What is the difference between 2G and 3G in a cell phone? And what is the big deal about smart phones?

I’m just trying to figure out if it’s worth it to upgrade to a 3G phone, whatever that is! My cell phone is a couple of years old and I don’t know what the big deal is with these new smart phones.

Answer by ScσττRΛSC³
Internet speed. 3G is faster than 2G. (internet through a carrier like AT&T, Sprint, for example). Smartphones have more functionality than regular phones, like internet, HD video recording & playback

Answer by Mnms Nk
The most important improvement in 3G, compared to the older 2G and 2.5G standards is much higher capacity of the Internet access. It provides some extra functionality, like for example video calls, quite fast (compared to 2G – very fast) surfing through the Internet, streaming video in good quality etc. So if you’re a fan of using the Internet wherever you are by your mobile phone, then it’s worth to upgrade.

In theory, smart phones differ from simply mobiles in operating system. “Traditional” phones don’t really have any operating system. They have their own firmware, and the interface is based mainly on Java platform. Therefore, they don’t need very efficient components (like fast processor, big amount of RAM and ROM memory). Smart phones are more complicated in this terms. They are like micro computers, and they have their REAL operating system, namely: Windows Mobile, Symbian, Android, Apple iOS, Bada OS. So they have to be better equipped. Only disadvantage of smartphones is larger demand for electrical energy. So you have to charge the battery more often.

Practically, simply cells can run only small applications (called applets), so they don’t allow to use GPS navigation system. Well, some has this functionality, but it usually needs permanent access to the Internet… Or if you really want to, there is some Java software (like TrekBuddy), but it’s usually reduced and doesn’t work properly. On smartphone you can install almost everything you need to. There is many applications available, which you use on your personal computer – they are also developed for smart phones! For example Opera web browser, Skype, MSN Messenger, DivX/Xvid players etc

But if you don’t really need these features, better choose simply mobile phone. Actually they have a lot of additional functions like playing mp3 music or mp4 videos, recording quite good quality videos, touch screen, fast Internet access using 3G technology, smart widgets etc.

What do you think? Answer below!

The area I live in, has weak ATT reception. Many friends with ATT ( iPhones ) do have reception when visiting me Will 3g improve reception of weak signals? I want an iPhone.

Answer by clintmax2006
Yes, it sure does! Before I had a 3G phone, I could not get any signal whatsoever inside my apartment. Now that I have a 3G phone, I get full bars no matter where I am in my house! I have the original iPhone as well as a Moto Q and the iPhone gets no signal inside. I have to go outside to use my other phone. So, the 3G version will do much better!

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