Such a byword nowadays, DATA. Questions like, what your data plan? is it unlimited? what is the data cap? Data, data, data. This is the term used for a service that network provides their subscribers. Recently, data is more commonly associated with streaming and a debate is going on as to which activity consumes more. Downloading or Streaming files? Our technology today also allows for a new kind of website, called streaming websites like 123movies, who offer content to be streamed from their servers for free. Some websites will even let you stream new movies in theaters free of charge. This, of course, opens up ethical consideration but there it is. The choice is yours.
So which one uses more data? Streaming or downloading? Do not be so quick to say downloading because of BOTH of this load the file into your device. The difference is that with streaming the file will only be accessible when you are doing just that. The file is stored in a buffer zone which is also known as a web cache. With this knowledge, we can now say that the amount of data being transferred is essentially the same. Downloading having that benefit of the file being stored in your device forever until you delete it yourself manually. There you have it, they BOTH consume the same amount of data.
Consider these tips then with that knowledge. What are you going to use the file for? Are you going to use it repeatedly? play it multiple times? If that is the case, you will be better off downloading it. Also, consider the storage capacity on your phone. Remember that when you max out a phone’s storage, chances are it will mess with the operating system and cause errors. If you will be traveling, using data for streaming may not be such a good idea as this will consume your battery life faster than regular use, what with the radio antenna getting hot with all those transmitting and receiving.
Then there are also the inherent advantages when you actually have the file on your device. You can still enjoy a multi-device access by transferring to your other device or by streaming it through your home network. Plus you can already choose the file before downloading it to the resolution that you wants, whether full HD or 4K content. The downside is that you will actually have to provide space for it within your storage and may consume a lot more in the process. On the other hand, downloading is great when you have a tight budget on your data plan. You can arrange for the movies or music to be downloaded while you are in a wifi connection and watch it while you are traveling or when mobile.
By looking at the facts, we can say that for one time use both of these activities consume the same amount of bandwidth. For multiple uses, however, we begin to see the advantage of having the file as a onetime download because if you stream it again, it will be the equivalent of multiple downloads.