LTE vs 4G: Demystifying the Mobile Network Jargon You Actually Care About

LTE vs. 4G: What’s the Difference—and Does It Matter?

Ever glanced at your phone and seen “LTE” while your friend’s shows “4G,” and wondered if you’re missing out on something faster? Or maybe you’ve seen “4G LTE” and thought, “Wait, are they the same thing or not?”

Let’s clear that up.

What is 4G?

“4G” stands for Fourth Generation mobile network, defined by the ITU-R as offering peak speeds of 100 Mbps (mobile) to 1 Gbps (stationary). It was a major leap from 3G—faster downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency.

Where LTE Fits In

LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is the technology path developed by the 3GPP to achieve 4G performance. Early LTE versions improved on 3G but didn’t meet the full ITU 4G standard—thus dubbed “3.95G” in technical circles. However, it brought major gains in real-world speed and efficiency.

So, What’s "4G LTE"?

It’s mostly a marketing term. Operators used it to highlight LTE’s big improvement over 3G. Over time, LTE advanced into LTE-Advanced (a.k.a. 4G+, LTE+, or 4.5G), which does meet and exceed original 4G benchmarks.

LTE vs. LTE-A: Speed & Performance

LTE-Advanced enables:

• Carrier Aggregation: Wider bandwidth = faster data
• 4x4 MIMO: More data streams = higher speeds & better stability
• Lower latency and more efficient network usage

Beyond the Basics: What It Means for You

• Everyday users: Stream HD videos, play games, and download faster
• Industrial & IoT: Reliable, wide-area connectivity with low power consumption

Round Solutions leverages LTE-A and LTE-M/NB-IoT modules from Telit Cinterion, combined with high-performance Sunnyway-IoT antennas and io-gate edge gateways. This allows secure, stable, and efficient data transfer in mission-critical environments—from smart cities to agriculture to logistics.

Is LTE Obsolete Now That 5G is Here?

Not at all. In fact, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) relies on LTE networks for signaling. LTE remains crucial for:

• Rural coverage
• Low-power IoT (via LTE-M and NB-IoT)
• Fallback in areas without 5G

Round Solutions continues to support these use cases with fully certified modules, rugged antennas, and global SIM solutions tailored to industry demands.

Final Takeaway: LTE = Your Everyday 4G

While LTE and 4G started as distinct, LTE-Advanced has bridged that gap. For most users and IoT applications, LTE (especially LTE-A) is 4G.

Choosing the right technology depends on your goals—and with Round Solutions, you get expert guidance, robust Telit Cinterion modules, and field-proven Sunnyway-IoT antennas built to last.

Founded 1999 in Germany, we are a leading developer of IoT gateways & ODM services and Telit Cinterion's oldest, most trusted and licensed distributor. Round Solutions is proud to announce its partnership with Sunnyway-iot, the leading manufacturer of high-performance IoT antennas in China. This collaboration allows us to offer an expanded range of reliable and innovative antenna solutions tailored to meet the demands of European industries, including automotive, industrial IoT, and smart city applications. Together, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge technology that enables seamless connectivity and drives the future of IoT in Europe.

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