LTE networks have allowed smartphones to reach speeds unimaginable for anyone until a few years ago.
In the latest incarnation of this technology it is possible to reach the maximum download speed of 300 Mbps, much higher than most of the Internet connections offered on fixed lines (if you exclude the optical fiber in Gigabit).
Obviously these speeds can only be reached under certain conditions and only in some cities, but using an LTE smartphone you will have an average speed of 50-60 Mbps in the vast majority of Italian territory, especially if the signal is strong.
If you want to surf quickly then you will have to focus on a smartphone that supports LTE or 4G technology, only in this way you will be able to benefit from the mobile network with the highest performance.
In this guide you will find the best 4G LTE smartphones that you can buy to keep up with the times and have a snappy and fast device.
Types of LTE
As mentioned in the introduction, there is no single technology identifiable with LTE, but there are different standards, each with their own connection speeds and different coverage capacities:
1) LTE : the standard version of the technology, also identified with the abbreviation 4G.
With this technology you can travel at the maximum speed of 300 Mbps in download and 86 Mbps in upload.
2) LTE Advanced : the evolution of LTE technology, identified with the initials 4, 5G, LTE Plus or other commercial names.
With this network we started with a minimum speed of 1 Gbps in download and 500 Mbps in upload, with a theoretical maximum of 3.3 Gbps in download.
So if you choose a new smartphone make sure there is at least LTE support; if LTE Advanced is also present you can benefit from the connection speeds offered by this technology as soon as it is operational with your operator.
LTE frequencies
The following frequencies are used to correctly manage the LTE signal:
- 800 MHz
- 850 MHz
- 1800 MHz
- 1900 MHz
- 2100 MHz
- 2600 MHz
The most recent devices are able to read 3 or 4 frequencies among those available for LTE, while to reach higher speeds the devices use simultaneously from a minimum of 2 or up to all the available frequencies.
The use of one or more frequencies in a specific area of Italy depends on the telephone operator, but in general you should be able to pick up the LTE signal with any recent smartphone.
Case aside for the 800 MHz frequency: some Chinese smartphones do not support it, therefore in some areas of Italy they cannot connect in LTE if this is the only frequency available in the area.
Best 4G LTE smartphones
Apple iPhone 8/8 Plus
The latest Apple-branded smartphones are compatible with LTE technology, so you can use them to quickly browse the mobile networks of Italian operators.
The price is obviously high, but the operators offer monthly subscription plans with which you can have an iPhone with minutes and data included by paying a reasonable monthly fee (€ 40-50 per month, with an advance of at least € 150).
If you are interested in buying an iPhone 8 you can find it here -> Apple iPhone 8 (€ 805)
If instead you are interested in buying an iPhone 8 Plus you can find it here -> Apple iPhone 8 Plus (866 €)
Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus
The top of the range Samsung boast support for LTE and LTE Advanced, so as to be ready for connection speeds of over 1 Gbps.
As already seen for iPhones, the price of this type of device is not low, but if you want to focus on the top of the range in the category, you certainly cannot pay attention to the price.
The prices are still lower than the Apple models, so if you want a higher category model with Android operating system you can aim with your eyes closed on one of the two Samsung Galaxy models.
If you want a Samsung Galaxy S8 you can view it from here -> Samsung Galaxy S8 (560 €)
If instead you want a Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus you can view it from here -> Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus (630 €)
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
For lovers of the big screen and the nib, the new model of Galaxy Note is available, now in version 8.
This generously sized smartphone has support for LTE and LTE Advanced on any frequency, so you will have no problem connecting to faster networks.
The prices for the Note 8 are quite high, but the quality offered by this type of device amply repays the expenditure made.
You can buy this smartphone from here -> Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (850 €)
Google Pixel XL
Google manufactures its smartphones with the Pixel nomenclature, so as to intensify them immediately.
These smartphones have an always updated version of Android, with few customizations and maximum usability thanks to the integrated Google services.
