A Speedy Guide to 4G/LTE

Mobile Phones Guide

A Speedy Guide to 4G/LTE

Your Guide to 4G/LTE Products, Services and More

Introduction to 4G LTE

Recently, the terms "4G" and "LTE" are used frequently in the papers and on the Internet. What exactly is 4G LTE? What does it mean? How does it benefit you as a consumer?

Well, LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. To be precise, its full name is 3GPP Long Term Evolution for the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, or 3GPP UMTS LTE for short. Well, to put it simply, LTE is the next evolution of mobile networks which is expected to offer higher speeds and lower latencies. Commonly referred as the fourth generation (4G) mobile network, the LTE network delivers theoretical download speeds of up to 75Mbps.

Coverage Areas

All three telcos have launched their 4G LTE networks respectively although they are at different stages of deployment. SingTel is currently working to extend its 4G coverage to 80% by December 2012 and complete its island-wide rollout in early 2013.

On the other hand, M1 is the first in South East Asia to roll out a nationwide 4G network. StarHub's 4G network is limited to the Central Business District, Changi Airport and Singapore Expo. It will expand its 4G coverage to more than half the island by end of the year and is scheduled to complete nationwide coverage in 2013.

4G Devices Available Now

If you are considering a 4G device, there is a growing number of products available now. For smartphones, you have the HTC One XL, LG Optimus True HD LTE, Samsung Galaxy S II LTE, Galaxy Note LTE and Galaxy S III LTE to choose from. There's also the upcoming 4G version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II that's coming to Singapore.

For tablets, you have ASUS Transformer Pad TF300TL (an LTE edition of the Transformer Pad TF300) and Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE. In case you are wondering why the third generation Apple iPad is not included, it is because the device operates on frequency bands which are not supported by the local telcos.

Content Index to All About 4G/LTE

4G/LTE Product Reviews and Feature Articles

Sony Xperia ZL - A Version of the Xperia Z

REVIEW / 06 May 2013 / By Sidney Wong

The Sony Xperia ZL is a variant of the Xperia Z, which comes with a slightly less premium design and no dust/water resistive features. Is it as appealing as the Xperia Z or even a better phone? We share our opinion in this review.

Mid-Year Review of Telco's 4G LTE Networks - Orchard Road and Universities Edition

FEATURE / 23 Apr 2013 / By Sidney Wong

Having traveled to six locations across the island to review the 4G coverage, we decided to expand our mid-year analysis to include 7 shopping malls in Orchard road and the four major universities in Singapore. Hop in to check out the outcome!

Mid-Year Review of Telco's 4G LTE Networks for Smartphones

FEATURE / 19 Apr 2013 / By Sidney Wong

The three telcos have already rolled out their 4G LTE services several months ago. Armed with three Sony Xperia Z devices and a 4G SIM card from each telco that we purchased, we traveled to six locations across the island to review the 4G coverage.

Hands-on: LG Optimus G Pro

FEATURE / 27 Feb 2013 / By Sidney Wong

LG is one of the few phone makers to venture into the 5.5-inch phone segment, where Samsung rules with an iron fist. Can LG's first Full-HD smartphone beat Samsung in its own game? Here's our first impressions of the LG Optimus G Pro.

Sony Xperia Z - The 5-inch Contender

REVIEW / 26 Feb 2013 / By Wong Casandra

The Sony Xperia Z is Sony Mobile's first in many areas - first quad-core, first 5.0-inch device, first full HD display, first to support HDR video recording and so on. Will the latest Android 4.1 flagship device revive the company's flogging sales? We give you our verdict in this review.

Hands-on: ASUS PadFone Infinity

FEATURE / 26 Feb 2013 / By Sidney Wong

ASUS took the wraps off the latest member of the PadFone family, the 5-inch PadFone Infinity. Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor and 2GB RAM, the PadFone Infinity is set to give the other 5-inch phones a run for their money. Read on to find out more about the PadFone Infinity.

LG Optimus G - Rising Android Powerhouse

REVIEW / 19 Feb 2013 / By Sidney Wong

LG collaborated with its sister companies, LG Chem, LG Display and LG Innotek to offer its latest flagship model, the Optimus G. What industry leading technologies does the LG Optimus G possess? Can it give the competition a run for its money? Read on to find out more in our review.

Hands-on: Sony Xperia Z

FEATURE / 08 Jan 2013 / By Sidney Wong

Sony joins the league of Android vendors who are offering 5-inch smartphones this year. As the first 5-inch smartphone we've handled, how does the Sony Xperia Z fare? Join us as we explore Sony's flagship model.