LTE Cat 4 vs LTE Cat 1 are two categories of user terminal devices in the 4G LTE network, differing in speed, bandwidth, complexity, and functionality. Here are some of the main points of comparison:
LTE Cat 4 vs LTE Cat 1
Speed
Cat-4 devices are faster than Cat-1 devices, offering up to 150 Mbps download speed and 50 Mbps upload speed. Cat-1 devices, on the other hand, can only reach up to 10 Mbps of download speed and 5 Mbps of upload. This means that Cat-4 devices can support more data-intensive applications, such as video streaming or gaming, while Cat-1 devices are suitable for low-bandwidth applications, such as IoT or telematics.
Bandwidth
Cat-4 devices use a bandwidth of 20 MHz, the typical bandwidth normal LTE devices use. Cat-1 devices use a smaller bandwidth of 1.4 MHz, equivalent to a typical LTE resource. This means that Cat-1 devices can fit more devices in the same spectrum but have less data capacity and speed.
Complexity
Cat-4 devices have higher complexity than Cat-1 devices, meaning they have more hardware and software requirements. They also have more features and functionalities like voice support, carrier aggregation, or multiple antennas. Cat-1 devices have lower complexity than Cat-4 devices but have less capabilities and flexibility.
Cost
Cat-4 devices are more expensive than Cat-1 due to their higher performance and complexity. Cat-1 devices are cheaper than Cat-4 due to their lower performance and complexity.
These are some of the main differences between LTE Cat 4 and LTE Cat 1 technologies. However, these differences also depend on the availability and coverage of the networks, as well as the compatibility and performance of the devices. To choose the best technology for your application, you should consider your specific needs and requirements, such as data rate, battery life, mobility, voice support, cost, etc. You can also consult your network provider or device manufacturer for more guidance. Check our whitepaper here.
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