What is Better 4G or LTE?
Today, let’s talk about the difference between 4G and LTE, as we have touched on similar topics in earlier discussions, like LTE speeds, frequency bands, and its applications. You might be wondering whether 4G and LTE are the same or if one is better than the other. Let me explain it in a simple way.
To put it simply, 4G and LTE are both part of the fourth generation of mobile networks, but there is a subtle difference that often leads to confusion. I’ll walk you through this.
What is 4G?
4G stands for “Fourth Generation,” and it refers to the fourth generation of mobile telecommunications technology. It’s a step up from 3G and offers higher data transfer speeds, better connectivity, and lower latency. The aim of 4G is to provide fast internet for high-quality services like HD video streaming, gaming, and video calls, along with improved internet browsing and download speeds. A true 4G network is supposed to provide download speeds of up to 1 Gbps (Gigabits per second) for stationary users and 100 Mbps (Megabits per second) for users on the move.
What is LTE?
LTE, or Long-Term Evolution, is often referred to as “4G LTE” because it’s the technology that provides faster data speeds and enhanced performance compared to 3G networks. But, here’s the catch—LTE is actually not fully 4G by the original definition. It’s sometimes referred to as “4G-like” because it doesn’t quite meet the requirements set for 4G standards in terms of peak speeds. However, it provides speeds that are much faster than 3G, making it a solid step towards achieving 4G capabilities.
The main reason why LTE is widely used is that it offers a good balance of speed, reliability, and coverage, even though it doesn’t meet all the strict criteria for 4G speeds. LTE provides data speeds between 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps, depending on network conditions and the frequency bands used, which is significantly better than 3G speeds.
4G vs. LTE: The Differences
| Feature | 4G | LTE |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 1 Gbps for stationary users, 100 Mbps for moving users | Up to 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps |
| Technology | Full implementation of 4G standards | Pre-4G, but often called “4G-like” |
| Latency | Low latency, typically around 5 ms | Better than 3G, typically around 10 ms to 15 ms |
| Coverage | Wider coverage, including rural areas | Good coverage in urban areas, but may vary in rural areas |
Why Does This Matter to You?
You might be asking, why does this even matter? Well, when you’re using your mobile phone, you probably want fast internet, smooth video calls, and no lag when streaming or playing online games. In general, LTE will be more than sufficient for these activities. You may not always need the full capabilities of 4G, especially considering that LTE can handle most of the tasks at the speeds we use in day-to-day life. However, in the future, once true 4G networks are more widely available, you will benefit from even faster speeds and better network reliability.
In some regions, you might still see the term “4G LTE” used interchangeably with true 4G networks, but in practical terms, what you experience on a typical LTE connection is quite close to what 4G would provide.
How to Know Which Network You’re Using?
Now, if you’re curious about which network you’re on, it’s easy to check on your phone. Most smartphones will indicate whether you’re connected to a 4G or LTE network. The difference may not always be obvious to you when you’re browsing the web or watching videos, but you’ll notice a significant improvement when switching from a 3G to an LTE network, especially in terms of speed and responsiveness.