15 best smartphones 4G enabled
- Best 4G smartphones with maximum speed in a live channel
- The best 4G smartphones with reception speeds up to 300 Mbps
- The best smartphones with 4G support, providing data reception at speeds up to 150 Mbps
- The best 4G smartphones with high speed data transfer (wide reverse channel)
- The best 4G smartphones that can use VoLTE technology in Russian cellular networks
- The best 4G smartphones with two radio channels
The fourth generation (Generation, abbreviated 4G) of mobile communication is theoretically capable of providing high speeds with Internet connection, but it is not easy to realize this potential. Within the framework of this standard, several data transmission technologies are used at once, and the simplest of them, with reference to the topic of our review, is LTE. The maximum speed in this case is 150 Mbit / s for reception (or DL), but its achievement presupposes the existence of ideal conditions: packet exchange takes place in the 20 MHz band, completely “free” cell and high signal level.
How to choose the best smartphone with 4g
When choosing a smartphone with 4g, the most obvious problem for users is that operators often have to use narrower channels (up to 5 MHz) and this depends on the “working” range. Let's clarify that the Russian 4G networks support B20 (800 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz) and B7 (2600 MHz). The B38 (2600 MHz) band is still less common, and the B31 (450 MHz) and B40 (2300 MHz) are quite exotic.
The second problem of high-speed communication is that all these frequencies are distributed in strips, and quite thoughtlessly, and each operator has different “kits” for organizing 4G in different regions, often incomplete. In addition, we recall that there is a direct relationship between the wavelength and the range of signal propagation. In other words, the base stations for the B20 band will need significantly less than for the B7. And what option in the "outback" provider will choose?
For residents of large administrative centers and the territories adjacent to them, everything is not so sad. Moreover, the main operators “work” on several bands at once, and here it is already appropriate to recall the second technology that can use them simultaneously (perform frequency aggregation). It is called LTE-A (Advanced), and a plus is sometimes added to 4G in this case. The current version of the standard allows combining five lanes, but in this case everything is difficult.
First, the telecom operator needs to have a suitable “set” of frequencies, and they are far from all compatible with each other. Secondly, a corresponding re-equipment of base stations is required. Thirdly, a smartphone as a subscriber terminal not only has to support LTE-A technology, as well as all the involved bands, but also be in reliable coverage with respect to each of them.
As for the operators, so far only MegaFon and MTS declare the aggregation of the three frequency bands. And not even everywhere. The parallel use of two lanes is more common and high-speed Internet is already available in a number of regional / regional centers. Actually, this is precisely what determines the selection criteria for most smartphones with 4g for our rating: LTE and LTE-A 2CA (this is the name of devices capable of aggregating two carrier frequencies - 2 Carrier Aggregation).
The necessary information is given by the categories given in the descriptions of smartphones. In our case, these are Cat.4 and Cat.6 - optimal for Russia. Of course, reviews of expensive models promise even 4G gigabit speeds and this is never a hoax. You just need to understand that to achieve them the appropriate conditions are necessary. Let's say the correct operator and being within the Garden Ring. And that doesn't always work.By the way, the older categories imply that smartphones have complex antenna paths. In the characteristics of this fact can be denoted as MIMO with a couple of numbers in front. The latter indicate the number of antenna groups and the more of them, the higher the speed.
Finally, another technology is called VoLTE and is designed to make voice calls through a specially created Internet channel. You correctly thought that it is still sadder, but the light at the end of the tunnel is already visible. At least, at the level of Moscow and the region, such a service is launched at MegaFon, and from the beginning of 2018 it is planned to deploy it in the regions. There is information that MTS is also preparing for the introduction of VoLTE in 2018. Pechalka is that smartphone manufacturers should add necessary settings for all interested telecom operators to the firmware of each supported model. MegaFon turned out to be the most interested in us, which is why the corresponding review category of the best smartphones with 4g is presented by devices compatible with the VoLTE version of this particular company.
