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is call quality better on 3G than on Edge?
- Thread starter 55test55
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It really depends on the signal quality. A full-bar 3G call will sound better than a full-bar Edge call. But if you are in an area with a weak 3G signal you may get better call results on Edge than 3G.
Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
+1
granted I've always had an iphone 3g with 3g always set to ON... but still it fluctuates during calls from 3g to edge to gprs quite a bit. It's never really made much of a difference... But you can use data on 3g while on a call whereas you CAN'T on edge, so that beats it for sure.
I have heard a lot of claims that it's supposed to be but can't tell a difference. The main problem is I don't think anybody I call has a 3G phone. I wish all phone service could increase the audio quality closer to at least 64k, but that's probably a pipe dream without VoIP. The few times I have used VoIP applications on a computer, the quality is just stunning.
I can't tell the difference other then the fact I seem to get more bars with 3G. I use 3G almost always now because I'm getting a better reception, even if its at the expense of my battery. As for in call quality - I'm not noticing any difference between the two.
I thought that was impossible. I thought that jumping from one to the other was the most common causes of dropped calls.
Anyone else know for sure?
I believe it is the most common cause of dropped calls, but I don't believe that it always causes the call to drop.
Going from a 2G to a 3GS I can definitely say I have noticed a difference all around for the better. (call quality, signal strength, whether indoors or out)
I live in Chicago however, so that could be the reason. Either way, I always leave 3G running, unless I'm in an area where it's not available.
Of course, all this is still only as good as the person on the other ends reception.
I live in Chicago however, so that could be the reason. Either way, I always leave 3G running, unless I'm in an area where it's not available.
Of course, all this is still only as good as the person on the other ends reception.
There are a lot of factors that go into call quality. Overall, 3G is supposed to have better quality than 2G, but depending on location and some conditions, 2G can be just as good.
For example, when making a GSM (2G) call, there are several different codecs that can be used to make the call. AT&T uses a half rate bit codec in heavily populated areas and during times of peak usage to be able to squeeze more calls in. Half rate codecs typically sound a bit more "digital" and are more prone to garble. However, if you are lucky enough to connect the call using a full rate codec, then 2G and 3G are pretty much identical. The only difference would be during hand offs, where 2G uses "hard" handoffs during tower transitions which most users hear as garble or the call cutting out for a half second. 3G does not have that problem as it uses "soft" handoffs.
For example, when making a GSM (2G) call, there are several different codecs that can be used to make the call. AT&T uses a half rate bit codec in heavily populated areas and during times of peak usage to be able to squeeze more calls in. Half rate codecs typically sound a bit more "digital" and are more prone to garble. However, if you are lucky enough to connect the call using a full rate codec, then 2G and 3G are pretty much identical. The only difference would be during hand offs, where 2G uses "hard" handoffs during tower transitions which most users hear as garble or the call cutting out for a half second. 3G does not have that problem as it uses "soft" handoffs.
This will make no difference to voice call quality - edge or 3G or GRPS are only required for data. Voice calls do not require a data connection to work -
you can still make a call without edge or 3g as long as you have a signal.
Hmm ... yea?
I'm pretty sure there's a voice quality difference between Edge, GRPS and 3G. I find it less "tinny" on 3G.
edge is used for data, not voice, so this is a trick question
with AT&T 3g is used for both data and voice. Potentiolly at same time. Edge and gsm voice are either/or.
I think 3g is potentially better, but it can depend on cell usage.
