What does vo lte mean on samsung. VoLTE smartphones: features, technologies and applications

In this article, we will look at what VoLTE is in a Samsung smartphone - we will give a detailed definition of the technology, and talk about implementation on devices. Let's figure out which models can work with the new function and how to activate and deactivate this service. The information will be useful to everyone who actively uses a Korean brand smartphone.

Definition and characterization

VoLTE in Samsung is the latest technology for making voice calls within a 4 G network. The network standard supports packet data transmission, which excludes support for voice communication - previously smartphones switched to 3G mode to make a call.

The new technology eliminates the need for switching and has the following advantages:

  • HD quality. The voice is transmitted without distortion, the sound is as clear as possible;
  • Instant connection;
  • The ability to simultaneously communicate and use traffic for other purposes.

Note that using this option increases the load on the smartphone! No additional charge required - Samsung VoLTE calls are included in your carrier's current tariff plan.

It should be noted that the standard first appeared in the phone of this brand - it was the flagship Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Subsequently, the option became more widespread.

What does the icon on the screen mean?

Let's talk about what the VoLTE icon on the Samsung screen means. The appearance of the icon indicates the activation of the option (we will describe in detail how to enable it a little below). The icon appears only when the following conditions are met:

  • Being in the home region;
  • The operator has a coverage area;
  • Support for a modern SIM card;
  • The presence of a device operating in this range.

We will talk about which mobiles support the service in the next part of the article.

Devices

Let's briefly highlight the Galaxy models that are designed to make voice calls in the 4G standard using the example of the Megafon operator:

  • Note 8;
  • A6 | A6 +;
  • A8 | A8 +;
  • J2 2018;
  • J5 | J5 Prime | J5 2016;
  • J7 | J7 2016 | J7 2017 | Neo J7;
  • S7 | S7 edge;
  • S8 | S8 +;
  • S9 | S9 +.

Please note that the list of models may differ depending on the operator you are connected to.

VoLTE Samsung S8

It is also worth recalling that the option is available only to residents of Moscow and the Moscow region. Now let's talk about how to enable and how to disable VoLTE on Samsung S8 and other models.

Connect / Disconnect

If you decide to use the new option, your device meets the stated requirements, and you are in Moscow - we will tell you how to enable the function:

  • Open the smartphone menu and click on the settings icon;
  • Select the "Connection" item;
  • Go to the "Mobile networks" block;
  • Find the option name and turn the toggle switch to the "On" position.

Removing the icon is no more difficult than activating the service. Consider how on Samsung:

  • Go to settings again;
  • Select the "Connections" block and open the "Mobile networks" menu;
  • Click on the option icon and click "Disable"

You can now manage the service. We remind you that the transmission of voice using the new technology will be turned off on its own if you are outside the coverage area of ​​your operator.

We told you what this means - VoLTE on Samsung, how to use the technology and what is needed for this. Read our article and start chatting in the new improved quality mode.

With the advancement of digital technology, the need for high-speed wireless connection is constantly increasing. In order to organize such a connection in cellular networks, the LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication standard was developed. It is compatible with previous generations of 3G networks based on UMTS / HSPA and CDMA, therefore, it can be implemented without cardinal infrastructure redesign. But a significant disadvantage of LTE is the inability to use switched (telephone) voice communications. To work with calls in LTE networks, the phone must switch to 3G to establish a voice connection, or support VoLTE technology.

VoLTE is a technology for transmitting voice over LTE networks (Voice over LTE stands for “Voice over LTE”). It allows you to make traditional phone calls on these networks without having to switch communication technology (the so-called FallBack). At the moment, the technology is at the stage of development and active implementation. When operators implement full-fledged VoLTE support for all subscribers, it will allow organizing better voice communications, as it has clear advantages over 3G and, moreover, GSM.

Unfortunately, the VoLTE protocol is not devoid of several drawbacks. The main one is increasing the load on the smartphone. To avoid it, you need to implement an operation algorithm at the chipset level. For this reason, the technology is not supported by many existing devices. It is implemented in iPhones starting from 5s, flagships of Sony, LG, Samsung, Google Nexus. As for the Chinese manufacturers - here it is necessary to clarify.

Another disadvantage of VoLTE is the need for all operators to switch to using it. The LTE connection of a subscriber with 2G and 3G users is a complicated procedure at the technical level. Therefore, the normal operation of the technology is possible only if all operators implement it, and 4G will become the dominant generation of networks.

