A Complete Guide to GSM & CDMA (And All Other Mobile Terminologies)

Have you ever felt lost in a sea of tech words like GSM, CDMA, LTE, or VoLTE? If so, you're not alone! These terms can be confusing, but understanding them is important for making smart choices about your phone and how you use it. 

This guide is here to clear up that confusion and help you get to know all these tricky terms. By the end of this blog, you'll not only know what GSM and CDMA mean but also feel more familiar with many other mobile technology terms.

GSM AND CDMA (AND OTHER CONNECTIVITY TERMS)

GSM

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication. It's a way for your phone to connect to the network so you can make calls, send texts, and use data. Think of it as a universal language that phones use to talk to each other around the world.

GSM is also considered a second-generation (2G) network technology, meaning it was the second major generation of mobile networks introduced after the first analogue systems. This technology was developed in Europe and is widely used in most parts of the world today.

CDMA

CDMA stands for Code-Division Multiple Access. It's another type of technology used for connecting calls and data. Unlike GSM, CDMA assigns a unique code to each call or data session, making it more secure and less likely to drop calls.

It is considered a third-generation (3G) network technology, introduced after 2G GSM. CDMA was primarily developed in the United States and is used by some major carriers such as Verizon and Sprint.

E or EDGE

E or EDGE stands for Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution. It is like GSM's faster cousin. It helps your phone access the internet quicker than the old GSM network, but it's not as fast as the newer technologies.

GPRS

GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. It's the slowest type of data connection that uses a packet-based wireless communication service. It may be slow, but it's good enough for sending texts and emails when there's no other internet available.

HSPA

HSPA stands for High-Speed Packet Access. This is a 4G technology that boosts your internet speed, making it quicker to download files or watch videos online.

4G Technology

4G stands for the fourth generation of mobile network technology. It's much faster than the older technologies, letting you enjoy high-speed internet on your phone.

5G Technology

5G is the newest and fastest mobile network technology. It lets you download and upload at lightning speeds, making everything from streaming movies to playing online games better.

LTE (Long-Term Evolution)

LTE is a type of 4G technology. It's designed to provide super-fast internet speeds, making your mobile internet experience smoother and quicker. However, in most cases, 5G is still faster than LTE.

VoLTE (Voice over LTE)

VoLTE lets you make voice calls over the LTE network instead of the traditional voice networks. This means clearer calls and the ability to use data while you're on the call.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP is a way to make calls over the Internet instead of using traditional phone lines. Apps like Skype and WhatsApp use VoIP to allow you to call other people around the world.

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 is among the fastest in wireless technology. It can handle multiple devices at once, making your internet experience better, especially in crowded places.

Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 represents the evolution of Wi-Fi technology, offering unparalleled speed and dependable connections for all your devices. With Wi-Fi 7, you can experience lightning-fast speeds and rock-solid internet reliability, as it is the latest advancement in wireless connectivity.

WLAN

WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. It's a way to connect devices to the internet without using wires, usually through a Wi-Fi router.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is like the size of the road your internet traffic travels on. More bandwidth means more data can move at once to make your internet faster.

Upload

Uploading is when you send data from your device to the internet. For example, posting a photo on social media is uploading.

Download

Downloading is when you save data from the internet to your device. For example, saving a movie to watch later is downloading.

Hotspot

A hotspot is a way to share your cell phone's internet connection with other devices, like turning your phone into a Wi-Fi router.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a way to connect devices wirelessly over short distances. It's how your phone connects to wireless headphones or your car's audio system.

DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

OLED screens make colours look brighter and blacks darker. This improves contrast and colour control, providing better image quality.

IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display)

IPS LCD screens have great colour and can be seen from almost any angle. They're common in smartphones and tablets and are perfect for mobile gaming or streaming videos.

AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

AMOLED screens are a variant of OLED displays that consume minimal power, resulting in extended battery life for your phone.

Gorilla Glass

Gorilla Glass is a super strong type of glass that's used on phone screens to help protect them from scratches and breaks.

LTPO

LTPO stands for Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide. It's a type of screen technology that saves battery life by adjusting how often the screen updates.

HDR

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It makes the colours on your screen look more vivid and the details sharper, especially in movies and games.

FPS

FPS stands for Frames Per Second. It tells you how smoothly videos or games play on your device. More FPS means smoother motion.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is how often your screen updates the image you see. A higher refresh rate means smoother scrolling and better gameplay.

