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Convert MP4 to 3G2 - Video for Legacy CDMA Mobile Devices

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Need Video for Older Mobile Phones or CDMA Devices?

MP4 files work great on modern smartphones, but older CDMA-based mobile phones, feature phones, and legacy devices often require 3G2 format for video playback. If you have an older Verizon or Sprint phone, a legacy feature phone, or need to send video via MMS on limited networks, converting your MP4 to 3G2 ensures compatibility.

The 3G2 format (3GPP2) was specifically designed for CDMA2000 networks, creating highly compressed video files that play reliably on devices with limited processing power and storage. Our converter transforms your MP4 videos into properly formatted 3G2 files in seconds.

How to Convert MP4 to 3G2

  1. Upload your MP4 file - Drag and drop or select your video from any device
  2. Confirm 3G2 output - Your video converts to 3GPP2 format optimized for mobile playback
  3. Download your 3G2 file - Get your legacy mobile-ready video file instantly

The conversion process automatically optimizes your video for 3G2 compatibility, handling codec conversion and proper container formatting without any technical configuration required.

Understanding MP4 and 3G2 Formats

Both MP4 and 3G2 are based on the ISO base media file format (MPEG-4 Part 12), but they serve different purposes. MP4 is the modern universal video container, while 3G2 was designed specifically for bandwidth-constrained CDMA mobile networks in the early 2000s.

  • Video codecs - 3G2 supports H.264/MPEG-4, same as MP4, but at lower resolutions (typically 176x144 or 320x240)
  • Audio codecs - 3G2 uses CDMA-specific codecs: EVRC, EVRC-B, 13K (QCELP), SMV, or VMR-WB instead of AAC
  • File size reduction - A typical 10 MB MP4 video converts to 1-3 MB 3G2 at mobile resolution
  • Maximum resolution - Most 3G2 players support up to QVGA (320x240) or lower

The 3GPP2 specification was published by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2, the organization responsible for CDMA2000 standards used by carriers like Verizon and Sprint in the United States.

When MP4 to 3G2 Conversion Makes Sense

Legacy CDMA Mobile Phones

If you own or support older CDMA-based phones from the pre-smartphone era, 3G2 is likely the only video format they accept. These devices lack the processing power for modern MP4 playback and require the lightweight 3G2 container.

MMS Video Messaging on Limited Networks

Some carriers and legacy messaging systems still require 3G2 format for video attachments. The small file sizes (typically under 300KB for MMS) make 3G2 ideal for constrained messaging scenarios.

Feature Phones and Low-End Devices

Basic phones in developing markets and specialized industrial devices sometimes only support 3G2 playback. Converting your videos ensures compatibility with these limited-capability devices.

Retro Device Collections and Testing

Collectors preserving vintage mobile phones or developers testing legacy applications need 3G2 files to verify video playback functionality on original hardware.

MP4 vs 3G2: Choosing the Right Format

3G2 is a specialized format with limited modern applications. Understanding when each format is appropriate helps you make the right choice.

  • Choose 3G2 when: You need playback on older CDMA phones, MMS messaging on legacy networks, or compatibility with feature phones that lack MP4 support
  • Keep MP4 when: You use any modern smartphone, tablet, computer, or streaming service - MP4 is universally supported
  • Consider 3GP instead: If your target device is a GSM-based legacy phone rather than CDMA, 3GP may be more appropriate

Be aware that 3G2 conversion significantly reduces video quality due to resolution and bitrate limitations inherent to the format. Always keep your original MP4 files as master copies.

Batch Convert Multiple Videos

Converting a collection of videos for legacy devices? Upload multiple MP4 files at once and download them all as 3G2. Batch conversion is particularly useful when preparing media libraries for older devices or testing across multiple legacy handsets.

Works on Any Device

Our browser-based converter runs entirely in your web browser. No software installation, no plugins, and no account required.

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and phones

Your files are processed securely, and you can convert from any modern device to create files for your legacy hardware.

Pro Tip

For MMS video messaging, target 176x144 resolution and keep files under 300KB. Most legacy MMS systems reject larger files regardless of format. Test with your specific carrier before batch converting.

Common Mistake

Users convert high-quality MP4 videos to 3G2 expecting similar quality on legacy phones. The 3G2 format enforces severe quality limitations by design. The resulting video will look blocky and compressed - this is normal for the format.

Best For

Essential for older CDMA phones (pre-2010 Verizon/Sprint devices), feature phones in developing markets, legacy industrial equipment with built-in video players, and vintage mobile phone collectors testing original hardware.

Not Recommended

Not recommended for any modern device or platform. If your target device was made after 2012 or runs iOS/Android, use MP4 instead. 3G2 offers no advantages on modern hardware and significantly reduces quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

3G2 (3GPP2) is a video container format designed for CDMA mobile networks. You need it for older Verizon/Sprint phones from the pre-smartphone era, feature phones, MMS video messaging on legacy networks, or testing vintage mobile devices that cannot play modern MP4 files.

Yes, significantly. 3G2 was designed for devices with tiny screens and limited processing power. Videos convert to low resolutions (typically 176x144 to 320x240) with lower bitrates. Keep your original MP4 for quality viewing on modern devices.

3GP is for GSM networks (AT&T, T-Mobile legacy phones), while 3G2 is for CDMA networks (Verizon, Sprint legacy phones). The main difference is audio codec support - 3G2 uses CDMA-specific codecs like EVRC and QCELP instead of AMR.

3G2 supports CDMA-specific audio codecs: EVRC, EVRC-B, EVRC-WB, 13K (QCELP), SMV, and VMR-WB. It does not support AAC or MP3 audio. Our converter handles the audio transcoding automatically.

Most modern Android phones can play 3G2 files, though iPhones may require third-party apps. However, there is rarely a reason to use 3G2 on modern devices - MP4 provides better quality and universal support.

3G2 typically supports resolutions up to QVGA (320x240), with many older devices limited to QCIF (176x144). Higher resolution MP4 videos are automatically scaled down during conversion to ensure playback compatibility.

3G2 files are much smaller than MP4 due to resolution and bitrate reduction. A typical 10 MB MP4 video converts to 1-3 MB 3G2. For MMS messaging, videos are often compressed to under 300KB.

3G2 is largely obsolete for mainstream use as 3G networks are being shut down worldwide. However, it remains relevant for legacy device support, vintage phone collectors, industrial equipment with older firmware, and some developing market feature phones.

Yes, you can convert 3G2 to MP4, but you cannot recover the quality lost during the original conversion to 3G2. The MP4 will have the same low resolution and quality as the 3G2 source file.

Basic metadata like title may transfer, but 3G2 has limited metadata support compared to MP4. Complex metadata, chapters, and multiple audio tracks are not preserved in 3G2 format.

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