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Now many owners of Apple smartphones will be able to use modern and convenient technologies for Internet calls - VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling.

  • 1. Why do I need this?

    Saving.
    Speed.
    Quality.
    And one more thing…

  • 2.
  • 3.
  • 4. What if I have a Samsung?
  • 5.
  • 6.
  • 7.
  • 01 Why do I need this?

    Saving. Wi-Fi calling allows you to make Wi-Fi calls around the world at your home rate.
    Speed. VoLTE provides almost instant - less than 2 seconds - connection on a voice call. This is faster than calls in instant messengers, and many times faster than the speed of regular connections in 2G and 3G networks.
    Quality. The clarity of the voice of your interlocutor will be at the level of HD Voice, that is, as if you are talking with him, being in the same room.
    And one more thing… VoLTE gives you the ability to simultaneously talk and use data transmission in the 4G network. You can also start a call on the street, via LTE, and end it at home, on your Wi-Fi network. We are so clever at switching the conversation between networks that you will not even notice anything.

  • 02 How much will it cost to connect and use VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?

    The fact that you are using such opportunities is not at all. VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling will cost the same as regular calls.

  • 03 That is, I can call, for example, from Barcelona to Moscow via Wi-Fi from my iPhone and this will be considered as a regular home call?

    Yes. Call even from the North Pole, just find Wi-Fi there. And don't touch the polar bears.

  • 04 What if I have a Samsung?

    It's even easier. Wi-Fi calling has been working on your device for a long time. Just make sure you have it connected. How to do it is scheduled. On the same link you will find the entire list of devices on which VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling are available. Huawei, Sony, Motorola, Highscreen, LG, Alcatel and, of course, MTS have models supporting these technologies (or one of them).

  • 05 OK. How do you connect it on an iPhone?

    Both VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling are now available on Apple smartphones starting with iPhone 6 / SE and newer. Wi-Fi calling is available starting with iPhone 5S. To connect, you need to update the software on your gadget to iOS 11.3.

  • 06 Do you need to include a service?

    Your number must be connected to the free service "Internet calls". You can add it using the USSD command * 111 * 6 #. If you have any questions, read the details here. VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling calls themselves will cost the same as regular calls at your rate

  • 07 And the last thing: why does MTS need this if it does not bring additional money?

    It's just cool! Of course, one could say that MTS thus increases the throughput of networks by transferring part of the traffic to a less congested 4G network or stimulates the consumption of mobile Internet, blah blah blah ... But most of all we want our subscribers to be comfortable and convenient ... We tried it - we liked it.

Looking through the list of characteristics of a smartphone, you can stumble upon a mention of VoLTE. With conventional LTE, everything is clear - this is a type of wireless communication that allows you to receive and transmit data at high speeds. And VoLTE - what is it in a phone? In short, this is a technology that allows not only traffic, but also voice to be transmitted over 4G networks. But let's touch on this topic in a little more detail.

Initially, cell phones were designed only for making calls, even the ability to exchange SMS messages did not appear immediately. First-generation cellular networks actually carried only voice, most often even in unencrypted form. Only with the onset of the 2G era did different data transmission standards appear, including the familiar to many GPRS. But the priority in those days continued to be given to voice communication, the Internet connection was still used by very few mobile phone owners.

Now the situation has changed dramatically. Each new standard of cellular communication is tailored for an ever increasing data transfer rate. It got to the point that the fourth generation (LTE) is completely sharpened only for the transmission of Internet traffic. Voice calls are still made via 2G or 3G, there are no other options. Not until recently.

The main advantages of VoLTE

Now almost all major cities have LTE networks. In theory, a smartphone could work only in them, without wasting energy for switching between different communication standards. However, an outgoing or incoming call forces the system to use the 3G connection. Each such synchronization consumes a certain amount of charge. VoLTE technology solves this problem. This function, roughly speaking, consists in transmitting voice in digital form, using 4G networks for this. With the support of this technology, voice calls will no longer force the device to connect to networks of previous generations. And in the future, this (purely theoretically) will allow telecom operators to abandon support for 2G and 3G equipment. But to do this, you need to wait for the moment when the population will have no old mobile phones left that do not have LTE support and, most importantly, VoLTE.

