What Does LTE Mean on My Phone?

If you've ever wondered what LTE means when it appears on the top corner of your phone (or what it means when it's not there), you're not alone. 

Many people don't know what LTE stands for or why it matters. In this article, we'll explain LTE’s meaning and how those three little letters can impact how fast your phone does all the things you need it to do.

What Is LTE?

Short for long-term evolution, LTE is a 4G (fourth-generation) network technology, a significant leap from the 3G network. Compared to 3G, LTE can use higher frequency bands and have more bands to choose from. 

To understand this better, think of 3G as a congested city road compared to LTE. It's slower and more crowded, so it can't handle as much traffic. 

LTE, on the other hand, was rolled out to provide better high-speed data transmission resulting in faster download speeds and smoother streaming experiences on your mobile devices, whether you have an Android phone, Apple iPhone, or another LTE-capable device. 

This can make a big difference in everyday phone use, particularly when gaming or video calling, where every second counts.

What Do the Different LTE Symbols Mean?

So, those three letters appeared on your screen, and now you’re asking yourself, “What does LTE mean?” But, what about the other symbols, too?

When using your phone to make voice calls or scroll your favorite social media platforms, you might notice different symbols appearing on your phone's screen. These symbols represent the type of nearby networks.. 

Here's a quick breakdown:

• 5G: Stands for 5G coverage, the newest and fastest generation of cellular technology.
• LTE: Short for 4G LTE network, one of today’s widely available high-speed wireless technologies.‍
• LTE+ or 4G+: Indicates you’re in the vicinity of an LTE Advanced tower, a more efficient and faster version of LTE.‍
• 3G: Means the only network in the vicinity is a 3G network. While 3G is slower than LTE, it can be a fallback, especially in rural or remote areas where 4G LTE and 5G networks are not readily available.‍
• E (EDGE): This is a step below 3G, so it’s even slower.

Does LTE Affect My Phone's Performance?

LTE affects your mobile data speed, phone call quality, battery life, and your overall phone experience. 

When you're connected to a strong 4G LTE network, your favorite apps, streaming services, and web pages should all work smoothly on your cell phone. You should be able to enjoy high-quality video calls, load web pages in a snap, and stream music without any issues. 

When you’re on a 4G LTE, you likely won’t experience any data connection interruptions or outages.

In fact, the average phone user isn’t likely to notice a big difference between a 4G and 5G connection. Plus, 5G drains your battery more quickly than 4G LTE.

Note that if your phone is connected to 3G or your LTE signal is weak, you’re much more likely to notice issues with your network, and your phone might struggle to load high-definition videos or download larger files.

Are All LTE Networks the Same?

Different carriers offer varying levels of LTE coverage and performance. Some carriers provide higher peak speeds, while others give you more consistent coverage.

While AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and UScellular all have their own 4G LTE cellular networks, they are also in a race to expand their 5G networks. 

How Can I Ensure I'm Getting the Best Coverage?

Getting the best coverage and data plan depends on your location and personal preferences. Don't worry. We've got some tips to guide you:

• Check the coverage: Before choosing a carrier, check our coverage maps to ensure they have robust LTE service in your area. Thankfully, LTE networks are available in roughly 99 percent of the country.
• Choose the right phone: Some newer models, like the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, are better equipped to take advantage of advanced LTE speeds. Likewise, newer devices are 5G-compatible, enabling your cell phone to switch easily between 4G and 5G networks as needed. 

Just keep in mind that the 5G roll-out has been gradual, and while it promises even faster performance , 4G LTE networks still provide an excellent balance of speed and coverage for most users. Think of 4G LTE as your reliable, tried-and-true option, while 5G is the exciting, flashy newcomer.

The Bottom Line

Now that we’ve answered “What does LTE mean on my phone?” and explained how 4G LTE and 5G networks can impact your mobile experience, you may find yourself considering a new phone. Take a look at our running list of the best iPhone 16 deals, Galaxy S24 deals, and Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro deals across carriers, updated the moment we detect a change. 

Our free and unbiased Phone Deal Finder below can also help. It lets you compare the best phone deals you qualify for at your carrier to phone promos from other carriers in a matter of seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LTE on my phone?

LTE is a wireless network known for its fast speeds and reliability, and is a significant jump from 3G. The LTE symbol will typically be shown within a smartphone’s status bar when it’s activated. 

Is LTE good or bad?

LTE has great signal penetration and wide coverage, and can even reach remote areas where other networks might struggle. However, 5G is superior in most circumstances. 

Why does my phone say LTE instead of 5G?

If your phone is out of range of 5G antennas, your smartphone will switch to LTE. With Apple iPhone, if you’re not receiving a noticeable difference with 5G, the device will automatically switch to LTE to help save battery life.