Tag: 3gp vs mp4 file size

Which is better: MP4 or 3GP?


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Which is better: MP4 or 3GP?

MP4 VS 3GP

When evaluating the MP4 and 3GP formats, the question is not which one stores superior digital video, but which one is best for the task at hand. Although they both contain multiple media tracks and share similar encoding methods, the differences are most noticeable when used on portable devices.

3GP vs. MP4

Background
When digital videos are created, they are published through a process called compression. During this process, digital scripts, called codecs, encode the media tracks and make them readable. After that, the ordered video, audio, subtitle, and animation tracks are combined into one file via a media container. The MP4 and 3GP formats are closely related because their files are recorded using some version of MPEG-4 compression.

Characteristics
The 3GP format was developed by a third-generation partner project as an implementation of MPEG-4 compression. Although this encoding profile is commonly used for digital video, telecommunications professionals have developed it specifically for performance on 3G mobile phones. In contrast, MP4 is a common format for any digital video that has been published with MPEG-4 compression. The formats are very similar, some 3GP files can be opened if their extension is changed to MP4.

Show
Because MPEG-4 compression is so efficient, any digital video encoded to this standard can transmit high-quality multimedia with relatively low bandwidth. As a result, these files are relatively small and are less likely to take up storage space and processing speed. Due to this efficiency, MP4 is almost universally compatible with portable media players and smartphones. Despite this wide compatibility, MP4 files are not optimized for playback on 3G mobile phones like 3GP files.

Compatibility
Although 3GP files are designed for 3G mobile phones, they can also be opened on some media players. These applications include QuickTime, VLC, and RealPlayer. However, since MP4 files are very widespread and more widespread, support for the format is almost standard in multimedia software. Besides QuickTime, VLC, and RealPlayer, MP4 files can be transferred to iTunes and Windows Media Player. MP4 files can also be downloaded to Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, and Sony PSP.

Bottom line
When it comes to streaming video to a desktop computer or portable media player, MP4 is the best format because it can support higher resolution videos. However, 3GP should only be used on 3G phones as it is designed specifically for the device.


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What is the 3GP format? All about 3gp

Not long ago, watching video files on our mobile phones was a challenge. The slow Internet connection and the large size of the multimedia file make viewing it on our Smartphones really annoying – and that’s why the 3GP file was born.

What is 3GP?

3GP3GP or technically known as 3GPP file format, is a multimedia-based format and developed by Third Generation Partnership Project or 3GPP. That is why it was given this popular 3GP name. The 3GP (Third Generation Partnership Project) is the result of cooperation between various companies and telecommunications associations worldwide. 3GP is also the best answer to the problems that people have in viewing multimedia files on their smartphones that are enabled with 3G.

3gp format

Specifically designed for mobile phones, 3GP is a simplified version of MP4. Compared to the bulky and PC-based MP4 format, 3GP is smaller than making it more convenient to watch videos on mobile devices. There are two types of 3GP format; The first is 3GP with a .3GP file extension and the second is 3G2 that carries the .3G2 extension.

Fun facts about 3GP

3GP was made to reduce broadband utilization and storage requirements in mobile phones.
Although this format is made for 3G phones, a 3G gadget is not required to enable it before viewing the file.
3GP files are made for GSM-based phones, while 3G2 is used for CDMA-based phones.
A 3GP file includes text that can be opened using Notepad or any other text editor.
It is not possible to manually change the .3gp file extension to any other format, for this you need a real conversion of the file format.
2G and 4G phones are compatible with 3GP playback.

3gp

Pros:

The main advantage of the 3GP format is that it is its small size. This especially benefits users who usually save and view video files on their Smartphones. And due to its small size, uploading or downloading a video in 3GP format will only take a few seconds or minutes, depending on the size of the file.

Cons:

Since 3GPs compress video and audio transmission in a single file, video resolution and quality also decreases. Compared to other formats, users may notice a big difference in audio quality, screen resolution, playback time and all others.

3GP compatible devices

As mentioned at the beginning, all 3G-capable mobile phones can support 3GP files. Similarly, Smartphones enabled with 2G and 4G, but with some limitations. The maximum size for playing a file depends on the gadget’s memory. But on computers and laptops, all 3GP files can be played according to the installed media player.

PlayStation 3 also supports 3GP, which will play the imported audio from the CD that is configured to decode the MPEG-4 AAC format. On the other hand, Nintendo DSi also supports 3GP files saved on the SD card. When transferring 3GP files, we advise you to use removable storage devices, such as USB sticks and memory cards.

How to play 3GP files?

3gp players

Media player logo Windows Media Player – this Microsoft media player is preset and can play 3GP. Although, you need to install software such as Haali Media Splitter and FFDShow.

Media player classicMedia Player Classic – another alternative would be the free Media Player Classic software. It is an attenuated version of the aforementioned software that can play 3GP files.

QuickTime player logoQuickTime – for Mac users, QuickTime can be used to open 3GP. More recent versions do not need additional codecs to be installed, although in most cases some complementary types might be required.

VLC player logoVLC Media Player – another free software on the list that can play 3GP files is the VLC player. This program is compatible with 3GP and AAC audio, but unfortunately it cannot decode 3GP with AMR audio.