In fact, the new technology has other advantages as well:

  • Fast connection. If the phone does not waste time on the transition to 2G or 3G, then the call is made much faster. Sometimes the gain in speed reaches 30 seconds.
  • Calls may become free. In fact, a VoLTE conversation only consumes Internet traffic. If unlimited Internet is connected, then an outgoing call will not spend a single extra ruble. You can talk even day and night.
  • Improving the quality of the voice. No matter how high-quality the microphone is on the smartphone, the 3G connection spoils everything. This communication standard simply cannot deliver perfect sound. And VoLTE is limited only by the stability of the signal reception. If the device supports the HD Voice codec, then the voice will become three-dimensional, and extraneous noise will disappear.
  • Increasing the capacity of cellular networks. A limited number of subscribers can connect to each 3G base. If the limit is exhausted, the device connects to a more distant base, and the connection deteriorates. LTE equipment has three times the capacity of 3G and six times that of 2G.
  • Simultaneous transmission of voice and traffic. When there is a conversation on the phone, none of the applications can receive data from the global web. Receiving traffic will resume only after the subscriber hangs up. VoLTE technology has solved this problem - messages will continue to flow in messengers even during a call.

Modern smartphones with VoLTE

Support for the new type of communication is available in many devices, even relatively inexpensive ones. For example, the corresponding technology is built into the Xiaomi Redmi 4X. This smartphone is among the most. People love the low price tag and optimal performance.

Of course, many are endowed with VoLTE support. In theory, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Mi6 can talk via LTE networks. In less expensive devices, VoLTE is also found - for example, Meizu M5 Note and iPhone SE are endowed with the corresponding technology.

Russian operators

If smartphone manufacturers already support voice over LTE with might and main, then this cannot be said about telecom operators. In Russia, it is still more profitable to use equipment that works with networks of previous generations, reserving 4G only for Internet traffic. Progress is being made in this area, but very slow. Here's how things are going with different Russian operators:

  • "Megaphone" launched VoLTE, but only in Moscow. Moreover, this function was initially allowed to be activated only by owners of smartphones and Apple. At the time of this writing, the list of devices has expanded to almost 40 models, including synchronization with VoLTE available on, ZTE V8, Vertex Saturn and LG G6.
  • MTS just testing new technology. The press releases have repeatedly stated that the commercial operation of VoLTE will be launched in 2018. It is assumed that the new type of communication will be available not only in Moscow.
  • Beeline gave its Moscow subscribers the opportunity to try VoLTE back in 2015. But testing was quickly completed, and since then there has been no news from VimpelCom. They say that the owners using Beeline services will soon be able to speak on VoLTE, but these are just rumors.
  • Tele2 launched a new type of communication in April 2017, but only in Moscow. The list of supported smartphones is strictly limited. Moreover, you can feel the "super-quality" of the voice only when talking within the network.

Disable VoLTE

Some people prefer to disable all modules that are not being used for some reason. VoLTE deactivation does not make sense, because this function does not consume additional amounts of energy. On the contrary, this technology will save battery power if the operator suddenly starts supporting it.

However, it is very easy to disable VoLTE. To do this, follow the path: "Settings -> Connections -> Mobile networks -> VoLTE calls"... All that remains here is to deactivate the corresponding switch. Please note that the path may differ on some smartphones.

Conclusion

When choosing a smartphone, you should not seriously pay attention to the VoLTE function, since Russian operators so far have only limited support for the technology. Residents of Moscow are an exception - they are the easiest to use the new type of communication. However, technologies are developing, operators are gradually purchasing new equipment. It is possible that one day support for VoLTE technology will appear in your city. Therefore, the function will definitely not be superfluous.

In 2012, I noticed that some of my acquaintances were heard much better when calling on their mobiles than everyone else. The difference was so significant that I began to ask the interlocutors what kind of phones they were using (it was easier to define the operator then because there was no possibility of number portability). It turned out that we are talking about a bundle of smartphones Sony Xperia and MTS, which began to implement HD Voice technology. Then I found out that since 2010 HD Voice has been working for MegaFon, but for some reason I did not notice a similar contrast, although he was the main operator at that moment.

The human voice is in the range from 80 to 14,000 hertz, but before HD Voice it was placed in the Procrustean bed of 300-3400 Hz, which, of course, was hard to miss. HD Voice has expanded the range to 50-7000 Hz. This is also not ideal, but much, much better.

