The Difference Between 4G and LTE
Sep 17, 2019
4G vs. LTE: What is the difference and why does it matter?
In this guide, we will outline the difference between 4G and LTE, so you can make an educated decision about a future cell phone signal booster or smartphone purchase. Today, most cellular carriers offer 4G network connectivity, and some areas are compatible with the faster 4G LTE network as well. To a casual observer, 4G and 4G LTE may seem like the same term, but they are actually different technologies.
What is 4G?
In March 2008, the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) released new standards for 4G ("Fourth Generation") connectivity, including faster connection speeds and mobile hotspots. These standards were groundbreaking at the time, and it took years for the nation's cellular networks to catch up with the technology. Today, most of the 3G networks have been upgraded to 4G speeds, and the average smartphone can take advantage of 4G connectivity.
Unlike 3G, 4G allows users to fully enjoy digital media on their mobile devices, including streaming video, rich multimedia apps, and high-quality music. Users can start watching a movie in seconds, without worrying about long load times and buffering. When 4G was first introduced, it was more of a hypothetical target for tech developers, and most carriers didn't support the new network to its full potential. Today, 4G is the new standard, unless you're in a dead zone where 3G is the only available option.
What is 4G LTE?
Short for “Long Term Evolution”, 4G LTE is similar to the "S" series of iPhones. It is an improvement over its predecessor, but not substantial enough to qualify as a new generation. Think of 4G LTE as "3G S". It is a clever workaround that allows cellular networks to advertise 4G speeds, without reaching the minimum standards set by the ITU-R.
While 4G LTE is a major improvement over 3G speeds, it is technically not 4G. However, most cellular carriers now advertise their networks as 4G LTE, because it sounds the same as 4G (or even better). In some cases, your phone may even display 4G LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced), which is even closer to proper 4G. This is the cutting edge of consumer cell phone technology.
4G vs. LTE.
In laymans terms, the difference between 4G and LTE is that 4G is faster than LTE. The reason for this is that 4G meets the technical standards designated for it whereas LTE data transfer speed standard is merely a stopgap measure standard devised until actual 4G speed is realized.
Can the average consumer tell the difference between 4G and LTE? In most cases, the download speed is comparable unless you reside in a major city. As cellular carriers continue to update their LTE networks, they have closed the gap between LTE and "real 4G". This is especially true with LTE-A, which is currently the fastest option available.
To take full advantage of 4G, you will need a smartphone or tablet with full 4G support (not just LTE). Older LTE mobile devices launched right prior to 4G deployment cannot provide 4G speeds because they aren't built to handle it. In 2020, all cellular carriers should now offer 4G service, if not offering 5G already. We recommend visiting a carrier's retail location and asking about their local coverage before making an investment in a new smartphone or signal booster for your workplace.
Our experts want to help you achieve the best cellular coverage possible. If despite being within your Carrier's coverage area map zone your 4G or LTE connectivity is weak or non-existent, try our risk free cell phone boosters today. If needed, professional installation service available. 60-days money-back guarantee.
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30 comments
My phone by itself changed from 4G to Lte by itself . Struggling to find a way to change it back to 4G . Also suspect its a play to get people to purchase 5G phones. Filth
My cell phone company made me upgrade my phone 4 months ago as they make improvements. They told me my S10 was good to go. Now they are telling me my phone is outdated again? My phone offers LTE. As towers are updated (my carrier uses ATT) am I reading that it will no longer work? Do I have to have the 4G option or is LTE good?
I have been reading all these threads. Like many others on here, I do not see much improvement.
I have a new, refurbished iPhone 6s. It gives you a choice between 4G and LTE.
There is so much crap on here I will never use. It just sits there and sucks up background data like Android does. Unlike my old 4s. That was the best phone I ever had besides my old flip phone.
If you go in and turn stuff off, then your phone does not work.
I cannot get a hotspot. I turn it on, and the computer and phone both show it is connected, but yet it isn’t.
It sucked up 1GB of data just trying to figure it out and set it up. Still haven’t figured it out. Still have no internet. Hot spot is the only internet I have.
And I had to turn auto correct off because it was driving me crazy
This is wrong. LTE is the radio access network for 4G. There are different flavours of LTE but saying LTE is not 4G completely misunderstands both LTE and 4G. 4G is comprised of two components: the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC) and the LTE (Long Term Evolution).
I think this falls to improper research. LTE is an advanced version of 4G. Just read from the sources well, it explains it so well what it really means.
Devices with LTE are transitionary in that in the event of a new network technology, the device might as well adapt it.