Resolutions (QHD, 4K, etc.)

Resolution is the number of pixels on your screen. More pixels mean a clearer and more detailed image. QHD and 4K are types of high-resolution screens. QHD stands for Quad High Definition, and 4K stands for 4 times the number of pixels on a Full HD screen.

PROCESSOR TECHNOLOGIES

SoC (System on Chip)

An SoC combines all the important parts of a computer or phone (like the processor and graphics card) into one chip. This makes devices smaller and saves power.

Multi-core Processors

Multi-core processors have more than one processing unit, which means your phone can do several things at once without slowing down.

ARM Architecture

ARM architecture is a way of designing processors that are efficient and save battery life. It's used in most smartphones and tablets.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

The GPU is like the part of your phone that handles video games and graphics. A better GPU means better visuals and smoother gameplay.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU is the brain of your phone. It handles all the instructions from apps and the operating system, making everything work.

SIM TECHNOLOGY

SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)

A SIM card is a small card in your phone that holds your phone number and connects you to the mobile network.

eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module)

An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical SIM card. It's built into your phone. An eSIM is better than a regular SIM card because it allows you to switch between different carriers and plans without having to physically change the SIM card.

Brands such as Truely eSIMs offer eSIM services that allow travellers to have a seamless experience when visiting different countries. Users can activate a local plan instantly without having to purchase a physical SIM card. Truely also offers affordable data plans in different countries, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for international travellers.

Dual-SIM

Dual-SIM phones can hold two SIM cards at once. This is useful if you want to have two phone numbers or use one for calls and the other for data.

SIM Lock

A SIM lock is when a phone can only be used with one mobile carrier. Phones are sometimes locked to keep them on a specific network.

Unlocked Phone

An unlocked phone can be used with any carrier. This is handy if you travel a lot or want to switch carriers without buying a new phone.

Roaming

Roaming is when you use your phone on another carrier's network, usually while travelling in another country. It can be more expensive than using your own network.

Coverage

Coverage is where your carrier's network is available. Good network coverage means you can make calls and use data in more places.

Reception

Reception is how well your phone can pick up the signal from the mobile network. Good reception means clearer calls and faster data speeds.

CAMERA AND IMAGING

Megapixel Count

Megapixels measure how many pixels a camera can capture. More megapixels mean you can make your pictures bigger without losing quality.

Aperture

Aperture is how wide the camera lens can open. A wider aperture lets in more light, which is great for taking pictures in low light.

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)

Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures sharp pictures by minimizing blur caused by unsteady hands. It's akin to having a compact tripod built right into your camera, enhancing the clarity and precision of your shots.

PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus)

PDAF helps your camera focus quickly so you don't miss the perfect shot. It works by detecting differences in the light coming into the lens.

Dual Lens

A dual-lens camera uses two lenses to capture better photos. One lens can be for zooming in, and the other for wide shots, giving you more options.

STORAGE AND MEMORY

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

ROM is where your phone's software is stored. It can't be easily changed or deleted, which helps keep your phone running smoothly.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is your phone's short-term memory. It's used to store data from active apps and processes. More RAM means you can run more apps at once without slowing down.

MicroSD

A microSD card is a small, removable card that adds extra storage to your phone. It's great for holding more photos, videos, and apps.

UFS (Universal Flash Storage)

UFS is a type of storage that's faster than traditional microSD cards. It lets you save and access files quicker, making your phone feel snappier.

SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION

Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication uses unique physical characteristics (like fingerprints or facial features) to unlock your phone. It's quick and secure and mostly available on newer phone models.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition is a type of biometric authentication that uses your face to unlock your phone. It's convenient as you no longer have to type a passcode anymore.

End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption is a way of sending messages so only you and the person you're talking to can read them. It keeps your conversations private, as not even Google or other third parties can read your messages.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is a service that lets you connect to the internet securely and privately. It hides your location and encrypts your data, protecting your privacy.

SOFTWARE AND OPERATING SYSTEMS

OS

OS stands for Operating System. It's the software that runs your phone and manages everything from apps to your internet connection. Overall, an OS determines how a device functions. 

Android OS

Android OS is an operating system made by Google. It's used by many different phone brands and is known for its customization options. Different kinds of Android devices can have different variations of Android OS, such as MIUI, OriginOS, and ColorOS.

iOS (iPhone Operating System)

iOS serves as the operating system for Apple's iPhones, renowned for its seamless performance and user-friendly interface. Its simplicity and smoothness contribute to a better user experience, making it a preferred choice among smartphone enthusiasts.

