Samsung 4G LTE Hotspot [Verizon] Review
Just about a week ago I picked up a hot (no pun intended*) new device from my Verizon Wireless contact. It’s the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot. Or as I like to call it: The SCH–LC11. Not really. We’ll stick with ’4G Hotspot’. This is one of two 4G LTE hotspots now available on Verizon Wireless.
If you’re not familiar with what a ‘mobile hotspot’ is, allow me to give you a quick lesson. Basically, a mobile hotspot works like the wireless internet in your house. A data connection comes in and a WiFi connection is spit out. However, instead of being connected to a cable modem, the data connection is a cellular connection. The WiFi part works pretty much the same. The big difference is that you can only connect up to 5 WiFi devices, BUT you can connect ANY WiFi device; Laptops, iPads, mobile phones, game consoles. Also, it wouldn’t be very ‘mobile’ if it weren’t battery powered. Sometimes these devices are called MiFi.
Mobile hotspots have been around for a couple of years now. The latest incarnations now pack 4G technology. This Samsung hotspot is rocking Verizon’s 4G LTE, but it’s also compatible with their 3G towers. This gives you awesome coverage in and out of 4G service area. The first night that I had the device, I was in St Cloud, MN. St Cloud is not a 4G city, but I was able to connect the company iPad to Verizon’s 3G network and check email, update some apps, and test one of our client’s apps. During my trip back to the Cities I was able to stream a comedy special on Netflix. All 3G. All the way. In fact, even when I reentered 4G airspace, it didn’t automatically switch over. Once I turned it off and back on, it was on 4G just fine.
During the work week, I had a mission: Use the 4G hotspot for an ENTIRE day of work. Mission successful. I did this for two days, last week. For the purpose of testing the connection, and not the battery, I had the hotspot plugged into an outlet. As you can see from the test results below, the 4G data connection is just as fast as our office connection. Granted, there are 10 other people using our office connection. There were some random service interruptions. All I had to do was reset the modem and continue on. I came back from lunch one day and had a mini freak out because I couldn’t connect. What I didn’t realize was that the hotspot shut itself off to conserve power. All I had to do is boot it up, and connect again.
Office Connection
Verizon 4G LTE Connection
This particular hotspot is very compact. It’s about the size of a deck of cards, only thinner. All of the surfaces are soft-touch, so it doesn’t slide around if you use it in the car. There is a single micro USB port on the side and a single power button on the face. Your connection status is indicated with 3 LEDs, also on the face; One for 4G, one for 3G, and one for WiFi. I wish there was a small LCD display to give you more feedback about your connection and battery. The LEDs only indicate that you have a 3G or 4G connection; not the signal strength. Also, there is no way to see how much battery you have left. Although, I have seen the LEDs turn different colors. Maybe there’s a decoder ring that can help identify what they mean. The power button also has an LED. Under the battery cover there is a reset button and the 1500 mAh battery.
The Samsung 4g LTE hotspot is available now from Verizon Wireless or Best Buy for $99.99 (new contract and what-not). If you want to spend a little less, you can pick it up from Amazon Wireless for $19.99. There are two plans available: 5GB for $50/mo and 10GB for $80/mo.
All-in-all the Samsung 4g LTE hotspot is a great mobile hotspot. It’s small. It packs Verizon’s 4G LTE technology. It’s relatively inexpensive. I would like to have some more indicators for signal strength and battery. With many new mobile phones coming with some sort of hotspot/tethering option included, this device may not be for everyone. But if you want to maybe save some money on your monthly internet connection, you can get a hotspot, use it at home, and then take it with you when you’re out and about.
Features
- 4G LTE Mobile Broadband and Mobile Broadband capable
- Connects with up to Five Wi–Fi® Enabled Devices
- Chipset: MDM9600
- Slim, durable and compact design
- 4G SIM Card compatible
- Service Status Indicator (LED) –4 Color
- VPN Compatible
- Auto Connect
Technology Bands
- CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev. A/Rev. 0: 800/1900 MHz
- 4G LTE (700MHz)
System Requirements
- WiFi802.11b/g/n connectivity
- One Type A USB Port – FOR CHARGING PURPOSES ONLY with included Wall/USB Charger
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.32”(H) x 3.54”(W) x 0.45”(D)
- Weight: 2.7 oz.
- Battery: (1500mAh)
- Usage: Up to 216 mins.;
- Standby: Up to 9hrs.
- SAR:1.13W/kg – Body
*pun totally intended
Not only is the USB port for charging only, if you plug it into a laptop USB port to charge, the WiFi stops broadcasting!! How dumb is that?
Yeah. Not a great feature. I did figure out that if you use the wall charger you can broadcast and charge at the same time.
repent. the end is near.
and this devise is slower than the old usb devise I have been using for several years AND I had to give up my 1G unlimited data plan to get it.
like I said about the end being near. repent and so forth.
I found that the speed was reduced to ‘not-worth-using’ (under 1 MBPS) in a large exhibition hall last week. So too many people on the network equals bad performance.
ok i have had for 3 weeks and i tried using it with my x box. I kept on getting logged off. Maybe it was because i was using the old wifi adaptor for the x box. I will try to get the new adaptor. I also noticed when I was watching HDef stuff on youtube it kept on rebuffing. I don’t think it can handle the HD stuff. Anyways I think its slow but I’ll keep on trying to tell myself to like it
The phone support is a little uninformed. During the install/activation (Verizon) the guy had me put the sim in against the diagram in the modem and naturally it didnt work. He apologized. Once we got it running, well he didnt know the lights sequences, and today in another area of town, the unit wont go into 3G mode for me. I get 6k/sec bursts I guess from a heat inversion off the freeway outside. I am a patient person, but I should have gone to sprint a year ago. 2nd day with the unit. We’ll be patient. Updates are easy.
Does anyone know if it makes sense to replace home internet with 4G Hotspot? I her pros from Verizon but have read a few negative comments from consumers. Does anyone know? Thx.
@Cheryl
I’ve had the Samsung 4G Hotspot for 3 months now. When you get your bill, the plan will give you serious concern. I’m not a full time internet user and my last Verizon bill for the 4G Hotspot was $90. I’m on the road now, but when I get home, I plan to use my cheaper connection plan. It’s the only way I can survive for 2 full years on this plan. I had no idea what a GB was worth. Later, I read one reviewer who said you can use 10GB in two hours.
I have had my samsung LTE hotshop for 2-3 month, and now it connect 3G-4G but the wireless is no wireless connection hen t charging from the computer
Samsung LTE hotspot… I live in small apt. complex (if that even makes a difference). I lose my internet connection every time I try to utilize the internet which is for maybe 30 min to an hour each evening. Works great for my cellular device, not so great for my laptop. Often a slow running connection and sometimes I get lucky with decent speed. IF YOU GET THIS, DO NOT SIGN THE 2 YEAR CONTRACT AND ASK FOR MONTH TO MONTH.
Having problem with my hp not recognizing the passcode of the device . iPad works fine. Any thoughts ?
You could always try resetting the hotspot. There’s usually a small pinhole that you can jam a paperclip into. Also, try adjusting the settings. Change the SSID, security password, etc. Here is the Verizon support page (with manual)
http://support.verizonwireless.com/clc/devices/index.html?p=5636