How to find out if your phone or SIM card supports 4G

In the modern world, mobile Internet technology is on the lips of every user of modern gadgets. Every day the need for fast and high-quality information transfer is growing higher and higher. In an attempt to satisfy the needs of modern people, a new communication standard was developed, the 4 generation standard or simply 4g. High-speed access to the World Wide Web without a direct connection or wi-fi no longer seems like an unprecedented luxury: anywhere and at any time you can open the necessary website, download the necessary documents, watch a video or “sit” on a social network. To implement this technology into your device, several conditions are required: a special SIM card and a phone that was released no later than five years ago. New generation smartphones (even with a low price policy of six thousand rubles) support this service. Connecting a 4g SIM card is also available for tablets and USB modems.

How to determine whether a smartphone supports 4g function?

To find out if your flagship has 4g support, you should look at the device parameters. You can also look at the characteristics of the smartphone on the box left after purchasing it, or on the manufacturer’s official website.

But let’s take a closer look at viewing your phone’s settings:

1. Open settings on the device
2. In the “Wireless networks” section, select the menu called “SIM cards and mobile networks”
3. Find the line “Preferred networks”

If your gadget supports the 4g network type, then the found line will indicate “4g” or “LTE”, after which we select the installation. If there is no such item, then your phone is not suitable for installing 4g mobile Internet. This means that buying just one special SIM card will not end the matter.

Alas, in this case, you have only one way out of the situation - buy a new mobile device from the latest models with support for fourth-generation communications. As already mentioned, buying a smartphone will cost you at least six thousand rubles. But this will give you a guarantee of constant free access to the Internet, regardless of your location.

What is 4G and what are its technical characteristics

4G (from the English fourth generation - fourth generation) is a generation of mobile communications with increased requirements. The fourth generation is considered to include promising technologies that allow data transmission at speeds exceeding 100 Mbit/s for mobile (high mobility) and 1 Gbit/s for stationary subscribers (low mobility).

Wikipedia

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G

The 4G standard can be divided into two standards: LTE and WiMAX itself. However, under the conditions of its technology, WiMAX can only serve “static” users, as well as mobile phones that move at speeds of up to 115 km/h (you cannot catch the network on high-speed trains and autobahns). At the same time, despite its “lateness” (the fourth generation LTE was released in 2009, and WiMAX in 2005), the LTE standard has become more popular and preferred for mobile networks.

The main characteristic that interests all users is the data transfer speed. According to the fourth generation standard, users with low mobility (travel speed up to 10 km/h) should receive up to 1 Gbit/s on their devices. For high mobility (from 10 km/h and more) - the speed will be up to 100 Mbit/s

At the same time, you shouldn’t think that we get the declared speeds; this will almost never happen. There are many factors that affect data transmission in wireless networks. Firstly, 4G technology is based solely on packet data transmission, and the speed even on wired networks of this kind can be slow. Information from a resource to a user passes through several nodes, and very often packets can be lost in the wilds of the web. Therefore, the missing data is requested again, and this wastes time. Secondly, there are always physical limitations. For example, the terrain or network congestion.

4G standards were patented and began to be implemented in 2012, and in 5-6 years of using these networks, I have never seen the coveted round numbers in speed tests.

The main mobile format of 4G Internet is based on the LTE standard

What kind of special sim card?

If your phone is capable of “LTE” connection, then proceed to the next step. To easily access the World Wide Web, you need to purchase a 4g SIM card. The SIM card required to connect to the service is called a USIM card - this is an improved version of a regular SIM. The cost in rubles of such a card will vary depending on the size of the traffic. At the moment, companies providing this standard include MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2, etc.

There are also SIM card kits in addition to the 4g modem. You need to look for such offers in mobile phone stores. At a price of 2,500 thousand rubles, you will receive a modem in combination with a USIM card. From 700 rubles you can find any other tariff that suits you. Pay attention to all the services included in the tariff so that you have a chance to use the mobile Internet according to your needs: work without a direct connection, stay in touch with family or freely access social networks.

How to check whether the SIM card in the cell phone is suitable for this option:

• In the mobile phone salon
• There is a special icon on the packaging of the purchased SIM card
• Using USSD command

Let's look at the last method in more detail. The USSD command depends on the operator to which your SIM card is attached. It is worth noting that MTS and Beeline do not provide this opportunity to their clients. Users of the MegaFon operator must enter the short command *507# and then click on the “Call” icon.

Let's find out if the phone has 4G

Almost all smartphones (not counting representatives of the lower price segment and models from some manufacturers aimed at the market of a specific country) released in 2014 and later are equipped with 4G/LTE support. There are quite a few of these among the devices of 2012-13, and it was in the latter that new-generation cellular communications began working in Russia. At the same time, you need to check the support of this technology not only in the phone, but also in the SIM card, which is the receiver of the network signal.

