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Streaming Vs. Downloading? Which One Consumes More Data?

Thanks to the advanced technology today, browsing information and connecting with friends across the globe has never been easier. You can have as much information as you require in your communication device with just a few clicks. Thanks to the development of smartphones, people can now enjoy watching cool music videos and films wherever and whenever. This is either by downloading them or streaming them. But are you wondering which method is more suitable for you? Just how much data do you consume while using these methods? If you are wondering about the significance and advantages of streaming and downloading, then this is a must-read for you.

Both Streaming And Downloading Involve Sending a File To Your Device

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You might think that streaming is just as simple as browsing through a website. Wrong!  Even when you are streaming a file, a command will still be sent for the file to be stored in your device. The only difference is that this file is only accessible the moment you are streaming.  The file is stored in the memory is that is known as “web cache.”

On the other hand, downloading requires your file to be stored in your device’s physical memory. It requires an allocation of your phone’s space. Therefore, if your phone memory is full, you can be stream a video, but you cannot download it. 

The Amount of Data Transferred is Typically The Same

You might be tempted to think that you can save more data bundles if you stream a video instead of downloading it. However, the amount of data transferred is just the same.For example, if an MP3 file is 3.5 MB, it will be 3.5 MB whether you download it or stream it. However, their amount of data may vary depending on the quality of the file. For example, if you are streaming a video with 480 pixels and you have the option to download it on 720px, of course, the latter would require more data. 

The good news is that some online streaming services such as Netflix offer the option of reducing data usage in order to improve your browsing experience. They also offer several resolution options for you to choose while streaming or downloading.

The Intended Use of the File

The above insights can be tricky and confusing, but it all boils down to the intended use of the file. You need to determine how you intend to use the file you are accessing. If your phone has a little memory space, you should opt for streaming. Streaming is also good if you only intend to use the file once, for example, if you are satisfied with watching a video or listening to a song just once. Also, if you have a strong and stable Internet connection, streaming will be easy.

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On the other hand, if you intend to access the file more than once, you should download it. It will occupy some space in your memory, but you are certain that it will be stored on your device for future use.  Downloading files is convenient if you want to access your file wherever and whenever you want it. This is also good if you don’t have a stable and reliable Internet connection.

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