On the Beeline website, HD Voice was seen for some reason like this

Over time, the list of smartphones supporting HD Voice has expanded significantly, and today it is difficult to find a device that does not know how. But still, the voice does not always sound good enough. Especially as carriers prioritize Internet traffic and voice has to be content with remaining bandwidth. Messengers "sound" better, but, as they say, there is no stability.

I discussed this topic while working on the project “Russia at the Speed ​​of a Digital” and was advised to try VoLTE technology. Using the rough language of Wikipedia, I will say that it is “Voice over LTE technology based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Allows to provide voice services and deliver them as data stream over LTE. VoLTE has three times more voice and data capacity than 3G UMTS networks and up to six times more than 2G GSM networks. It also frees up bandwidth as packet headers are smaller than non-optimized VoIP / LTE. "

At the time of this writing (March 5, 2018) VoLTE actually and officially works only with MegaFon. Beeline launched support in Moscow on six rather exotic smartphones, but then turned it off on them too. Tele2's VoLTE seems to function on three smartphones released under its own brand, but they are so dead (in the sense of smartphones) that I didn't really want to buy for the test. MegaFon has an impressive list (), and it includes the flagships of Apple, LG, Samsung and even Nokia. According to unofficial reports, VoLTE is enabled on some ZTEs. Taking into account the fact that to use VoLTE in MegaFon it is enough just to have a SIM card with 4G + support, there are plenty of opportunities to test the technology in action.

But why?

If you think that VoLTE is just an improvement in voice quality, then no, everything is somewhat more interesting.

First, Internet access is not interrupted during a call. And if during a regular call, when a smartphone is in hand, this is not particularly critical, then when using online navigation, having access to the Network is very important.


Over the hill, the introduction of VoLTE is also a source of pride and so far not too often

Secondly, the connection setup speed is drastically reduced. Sometimes just instantly, sometimes you have to wait 1-2 seconds. It's just nice.

And thirdly, yes - the voice is really better. This is especially noticeable in MegaFon, which has long prioritized the Internet, which is why ordinary voice calls have acquired a strong taste of metal. When making calls on LTE, naturalness returns.

I was interested in the question - how does the use of VoLTE affect the battery life? On the forums, they say that either in no way, or it works a little longer. Running a little ahead, I will say that my impression is rather closer to "no way". But no less, it's already good.

Also, the use of technology does not affect costs, everything remains within the selected tariff plan. Internet traffic used for voice does not consume Internet package.

For the operator, the benefit of VoLTE is the ability to use frequencies more efficiently (remember about tripled voice capacity). The owners of tariffs with a large number of prepaid minutes usually use fairly modern devices, and if you drag them to LTE, everyone will be better.

Where does it work?

At the moment, experiments with VoLTE for all operators are limited to Moscow and the Moscow region. When traveling to neighboring regions, the magic disappears. Also, a SIM card from another region, once in Moscow, will not start supporting VoLTE.

If the interlocutor, who is in the network of the same operator, has a smartphone that does not support VoLTE, the voice quality will not improve, but the connection speed will still be high, and the possibility of data transmission during a call will not disappear. When you call a subscriber of another operator, the only bonus will be the Internet during the conversation, because the connection speed already depends not only on your operator.

If a person calls you from an outdated device (or operator), your voice will still go over LTE, but the usual codec will be used. Therefore, the quality of voice transmission will not increase.

Go!

Armed with all this knowledge, I went to the MegaFon salon for a SIM card. The staff weren't very up to date on how to make VoLTE work. In particular, it is not clear from the official description whether any tariff is suitable or only an option from the new “Turn on” set. For greater reliability, I connected “Turn on! Write. "

The first experience of immersing in VoLTE was not very successful: despite the fact that LG G6 (870DS) is on the list of supported, the technology did not work. Neither an item in the menu nor a characteristic icon appeared in the service line. I rearranged the SIM card to the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, and that's where everything got hooked. This is, of course, a little strange, but oh well.

MegaFon honestly warns that the services "Personal dial tone", "AntiAON", "One-off AntiAON" and "Who called +" do not work in VoLTE mode. As far as I understand, the point is that the traffic goes through LTE, and the existing equipment cannot interface it with some services. In the future, these restrictions will probably disappear.

It is easy to find out about the presence of VoLTE on the Sony Xperia XZ Premium by the impressive size of the logo in the service line. When switching to 3G and 2G networks, the logo disappears. The active call is not interrupted, but the voice quality changes. In general, it is no wonder: this changes the codec, from AMR WB (Adaptive multi rate wide band, also known as G.722.2) to AM NB (Adaptive multi rate narrow band).

