Which is better: MP4 or 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.
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.