After LTE it will be tested for 5G which means those devices might as well transition to 5G without any upgrades on them.
ATT has announced plans to close the 3G network. Must have a 4G phone.
Will not accept my 4G LTE phone.
Any carriers continuing 4G LTE service?
I had to turn the LTE off in order to make a phone call on my android.
My phone never had a problem when it displayed 4G but then I had to have my screen replaced & ever since I got it back it has displayed LTE & half the time I can’t get online, I can’t make calls, I can’t make texts, & I can’t play half my games. My phone service carrier Metro PCS told me that LTE is better than 4G but I sure do not see how. I want 4G back on my phone cause this LTE crap stinks.
Some modems are what is called downward compatibility. This was useful and is useful when roaming around during toward upgrade efforts nation wide. This way we can move around and not drop out. A new 5G capable phone gives you the capablity to talk to a 5G network but should let you navigate through the current 4G. Hope i explained it well!
LTE 4
Less than 100 yards from my house and at& then lite call to my house breaks up. Bad deal if I was hurt and needed help
It’s not quite true, LTE stands for “Long-term Evolution” which means LTE will also compete with 5G.
LTE-Advanced Pro is faster than 5G.
and real world 5G use is definitely a lot slower than 5G standards as all have found, but it’s early..
Very clearly defined and accurately explains what is what. Indeed helpful!
First and foremost, I always thought that LTE was the next step above 4G (3G, 4G, LTE, 5G). After reading this article and some of the comments, I turned off LTE on my phone and noticed more bars. However, I later realized that I needed to turn on LTE in order to use FaceTime and to have a faster experience via the Internet. It seems LTE is an enhancer for 4G. Am I correct?
I also noticed an E in certain areas when I had LTE shut off. Will this status (E) ever be put to rest? Does it just enable cellular use as opposed to data? I couldn’t use FaceTime during that time.
I do not understand everything about 4G, 4G LTE, LTE AND 5G. But what I do know is that when my T. V. will not connect to my dish, my phone only has one bar and I cannot download anything over the internet and my Wi-Fi will not connect to my iPhone or iPad standing next to the modem it is NOT ATT’s fault it is something I did !
Then am confused how a an iPhone 7 can have 4G yet my iPhone 7plus has LTE.. is there any I can upgrade?
I think I’m being had! I’m with U.S. Cellular and was told I was in a 4G area. My speed, with a booster, goes from 1X to 3G. The last week or so has been so bad, I can hardly download and connect with the U. S. Cellular site! I’m sure somehow this too will be blamed on the Corona Virus! I’m paying for 4 phones with unlimited data and can’t even download data from my cellphone carrier! If this wasn’t so frustrating, it would be comical!
AT&T diminishes daily with its promises. Ever increasing cost to ever decreasing delivery. Truth be told 3G is the best it gets no matter what they say about 4G, LTE, 5G etc. The struggle is real as to “keep it” or go to Tracphone.
I am really irate, because of legalities involved with cellular providers, and when will they be accountable for their fraudulent billing, false advertising like AT&T stating they launched 5G first in 2018?
Changing plans increasing your monthly bill, with no prior advertisements, assigning corporate accts with VOLTE on my cellphone not ever related to any corporation. Billing me for several lines
Charging me for Access ton 4G LTE VVM and I have never received 4G or VVM . I AM CONSTANTLY GETTING dropped? Everyday my caller o says im fading in and out. The call being dropped are happening at home or away. The Manager of AT&T in Palm desert said she couldn’t handle speaking with me anymore she thought it was my S8+ than we realized it wasn’t.
I have been going through this since I signed on with AT&T. They need to be accountable and start to compensate for their brutal negligence of 4G LTE VOLTE ISP they are technically inept,
Ditto on not knowing till research…. Walmart changed my coverage from 4 to LTE and now I know why I’m dropping and hard to get into games vs last week ..
Just like Facebook…. change with no obvious explanation… Only find out with the glitches ((((
How can we know if our phones have 4G or LTE. Where do we find that info? From the phone carrier, or the phone itself?
Why is it that when I turn off LTE on my iPhone XS Max I get three bars signal at my home, whereas when LTE is enabled I get two bars signal.
I have an AT&T XS iPhone. It has ability to turn LTE off. When I do that, the phone displays 4G not LTE. The speed difference is dramatic. LTE is between 65 and 77Mbps download and 4G is 8 or so. I’m thinking that ‘4G’ displayed is really ‘3G’ in reality.
4G LTE just means that it’s almost as fast as 4G. 4G is FASTER and BETTER than 4G LTE is the bottom line. You want 4G over 4G LTE!