While they sound similar and are kind of related, the 4G LTE vs. VoLTE does call for some clarification. In essence, both are related to the fourth-generation cellular technology. They both offer high-speed mobile broadband and are common on most modern-day smartphones. But what they are and how they are different from each other? Let’s get to the 4G LTE vs. VoLTE differences.
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What is LTE?
To begin with, LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. It’s a technology used for high-speed data transmission. It’s also called 4G which signified the fourth generation of cellular communication standards.
There is a difference
It’s usually taken for granted that 4G and LTE are the same but they are slightly different. You see it like this. LTE is a technology behind 4G. LTE is an architecture on which 4G develops. While this is one fundamental difference, they both remain almost interchangeable hence 4G LTE.
When did LTE come out?
The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) created LTE back in 2008. It was developed basically to replace the 2G and 3G networks and bring maximum data transmission capacity to mobile networks. In Nepal, state-backed company Nepal Telecom launched 4G in 2017 while Ncell also brought it in the same year.
Check out: VoLTE service proliferates in Nepal, Find latest NTA data
For a better internet experience on smartphones
4G LTE brought much faster data speed, improved latency, and enhanced user experience. It made it possible to video chat on smartphones with a cellular connection. Download and upload became smoother while digital transformation and the digital economy also realized their potential.
4G LTE can deliver up to 1 Gbps speed in the most ideal environment while you should easily see somewhat 20-60 Mbps speed on average any time.
What Is VoLTE?
On the other hand, VoLTE stands for Voice over Long-Term Evolution. Similarly to the 4G, it’s also backed by LTE. VoLTE lets you enjoy high-speed 4G data and High-Definition voice on smartphones. VoLTE calls are better in many terms compared to traditional cellular calls.
Check out: How to activate VoLTE on smartphones?
It’s for HD audio calls on devices
VoLTE is used to get HD voice on devices. But it requires a 4G and VoTLE compatible handsets. If that got you worried, most smartphones these days come with it. But they also need carrier and manufacturer support to work. Also, VoLTE works only when the device is on a 4G LTE network.
When did it come out?
VoLTE is a rather newer technology than 4G. It made its way to the world courtesy of MetroPCS in the US in August 2012 with an LG Connect 4G phone. In Nepal, Nepal Telecom launched VoLTE in 2021 while Ncell made it commercially available nationwide in 2022.
Difference Between 4G LTE and VoLTE
| LTE | VoLTE |
| LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. | VoLTE stands for Voice over Long Term Evolution. |
| LTE delivers fast internet speed on mobile phones but it’s not for voice feature. | VoLTE is for HD voice during cellular calls. |
| 3GPP introduced LTE in 2008. | VoLTE came out in 2012 |
| Call setup time is longer with this. | Call setup is faster and also improved. |
| LTE unlocks video chatting but you need third-party apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. | VoLTE doesn’t need foreign software for video calls. |
| LTE was created in 2008 via 3GPP. | VoLTE came out in August, 2012 in the US. |
| During traditional calls, LTE switched back to 3G or 2G. | With VoLTE activated, 4G LTE stays on. |
| LTE 4G is largely available on all modern smartphones. | VoLTE came out in August 2012 in the US. |
LTE and VoLTE work simultaneously
You must have worked out that both LTE and VoLTE work at the same time. VoLTE though is not independent. It first requires an LTE-compatible phone to work. So, after you activate VoLTE on your capable device, it comes into effect.
Why to use LTE and VoLTE?
LTE seeks to meet our internet use these days. It has a high bandwidth capacity for many data-heavy use cases. If you are into video calls, file download/upload, lots of social media browsing, or want to multi-task with the internet, you need the backing of LTE. On the other hand, it’s easy to state why VoLTE is needed. It unlocks HD voice calls while also letting you use the internet on 4G. Plus, calls connect faster with VoLTE.
In a gist, both LTE and VoLTE are modern cellular technologies that elevate user experience with internet use and HD voice features. If you have compatible Android and iOS phones, then do consider using them before 5G comes in.