Which NETWORK TYPE is better for calls and battery?

[Tahiti]

We are using ZTE Cymbal 2, assume my question applies to all phone.

Under NETWORK TYPE, we have following options

1. "GSM/WCDMA/LTE" (factory default)

2. "GSM/WCDMA auto"

3. "WCDMA only"

4.  “GSM only”

Replies for my previous question on my phone problems,

@LitlLdymentioned  " . . . . I have to use it on 3g for voice calls to work. . . .

Edit: also I if signal seems weak I rebooted the phone or switched to airplane mode for a minute then airplane mode off."

@softechmentioned " if there is a 3G option, test that. It is better for voice"

On previous phone, we did not change Network Type, don't know what it was.  Did notice no signal sometimes, but can't recall seeing LTE sign on phone.  We started using the new phone replacement.  I notice this morning that the phone change from "LTE" to no LTE next to signal strength symbal (looks quite strong, i.e. many bars). It changes back and forth . . . few times . . . not instant changes, but "everytime" when I check phone while changing phone settings, seems like there was a change of has/has not "LTE".

We keep things simple, only use phone as phone.  With previous reply, seems like 3G is better for voice. 

1.  3G = GSM only?

2.  would this help to save battery also?

Thanks in advance!

[LitlLdy]

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@Tahiti wrote:

Thanks to all.

Hence I'll change Network Type to "WCDMA only" (=3G) on our ZTE Cymbal 2 flip phone.  Hopefully, it'll also safe battery.

Nice weekend!!

@LitlLdy(@softech using same phone also?)- Since we are using same ZTE flip phone, in case of any change or something important, hope u won't mind sending me a message in this Community. (Although I don't come here often) Thanks in advance!!

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@Tahiti , if I notice anything different I will be sure to tag you here! You’re welcome 🙂

[Tahiti]

Thanks to all.

Hence I'll change Network Type to "WCDMA only" (=3G) on our ZTE Cymbal 2 flip phone.  Hopefully, it'll also safe battery.

Nice weekend!!

@LitlLdy(@softech using same phone also?)- Since we are using same ZTE flip phone, in case of any change or something important, hope u won't mind sending me a message in this Community. (Although I don't come here often) Thanks in advance!!

[LitlLdy · Accepted solution]

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@softech wrote:

HI @Tahiti 

With VoLTE enabling in process, you should keep "GSM/WCDMA/LTE" (factory default)

you need WCDMA  (3G) for voice until it is fully VoLTE enabled

you will probably want LTE as well 

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@softech , @Tahiti , as far as I know our ZTE flip phone isn’t compatible for VoLTE! I have VoLTE on my account which works on my iPhone on LTE with no dropped calls and stays on LTE during calls due to VoLTE but not my ZTE flip phone. I have to keep my ZTE flip phone on 3G for calls to come through (dropped calls on LTE)  & stay connected or they will go directly to voicemail most times! So, those are just my suggestions for my service experience with my ZTE flip phone even while having VoLTE enabled on my account.

Edit: for better clarity !

[sheytoon]

No difference in terms of battery. You can compare auto and "WCDMA only" to see what you prefer.

[Tahiti]

Thank u both!!

We want to keep things simple, no WIFI, no DATA (although we have 250MB/mth), no blue tooth, etc.  Besides simple, we prefer battery to last longer and less recharge.  We just want to have reliable phone calls.

Will "VoLTE enabled" be better for voice?

[sheytoon]

Just keep it on auto. It'll switch between LTE and WCDMA as needed.

3G = WCDMA

WCDMA used to be mandatory for voice, but LTE is supporting voice now as well on most devices.

[hTideGnow]

Hi @Tahiti 

keep this

GSM/WCDMA/LTE" (factory default)

[softech]

HI @Tahiti 

With VoLTE enabling in process, you should keep "GSM/WCDMA/LTE" (factory default)

you need WCDMA  (3G) for voice until it is fully VoLTE enabled

you will probably want LTE as well