Ranking of the best smartphones in 2017 with 4G
Category | A place | Name | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best 4G smartphones with maximum speed in a live channel | 1 | Huawei mate 10 | 9.8 / 10 | 14 890 |
2 | LG V30 + | 9.7 / 10 | 33 990 | |
3 | Samsung Galaxy Note 8 | 9.7 / 10 | 44 980 | |
The best 4G smartphones with reception speeds up to 300 Mbps | 1 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X | 9.7 / 10 | 8 615 |
2 | Honor 9 | 9.7 / 10 | 17 730 | |
3 | Motorola Moto Z Play | 9.5 / 10 | 21 260 | |
The best smartphones with 4G support, providing data reception at speeds up to 150 Mbps | 1 | Apple iPhone SE | 9.5 / 10 | 18 870 |
2 | Honor 6A | 9.4 / 10 | 7 270 | |
3 | Highscreen Boost 3 SE | 9.4 / 10 | 12 990 | |
The best 4G smartphones with high speed data transfer (wide reverse channel) | 1 | ASUS ZenFone 4 ZE554KL 4GB | 9.5 / 10 | 17 750 |
The best 4G smartphones that can use VoLTE technology in Russian cellular networks | 1 | Apple iPhone 8 | 9.8 / 10 | 41 450 |
2 | Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact | 9.6 / 10 | 24 371 | |
3 | Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F | 9.5 / 10 | 24 371 | |
4 | LG Q6a | 9.3 / 10 | 11 343 | |
The best 4G smartphones with two radio channels | 1 | Honor 8 | 9.5 / 10 | 11 343 |
Best 4G smartphones with maximum speed in a live channel
14 890
To reveal "here and now" the entire high-speed Internet potential of the current flagship line of Huawei will not work. Theoretically, LTE-modem and the corresponding strapping of these smartphones allow downloading at 1200 Mb / s speed, and in the return channel they are capable of a “miserable” 150 megabits per second. Such a DL / UL formula is not yet legal, but it is assumed to be Cat.18. On the other hand, the situation in 4G is changing very dynamically, therefore, the prospects for the smartphone are very good. Especially, if we recall the serious participation of Huawei in the study of the capabilities of modern telecommunication technologies based on Russian cellular networks. Our choice in favor of the younger version of the Mate 10 is due to its relatively reasonable price and better ergonomics. By itself, the phone is interesting by the presence of pseudo-intelligence, a very decent level of the camera part, and it is appropriate to recall the simultaneous operation of two 4G-sims, since it is a question of an Internet application of a communication device. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I joined. The first wow effect of how small it is until you turn on the screen. The best smartphone with 4g and a good camera. |
33 990
The current flagships from any A-brand are fundamentally capable of gigabit mobile Internet, but in our conditions such speeds are something of a dream. In light of this, we consider it appropriate to evaluate the top smartphones in this review and other criteria. Model V30 is interesting from two points of view at once. First, it has the best-in-class sound path based on the Saber ES9218P chip. The developer positions it as a professional-level solution. Secondly, the device has a solid approach to video.In addition to the 4K format, it has stereo sound, smooth zoom, cinematic Cine Video mode (15 effects) and other "chips". But lovers of self-portrait company LG cheated. It’s even strange to see the 5 megapixel front camera of the flagship model of 2017. However, as well as 4 GB RAM. As a small consolation, fans of the brand may consider the protection of the device according to the standard MIL-STD-810G. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.7 / 10
Rating
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44 980 (for a model with a memory capacity of 64 GB)
Samsung's flagship has a speed of 1024/150 megabits per second (Cat.16). It remains to find a coverage area where it will be possible to use such opportunities, as no domestic cellular operator works with the aggregation of four bands at once (LTE-A 4CA). Unless the owner of Note 8 plans frequent trips abroad, mainly to the administrative centers of the most developed countries. But right now the last “laptop” allows you to make voice calls using VoLTE technology in the MegaFon network (Moscow and the region). True, and there are nuances. For some reason, the operator does not support dual-slot devices and versions built on the Snapdragon 835 (N950U) platform (at least, this is the position at the time of this writing). And the worst part is that the interaction with our contactless payment systems is fully realized in Note 8 with a Qualcomm chip. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
In fact, this 4g smartphone is the best tool for professionals who need a stylus for sure (a very cool thing) and a lot of specific features of this miracle. |
The best 4G smartphones with reception speeds up to 300 Mbps
8 615 (for a model with a memory capacity of 3/32 GB)
