Why the 3G setting be called WCDMA ?

[anandtapas]

We know that 3G setting in Xperia U network mode stting menu is called WCDMA. The 3G band for XpU is in fact HSDPA. So this menu should be written as 3G or HSDPA ! Why ? Does a name matter ?  because when i saw this in my newly bought phone, I got worried and checked with specs again in the web site. I was convinced only when I did speed test.  WCDMA menu  name is mis leading.

[chew_daniel · Accepted solution]

High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is 3G (third generation) mobile telephony communications protocol which allows networks based on Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to have higher DATA transfer speeds and capacity.

UMTS employs Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) radio access technology... (means voice and data)

so no... the WCDMA name isn't misleading at all. Sony is technically correct...

[anandtapas]

Thanx Chew ! I understand now why it is WCDMA. I mis understood earlier.

However, I suggest sony use simpler icons like 3G 2G 2.5G etc for laymen like me.

[chew_daniel]

well the icons are standard across all phones nowadays (except maybe apple lol)

G = GPRS

E = EDGE

3G = well... 3G/UMTS

H = HSPA

H+ = HSPA+

LTE = well... LTE