LTE vs. Wi-Fi Only tablet – which one is best to get?

One of most difficult decisions to make when looking for a tablet is whether to acquire one with 4G capability or not. Here’s all you need to know before making your choice.

There are always a lot of solid reasons for purchasing a tablet, and the most important decision you’ll have to make is whether to choose an iPad or an Android device. Alternatively, you might go with Windows.

The next crucial decision would be whether to go with a Wi-Fi-only model or upgrade to a 4G variant. Let’s look at some of the concerns you’ll have to think about.

Explaining the Key difference between LTE and Wi-Fi-Only Tablets

Tablets, unlike smartphones, are often available in two varieties: LTE and Wi-Fi-only variants. So, before we get into the elements to evaluate when buying a great tablet, it’s important to understand what LTE means on a tablet. Simply said, LTE refers to the tablet’s ability to connect to 4G networks in addition to Wi-Fi.

You can obtain full internet access without having to stay inside the range of a Wi-Fi connection if you have a 4G-enabled tablet and a data package. A Wi-Fi-only tablet, on the other side, can only connect to the internet through Wi-Fi. The fundamental distinction between an LTE and a Wi-Fi tablet is this.

LTE & Wi-Fi Only, Which tablet should you buy?

Which tablet should you buy now that you realize the difference between these two? There are a variety of factors to think about. These factors include the price, Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, convenience, and security, among others. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Accessibility of Wi-Fi & LTE connectivity

Because an LTE tablet also comes with Wi-Fi, you may use it at home and only switch to 4G when necessary. As a result, when you choose an LTE tablet, you get the perfect combination.

The accessibility and efficiency of 4G depending on the country.  LTE speeds can easily approach those of a fixed broadband connection in the most populous cities. LTE service and speed, on the other hand, can be inconsistent in more rural regions.

But there’s no avoiding the truth that whenever you need an internet connectivity, you need it badly. For stuff like email, social media, and the web, your phone can pick up the slack. You may also use it as a mobile hotspot, sharing the data connection from your phone with your tablet or laptop.

Unfortunately, not all data plans permit tethering in this fashion, and those that do usually come with speed or data usage limitations. It is, for the most part, a temporary fix rather than a long-term remedy.

Cost of LTE vs Wi-Fi Only tablets

The price is the most important factor for many people when deciding between 4G and Wi-Fi-only service. The simple addition of an LTE radio to a tablet typically raises the price. Even if you have the extra cash, you should think about whether you really need 4G or if you’d be better off spending it on a greater model instead.

Convenience

The convenience of a 4G tablet is a major selling factor. You’ll enjoy reliable communication wherever you may be as long as you’re in an area with adequate network coverage.

However, how much of this will be handled by the cellular connection?

Tablets will always default to a Wi-Fi connection when one is available, as 4G serves as a backup connection. Consider how often you use Wi-Fi at home, at work, at school, at friends’ houses, at your neighborhood coffee shop, and in a variety of other locations.

Wi-Fi is becoming more widely available on trains and buses these days. So, on second thought, you might not need 4G as much as you think.

Battery life

Because 4G LTE consumes more power than Wi-Fi, battery life on 4G tablets is reduced contrasted to Wi-Fi-only tablets. But whether or not you’ll notice the difference is a another story.

According to Apple’s iPad Air specifications, battery life on 4G is 10% less than on Wi-Fi, however this is only true when you’re connected to a 4G network. When you’re connected to Wi-Fi, your battery consumption will remain at Wi-Fi levels.

If you use your tablet and 4G data frequently, you’ll most likely notice a reduction in battery life. The difference will be insignificant if you charge your tablet every second or third day.

Security Concerns

Because of the easy availability of Wi-Fi hotspots, having 4G on your tablet is now less important than it was previously. If you want to get your tablet online, you’re rarely more than a few minutes away from a accessing Wifi in any major town or city.

While using public Wi-Fi is handy, there are dangers associated with it. There are no security risks with a 4G connection. However, if you rely on private services and need to access them in public, 4G may be the safer alternative.

Conclusion

• Wi-Fi-only tablets are significantly less expensive.
• Depending on where you use them, 4G tablets offer more reliability and safety.
• The discrepancies in battery life are insignificant.
• Tethering is not a viable long-term replacement for 4G.

Because of the significant price difference, while having 4G on a tablet is good to have, you should only consider it if you truly need it or aren’t on a budget. 4G internet subscriptions aren’t cheap, and even if you can afford them, you may discover that upgrading to a higher-end gadget is the better option.