As it is known, inexpensive Xiaomi smartphones do not support Band 20, which is most likely due to the rigid Chinese restrictions on the use of this band. Actually, they exist in other countries, including Russia, but have a softer form. For example, you can not put the corresponding BS tower close to airports (up to 40 km). However, about a third of the carrier frequency combinations used by domestic operators (aggregation) include the B20 band. To the great delight of fans of the “national” brand, Xiaomi has released a global version of the recommended smartphone (model number 2016102), capable of operating at all the necessary frequencies. Well, the phone itself does not need any special recommendations. Redmi Note 4X will not receive a reward for the elegance, but it has a smart and economical “stuffing”, as well as a very decent capacity battery. In other words, if you are counting on a connection speed of up to 300 Mbps, you should focus on the Cat.6 level models with support for LTE-800-FDD (20). Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
This is probably the best smartphone with 4g in terms of price / quality ratio. I can not charge the battery for 3 days. |
17 730 (for model with 4/64 GB memory)
Perhaps, this 4g smartphone can be considered the best choice if the task is to get the maximum possible money for minimum money, without going beyond reasonable limits. The appearance of Honor 9 is emphasized elegant. The performance of the smartphone is not enough only with ultra-graphics in the most "heavy" modern games. The display is “only” Full HD, but of excellent quality and we read well even under direct sunlight. The well-known company Monster had a hand in developing the equalizer. All modern wireless interfaces are presented, including IRDA for remote control of home appliances and NFC with support for Mifare Classic (i.e., there are no problems with Troika travel cards). The camera part lacks only optical stabilization (there is digital and it works well). As for 4G, the device does not promise any speed records. Everything is pragmatic and aimed at the current capabilities of our main telecom operators. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The developers of the Honor 9 smartphone ideally hit the price-performance criteria, making the P10 a more affordable device. |
21 260
This 4G smartphone from the long-suffering brand should not be judged only by the price / performance ratio. A significant part of the banknotes Lenovo (which it now owns) asks for an impressive collection of additional “chips”. First of all, it is compatible with Moto Mods modules. Moreover, unlike the LG concept, such “bells and whistles” are universal, therefore, their development is beneficial to third-party companies, and the Speaker JBL SoundBoost module is a convincing example. Several special sensors and related software allow the smartphone to recognize motion-commands with high accuracy. For example, circular - activates the camera, shaking - turns on the flashlight and so on. As for performance, it is enough for even demanding games. Note also that the capabilities of Moto Z Play on the exchange speeds in 4G networks correspond to Cat.7. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
If the screen is turned upwards with the screen turned on, the active area of the screen will decrease. Very convenient for girls with small palms or drivers. All sorts of gestures for control are like trifles, but they really make you happy every time and make life easier. |
The best smartphones with 4G support, providing data reception at speeds up to 150 Mbps
18 870 (for model with 32 GB memory)
Prior to iPhone 7, Apple did not “bother” with the high-speed characteristics of the Internet connection, although it had long been promoting cloud services as part of its ecosystem. It is possible that such a significant reduction in prices for the SE model range is also due to this moment. Anyway, other manufacturers simply do not have such an impressive list of supported 4G bands. Let us specify, just in case, that a smartphone with internal number A1723 is intended for our networks. Under ideal conditions, its modem is capable of “overclocking” up to 150 Mbit / s at the reception, but the real indicators will be much more modest. In addition, the iPhone SE should easily connect to the VoLTE service, which MegaFon is starting to provide. The main condition here is the operating system version 10.3 or higher. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
A good workhorse, especially after the SE prices have plummeted. Apple ecosystem (polished interface, support, quality and variety of AppStore) is beyond competition. |
7 270
Honor 6A - the best in our ranking inexpensive smartphone with 4g. The most "deprived" representative of the Honor line offers us acceptable performance, nice design, a metal case and a basic set of communication capabilities. This smartphone should be perceived as a good working means of communication, allowing, if necessary, to perform other functions. No wonder that the Honor 6A developers provided for such flexible configuration of power saving modes in it. Turning off all the maximum, you can count on almost a week of "life" without recharging. The speed in the networks of the fourth generation is at the level of Cat.4, it serves almost everything, the VoLTE technology is fundamentally supported. Interestingly, Huawei took an active part in testing the latter, especially in Russia. True, Beeline spent it, nevertheless, the chances of getting the necessary settings quickly and for other operators are still quite good. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.4 / 10
