Top 4 Questions to Consider Before Buying a 4G LTE Smartphone
Discover essential insights before buying a 4G LTE smartphone, including differences from 3G, LTE versus LTE+, purchasing options, and budget-friendly models. This guide helps you make informed decisions for fast, reliable mobile connectivity and covers various buying channels and affordable device choices.
Top 4 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a 4G LTE Smartphone
In the era before 4G LTE phones, users relied on Wi-Fi to access fast internet. Streaming high-quality videos or making video calls required proximity to Wi-Fi hotspots because 3G networks couldn't handle such bandwidth. With the advent of 4G LTE devices, users can now enjoy fast internet directly through their phones, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi. This upgrade allows for seamless browsing, media streaming, and communication on the go.
Learn about the distinctions between 3G and 4G, LTE and LTE+, where to purchase 4G phones, and budget-friendly options in this guide.
How does 3G differ from 4G?
3G technology, the third generation of mobile networks, offers data speeds ranging from 2 Mbps to 21 Mbps, with maximum upload speeds of 5 Mbps. It supports voice calls and basic data services like messaging, audio downloads, and emails.
4G technology provides a significant leap with speeds between 2 Mbps and 1 Gbps, supporting high-definition streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and internet calls. Its peak upload speed reaches 500 Mbps, and download speeds can hit 1 Gbps.
What distinguishes LTE from LTE+?
LTE, or Long Term Evolution, delivers internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 5–12 Mbps upload, enabling fast mobile browsing.
LTE+ or LTE Advanced enhances these speeds, often achieving two to three times faster internet than standard LTE, with more stable connections and fewer call drops. It helps devices fully reach 4G performance standards.
Where can consumers buy 4G LTE smartphones?
Online marketplaces such as Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay offer a wide range of 4G LTE devices, often with discounts and deals, covering premium to budget models.
Mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and MetroPCS provide exclusive offers, trade-in programs, and bundle deals on 4G phones.
Physical stores allow users to inspect and test phones firsthand, with options to return faulty units or verify quality before purchase.
What are some affordable 4G LTE phones?
Cricket Wireless LG Risio 3: Priced around $70, this device features a 5-inch IPS display, an 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, 16GB internal storage, and a quad-core 1.4GHz processor.
Boost Mobile LG Stylo 3: Costing roughly $180, it boasts a 5.7-inch screen, 13MP rear camera, 16GB storage expandable up to 2TB, octa-core 1.4GHz processor, and 2GB RAM.
Verizon Prepaid LG Optimus Zone 3: At around $60, it offers 8GB memory (expandable to 32GB), a 5MP rear camera, and a 2MP front camera, powered by a quad-core processor for high-speed performance.
Tags: 4G LTE smartphones
Note:
Our blog offers diverse and practical content based on thorough research. However, information may vary across sources, and promotional deals or offers could differ from those covered here. Readers should verify details before making purchases.