Compatible with all LTE frequencies available in Italy, Pixel prices are slowly going down, you can find some of them even for less than € 600.
If you are interested in buying a Google Pixel you can find one here -> Google Pixel XL (€ 568)
NOTE: Google Pixel 2 is available even if it costs 1000 Euros.
Sony Xperia XZs
Among LTE compatible smartphones you can also find Sony smartphones, with the top of the range Xperia XZ.
By choosing this model you will have support at all frequencies present in Italy for the LTE, also being able to count on a fast operating system, an enviable data sheet and a first-rate camera compartment.
The Sony prices drop quickly, in fact it is now possible to find this top of the range for less than € 500.
You want to buy a Sony Xperia XZs "> Sony Xperia XZs (€ 554)
Huawei P10
Huawei is one of the most growing manufacturers in recent years, with truly unique design products, spectacular LEICA cameras and performing operating systems.
All Huawei are compatible with Italian LTE networks, including the P10.
Prices are falling sharply, perhaps it is a good time to buy a Huawei high-end terminal for less than € 500.
If interested in this model you can find it here -> Huawei P10 (452 €)
LG G6
LG has presented with the G6 one of the best smartphones of the brand, with a unique style and superlative performance in any field.
LG G6 also boasts support for LTE and LTE Advanced, with the ability to connect to multiple frequencies simultaneously.
The price is quite high, but the cost is falling rapidly and can also be found for less than € 500 on Amazon and other sites.
You can buy an LG G6 from here -> LG G6 (€ 406)
Moto Z2 PLAY
Motorola has come under the control of Lenovo, but has not lost the charm and performance typical of the historic mobile brand.
With Moto Z2 Play you will have an LTE smartphone with a little customized operating system, ideal for those who love to see fast and snappy Android like on Nexus or Pixels.
Prices are falling rapidly, a Z2 is also found for less than € 500.
If you are interested in the Moto Z2 you can find it here -> Moto Z2 PLAY (€ 408)
In the latest incarnation of this technology it is possible to reach the maximum download speed of 300 Mbps, much higher than most of the Internet connections offered on fixed lines (if you exclude the optical fiber in Gigabit).
Obviously these speeds can only be reached under certain conditions and only in some cities, but using an LTE smartphone you will have an average speed of 50-60 Mbps in the vast majority of Italian territory, especially if the signal is strong.
If you want to surf quickly then you will have to focus on a smartphone that supports LTE or 4G technology, only in this way you will be able to benefit from the mobile network with the highest performance.
In this guide you will find the best 4G LTE smartphones that you can buy to keep up with the times and have a snappy and fast device.
Types of LTE
As mentioned in the introduction, there is no single technology identifiable with LTE, but there are different standards, each with their own connection speeds and different coverage capacities:
1) LTE : the standard version of the technology, also identified with the abbreviation 4G.
With this technology you can travel at the maximum speed of 300 Mbps in download and 86 Mbps in upload.
2) LTE Advanced : the evolution of LTE technology, identified with the initials 4, 5G, LTE Plus or other commercial names.
With this network we started with a minimum speed of 1 Gbps in download and 500 Mbps in upload, with a theoretical maximum of 3.3 Gbps in download.
So if you choose a new smartphone make sure there is at least LTE support; if LTE Advanced is also present you can benefit from the connection speeds offered by this technology as soon as it is operational with your operator.
LTE frequencies
The following frequencies are used to correctly manage the LTE signal:
- 800 MHz
- 850 MHz
- 1800 MHz
- 1900 MHz
- 2100 MHz
- 2600 MHz
The most recent devices are able to read 3 or 4 frequencies among those available for LTE, while to reach higher speeds the devices use simultaneously from a minimum of 2 or up to all the available frequencies.
The use of one or more frequencies in a specific area of Italy depends on the telephone operator, but in general you should be able to pick up the LTE signal with any recent smartphone.
