Difference Between MP3 And MP4 Players

MP3 and MP4 are two compression formats used for digital audio players. While MP3 format is used for compressing audio files to store or transfer them on the internet, MP4 format is used for multimedia. The MP3 format was introduced in the market in 1999, while MP4 format was released in 2003. MP3 is an acronym for MPEG-3 (Moving Pictures Experts Group) and MP4 is an acronym for MPEG-4. The original name of MP3 format is MPEG-1 audio layer 3, while the original name of MP4 format is MPEG-4 part 14. The basic difference between an MP3 player and an Mp4 player is that MP3 handles only audios, while MP4 handles audio, video, text and images. Read on further to know more differences between MP3 and MP4 players.

 

 

The MP3 format was developed by a group of engineers from Philips, CCETT, IRT and Fraunhofer society; while the MP4 format has been developed by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) technical program.

 

While using an MP3 player, while switching from the current song to any other song, you have to scroll the button ‘n’ times to get to the desired song, as you can only move to the song listed before or after the current one. But with MP4 players, you have a larger LCD display with a menu that enables you to directly select the song you want to listen.

 

MP3 players have a tiny monochrome LCD display that allows you to play only songs. On the other hand, in MP4 players, you can watch videos as well, since they have at least 65K color display.

 

While most MP3 players support .mp3, .ogg and .wma file styles, MP4 players usually support .mp3, .wma, .wav, .MPEG 1,2,4, .MP4, .JPG, .AVI, .VOB, .ASF.

Some MP4 players even have a video conversion application that can convert any video to a custom video type supported by the MP4 player.

 

MP3 players allow you to play songs, listen to radio, record or replay recordings along with some LCD color effects. MP4 players have a 65,000 or 256,000 color display that allows you to replay audio, video, pictures, recordings, web browsing and instant messaging.

 

MP3 players are powered by 1.5V AAA battery that lasts about 12 to 16 hours of usage time. To extend the time, you have to purchase NI-MH rechargeable batteries along with a battery charger. MP4 players come along with a lithium ION or Polymer battery which can be recharged by connecting the player to the computer through the USB port. The battery lasts for about 16 to 24 hours.

 

There is not much difference the prices of MP3 and MP4 players. However, spending an extra 5 to 10 bucks to get a MP4 player is better than purchasing a MP3 player (including rechargeable batteries and battery charger).

 

The headphones supplied with MP3 players are of low quality, while MP4 players come with high-quality time-resistant headset.