Rating
Reviews
My first 4G phone. Video loads as with wifi. The print response is fast. The budget camera is excellent, I liked it and how the video shoots. |
12 990
There are two tasty "chips" (except 4G) for the recommended smartphone. In the first place - this is his "musicality." The gadget is focused on audiophiles and is equipped with a high-quality bundle of DAC amplifier. It is noteworthy that the developers of the model were able to bypass the limitations of the operating system and now you can listen to your favorite music on your favorite player. The second interesting feature of the Boost line is a pair of complete batteries: an elegant and capacious. The back covers, of course, are also two, and of a different color, so that the device owners will have the opportunity to periodically change its appearance. It’s not easy to become ideal, especially in the category of conditionally available models, so the high performance of the installed Boost 3 SE system cannot boast. For moderate graphics settings in heavy toys, its capabilities are enough, but no more. As for the main topic of the review, we note that the smartphone supports the main current LTE ranges. Moreover, the Highscreen music smartphones were previously tested for compatibility with MegaFon's VoLTE, so the prospects for high-quality voice communications from the Boost 3 SE are also quite good. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.4 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Friendly advice to those who are going to take Highscreen Boost: do not take the money, buy good headphones. Otherwise, the super-duper music chip will be useless, and you will not hear the difference with other models. |
The best 4G smartphones with high speed data transfer (wide reverse channel)
17 750 (for model Eurotest)
The need for such a device is now becoming more common. For example, a mobile phone with a “fast” reverse channel (UL) is also useful for video bloggers. Yes, and already familiar to many download files / images in the "cloud" on it will be faster. In our conditions, the most practical device would be a smartphone with the 7th LTE category, but since there are practically none, we have to focus on models with “redundant” speed formulas.As it seems to us, of the latest innovations in this sense, the ZenFone 4 ZE554KL is the most interesting. It is able to work with aggregation of three ranges and complies with the Cat.12 / Cat.13 specification (600/150 Mbps). Well, in other respects, the offer from ASUS looks very decent. Really high quality camera part, audio format support 24/192, good performance. Unless the inferiority of NFC can complain. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The camera and before the smartphone ZenFone was good, and now it has even more bells and whistles. Shoots better in low light + appeared wide. |
The best 4G smartphones that can use VoLTE technology in Russian cellular networks
41 450 (for a model with a memory capacity of 64 GB)
Actually, almost any of the latest iPhones can be in this position, as long as they are all compatible with VoLTE from MegaFon. The main requirement is a fairly recent version of iOS (10.3 and higher is indicated on the operator’s site). Note also that the G8 with model number A1905 is focused on domestic 4G networks. What Apple doesn’t take away is the most extensive list of supported ranges. As for the speed indicators, let's say. The phone can work with the aggregation of three frequency bands, and the presence of MIMO LTE is not stated in it. Those. we suspect Cat.12 with speeds of 450/50 Mbps, although there are some fantastic numbers on the Internet. Why iPhone 8? So he is definitely better than the seventh model and not as controversial as the tenth. Although, of course, a matter of taste. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.8 / 10
Rating
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24 371
Sony also found it possible to add the necessary settings for MegaFon to their smartphones, and it did so a relatively long time ago. It may be that the efficiency of the Japanese is associated with slightly different principles for the implementation of VoLTE support in their devices. By the way, if this is the case, then the chances for a quick adaptation of Xiaomi products increase markedly, as far as the manufacturer went the same way. Returning to the Xperia XZ1 Compact, we note that the compact version of the current Sony flagship is characterized by the LTE-A 4CA formula, i.e. able to work with four frequency bands simultaneously. Gorgeous proposal, it is a pity that using it in the conditions of the domestic 4G will not work. For now, anyway. It is interesting that the last Compact differs minimally from its older “brother”, but the modem is included in this list. Those. with the need for both gigabit internet and VoLTE, focus on the “simple” XZ1. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.6 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Before buying this smartphone, I used the new iPhone SE for several weeks (I took it because of its size) - it sat down like the last bastard. XZ1 Compact charge every couple of days. |