The easiest and most guaranteed effective method for determining whether your Android smartphone or Apple iPhone supports LTE is to look at its technical specifications (although the latter are even easier). So, if you still have the box from the device and/or the documentation attached to it, you need to look for this information there. Fortunately, this is not the only option.

iPhone

Since Apple doesn't make many mobile devices, you and I won't even need to determine whether they support 4G or not. In models released before 2012, the module required to work in networks of this generation is missing, therefore, the technology is not supported. All others, starting with the iPhone 5, released in September of the same 2012, have implemented 4G support. Here is a complete list of all models:

• iPhone 5, 5c, 5s – up to 100 Mbit/s;
• iPhone SE, 6, 6 Plus – up to 150 Mbit/s;
• iPhone 6s, 6s Plus – up to 300 Mbit/s;
• iPhone 7, 7 Plus – up to 450 Mbit/s;
• iPhone 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR – up to 600 Mbit/s;
• iPhone XS, XS Max – up to 1 Gbps.

Therefore, if you have one of the above iPhones, you can be sure that it supports LTE networks. The Mbit/s and Gbit/s values ​​indicated next to each model are the maximum data transfer speed limit. But unfortunately, to a much greater extent, it depends on the quality of cellular communications and the capabilities of the operator than on the smartphone.

Android

So, you have established the exact and full name of your Android smartphone from the box and/or documentation, and you could also find out about 4G/LTE support or lack thereof. In this case, you can proceed to the next step. But if the necessary information is not received, follow the recommendations below.

1. Open the “Settings” of your Android mobile device and scroll through the list of sections presented there to the very bottom.
2. Go one by one through “System” - “About phone”.
   

   Note: On smartphones from many manufacturers, the “About phone” is located in the main settings menu, and not as part of the “System” .

3. The information we are interested in will be indicated in the description of the “About Phone” subsection (that is, it can be seen before going to it), and when you open it, we will first see the “Device Name” - the main, “market” name of the model, if you have not changed it manually . In our example, this is the default Nokia 6. More precise information will be provided a little lower - see the “Model and Equipment” section (in our example this is TA-1021). Remember, or better yet, write down this information.
4. Open any browser convenient for you (on your phone or PC) and enter the following query in your preferred search engine:
   full name of the device (manufacturer, model) + technical characteristics.

   Tip: In addition to the request, you can add the name, for example, of an online store that you trust, but only if it actually contains detailed characteristics, and not just a brief description.

5. In the search results, select the most suitable one (or “walk” through several of them one by one) and follow the link. On the page that opens, find the section with technical characteristics - it can be called “Characteristics” or “All characteristics” and be presented in a separate tab or menu item. Also, the necessary information may be located in the block with the main description of the device. The information we are interested in will be located in the “Communication Standard” block (or something similar in meaning). “4G (LTE)” is usually indicated there, as a separate item or in the general list of network types supported by the mobile device.

Once you are sure that your Android smartphone supports 4G, proceed to the next step. If this standard is not stated in its characteristics, we are sorry, but it’s time to think about buying a more modern device.

Checking the SIM card

Support for 4G/LTE in a phone is good, but if it is not equipped with a SIM, it will be of little use. You can check whether your mobile operator's card supports the current cellular communication standard using a special USSD request sent from the dialer. Here are the main ones:

• Megafon - *507#
• Tele2 - *156#
• MTS and Beeline - all SIM cards issued after 2013

Just open the dialer on your phone and dial the combination corresponding to your operator, then press the call button. Almost immediately you will receive a notification whether the SIM network supports 4G or not. And if it turns out that this standard is not supported, just contact the official showroom of your mobile operator to replace the card - this is a free procedure.

Megafon tariffs available for 4g connection

The company has provided its clients with a multifunctional tariff “Turn on!” with different subtypes of services. Each user is able to choose which one he likes. All offers have different prices in rubles, so a regular smartphone user will certainly find a package whose pricing policy completely suits him.

“Turn on! See" with payment every month of 1000 rubles

• 1500 minutes
• Unlimited Internet
• 300 SMS
• Movies and TV series on MegaFon TV
• Cashback up to 30%
• MegaFon TV
• Antivirus ESET NOD32
• MegaFon Press
• 1 magazine and 1 podcast per month

“Turn on! “Have fun” for a monthly payment of 450 rubles

• 100 minutes
• Cashback up to 30%
• MegaFon TV
• Unlimited internet for video and music on YouTube, BOOM, Yandex.Music, VKontakte Music, Apple Music
• Unlimited on social networks and instant messengers VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat...
• Antivirus ESET NOD32

«Get involved! Chat” for a monthly payment of 600 rubles

• 500 minutes
• Unlimited
• The most profitable unlimited
• Cashback up to 30%

• MegaFon TV
• Antivirus ESET NOD32
• MegaFon Press

“Turn on! Premium with payment every month of 3000 rubles

• 5000 minutes
• Unlimited
• 100 messages per day
• Special status and privileges
• MegaFon TV
• Antivirus ESET NOD32
• MegaFon Press

Each collection of services for a smartphone additionally includes the function of subscribing to the liters website - read with tariffs from MegaFon anywhere and at any time, because one free book will be sent to your account every month.

