What is the difference between a classic Bluetooth® module and a Bluetooth® low energy module?

Bluetooth module (Bluetooth module) refers to the basic circuit set of the chip with integrated Bluetooth function, used for short-range 2.4G wireless communication module. For the end user, the Bluetooth module is a semi-finished product. Through the process of functional redevelopment and packaging of the shell based on the module, the final product capable of utilizing Bluetooth communication is realized.
The Bluetooth module is divided into two types according to the application and support protocol: classic Bluetooth module and low-power Bluetooth module.

Classic Bluetooth module (BT): Generally refers to the module that supports the Bluetooth protocol below 4.0, which is generally used for relatively large data transmission, such as voice, music and other high data transmission. Classic Bluetooth modules can be further subdivided into: traditional Bluetooth modules (BR) and high-speed Bluetooth modules (EDR). The traditional Bluetooth module was launched in 2004, mainly representing modules that support the Bluetooth 2.1 protocol, and was widely supported during the outbreak of smart phones. The high-speed Bluetooth module was launched in 2009, and the speed increased to about 24Mbps, which is eight times that of the traditional Bluetooth module. It can be easily used for data transmission between VCR to HDTV, PC to PMP, and UMPC to printer.
Bluetooth low energy module (BLE): refers to a module that supports the Bluetooth protocol 4.0 or higher, also known as the BLE module. Its most important feature is support for power saving, mainly connected to devices that do not take up too much bandwidth. For example: smart home (Bluetooth lock, Bluetooth light), data transmission of sensor devices (sphygmomanometer, temperature sensor), consumer electronics (electronic cigarettes, remote control toys), etc.
Bluetooth low energy is actually very different from traditional Bluetooth. Bluetooth low energy is developed on Wibree standard of Nokia. In terms of power consumption, traditional Bluetooth has three levels of power consumption, class1, class2, and class3 respectively support transmission distances of 100m, 10m, and 1m; Bluetooth low energy has no power consumption level, and the transmission power is generally 7dbm. The BLE5.0 module can support Bluetooth Mesh technology.