I have some questions about Android smartphones.

1. Do all Android phones have an option to change the WiFI hotspot channel, so if there is a problem with WiFi interference when tethering, you can change the channel, or do only certain phones have this feature?

2. Is there much speed difference between 3G and 4G? For instance, if you sometimes experience buffering watching HD programmes in 3G, do you not get buffering in 4G? So in other words, is buying a 4G smartphone worth the extra cost.

Hi there,

I presume all Android phones over a certain level of software can change the broadcast chanel (just checked my 2.5 year old Galaxy S5 with Android 6 and it has that option under the advanced options.

Regarding 3G/4G I guess it depends on what network you are on as I've never really had an issue with Three on 3G although my works phone on Vodafone on 3G is c**p sometimes and I believe O2 would be the same as don't believe they use the same technology as Three and EE so much (if at-all), let alone the coverage?

assuming your network picks up 4g signal then it should always be faster than 3g, thats the point of it as far as im aware.

As above it depends if you get 4G in your area, if you do then your phone will pick it up and there shouldn't be any buffering in YouTube even with 1 bar of 4G. If you don't have 4G then it depends how strong your 3G signal as to whether or not YouTube buffers.

Would have thought you would have trouble buying a none 4G smartphone these days, so cost of the handset wouldn't come into it.

Older Android OSes didn't give the option. It was usually a fixed channel (like 6) and not even automatic.

Now some phones have the option of 2.4 and 5GHz, which is great, but on 5GHz it seems some devices won't let you pick a channel. I know my Huawei Mi-Fi doesn't let me do it either, it must scan and check - which takes time.

I think I read somewhere that it's a requirement for 5GHz on devices that can be used outdoors or something? Maybe a regulation for the US or some markets? In any case, it means you don't get the choice - but I certainly do on 2.4GHz.

Im considering the Motorola Moto G4 Play. I've just read a review on Tech Rader that says it only supports 2.4GHz band. Does only supporting 2.4 Ghz mean the broadcast channel cannot be changed?

Although the website below, specifically says it can configure broadcast channel. That might only be for the US version of the phone?

https://www.verizonwireless.com/supp...e-base-206842/