What is VoLTE in an Honor and Huawei smartphone: a detailed description of the feature!

Users of modern smartphones do not always fully know all the capabilities of their devices. They contain technologies that the owner is unaware of or does not understand their purpose. In this article we will talk about what VoLTE is in a Samsung smartphone, how this technology is implemented, and why it is needed. Let's find out which models of Korean smartphones support VoLTE and how to activate or disable the function.

What is VoLTE in Honor and Huawei smartphones

First, let's look at what VoLTE is in a Huawei and Honor smartphone from an abbreviation perspective.

VoLTE is formed from two elements - Voice and LTE. In this case, the second component of LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution or long-term development. In its simpler form, this feature is known as 4G.

In the case of VoLTE, we are not talking about the Internet, but about voice transmission over LTE technology. For this, a special IMS system is used, and the audio stream itself is transmitted in the form of multimedia content based on the IP protocol. At the same time, the Honor smartphone does not waste time switching between different communication systems. Thanks to this feature, the connection speed does not exceed 1.5 seconds.

Users only recently learned what VoLTE means in an Honor phone, but the technology itself appeared a long time ago. The pioneer was SingTel, which developed the option in 2014. At first it was compatible only with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and was in demand in China and South Korea, but later the option gained popularity in other countries.

In simple words, VoLTE is a technology that provides a transformative flow of information, allowing you to make and receive calls using an IP channel at high speed. For now, the function is available on a small number of devices, including Honor smartphones. But the number of supporting devices is constantly increasing.

History of VoLTE development

As you may have noticed, VoLTE is not a proper name, in fact it is an abbreviation for the words Voice over LTE, which can be translated into Russian as “Voice over LTE”. Actually, the name of the technology contains its main purpose. Since fourth generation networks were not originally designed to transmit voice messages in the traditional way, to realize this opportunity it is necessary to introduce additional technology capable of transmitting voice as a data stream.

VoLTE technology not only allows you to make calls over 4G, but it also takes full advantage of the next generation network, allowing you to get three times the voice capacity compared to the previous generation network and as much as six times the capacity compared to the second generation networks. The closest analogue of VoLTE in terms of operating principle is the famous Skype, where voice transmission is carried out not through switch channels, but via the Internet.

VoLTE technology was first used commercially by the Singaporean mobile operator SingTel in May 2014. It is noteworthy that at that time the service was compatible with only one smartphone, namely the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and was also available only in Singapore. However, in June of the same year, the South Korean operator KT and its Chinese partner China Mobile organized the world's first cross-border VoLTE roaming, which significantly contributed to the development of the technology. From that moment on, the popularity of VoLTE began to grow like a snowball, and soon voice services on the 4G network began to be implemented by large mobile operators almost all over the world.

It is logical to ask the question, which Russian operators support VoLTE? Many may be surprised, but the new standard came to us almost as soon as it appeared, namely in August 2015. It was then that the mobile operator Beeline first launched voice services via 4G in Moscow. Then other large companies took up the initiative and thus MegaFon organized its own similar service in September 2021, followed by Tele2 in April 2021. A significant drawback of this service for a long time was that it was available only in Moscow and nearby settlements. However, since March 2021, the large mobile operator MTS has launched a campaign to promote VoLTE not only in the capital and large cities, but throughout Russia. At the moment, the service is available in ten areas and coverage continues to grow.

VoLTE has also received significant support from mobile phone manufacturers. If a few years ago only the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 could offer such an option, today more than eighteen manufacturers support voice transmission over LTE. And if you consider that each company provides at least several compatible models, then the number of smartphones with VoLTE already exceeds several dozen devices. It is also worth noting that progress does not stand still and models equipped with dual VoLTE are gradually appearing on sale. In particular, one of the first such devices was the brand new Samsung Galaxy S9.

If your current smartphone does not support VoLTE, then there is no need to rush to the store and buy a new one. The technology is quite young and it will still take quite some time before its widespread implementation. However, if you were anyway going to buy a new smartphone in the near future, then make sure that it supports voice communication via 4G, this will obviously be completely useful.

Why is VoLTE technology needed?

Advances in digital technology are driving increased demand for high-speed wireless connections. Previously, to ensure the operation of cellular networks, the LTE standard was introduced, compatible with previous generations of 3G networks. But the old option has a big drawback - the inability to use voice communication (Internet only). To make a call, Honor smartphones and other devices are forced to switch to 3G technology, which provides support for voice connections.

Over time, the Volte function appeared on the Honor phone and other devices. Its feature was the support of voice communication and their delivery to the LTE stream. An additional plus is an even greater voice capacity and data when compared with 3G networks. At the same time, it was possible to free up additional bandwidth.

Considering the features, VoLTE, and what it is in the Honor phone, it is worth highlighting the opportunities that users of the service received. Basic moments:

1. High quality audio transmission due to support for HD Voice codecs. If during a normal call the audio comes at a frequency of up to 3400 Hz, when using VoLTE in an Honor smartphone or other devices, this option reaches 7000 Hz or more.
2. Ability to make calls and work with data. The use of VoLTE makes it possible to talk on a smartphone and view data on social networks or even download a movie.
3. Increasing mobile network capacity. A mobile station with VoLTE allows you to serve three times more subscribers, which reduces the risk of interruptions and breaks on the telephone line.

