faster connection speeds, and more diverse applications.

In fact, the advent of 3G saw an overwhelming change in mobile usage with picture sharing and other applications made available. With this connection, users have been able to apply mobile devices more intensively in communications.

Moving on to some technicalities: 3G technologies are based off the evolution of older technologies. The result has been newer standards like WCDMA and CDMA2000 which have improved the performance, and speeds on 3G networks.

Earlier 3G technologies relied on only circuit switching techniques for data transfers. This method is highly reliable for voice calls but limits capacity on the network. Later 3G upgrades are a circuit switched/IP based hybrid which have so far made several data formats are now more available over 3G. Some of the benefits of 3G over mobile connection include: mobile internet access, improved IP telephony with simultaneous data and speech services in addition to higher connection speeds.

Interestingly, the last upgrade to the 3G network, categorized under make some generational cross overs. LTE, popularly known as 4G LTE is actually a 3GPP/3GPP2 technology which is all IP based and uses advanced technologies. Since LTE outperforms the rest of the 3G technologies, it is grouped as a 4G technology.

As we phase out 3G, many vendors have initiated various 3G sunset processes, after which they will no longer guarantee support for this network. This is because carriers have invested extensively if the faster, more reliable 4G infrastructure to help migrate all of its users to high speed internet connections.

AT&T

AT&T offers the most extensive 3G coverage in America currently. Albeit not the fastest, 3G networks have allowed users everywhere to connect easily onto the internet for home, business and even individual purposes.

Even America’s most extensive 3G vendor plans on retiring this service. A&T announced the plan to completely phase out 3G in 2022, after which support for this service cannot be guaranteed. This is to make room for the more advanced generations of cellular networks.

Pros

  • Most expansive 3G coverage carriers
  • 3G is still relevant in places 4G infrastructure is unavailable

Cons

  • AT&T 3G sunset planed to happen soon

4G

3G vs 4G

The fourth generation of networking technologies is currently the fastest mobile broadband technology yet. Ideally, this networking technology was developed to offer even higher speed connections, with improved quality, security and capacity. These are all enabled by faster loading times with improved upload and download speeds. Ideally, 4G networks should offer Peak upload and download speeds of 500Mbps, and 1Gbps respectively.

4G has opened the world up to even more mobile applications to include intensive online gaming, video streaming in HD, cloud computing and so much more.

It is difficult to identify where the 3rd generation ends and where the 4th begins given the intergenerational cross of 4G LTE technology. As explained above, LTE technology was developed as part of the 3GPP initiative. It is simply a stopover technology used in place of True 4G while carriers put in place the actual infrastructure to support and deploy True 4G.

Two of the most important technologies on this network include LTE and WiMax. These have heavily contributed to quicker loading times with faster performance speeds over 4G connections. LTE is based on evolution of 3G network technologies including WCDMA and HSPA featured.

Developers design 4G devices with backwards compatibility to allow users communication over 3G and 2G networks. This is very convenient considering, 4G enabled devices are available everywhere but 4G network infrastructure is not.

Verizon

Verizon offers the most extensive 4G coverage in the USA today, but that’s not all. They have LTE in Rural America Program that plans to extend 4G LTE network connections to rural areas with the help of rural carriers.

Moreover, Verizon plans on spearheading the deployment of LTE-Advanced, essentially true 4G, nationwide. These and all their credentials make Verizon the ideal vendor to meet your 4G networking needs.

Pros

  • Leading in LTE coverage in the USA
  • Great plans available

Cons

  • None so far

Now, Let’s compare AT&T to Verizon

 
AT&T
Verizon
Coverage
1st in 3G coverage
1st in 4G coverage
Support
Ends 2022
Great
Speeds
Okay
Great
Affordability
Okay
Okay
 

Conclusion

3G and 4G are currently the main cellular network technologies available worldwide. While 4G offers unmatched speeds with extensive applications: 3G does well for users yet to access the newer generation 4G.

Verdict: So which is better: 3G or 4G?

All things considered, 4G is better than 3G. From the faster speeds, with more reliable internet access, better network security and extensive applications, users benefit more from 4G network connections compared to 3G.

Frequently asked questions

Is 4g better than 3g?

In terms of performance, speeds and technology, 4G is way better compared to 3G, offering up to 10X the speeds for upload, downloads and even web access.

What is 4g latency?

Latency is a measure of network responsiveness. At an average 50ms latency, 4G offers quick response which translates to faster loading times.

You’ll Also Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *