3G is the next generation mobile technology which offers  high speed connection for  uplink (up to 5.7 Mbps) and downlink (up to 28 Mbps). 3G networks operate on technology called High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSPA).

It will enable a host of rich multimedia services such as video calling, video on demand, and provide a richer experience for existing services such as mobile internet, mobile TV and MMS.This basically means that in addition to the earlier audio, graphics, and text, you can now send and receive video content too — provided you have a 3G-enabled handset or USB datacard and are in 3G coverage areas.

2G, also called Edge, is a slower internet connection than 3G. The benefits of 3G over 2G are a faster connection for loading web pages, better call quality, streaming video and audio services, and an “always on” connection.

It does, though, drain battery life quicker, but not to where it’s bothersome. Most phones now adapt to that and use better batteries. If you aren’t going to use internet on your phone, then you probably won’t notice anything but a slightly better call quality.

Also something to consider is that phone networks have a much smaller coverage area for 3G than for 2G.