Custom UI (User Interface)

A custom UI is when a phone maker adds their own design and features to the operating system. It can make your phone look and feel different because of its unique functionalities and elements that other models don’t have.

OTA Updates (Over-The-Air)

OTA updates are software updates sent directly to your phone over the internet. They can add new features or fix problems without you having to do anything.

BATTERY AND CHARGING

mAh (Milliampere-hour)

mAh is a unit used to measure battery capacity. A higher mAh rating indicates that the battery can provide longer usage time on a single charge.

Fast Charging

Fast charging technology charges your phone's battery quicker than standard charging. It's great for getting a lot of power in a short time.

Wireless Charging

Wireless charging allows you to effortlessly replenish your phone's battery by simply resting it on a charging pad, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. Experience the convenience and freedom of cable-free power!

Reverse Wireless Charging

Reverse wireless charging lets your phone charge other devices wirelessly. It's like turning your phone into a charging pad.

MOBILE PHONE OPERATIONS

Area Code

An area code represents the initial segment of a phone number, providing information about the geographical region to which the number belongs.

PIN Code

A PIN code is a unique personal identification number that ensures the security of your phone. It serves as the key to unlocking your device, providing an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

PUK Code

A PUK code is a code you might need if you enter your PIN wrong too many times. It helps you unlock your phone again.

SMS (Short Message Service)

SMS is a way to send text messages over the mobile network. It's what you use when you send a "text" to someone.

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)

MMS is similar to SMS but has the added capability to send multimedia content such as pictures, videos, and sound clips in addition to text messages.

Widget

Widgets are mini-apps that live on your home screen. They can show you the weather, your calendar, or news headlines at a glance.

App

App is an abbreviation of the word application. It is a software program that you can easily download to your phone. These digital marvels can take various forms, offering delightful games, handy tools, or even social networks.

MISCELLANEOUS

NFC (Near Field Communication)

NFC is a way for devices to communicate by touching them together or bringing them close. It's used for various things like secure contactless payments or sharing digital content.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

An IP rating tells you how well your phone is protected against things like dust and water. The higher the number, the better the protection.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LiDAR is a technology used in some cameras to measure distance and create 3D maps of a scene. It's great for augmented reality apps.

USB (Micro USB, Thunderbolt, Type C)

USB is a type of connector for charging your phone and transferring data. There are different kinds, like Micro USB, Thunderbolt, and Type C.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS is a system that uses satellites to tell you where you are on Earth. It's mainly used for maps and navigation apps.

PAYG (Pay As You Go)

PAYG is a way to use a mobile service by paying in advance for what you use instead of having a monthly bill.

JAVA

JAVA is a versatile programming language used for developing applications and games, particularly for older phone models. Its flexibility and compatibility make it an ideal choice for creating software that runs smoothly on various devices.

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)

The IMEI is a unique number for your phone. It's used to identify it on the mobile network and can be helpful if your phone is lost or stolen.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this guide has served as a comprehensive guide to the complex terminologies of mobile technology, such as GSM and CDMA. With clear and concise definitions, you should now be equipped with a better understanding of the terms that permeate discussions on smartphones and devices, paving the way for more informed decisions and effective usage.

But remember that the invention and evolution of mobile devices and their technology are ceaseless. You should maintain a curious and proactive stance in tech literacy. By staying updated with the latest developments and terminology, you will position yourself to fully harness the capabilities of your devices and seamlessly adapt to emerging innovations in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my phone has a SIM lock?

To determine if your phone is SIM locked, attempt using a SIM card from a different carrier. If it fails to function, it is possible that your phone is locked.

Can I use a 5G SIM in a 4G phone?

Indeed, you will only experience 4G speeds. The SIM card automatically adapts to match the capabilities of your phone.

What does IP rating indicate for a smartphone?

An IP rating indicates how resistant a phone is to dust and water. The first number shows dust protection, and the second number shows water protection. Higher numbers mean better protection.

Can I use a VPN on my phone?

Yes, you can download a VPN app from the Google Play Store or App Store to use on your phone. Some phones may also have built-in VPN capabilities.

What is SM-DP+ Address?

The SM-DP+ Address (Subscription Manager Data Preparation plus) is a URL used by eSIM devices to download and manage eSIM profiles from a remote server.