LTE Xiaomi Phone: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Differs from 4G/5G

Have you ever noticed the inscription? LTE You're in the top corner of your Xiaomi screen, and you're wondering what it means, or maybe you're looking at a new smartphone and you're looking at the specs. LTE Band 1/3/5/8/40, But you don't understand how this affects Internet speed, and it's become so commonplace that many people don't even think about it until they have connection problems or slow loading of pages.

Actually. LTE (Long-Term Evolution is a 4th generation mobile communication standard that replaced the outdated one. 3G. Xiaomi phones (like Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship series Mi 13 support LTE It determines how fast you can download files, watch high-quality videos, or play an online game without lags. But there's a nuance here: not all smartphones work the same way. LTE-And the networks, and the operators in different countries use different frequency bands:

• 🔍 What is it? LTE In simple words and how it relates to 4G/5G
• 📶 What frequencies? LTE Xiaomi phones are supported (and why it matters)
• ⚡ How to turn it on LTE Xiaomi and fix connection problems
• 📊 Real speed. LTE Xiaomi smartphones: tests and comparisons
• 🌍 Differences LTE China, Europe and Russia – What to Know Before Buying

1. LTE and 4G: What is the difference and why is it the same thing?

Many users confuse the terms LTE and 4G, I think of them as different technologies. LTE — This is an evolutionary stage of development. 4G, It didn't meet the full requirements of the fourth generation, but it was later officially recognized as part of the standard:

• 📡 4G (IMT-Advanced) is an international mobile communication standard that implies download speeds of up to 1 Gbps in stationary mode and 100 Mbps in motion. 4G-Networks (e.g. LTE-Advanced) support carrier aggregation, which increases throughput.
• 🔄 LTE — it's before-4G" The technology that initially provided the speed 300 Mbps, but over time it has been refined to LTE-A (Advanced and approaching standards 4G. Today, terms LTE and 4G synonymously.
• 🚀 5G — The next generation that does not replace LTE, In Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi). K60) modules are simultaneously operating LTE and 5G for stable connection.

Why is Xiaomi on the screen exactly? LTE, not 4G? It depends on the firmware and the operator. Some mobile networks (for example, MegaFon or Beeline in Russia) configure the equipment so that the devices show the inscription. 4G, even if it is actually used LTE. In China (where all Xiaomi smartphones are produced) it is customary to display it. LTE.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is showing LTE+ or 4G+, This means that LTE-Advanced is used with frequency aggregation, and speeds in this mode can reach 300-600 Mbps with good coverage.

2. What frequencies LTE Supports Xiaomi phones: full guide

One of the most important aspects when choosing a Xiaomi smartphone is support. LTE-ranges LTE It depends on whether your phone catches mobile Internet in your country, for example, a phone bought in China may not work with the Internet. LTE in Europe or Russia due to different frequencies.

Here’s how it works: every carrier (for example, MTS, Tele2, Yota uses certain frequency bands to transmit data. If your Xiaomi doesn't support those bands, it will either not catch. LTE generally, or will operate at a reduced speed (for example, only in mode) 3G).

How do you know which ranges your Xiaomi supports?

1. See the specifications of the model on the official Xiaomi website (Network & Connectivity section).
2. Use services like FrequencyCheck or Kimovil, where you can type in a phone model and see all supported ranges.
3. Install Network Signal Guru (available on Google Play) which will show the current frequency LTE.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi from China (e.g. on AliExpress or on a trip), check for support B20 (800 MHz is a key band for Russia and Europe, and without it, the phone may not be able to catch the net in rural areas or basements.

Clarify the model and region of sale (Global/EU/CN)

Check the support B3, B7, B20 for Russia

Use FrequencyCheck for detailed analysis

Pay attention to the presence of VoLTE (voice on the LTE)-->

3. How to turn on LTE Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If your Xiaomi is not connected to LTE or only works in the mode 3G, The problem may be in settings. Here's how to turn it on. 4G/LTE on most models (the instructions are relevant to the MIUI 12/13/14):

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Click Network Type (or Preferred Network Type)
4. Set the 4G (preferably) or LTE value.
5. Activate the option to Enable VoLTE (if available) for voice calls LTE.
6. Restart your phone if the changes don’t apply immediately.

If the paragraph 4G (preferably not, perhaps your firmware limits settings:

• 🔧 Try resetting your network settings: Settings → Memory. → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.
• 📱 Install alternative software (e.g. xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience) if you have Chinese firmware with restrictions.
• 📡 Check if your operator supports you. LTE in your area (for example, through the Speedtest website).

In some models (for example, POCO F4 Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) There are hidden settings for forced inclusion LTE. To open them:

##4636##

In the menu that appears, select Phone Information → Set up a preferred network type and install LTE only.