The third brand whose products are already compatible with VoLTE from MegaFon is Samsung. You need to choose from the latest generations of Galaxy A or S. Just keep in mind that dvuhsimochnye models, for example, SM-A520F / DS, at the time of writing these lines are not supported by the operator.In addition, you should be extremely careful when buying "gray" devices. Most likely, they have inappropriate regional settings. By itself, the recommended model is capable of aggregating two bands (LTE-A 2CA), which corresponds to a speed formula of 300/50 Mbps. In all other respects, the smartphone is also quite interesting, and sometimes unique. So who of his direct competitors can boast IP68 protection? And here it is. There is an NFC module, but he cannot read Mifare Classic cards, so the phone is not suitable for contactless payment of travel. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Who needs a camera for a photo in the dark - do not buy, be upset. The battery keeps really long. I rarely watch videos and don't play. Social networks, calls, the Internet - always. Sometimes navigator. Enough for a working day and more evening. |
11 343
Pay attention, then we are talking about the alpha version of Q6, the “simple” model does not yet appear in the MegaFon compatibility list. By the way, it is impossible to say that this is a huge loss, in so far the older “relative” simply amazes with some design features. For example, there is an NFC module and no fingerprint scanner. The same will have to enter each time the password for the banking application, not to mention the need to remember it. But there is no short-range module, and there is no problem. The recommended device meets the requirements of Cat.6, i.e. Works with aggregation of a pair of frequency bands. Unfortunately, in its current implementation (based on IMS), VoLTE technology is incompatible with LTE-A. It will manifest itself in the interruption of the usual Internet connection at the time of the call. Unpleasant, but familiar. And this smartphone has a trend aspect ratio of the screen (18: 9) and there are no problems with expanding the memory. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.3 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I use the smartphone as a dialer, for an Internet, for instant messengers, I listen to music. No complaints. By the time of work - on average, I have a day and a half pulling. |
The best 4G smartphones with two radio channels
11 343 (for model with 4/64 GB memory)
If you have to regularly search for something on the Internet, guided by the instructions of your telephone interlocutor - this model is exactly for you. Two independent radio channels allow you to not interrupt the Internet connection during a voice call. In this regard, Honor 8 has no serious competitors, except for some other Huawei smartphones, with more impressive price tags. The phone’s speed formula is Cat.6, i.e. 50 Mbit / s "to the output" and 300 "to the input" - the most optimum for domestic 4G networks. It is only necessary to bear in mind that Honor 8 has a lot of hardware versions, and not all of them support the LTE bands used by domestic telecom operators. But the “tricked out” radio path is not the only advantage of the recommended smartphone. This list also includes very high-quality cameras, a productive hardware platform, modern wireless interfaces, as well as an extensive community that allows you to quickly solve almost any problem. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The mobile phone is so gorgeous that the Yabloko friends sadly looked at their fifth, sixth and seventh. Blurt fast? Yes. But enough to hold once a sweater - and he is again ready to catch the eye. |
Which 4G smartphone should I buy?
It is worth starting with finding out the characteristics of coverage and operating frequencies your or the desired operator at the place of intended use of the telephone. If 4G communication is available on several bands at once, is it supported by LTE-A technology? In any case, it should be borne in mind that the higher the working frequencies, the worse the "range" and the more problems with the stability of the connection in bad weather. But the capacity of such a network is also high (the number of simultaneously operating subscribers).
Suppose you are not a resident of a really large city or its surroundings. Then it makes no sense to buy a device with a "cool" speed formula. Most likely, you will only need a Cat.4 LTE smartphone operating on the required range.
If you are lucky to stay in LTE-A-covered zones for a long time, you can look more closely at mobile phones. It is unlikely that you will be able to reveal all the possibilities of gadgets with Cat.9 and higher, but Cat.6 will be just right. Well, we should not forget about artificial speed limits (tariff plans, etc.).
Literally now, large domestic operators are starting to introduce voice communication technology, which uses packet transmission in the 4G network. It has many advantages and, ultimately, supplant our usual 2G / 3G calls. Of course, this will not happen tomorrow, but the situation is changing very quickly. Our review covers the best smartphones already working with VoLTE from MegaFon.
Good luck with your choice!