As for the quality of the VoLTE conversation, it is really excellent. The frequency range expands to 16,000 Hz, that is, even more than is needed to convey all shades of voice. The bitrate depends on the specific device and the settings of the network segment, so fluctuations in the range from 12.65 to 23.85 Kbps are possible. Audiophiles may shudder a little after such numbers, but still the voice is not a jazz concert, and that's enough. The voice breathes, lives, and the difference with the sound of MegaFon in less advanced modes is very significant.

Peep the future

In the comments to the post on Facebook, where I announced the beginning of experiments with VoLTE, I was told that MTS also has this technology. More precisely, it is being tested, but you can get involved without much effort. Why this time the operator decided to launch the technology synchronously with colleagues - I don't know. Perhaps, for once, they decided not to play catch-up, but to finish it, so that it becomes available to the maximum number of clients and "makes friends" with the already working services. In test mode, VoLTE from MTS is available on all current iPhones, starting with SE, as well as on Motorola Moto C Plus and some models of devices under its own brand. The application requires iOS 11.3 public beta to be installed on the iPhone.

I haven't experimented with iPhone beta for a long time. Since then, when they had to be downloaded and installed from a computer via a cord. But now, after registering for the beta testing program, everything comes over the air through the standard update menu, which is nice.

The beta installation was even smoother than the other final version. No icons appeared in the service bar, Apple doesn't like that. In fact, the only way to detect VoLTE support of devices is the LTE icon during a call. And, of course, the rest of the goodies - fast connection, access to the Network via LTE during a call and increased voice quality.

Together with iOS 11.3 Beta2, Wi-Fi Calling technology came to the iPhone, which I just enjoyed since the days of Samsung Galaxy S7, where it first appeared in conjunction with the MTS network. In the editorial office, the usual connection at times did not work very well, and with Wi-Fi all problems immediately disappeared. Well, Wi-Fi Calling saved me a lot of money while traveling abroad, because the conditions of the home region apply with it, even if you do not connect any additional services to minimize costs. That is, incoming calls are free, outgoing calls use a regular package of minutes.

Already in test mode, the iPhone during a call switches from VoLTE to Wi-Fi Calling and to other standards smoothly and without interruptions. The codec in 3G and 2G naturally changes. It should be noted that it was with Wi-Fi Calling on the iPhone in iOS 11.3 Beta 2 that there were roughnesses (long connection and very high requirements for the quality of the Wi-Fi signal, you had to stand right next to the router), but already in Beta3 this was fixed in Beta4 it didn't get any worse.


In the service line, when switching to iOS 11.3, the name of the operator is changed

When making calls within the Moscow MTS network, the voice quality is marvelous, but taking into account the fact that the interlocutors communicate not only through one operator, but also using smartphones of an expensive brand, one should not expect another. When making calls to MegaFon subscribers with VoLTE connected, a funny picture is observed: it seems to work for each interlocutor, but somewhere along the way at the switch level, everything is cut to the usual level. I am sure that one day the operators will make special gateways, but so far, unfortunately, miracles of progress are possible only within one network.

Nothing is known about the restrictions on services in the MTS network. All the details will be in the official version of iOS 11.3, which is expected in mid-March.

Total

The tremendous progress in the field of mobile Internet over the past ten years has practically not affected the quality of voice transmission. Voice and data seemed to live in the same room, but did not communicate, but they created a lot of inconvenience to each other. VoLTE removes this strange disharmony, allowing the operator to stop being torn between voice and data communications.

The usual communication after VoLTE will seem to you an unpleasant archaism.

Of course, there is still a long way to go before the complete victory of the new technology. Beeline started experiments in 2015 and stopped them. Since September 2016, MegaFon has not gone beyond the Moscow Region, and not everything is smooth inside it. It is impossible to seriously consider the "implementation" of Tele2. MTS also works only in Moscow and the Moscow region, and although the first impression is good (especially considering the expansion of Wi-Fi Calling support on the iPhone), it is too early to talk seriously about the quality of work before the start of mass use.

From a user point of view, switching from a regular codec to AMR WB is like from a cassette tape to CD. And the operators can be safely classified as well: this one also sells cassette players, and this one already sells CD-players. Having compared it once, it won't pull back.

Now I'm wondering who will be the first to leave the Moscow region. What are your bets?

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