ChangeMyFile - Free Online File ConverterChangeMyFile
Trusted by thousands of users worldwide

Convert AVI to 3G2 - Legacy Mobile Video Made Simple

Transform AVI files into compact 3G2 videos for older mobile phones and legacy devices.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

Share:fXin@
500+ Formats
Lightning Fast
100% Secure
Always Free
Cloud Processing

Why Convert AVI to 3G2?

AVI files are versatile but often too large and incompatible with older mobile devices. The 3G2 format was designed specifically for CDMA-based mobile phones and creates significantly smaller files that play on legacy devices.

If you have old phones, feature phones, or need to archive video content in a compact format, converting your AVI files to 3G2 solves compatibility issues while dramatically reducing file size. In our testing, a 100MB AVI file typically converts to a 10-15MB 3G2 file while maintaining watchable quality on mobile screens.

How to Convert AVI to 3G2

  1. Upload your AVI file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
  2. Confirm 3G2 as output - The converter is already set to 3G2 format
  3. Download your video - Your mobile-optimized 3G2 file is ready

The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting in queues.

Understanding the Formats

AVI - Audio Video Interleave

AVI is a container format introduced by Microsoft in 1992. It stores video and audio data in a single file and supports multiple codecs. AVI files are widely compatible with desktop systems but tend to be large and often struggle on mobile devices, especially older ones.

3G2 - Third Generation Partnership Project 2

3G2 was developed for CDMA-based mobile networks (used by carriers like Verizon and Sprint in the US). It uses H.263 or H.264 video compression with AAC or AMR audio, creating files optimized for small screens and limited storage. 3G2 is essentially a mobile-optimized version of MP4 with stricter size constraints.

Key Differences

  • File size - 3G2 files are 5-10x smaller than equivalent AVI files
  • Resolution - 3G2 typically uses lower resolutions (320x240 or less) suited for mobile screens
  • Compatibility - AVI works on desktops; 3G2 works on legacy mobile devices
  • Compression - 3G2 uses more aggressive compression for mobile bandwidth

When You Need This Conversion

Legacy Device Support

Older CDMA phones from the 2000s and early 2010s only support 3G2 video. If you want to watch videos on these devices, conversion is essential. In our testing, feature phones that rejected AVI files played 3G2 content without issues.

Archived Mobile Content

Many people have old phones with videos they want to preserve or view again. Converting your desktop AVI collection to 3G2 lets you experience them as they were meant to be viewed on period-accurate hardware.

Low-Bandwidth Sharing

3G2 files are small enough to share over slow connections or via MMS. When you need to send a video and bandwidth is limited, 3G2 is practical where AVI would be impossible.

Mobile Emulator Testing

Developers testing legacy mobile applications or emulators sometimes need 3G2 format specifically. Converting AVI source material provides test content in the correct format.

Storage Optimization

If you have a large AVI collection and need to free up space, converting to 3G2 reduces storage requirements dramatically. This is useful for archival purposes where maximum quality is not the priority.

Quality Expectations

3G2 is designed for small screens, so the conversion involves quality tradeoffs. Here is what to expect:

  • Resolution - Videos are typically scaled to 320x240 or 176x144 pixels
  • Frame rate - Usually 15-30 fps, suitable for mobile viewing
  • Audio - Compressed AAC or AMR at lower bitrates
  • Visual quality - Good for phone screens, not for large displays

In our testing, videos look excellent on the devices 3G2 was designed for. The format is doing exactly what it was built to do: deliver watchable video on hardware with limited capabilities.

Alternative Formats to Consider

3G2 is specific to legacy CDMA devices. Depending on your needs, other formats might work better:

  • AVI to MP4 - For modern smartphones and universal compatibility
  • AVI to 3GP - Similar to 3G2 but for GSM-based mobile networks
  • AVI to MKV - For high-quality archival with modern codec support
  • AVI to MOV - For Apple ecosystem compatibility

If you are targeting modern devices, MP4 is almost always the better choice. 3G2 is specifically for legacy hardware or niche use cases.

Batch Conversion

Have multiple AVI files to convert? Upload them all at once and convert your entire collection to 3G2 in one session. This is particularly useful when preparing content for legacy devices or building a mobile-optimized video archive.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets

No downloads required. No software to install. Your files never leave your device during conversion.

Technical Details

For those who want specifics about the conversion process:

  • Video codec - H.263 or MPEG-4 Part 2, optimized for mobile playback
  • Audio codec - AAC-LC or AMR-NB for voice-optimized content
  • Container - 3G2 (ISO base media file format variant)
  • Bitrate - Automatically adjusted for optimal mobile file size

In our testing, the default settings produce files that balance quality and size effectively for the 3G2 use case.

Pro Tip

If you are converting for a specific legacy phone, check its maximum supported resolution first. Many older devices cap at 176x144 (QCIF). Converting at higher resolutions wastes file size if the phone will downscale anyway.

Common Mistake

Using 3G2 for modern smartphones. While it technically plays on most Android devices, MP4 provides better quality at similar file sizes on current hardware. 3G2 is for legacy devices only.

Best For

Watching videos on pre-2012 CDMA mobile phones, creating ultra-compact video archives, testing legacy mobile emulators, or sharing video over extremely limited bandwidth connections.

Not Recommended

Modern smartphones, tablets, computers, or any scenario where quality matters. 3G2 sacrifices resolution and bitrate for small file sizes. Use MP4 for contemporary devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

3G2 is a video format developed for CDMA-based mobile phones (carriers like Verizon and Sprint). It creates small, mobile-optimized video files using H.263 or H.264 video compression with AAC or AMR audio.

The main reasons are legacy device compatibility (older CDMA phones only play 3G2), dramatic file size reduction (5-10x smaller than AVI), low-bandwidth sharing, and mobile emulator testing for developers.

3G2 was designed for CDMA networks (Verizon, Sprint), while 3GP was designed for GSM networks (AT&T, T-Mobile). They are technically similar but were created for different mobile standards. Most modern devices play both.

Yes, 3G2 uses aggressive compression designed for small screens. Resolution is typically reduced to 320x240 or lower. The videos look good on intended mobile devices but are not suitable for large displays.

Typically 5-10x smaller than the original AVI. A 100MB AVI file usually converts to 10-15MB in 3G2 format. The exact reduction depends on original quality and resolution.

Most Android phones can play 3G2 files. iPhones may require a third-party player. However, MP4 is the better choice for modern devices. 3G2 is primarily useful for legacy hardware.

They are related but not identical. 3G2 is based on the same ISO base media file format as MP4 but with additional restrictions for mobile compatibility. Think of 3G2 as a mobile-optimized subset of MP4.

Yes. Upload multiple AVI files and convert them all to 3G2 in a single batch. This is useful when preparing content for legacy devices or creating a mobile video archive.

Yes. The converter runs in any modern browser including Safari on iPhone and Chrome on Android. You can convert AVI to 3G2 directly on your mobile device.

3G2 videos are typically 320x240 pixels (QVGA) or 176x144 pixels (QCIF), optimized for legacy mobile screens. Higher resolutions would defeat the purpose of the small-file format.

No. Conversion happens entirely in your browser using local processing. Your video files never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy.

Use MP4 for any modern device made in the last decade. 3G2 is only necessary for legacy CDMA phones, specific emulator testing, or situations requiring extremely small file sizes at the expense of quality.

AVI Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.