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After inclusion LTE Internet is slow, try to manually select the operator network in the settings (Settings) → Mobile network → Network operators → Network search. Sometimes automatic mode is connected to an overloaded tower.

4.Speed LTE Xiaomi: Real Tests and How to Increase It

Theoretical maximum speed LTE It's 1 Gbps (LTE-Advanced Pro), but in practice, Xiaomi users get very different numbers:

• 📊 City (good coverage): 50–150 Mbps (depending on operator).
• 🏡 Suburb/village: 10–50 Mbps (often limited to range) B20).
• 🚇 Metro/Underground parking: 1–20 Mbps (if there is coverage).

To check the speed LTE On your Xiaomi, use the apps:

• 📱 Speedtest by Ookla (most popular service).
• 📊 nPerf (not only shows speed, but also latency, stability).
• 📡 Network Cell Info Lite (displays current tower, frequency, signal level).

If the speed LTE Below the expected, try these ways to speed up:

1. 🔄 Change location: Even moving 10 to 20 meters can improve signaling if you are on the boundary of coverage.
2. 📵 Turn off the second. SIM-Card (if not used): two active cards SIM can share the resources of the module LTE.
3. 🔋 Check the temperature of the phone: when overheating, the communication module automatically reduces performance.
4. 🔄 Update: In new versions MIUI often optimize the work with LTE.

5. Problems with LTE Xiaomi: Reasons and Solutions

Even in modern Xiaomi smartphones (such as Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) There may be problems with LTE. Here are the most common situations and ways to solve them:

One of the most insidious problems is the lack of VoLTE (voice calls on the Internet). LTE). If the Internet goes missing when you call, then your Xiaomi switches to the Internet. 3G Solution for voice:

• ⚙️ Enable VoLTE in Settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Enable VoLTE.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI VoLTE could be disabled by default.
• 📱 Check your operator’s support for VoLTE (for example, MTS and Beeline support, and some virtual operators do not).

⚠️ Note: If you use Chinese firmware on Xiaomi, VoLTE can be blocked even with hardware support, in which case only flashing to the global or European version will help. MIUI.

6. LTE vs 5G Xiaomi: what is better and whether to overpay

With the appearance 5G Many users are wondering whether they need a smartphone that supports the new standard or enough. LTE? Let's compare:

• ⚡ Speed: 5G in theory up to 10 Gbit / s, in practice - 100-500 Mbit / s. LTE maximum - 300 Mbit / s (mode) LTE-A).
• 📡 Coverage: 5G Available only in major cities, LTE — practically everywhere.
• 🔋 Battery consumption: 5G The module consumes 20-30% more energy than the LTE.
• 💰 Cost: Smartphones with 5G (For example, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5) 10-20% more expensive than the equivalents of LTE.

Should I overpay for it? 5G Xiaomi today?

• ✅ Yes, if you live in a big city (Moscow, St. Petersburg, millionaires) and your operator is actively developing the city. 5G (For example, MTS or MegaFon).
• ❌ If you are traveling in Russia or small towns, there is a 5G Not yet available, but LTE Provides a stable connection.

Interesting fact: even if you have a smartphone 5G (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G), It automatically switches to LTE, when 5G-The network is not available. 5G no-deterioration LTE.

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In 2026. 5G Russia is still in the testing phase, and the main operators offer 5G only in restricted areas (for example, in the center of Moscow or St. Petersburg). LTE It remains the standard for most users.

7. How to check and configure LTE Xiaomi: Hidden features

Xiaomi smartphones have hidden opportunities for diagnosis and optimization LTE-Here are some useful tricks:

🔍 Checking the current frequency LTE

To find out what frequency your Xiaomi is running on:

1. Install Network Signal Info (free on Google Play).
2. Open the tab. LTE — The current frequency will be indicated (e.g. Band 3 or Band 20).
3. Compare with your carrier’s supported ranges (see the table above).

📡 Forced network selection

If the phone is constantly switching between 3G and LTE, can be fixed:

1. Enter the engineering code: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information → Set the type of network.
3. Install. LTE only (only) LTE) or LTE/WCDMA (LTE + 3G).

⚠️ Attention: If you choose LTE Only, the phone will not be able to make voice calls without VoLTE! in this case, the calls will be reset or not pass.

🔧 Setting up APN maximum speed

Sometimes the operators provide special services. APN-speed-up LTE. For example, for MTS:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Access Points (APN).
2. Create a new one. APN with parameters: Name: MTS LTE APN: Internet.mts.ru Type of authentication: PAP Protocol APN: IPv4/IPv6
3. Save and select a new APN.

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If, after the change, APN The Internet is down, restart the phone, and sometimes the settings are only applied after the reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about LTE Xiaomi