LTE vs 3G –Which one is better?

You may be new to cellular neworking specifics, but most of has have already experienced instant messaging, browsing benefits and different advantages that come with smart devices. Here is LTE vs. 3G to explain how this is all possible.

The evolution of cellular network is an interesting conversation topic; a conversation most of us need to have. Before the world migrates to 5G by the next decade, it is important that we set a foundation on what these cellular networks are and how they have evolved over the years, so users can fully appreciate this upgrade.

For this reason, we take a close look at 3G and LTE: their history, what they have to offer and how both of these compare. Moreover, we go into detail about both 3G and LTE: without overwhelming you with all the technical jargon and abbreviations. Take a look.

What are the differences between LTE and 3G?

LTE vs. 3G- How these two compare

Speeds

Since the LTE standard was developed way after the 3G networking, it obviously features faster connection speeds. This is the foundation of the evolution of cellular networking solutions: the new generations are meant to be faster and more reliable.

LTE is equipped to deliver peak download speeds of 1000Mbps, and 50Mbps download speeds. This is far much greater than the initial 3G download speeds designed for 384kbs connection speeds while walking and 2mbps in doors. However, we will say: many upgrades incorporated into the 3G network have resulted in faster speeds, some even comparable to LTE. Among these is HSPA+, 3G’s fastest upgrade, is the only version of 3G that comes even close to reaching data speeds offered by 4G LTE.

None the less, LTE delivers faster speeds, which allow access to more advanced use, better security and overall great performance compared to 3G.

Price

Different vendors offer various packages: LTE, or 3G at prices depending on many factors. However, it is still more costly to connect via LTE networks compared to 3G in the long run. As we have discussed, 4G LTE offer faster and more reliable data speeds that allow access to applications previously unavailable on mobile technologies. A study conducted on users’ data consumption on 3G vs. LTE revealed a clear difference in data usage. While the difference was not that steep for various applications, data usage with LTE was very high when streaming videos, affirming the fact: LTE connections in the long run cost more than 3G.

Stability and sustainability

Granted 4G LTE has transverse many parts of the world, it is not as wide spread as 3G network infrastructure: even though not by a large margin. In fact, it is only in recent years that various vendors have begun making progress in availing LTE infrastructure to connect LTE devices in rural America and effectively reduce the. 3G is currently a more sustainable and stable option since its available nearly everywhere. Travelers can attest to the sustainability of 3G over LTE. In other countries, 3G networks are more accessible compared to LTE based networks.

Battery consumption

Among the biggest disadvantages of 4G LTE and 4G networks in general is the toll they have on device battery. In fact, many experts site this as the main issue with cellular 4G network.  The reasoning behind this is somewhat convoluted, but to be completely honest: LTE connections lead to faster battery power use compared to 3G.

3G network restrict smart phone usage and mobile applications in general compared to 4G LTE networks, effectively reducing battery consumption rates. However, it’s not very practical to ask users to stay off faster data speeds just to sustain battery life.

LTE vs. 3G – A comparison review

LTE

By definition, LTE is a 3GPP communication standard developed to deliver high speed data transfer from your device to a terminal. These incredible speeds are the highlight of LTE tech.

Unlike older generations, LTE is an all IP architecture that carries voice and data on one network. Moreover, the LTE architecture accommodates a circuit switched fall back option that allows users to access voice calls over the older circuit switching tech when VoLTE protocol is impossible/ ineffective. Additionally, this fall back feature helps with reducing battery consumption, even if by a little.

On paper, LTE is meant to deliver 100Mbps download speeds with 50Mbps upload speeds. Off the bat, this is nearly 10 times what is available for earlier versions of 3G and older cellular networking generations (2G, 1G).

LTE was developed as a stopover before 4G could fully be realized. Contrary to what most users believe, LTE is not an advancement on 4G networks. First off, LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, which was developed as part of the 3G network upgrade arsenal. However, the technology used on LTE coupled with performance and capacity is far beyond what other 3G technologies are capable of. For this reason, LTE could not be classified as a 3G technology.

Some people may know LTE as 4GLTE, which is its other pseudonym for this wireless networking technology. However, 4G LTE is not the real 4G as some users may believe. True 4G is far more capable than LTE. With LTE connections, users can deploy bandwidth hungry applications including High Def. streaming or online gaming seamlessly.

AT&T

The 4 LTE network provided by AT&T is designed to connect many different users across platforms to the high speed LTE. In fact, they offer a wide spectrum of frequencies to vary the nature of support to suit different users/scenarios.

Some of the benefits users enjoy when connected over their LTE network include great streaming, downloading and general internet use, with support for high demand activities like online gaming and Live HD TV.

Additionally, this vendor offers additional perks to its clients outside 4G LTE network coverage, and who doesn’t like some bonus features.

Pros

• Great coverage
• Variety of connection options

Cons

• Customer support could be better

Check price

3G

3G is the third in a long generation of cellular network technologies. From 1G, these mobile technologies have evolved to cater to growing needs for improved network performance and capacities. Before we can dissect why 3G is important, and the things this network has achieved, let us first explain what it is all about.

The 3^rd generation in the line of cellular networks was developed to replace the much slower and comparatively low performance 2G network. While 2G saw many upgrades and changes to the network that immensely improved this cellular network technology, these cannot possibly reach the speeds 3G has been able to attain. For instance 3G technologies incorporated more efficient transmission standards including WCDMA and CDMA2000 to help maximize the potential of the network.

Various developments in 3G have certainly led to improvements in different mobile applications. With connections over 3G, users can achieve decent experience over their smart phones, or smart devices. Albeit not the most reliable or fastest connection out here, 3G networks revolutionized mobile communications, allowing extensive use of smart devices.

Users can apply this network on their devices for telephony purpose, mobile internet access, and simultaneous data and speech services. Additionally, 3G networks feature improved security with notable integrated infrastructure specifically for said security improvements.

Sprint

Sprint offers 3G connections with great data rates. These allow for general internet use and are available over many different plans. With 600kbps -1.4Mbps download speeds, and 350kbps- 500kbps, many users can utilize 3G connection plans for video and audio streaming in addition to browsing and basic internet use. Notably, Sprint will no longer support 3G network after the 31^st of December 2021/2022.

Pros

• Extensive 3G performance
• Reasonable performance speeds

Cons

• Coverage could be better

Check price

Now, let’s compare AT&T to Sprint

Conclusion

Overall, both 3G and LTE over extensive network connections available worldwide. In fact, many vendors are making progress in 4G infrastructure to ensure 4G LTE is available to most parts of the USA. With this, different users can enjoy the perks this kind of connection has to offer.

Verdict: So which one is better, LTE or 3G?

All things considered, LTE is obviously the winner, as it is the newer and more capable generation of cellular networks. Compared to 3G, LTE offers faster data rates and speeds, with better security features and more extensive device applications. With LTE, users can have all their high internet demands met, at a price of course.

Frequently asked questions

Does 3g use less data than LTE?

Users with LTE connect consume data at more accelerated rates than 3G. For this reason, a good plan is essential to ensure you consume data as needed.

Why is 3g faster than LTE?

While 3G is technically not faster than LTE, in fact LTE is designed to outperform 3G in terms of speed, reliability and capacity. However, there are instances when LTE may be oversubscribed, affecting the actual speeds.