How do they compare?
3G and 4G are terms used to describe the third and fourth generations of wireless cellular service.
4G is a newer standard and generally delivers faster speeds than 3G.
Lifewire
Overall Findings
Can reach speeds of 3.1Mbps or more.
Speed affected by signal strength, location, traffic.
3G is still used in rural locations.
Can get into the internet.
Ushered in multimedia access and global roaming.
Can reach speeds of up to 50Mbps.
Speed fluctuates depending on distance from data pipe tower.
Most carriers offer 4G service in most areas of the country.
High-def mobile TV, other data-intensive applications.
A 3G data pipe is a high-speed mobile broadband data pipe that uses the third generation of wireless technologies.
A 4G internet is a high-speed mobile broadband internet that uses the fourth generation of wireless technologies.
4G technology is an improvement over 3G technology, offering speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G service.
4G can do everything 3G can do, only faster.
4G can also handle high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, and other data-intensive applications.
Speed: 4G Wins Hands Down
Greatly improved speeds over 2G technology.
Much slower than 4G technology.
Speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.
Speeds depend on phone’s technology and location.
4G technology is an improvement over 3G technology, offering speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G service.
4G networks paved the way for widespread mobile internet use, with peak download speeds approaching 50Mbps or more.
However, the speeds you experience depend on your phone’s technology and your location.
Less expensive data prices than 4G.
Access web, social networks, streaming media, and more.
Must have a unit that supports 4G technology.
Potentially more expensive data prices.
3G mobile use serves mostly as a means of connecting to the internet.
4G can do everything 3G can do, only faster.
4G can also handle high-definition mobile TV, videoconferencing, and other data-intensive applications.
Availability: 4G Is Almost Everywhere
Available in rural locations.
Serves as a fallback for some wireless providers.
Availability has greatly increased.
Not available in some rural areas.
Still, 3G is valuable as a fallback for some wireless providers and is available in rural locations.
