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WiFi Vs 3G: What do you prefer on your phone?

Under: Phone Debates
Date: October 13th, 2008

There are always questions coming in via our contacts form on Phones Review asking this question “What is better, WiFi or 3G?

Well we will not go into great detail about each one because that will get pretty boring, but will give you a little difference between the two. Let’s start with WiFi (Wi-Fi), this is basically a trade name for wireless technology used in the home or games, networks and of course what we are about “Mobile Phones”, it will cover different IEEE 802.11 technologies like 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11b and 802.11g. The main reason for Wi-Fi is to give you wireless access to digital content like audio, applications, internet connectivity, visual media and other data, all in all better than wires as they say.

Now moving onto 3G, this is third generation technology of mobile phones, it is the successor to 2.5G; 3G is basically based on International Telecommunication Union (ITU) family of standards under the IMT-2000. Using 3G networks will enable network operators a wide range of advanced services with a greater network capacity through improved spectral efficiency, some of the services such as broadband wireless data, video calls, wide-area wireless voice telephony and mobile environment, it features what is known as HSPA data transmission capabilities which can get you speeds of up to 14.4Mbit/s on the downlink and 5.8Mbit/s on the uplink. 3G in simple terms gives you a better range.

Now if we here at Phones Review had to choose between WiFi or 3G we would have to say WiFi hands down, yes 3G is good there is no doubting that but it comes with flaws, these flaws are of course buying mobile phones that have 3G and these phones cost more money to buy, the other downside to 3G is it can drain the battery life a lot faster when using.

That’s our view, what do you prefer on your phone, WiFi or 3G?

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Read More About: 3g, wifi

ilyboo
thanxx! u guyss readdd my mindd )))) i really appreciatee itt :D:D:D
mike
yea, thanks a bunch for the info. It sounds like wifi is better primarily because it’s easier on the battery. 3G sounds like it’s similar to wifi, in that it allows internet connectivity, but the tradeoff is that it kills the battery. Is there a way to disable 3g on the new G1 and still maintain functionality? I’m asking because I’m thinking of getting one, but have heard about issues with the quick-to-drain battery…thanks in advance…
eric “muddy” rivers
good article, except you have one point wrong. The Battery drains way faster on Wifi not 3g. 3g does not require routers either. 3g also has a greater range than wifi. Until Wimaxx comes out at least.
BJ Barnes
The biggest problem that I have with 3G is that the resolution on videos is extremely poor. Wi-Fi provides crystal resolution, therefore, when I am viewing you tube and other entertainment media I use Wi-Fi instead of 3G. Interestingly enough, I have not noticed a difference between the two with respect to accessing my email or other data type content.
Terry
Which is better would depend upon where you’re using your device. If you’re lucky enough to be around a wifi spot that doesn’t charge you for access, then wi-fi. It downloads faster and processes faster with better quality, and it does NOT use the battery as quickly as 3G. So 3G takes you further when you’ve found yourself stuck in spots without free wifi access, but you compromise your freedom to travel with slower speeds and shorter battery life along the way.
ndriana
Thanks for the information.
But I have to say also that you pay for 3G network.
3G is basically for fun but if you aim for real things I would go for WiFi.
I’d give thumb up to WiFi for saving me hundreds of bucks yearly.
Mark
Wi-fi is the best because the signal is very good everywere and 3g most times it stop loading when you always use it. . Go for Wi-fi