Does switching my phone from 3G to LTE only matter if I use mobile data?

Question

I have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro with Android 5.1.1 and MIUI 7.3.2.0. In my settings I have the option to choose a network type. The options are "2G", "Prefer 3G", and "Prefer LTE". I only use WiFi to connect to the internet so my mobile data is off all the time although my phone automatically turns it on while downloading/sending MMS, then turns it off again). In my APN settings I have set the APN type to "mms" to ensure that my mobile data can only be used for MMS (so only my Messaging app can use data).



Does choosing LTE only affect mobile data?
I read that LTE is a faster network than 3G. Will I notice any improvements in my phone if I switch from 3G to LTE? (faster MMS download?)

Will it consume more battery?

Is my signal strength more likely to increase or decrease?


— Jorge Luque | Sources

Answer

If you keep your mobile data off, it rather depends on coverage:




  • Good 2G coverage? Use that. Your battery will last much longer.

  • Shaky 2G but stable 3G? Use 3G. Same reason: shaky coverage makes the phone permanently switch cell towers, which eats your battery.

  • 2g & 3G shaky, but stable LTE? Well, you guess it.



For a more detailed answer backed by "hard data", see 2G versus 3G: Does it really save battery? Doesn't mention LTE, but you can "extrapolate". Apart from that, with LTE in an early implementation, yur device would need to switch to 3G anyway for phone calls (that was only fixed later).


— Izzy | Sources

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