At the moment, subscribers are provided with service packages with complete unlimited network access. It’s easy to get lost among the variety of tariff plans offered by an operator, but if you approach the choice more thoughtfully, determine for yourself the main indicators and requirements for the package, then you will definitely find exactly your option.

How to find out about support for next generation communications

To find out if your smartphone supports 4G, you need to check the following requirements:

• The phone or smartphone itself with the Internet must support the new generation of communications. Such information is indicated in the technical specifications of the device.
• Availability of USIM. New SIM card with support for more numbers, new security protocols and 4G.

MTS tariffs with 4G connection

MTS subscribers were also provided with a huge variety of tariff packages. The principle is the same: you decide why you need to use unlimited Internet and pay for the tariff through your personal account. Prices for the following packages per device may vary depending on the region of the Russian Federation.

“Tariff” for a telephone with a monthly payment of 650 rubles

• Unlimited Internet
• Calls to any Russian operators, including intercity communication services
• Up to 100% discount for new users for the first month after purchase
• Standard 500/500 for minutes and SMS
• Free viewing of MTS TV for two months from the date of purchase (150 rubles/month thereafter)

In this case, the subscriber has the right to choose the number of minutes and SMS, according to which the amount of payment for the function changes. For 800 minutes and 800 messages you will need to pay 800 rubles; for packages 1500/1500 - 1050 rubles, and for 3000/3000 - 1550. The last two packages include free use of the ivi.ru website without intrusive advertising.

“Our Smart” from MTS with payment every month of 1000 rubles

• Unlimited on the Internet
• 1500 minutes and 1500 SMS
• The opportunity to distribute free Internet to loved ones and friends near you

Tariff “X” from MTS with a monthly payment of 500 rubles

• Complete unlimited use of popular sites and resources
• The ability to use instant messengers and social networks even in cases where there are no funds left in your account
• 7 GB for surfing
• Daily 100 minutes and 200 SMS

“Smart Top​” for 1950 rubles per month

With this tariff, truly large-scale opportunities open up for the user:

• Unlimited on the Internet
• 3000/3000 minutes and SMS
• Operability throughout the Russian Federation

“ULTRA” for 2900 rubles per month

• Unlimited Internet with 4G
• 5000/5000 minutes and SMS
• Activity throughout the Russian Federation

What opportunities does technology provide?

In Russia, such a product is in great demand, although it appeared relatively recently. Just a few years ago it was difficult to believe in the opportunities that are available today. For example, data is transferred at a speed of approximately 150 megabits/s. The vast majority of resources load instantly. The film will download in excellent quality within about 10-15 minutes.

But to enjoy such benefits, you need to know which phones support 4g LTE.

Additional information about the 4G standard

After connecting the 4G option in your smartphone that is capable of supporting this format, give time for the indicator to appear. Access to the World Wide Web will be allowed the moment the coverage radius reaches your phone. When the fourth generation icon makes itself known, you can freely access the Internet without a direct connection and in an area where there is no Wi-Fi technology.

Additionally, please note that this type of communication quickly drains the device's battery power.

Connect to the fourth generation of technology, stay in touch with your loved ones, and process the information received in a timely manner using the mobile Internet!

What about the SIM card? Does it need to be changed?

In the case of a SIM card, everything is quite simple. Each of the operators offers its subscribers a simple USSD request, by which you can understand whether to change the SIM card or not. These are the codes:

• for users of the Kyivstar network, simply enter the code *245*4# and press the call key.
• for Vodafone (formerly MTS-Ukraine) subscribers request *222#
• for lifecell subscribers: *455#

We hope that you are now completely ready for the next generation of mobile Internet.

