GSM and CDMA

[Venti Quattro]

Can someone please explain this to me? I was planning on getting an EVO 4G but my friend told me that "no, don't get it because it's CDMA and not GSM". I know GSM requires a SIM card, but that's about it. How does CDMA work and how does it differ from GSM?

I wiki'd it but I don't understand a ing thing. Maybe a layman's explanation would help.

[MannyIsGod]

AFAIK, and I'm no expert, neither is better. Its just a different type of network technology.

[Cry Havoc]

Basically here are the main advantages that you need to worry about:

GSM: The ability to talk and surf at the same time (unless you have a CDMA phone with 4G). The ability to talk anywhere in the world on your phone. SIM cards are nice to have.

CDMA: Usually gives clearer call quality. Currently faster than GSM, but only in limited metro areas with 4G. CDMA also typically does better with a low-strength signal as well.

FWIW, I have an Evo, and the idea that you shouldn't get it because it's CDMA is laughable. Verizon is the largest carrier in the US, and it's the technology they use. I definitely agree that the call quality on an Evo is clearer than I've ever heard from a cell phone. I rarely, if ever, get static or low volume from the other person.

So really, there aren't many practical differences to worry about, as Manny said.

[PM5K]

Currently faster than GSM, but only in limited metro areas with 4G.

I thought CMDA and 4G were totally different technologies that use different radios? I thought EVDO was the equivalent of 3G GSM.

[Nathan Explosion]

The only real argument to make for definitely getting a GSM over CDMA is travel. If you plan on traveling especially is Europe, go GSM. Other than there really isn't one major advantage over another.

[Cry Havoc]

I thought CMDA and 4G were totally different technologies that use different radios? I thought EVDO was the equivalent of 3G GSM.

There are no GSM phones with 4G right now, is all I'm saying. So the theoretical peak speed is higher with CDMA until GSM phones are released with 2+ mbps download speeds.

[Ace]

Sprint uses WiMax and T-Mobile just rolled out HSPA. As of now they're currently the only two companies with 4G. Verizon and AT&T both do not have 4G.

[eyeh8u]

Sprint uses WiMax and T-Mobile just rolled out HSPA. As of now they're currently the only two companies with 4G. Verizon and AT&T both do not have 4G.

hspa is not 4g its still 3g



as for gsm vs cdma, its the same , only techno es that love to discuss theory argue over the

here is how you know if two technologies are comparable

if they are both available on the free market, and none die out or get overtaken by the other, no technology would survive in the free market if it was vastly inferior

thats why both plasma and lcds are still on the market together and the xbox and ps3 are on the market together.