Wi-Fi vs. 3G

[mcknigs]

This is a silly newbie question and this may not be the appropriate forum but I haven't found an answer by searching and I can't find a more appropriate forum.

What are the relative advantages of using 3G vs. Wi-Fi for transferring data? Which uses more batter power? Which is faster? I have access to Wi-Fi networks at home and at work. I'll take advantage of them if I understand the value of doing so.

-Scott

 

[mjschmidt]

See this thread: http://androidforums.com/android-lounge/22396-if-i-have-3g-why-do-i-need-wi-fi.html

In a nut shell: WiFi = faster, no data charge from carrier.

 

[takeshi]

Don't restrict your research to these forums. The pros and cons of each are pretty much the same regardless of phone, carrier, etc.

 

[mcknigs]

In a nut shell: WiFi = faster, no data charge from carrier.

I thought it might be something like that. So if your plan has unlimited data and the 3G is fast enough, there's not much advantage to Wi-Fi. Plus I've had some problems when I attach to Wi-Fi then go away from it and I can't get data until I tell it to go back to 3G.

Don't restrict your research to these forums. The pros and cons of each are pretty much the same regardless of phone, carrier, etc.

Yes, but this is the only forum to which I belong.

Actually I searched for an answer internet-wide but (interestingly) nothing I hit actually answered this question.

-Scott

 

[lekky]

3G is very unlikely to be faster than your WiFi though.

 

[Headsong]

Wifi is fast, you can browse AND talk using it. And if you leave the country, you'll only want to use wifi at hotels and airports since Int'l data costs are monstrous.

 

[nateo200]

Well there allot of data services that require wifi to work the best on account of wasting bandwidth. If you have wifi use it. Like youtube video quality is degraded on purpose over 3G so you don't suck up too much bandwidth makes sense since a 2 minute video on full quality is like 20-30 mbs.