Case aside for the 800 MHz frequency: some Chinese smartphones do not support it, therefore in some areas of Italy they cannot connect in LTE if this is the only frequency available in the area.
Best 4G LTE smartphones
Apple iPhone 8/8 Plus
The latest Apple-branded smartphones are compatible with LTE technology, so you can use them to quickly browse the mobile networks of Italian operators.
The price is obviously high, but the operators offer monthly subscription plans with which you can have an iPhone with minutes and data included by paying a reasonable monthly fee (€ 40-50 per month, with an advance of at least € 150).
If you are interested in buying an iPhone 8 you can find it here -> Apple iPhone 8 (€ 805)
If instead you are interested in buying an iPhone 8 Plus you can find it here -> Apple iPhone 8 Plus (866 €)
Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus
The top of the range Samsung boast support for LTE and LTE Advanced, so as to be ready for connection speeds of over 1 Gbps.
As already seen for iPhones, the price of this type of device is not low, but if you want to focus on the top of the range in the category, you certainly cannot pay attention to the price.
The prices are still lower than the Apple models, so if you want a higher category model with Android operating system you can aim with your eyes closed on one of the two Samsung Galaxy models.
If you want a Samsung Galaxy S8 you can view it from here -> Samsung Galaxy S8 (560 €)
If instead you want a Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus you can view it from here -> Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus (630 €)
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
For lovers of the big screen and the nib, the new model of Galaxy Note is available, now in version 8.
This generously sized smartphone has support for LTE and LTE Advanced on any frequency, so you will have no problem connecting to faster networks.
The prices for the Note 8 are quite high, but the quality offered by this type of device amply repays the expenditure made.
You can buy this smartphone from here -> Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (850 €)
Google Pixel XL
Google manufactures its smartphones with the Pixel nomenclature, so as to intensify them immediately.
These smartphones have an always updated version of Android, with few customizations and maximum usability thanks to the integrated Google services.
Compatible with all LTE frequencies available in Italy, Pixel prices are slowly going down, you can find some of them even for less than € 600.
If you are interested in buying a Google Pixel you can find one here -> Google Pixel XL (€ 568)
NOTE: Google Pixel 2 is available even if it costs 1000 Euros.
Sony Xperia XZs
Among LTE compatible smartphones you can also find Sony smartphones, with the top of the range Xperia XZ.
By choosing this model you will have support at all frequencies present in Italy for the LTE, also being able to count on a fast operating system, an enviable data sheet and a first-rate camera compartment.
The Sony prices drop quickly, in fact it is now possible to find this top of the range for less than € 500.
You want to buy a Sony Xperia XZs "> Sony Xperia XZs (€ 554)
Huawei P10
Huawei is one of the most growing manufacturers in recent years, with truly unique design products, spectacular LEICA cameras and performing operating systems.
All Huawei are compatible with Italian LTE networks, including the P10.
Prices are falling sharply, perhaps it is a good time to buy a Huawei high-end terminal for less than € 500.
If interested in this model you can find it here -> Huawei P10 (452 €)
LG G6
LG has presented with the G6 one of the best smartphones of the brand, with a unique style and superlative performance in any field.
LG G6 also boasts support for LTE and LTE Advanced, with the ability to connect to multiple frequencies simultaneously.
The price is quite high, but the cost is falling rapidly and can also be found for less than € 500 on Amazon and other sites.
You can buy an LG G6 from here -> LG G6 (€ 406)
Moto Z2 PLAY
Motorola has come under the control of Lenovo, but has not lost the charm and performance typical of the historic mobile brand.
With Moto Z2 Play you will have an LTE smartphone with a little customized operating system, ideal for those who love to see fast and snappy Android like on Nexus or Pixels.
Prices are falling rapidly, a Z2 is also found for less than € 500.
If you are interested in the Moto Z2 you can find it here -> Moto Z2 PLAY (€ 408)