The VoLTE icon on a Huawei or Honor phone indicates the presence of this option. But for this you need to know how to enable and disable it if necessary. We will consider step-by-step instructions on this issue below.

How to disable VoLTE on Honor or Huawei

There are situations when a person is inconvenient to use the technology due to the high rate of battery discharge or lack of access to the network in some regions of Russia. To avoid switching to another network manually, you need to know how to disable VoLTE on Honor or another device. The algorithm of actions for performing these steps is as follows:

1. Enter your smartphone settings.
2. Go to the Wireless Networks section.
3. Click on the Mobile networks link.
4. Set VoLTE to Disabled mode.

Knowing how to disable VoLTE on Huawei or Honor, you can deactivate the service at any time. But you shouldn’t turn it off for a long time, because in large cities with a stable connection it can be very useful.

Disabling VoLTE

Some people prefer to disable all modules that for some reason are not used. Deactivating VoLTE 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”. Here all that remains is to deactivate the corresponding switch. Please note that the path may differ on some smartphones.

How to enable VoLTE

If you want to activate the technology on your Honor or Huawei smartphone, you can use the reverse algorithm. Let's highlight the main steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Click on the Wireless Networks section.
3. Click on the Mobile network button.
4. Find the Network type.
5. Look near the suggested 2G/3G/4G option.

If your phone has this option, it will automatically connect to the network when available. In this case, the VoLTE icon may appear on the Huawei or Honor screen.

There is another way to enable the tool manually. To do this, enter the smartphone keyboard and enter the password *#*#4636#*#*. In this case, a special menu opens. In it, select the Phone information section, and then enable VoLTE and restart the device.

For more information on how to enable it, watch the information in the video:

How to connect VoLTE to MTS

You can activate the service when you activate the Internet calling function. The list of options includes not only VoLTE, but also Wi-Fi calls through the special MTS Connect service. It must be said that there is no subscription fee for the service.

You can connect the technology using the following options:

• in your personal account on the official portal of the mobile company;
• in an application from the operator called “My MTS”;
• using the USSD command *111*6#;
• by calling the operator's support center at 8 800 250 0890.

The service will start working the moment it is activated. There is no need to make any additional settings.

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

Above, we briefly looked at the features of VoLTE, what it is in a phone, and how to disable it on Huawei or Honor. In conclusion, we will highlight the main advantages of the option that ensure its popularity, and also analyze the characteristic disadvantages.

Basic advantages:

• Improved sound quality. Smartphone owners claim that the use of technology helps improve the audibility of the interlocutor. This is true even if the receiving smartphone does not support VoLTE technology.
• Availability of 4G mobile Internet, which can be used simultaneously with communication. For example, you can talk to your friend and simultaneously view posts on Instagram. In this case, all actions occur without loss of speed. While using the Network, 4G works.
• High connection speed. Enabling VoLTE in an Honor smartphone reduces connection speed. Previously, it took about two seconds to switch between 4G and 3G standards to make a call. Using the new option allows you to negotiate without such a switch.
• Ability to use the network as usual. During the communication process, it is not MBs that are counted, but minutes (packets).

These benefits allow you to understand what the Volte icon means on Honor and Huawei phones. But when studying a tool, it is important to understand not only its advantages, but also its weaknesses. Let's highlight the main disadvantages:

1. The smartphone battery drains faster, so you will have to charge the device more often. The reason is that when connecting VoLTE there is an increased load on the power supply.
2. Weak coverage. The new option does not work throughout the Russian Federation. If the signal is lost, you will have to switch to 3G, which causes a number of inconveniences for the user. If you don't do this, you won't be able to make a call.

Knowing what VoLTE is in an Honor smartphone, you can draw a conclusion about the relevance of this technology. If it is not yet provided in your device, you will have to update your smartphone, that is, buy a new device. But you need to take into account that the service supports about 300 models. That is why, when purchasing, it is necessary to clarify whether such a function is provided on the device or not.

Flaws

The technology also has certain disadvantages that have not yet been eliminated. Compared to the advantages, they are not so significant, however, they can significantly affect the user, so it is better to be aware of their presence.

1. Increased system requirements. The VoLTE algorithm is implemented at the smartphone processor level, so for this function to work optimally, VoLTE-enabled smartphones must have a relatively powerful central processor.
2. Limited number of compatible smartphones. Today, not all mobile devices support the new voice communication standard. Thus, only owners of certain brands of phones will be able to use VoLTE.
3. Subscriber compatibility. To ensure high quality sound, VoLTE must be used not only by you, but also by your interlocutor.
4. Difficulties in transition. Today, not all operators are ready to provide voice communication services over 4G, and not throughout the entire country.
5. Problems with roaming. Today, the new standard still works quite poorly in intranet and international roaming, and the full implementation of this feature will still take some time.

Like any other new technology, VoLTE carries a certain number of disadvantages. However, progress cannot be stopped and there is absolutely no point in refusing to use the new standard. Switching to VoLTE now means getting all the benefits today that others will only get tomorrow.