reply to discussion
Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By <!--vBET_SNTA-->tavenger5<!--vBET_ENTA-->
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    aen935
    aen935 is offline
    Newbie

    Posts
    5
    I've done a little research to understand the difference between GSM and CDMA (networks that carriers work on) but am still a little confused.

    Is GSM or CDMA better/faster for data transfer? I'm trying to decide between two pre-paid cell providers for my next phone. One runs on a GSM network (sort of) while the other runs on a CDMA. I need my phone to have quick data transfer, as I will be using it for work e-mail and social networking for clients. Could anyone give me insight into these networks? Thanks!


    See More: What's the difference between CDMA and GSM? Which is better?




  2. #2
    tavenger5
    tavenger5 is offline
    Mr Admin Guy
    tavenger5's Avatar

    Cell Phone
    Samsung Galaxy S4
    Carrier
    AT&T
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    11,189 - liked 1151 times
    Blog Entries
    8
    Follow tavenger5 On Twitter Add tavenger5 on Google+

    Re: What's the difference between CDMA and GSM? Which is better?

    The voice network actually has nothing to do with how data on the phone is transferred and the speed at which it is transferred - that's actually a different network, which is why you can have GSM phones that are "3G" and CDMA phones that are also "3G" despite using different data networks.

    To answer your question though, the difference is only the bands that are used by GSM and CDMA. Basically, a CDMA phone cannot be used on a GSM network, and vise versa.

    Is one faster than the other? no. Is one more reliable than the other? Sometimes - depending on the towers that are in your area.

    If you want better data speed, this depends on the phone's data connection, the network, and proximity to a tower for the data signal. Basically 2g vs 3g vs 4g.
    aen935 likes this.
    John

    Please click LIKE to show if a post is helpful or not!



  3. #3
    aen935
    aen935 is offline
    Newbie

    Posts
    5

    Re: What's the difference between CDMA and GSM? Which is better?

    John,

    Thank you so much for this info! I was just a bit confused, especially because I've read that some 4G phones will run at 3G speeds a lot of times. I'm just curious if it's really worth getting a 4G phone if that's the case.

    I didn't realize the network didn't have to do with data. I don't understand the debate then. Haha. But thank you again!

    -Ashley



  4. #4
    tavenger5
    tavenger5 is offline
    Mr Admin Guy
    tavenger5's Avatar

    Cell Phone
    Samsung Galaxy S4
    Carrier
    AT&T
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    11,189 - liked 1151 times
    Blog Entries
    8
    Follow tavenger5 On Twitter Add tavenger5 on Google+

    Re: What's the difference between CDMA and GSM? Which is better?

    Yeah, it's a bit confusing. All 4g networks are not the same - they all use different standards (and are all different speeds). Most GSM and CDMA phones stick to similar standards. For example, CDMA phones use LTE and GSM use HSPA.

    Oh - and 4g phones running at 3g is dependent on where you live right now. You should check if the service provider you're going with has 4g coverage in your area.
    John

    Please click LIKE to show if a post is helpful or not!



  5. #5
    jacob11
    jacob11 is offline
    Phone Expert

    Posts
    1,084 - liked 12 times

    Re: What's the difference between CDMA and GSM? Which is better?

    With the advent of cellular phones doing double and triple duty as streaming video devices, podcast receivers and email devices, speed is important to those who use the phone for more than making calls. CDMA has been traditionally faster than GSM, though both technologies continue to rapidly leapfrog along this path. Both boast "3G" standards, or 3rd generation technologies.



  6. #6
    alex_chris
    alex_chris is offline
    Newbie
    alex_chris's Avatar

    Location
    501 Hoes Lane Suite 200, Piscataway, NJ 08854
    Posts
    2

    Re: What's the difference between CDMA and GSM? Which is better?

    I would suggest not to go with CDMA as admin said CDMA doesn't work on GSM network. Since many phones are only having
    GMS network so CDMA is not worth



  • Similar Threads







  • Quick Reply Quick Reply

    If you are already a member, please login above.