Nearly 37% of Android phones said using 4G speeds
updated 11:55 am EDT, Tue September 27, 2011
More than a third of Android devices run on 4G
A study performed by Localytics found 36.6 percent of all Android devices sold in the summer of 2011 in the US offer 4G network speeds. This includes HSPA+, LTE. and WiMAX network compatibility, however. The tally represents an increase of more than 50 percent since the 22.6 percent in the first quarter.
The increase is due simply to a flood of multiple smartphones making 4G or its equivalent a selling point, such as the HTC Thunderbolt from Verizon, the HTC Evo 3D and Epic 4G Touch from Sprint, and the Samsung Droid Charge from Verizon. Developers should be happy about this information, as the rise of 4G devices gives them higher bandwidth to play with.
Verizon is the closest to real 4G with an LTE network, while AT&T and T-Mobile run on HSPA+ that can get close. Sprint is slightly behind with WiMAX, but was also one of the first with a 4G-like connection.
More adoption is expected once devices overcome some of the teething problems with 4G, such as short battery life, bulky phone designs, and limited network reach. Apple is expected to go to 4G in 2012 and could significantly boost adoption. [via GigaOM]