Sources used:

• https://vpautinu.com/planshet_smartfon/ios/kak-uznat-podderzivaet-li-telefon-4g
• https://4gltee.ru/kak-uznat-podderzhivaet-li-telefon-4g/
• https://lumpics.ru/how-find-out-if-phone-supports-4g/
• https://itmaster.guru/nastrojka-interneta/mobilnyj-internet/kak-uznat-podderzhivaet-li-telefon-4g.html
• https://minfin.com.ua/telecom/articles/kak-proverit-vashi-telefon-i-sim-kartu-na-sovmestimost-s-4g-internetom

SHARE Facebook

• tweet

Previous articleHow to remove WhatsApp from your phone

Next articleHow to recover a Mi account: if your phone is locked or you’ve forgotten your login and password

Which phone to choose and where to buy

If the phone does not support 4G, then the only option is to buy a new one. And here the user is presented with a large number of models in different price ranges. Let's look at popular solutions:

• The bulk of 4G smartphones are presented in the mid-budget segment. Their prices start from 10,000 rubles and above (the cost of branded solutions), and they can be purchased in retail stores. Advantages: modern functions, comfortable use. Disadvantages: price.
• Buying a cheap device that supports new networks. They are sold in official stores of telecom operators. A 4G smartphone costs no more than 4,000 rubles . Advantages: use of the Internet and calls. Disadvantages: unstable system, weak technical characteristics.
• Buying a push-button telephone. Of the brand representatives of this segment, it is worth highlighting: Nokia 3310, Nokia 8110. The price does not exceed 6,000 rubles . Advantages: assembly, price. Disadvantages: lack of new features and applications.
• Smartphones from Chinese little-known brands. You can purchase them in Chinese online stores for up to 10,000 rubles . They are equipped with good components and are an inexpensive solution between budget and brand phones. Their minus is stability of operation, their plus is low cost and modern functions.

Above are different ways to find out if your phone supports 4G. Fortunately, there are a large number of solutions on the phone market at different prices, with which you can use the new generation of communications.

What to do if the SIM card does not support 4G?

Only the owner of the number at Tele2 subscriber service centers can replace the SIM card. You need to take your passport with you. I was given a duplicate immediately - that is, there is no need to wait for a duplicate to be made (as happens with bank cards). For a duplicate SIM card you will be asked to pay 50 rubles, but actually zero, because this money will be credited to your phone account immediately after activating the duplicate.

I went to change at the Tele2 salon on Revolution Avenue in Voronezh (Revolution Avenue, 54, on the side and not far from the Puppet Theater, get off either at the stop “Karl Marx Street” or “Puppet Theater”). Unfortunately, the sign was not illuminated, and I searched using the map application, although if you know where it is, you will find it.

If you are not sure that the subscriber service center closest to your home changes SIM cards, you can call the special Tele2 helpline number 638 or through the feedback form on the Tele2 website.

What is the difference between 4G/LTE and 3G?

4G networks provide faster data transfer speeds than 3G. I won’t be unfounded - I’ll back everything up with numbers using the example of my mobile operator (I already wrote that I’ve had Tele2 for more than 10 years). The maximum data transfer speed in the 4G network from Tele2 is up to 75 Mbit/s for reception and up to 18 Mbit/s for transmission. For comparison: on a 3G network, depending on the smartphone model, download speeds of up to 21 Mbit/s or up to 42 Mbit/s are available, respectively (if the smartphone supports UMTS Release 8 DC/HSPA+ technology). That is, the difference is significant.

I felt this difference in everyday life. Although I spend my working day at the computer, sometimes I am required to solve some problems outside of class hours. For example, when I sit at children's football training in the evening. Often these tasks involve watching videos or downloading heavy photos from professional DSLR cameras. If earlier I waited for the video or photo to load and was nervous, then since the summer this is no longer the case.

Suitable rates

The list of tariffs that support 4G, which include large Internet traffic packages, is presented in the table. “All in one” line:

The “EverythingMoe” line is no less popular:

We recommend: How to distribute Internet from your phone without restrictions

The “All for 1800 + roaming” tariff with 4G provides extended packages that can be spent even while traveling. Main parameters:

1. Traffic package – 15 GB.
2. The normal regime operates in more than 100 countries.
3. 3000 minutes.
4. 300 SMS messages to any operators.
5. Cost 1800 rub. per month.

A more budget option for the “All for 1800” tariff is the “Unlim” product. You will only have to optimize roaming with the help of an additional subscription.

"Unlimited" for computer

There is an offer for computer equipment that allows you to use traffic at home. The package provides 30 GB for 900 rubles. per month. The user is given a beautiful number as a gift. Additionally, you can activate “Unlimited at night” for 150 rubles/month. Other tariff items:

"Highway"

This service is suitable for increasing the traffic limit during the daytime, and it is also used for a tablet. After activating the subscription, the user is offered the following conditions:

It is convenient to connect through the “My Beeline” mobile application. To manage services, you need to download and install the service on your smartphone.

Due to the technology features and LTE configuration, Beeline 4G cannot be used everywhere, despite the fact that the provider is actively developing the zone. Experts advise switching to 4G only when actively using the Internet. In other cases, in the settings you should switch the operating mode to 2G or 3G

During this procedure, it is important to update the activation of the transfer of mobile information by disabling and enabling the corresponding key in the smartphone menu