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Phone Number Basics

LINE Calls vs Regular Phone Calls - How They Differ and When to Use Each

About 2 min read

Two Types of Phone Calls

Your smartphone has two ways to make calls: the regular Phone app (using cellular network) and LINE calls (using internet). Each has strengths and weaknesses.

Regular Phone Calls

Uses the cellular network. Stable audio quality, can call emergency numbers (110/119), works with any phone number including landlines. Costs money unless you have an unlimited plan.

LINE Calls

Uses internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data). Free, supports video and group calls. But can't call emergency numbers, requires both parties to have LINE, and quality depends on internet connection.

Data Usage

LINE voice calls use about 0.3 MB/minute (18 MB/hour). Video calls use about 5 MB/minute (300 MB/hour). Voice calls barely affect your data plan; use Wi-Fi for long video calls.

When to Use Each

Regular phone: emergencies, businesses, people without LINE, important calls. LINE: chatting with friends, group calls, video calls, international calls.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call 110 or 119 using LINE?

No. Emergency numbers (110/119/118) can only be called from the regular Phone app. Always use the Phone app in emergencies.

Do LINE calls use mobile data?

Not on Wi-Fi. On mobile data, voice calls use about 18 MB/hour and video calls about 300 MB/hour. Voice calls barely affect your data allowance.

Which has better audio quality, LINE calls or regular calls?

On stable Wi-Fi, LINE call quality is good enough. But in areas with poor signal, regular phone calls are more reliable. For important conversations, use the regular Phone app.

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