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Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Qualcomm-funded study shows that Apple's C1 modem is slower — but there's a catch
Apple recently released the iPhone 16e, which includes the C1 modem, the first built in-house. However, it seems Qualcomm has commissioned Cellular Insights to compare the iPhone 16e's connection abilities to two Android phones to see which is best. All three devices were placed in various real-world environments around New York while connected to T-Mobile's sub-6GHz network. According to the report, the phones were all tested in near, far and mid-cell conditions in an attempt to get the most comprehensive results. Now, the report doesn't specify which Android devices were used, but we can make an educated guess. The first device is stated to be a January 2025 flagship with an X80 modem and a $799 price tag. Meanwhile, the second was a January 2024 flagship with the older Snapdragon X75 modem and a $619 price tag. As such, we can guess that the two models were the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24, respectively. The report found that the Android phones offered a 34.3% to 35.2% faster download speed than the iPhone 16e, while also featuring an 81.4% to 91% faster upload speed. Now, it should be noted that the report found that all three devices offered "somewhat comparable 5G performance under ideal, near-cell conditions, performance deltas became increasingly pronounced as signal conditions deteriorated." The reason for this disparity is suggested to be due to Qualcomm modems supporting downlink carrier aggregation and uplink carrier aggregation features. If you've not heard of these terms, they're essentially techniques used in cellular networks that increase the bandwidth and data rates by combining multiple data channels. The C1 modem also lacks mmWave 5G support, which is usually found in urban areas and offers the fastest speeds. It is important to take this with a healthy level of salt for several reasons. Firstly, this is a report commissioned by Qualcomm, so there's always a level of bias in the end report. Secondly, this test was only on a single network. Meanwhile, an Ookla comparison revealed that the iPhone 16e modem far exceeded the iPhone 16 on all networks. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Finally, and arguably more importantly, Qualcomm has been the leader in cellular modems for over a decade, so it knows how to get the most out of its hardware. As such, Apple's first modem managing to outperform it completely would be unlikely. So, what do you take away from this comparison? The main takeaway is that T-Mobile users in areas with no or limited coverage would be much better served by owning one of the best Android phones. However, if you live in a city with better coverage, then you really won't notice the difference in 5G connection.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Qualcomm-backed study finds Apple's in-house modem falls short in 5G tests
-- Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is touting a new study highlighting the performance edge of its 5G modem chips over Apple Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL) first in-house modem, as both tech giants vie for wireless supremacy. The report, conducted by Cellular Insights and funded by Qualcomm, found that Android smartphones powered by its Snapdragon X75 and X80 modems significantly outperformed Apple's C1 modem in download and upload speeds, particularly in challenging urban 5G environments. Apple's iPhone 16e, the first device equipped with its custom-built modem, lagged behind competitors while connected to T-Mobile's standalone 5G network in New York City. According to the study, Qualcomm-powered Android phones recorded up to 35% faster download speeds and as much as 91% faster upload performance. While Apple's modem kept pace under ideal signal conditions close to cell towers, performance gaps widened in low-signal areas such as indoors or at greater distances. 'Performance deltas became increasingly pronounced as signal conditions deteriorated,' the Cellular Insights report stated, citing more consistent throughput and superior carrier aggregation on Qualcomm hardware. The test results come at a strategic inflection point for both companies. Apple spent years developing the C1 modem to reduce reliance on outside suppliers, with Qualcomm previously serving as Apple's exclusive provider and generating nearly 20% of its revenue from the relationship at its peak. Qualcomm's modems leveraged advanced features such as 4CC downlink and 2CC uplink carrier aggregation, while the iPhone 16e lacked observed ULCA and had fewer active component carriers. 'Greater platform maturity' and support for features like FDD+FDD ULCA were described as key differentiators in the report. Despite being commissioned by Qualcomm, the study offers early insights into the technical hurdles Apple faces in bringing critical infrastructure components in-house. The C1 modem marks a first attempt in a segment where Qualcomm has a two-decade development lead and wide licensing moat. Wall Street has taken note: Qualcomm shares rose 2.6% amid the report's publication, reflecting investor confidence in its continuing technological advantage. Apple stock was left unchanged, up 2.5%, but the company could face scrutiny over whether future iterations of its modem can close the performance gap. Related articles Qualcomm-backed study finds Apple's in-house modem falls short in 5G tests Apple aims for gaming market with app to replace Game Center, Bloomberg reports Southwest Airlines raised at Jefferies after management meetings
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Qualcomm-backed study finds Apple's in-house modem falls short in 5G tests
-- Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is touting a new study highlighting the performance edge of its 5G modem chips over Apple Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL) first in-house modem, as both tech giants vie for wireless supremacy. The report, conducted by Cellular Insights and funded by Qualcomm, found that Android smartphones powered by its Snapdragon X75 and X80 modems significantly outperformed Apple's C1 modem in download and upload speeds, particularly in challenging urban 5G environments. Apple's iPhone 16e, the first device equipped with its custom-built modem, lagged behind competitors while connected to T-Mobile's standalone 5G network in New York City. According to the study, Qualcomm-powered Android phones recorded up to 35% faster download speeds and as much as 91% faster upload performance. While Apple's modem kept pace under ideal signal conditions close to cell towers, performance gaps widened in low-signal areas such as indoors or at greater distances. 'Performance deltas became increasingly pronounced as signal conditions deteriorated,' the Cellular Insights report stated, citing more consistent throughput and superior carrier aggregation on Qualcomm hardware. The test results come at a strategic inflection point for both companies. Apple spent years developing the C1 modem to reduce reliance on outside suppliers, with Qualcomm previously serving as Apple's exclusive provider and generating nearly 20% of its revenue from the relationship at its peak. Qualcomm's modems leveraged advanced features such as 4CC downlink and 2CC uplink carrier aggregation, while the iPhone 16e lacked observed ULCA and had fewer active component carriers. 'Greater platform maturity' and support for features like FDD+FDD ULCA were described as key differentiators in the report. Despite being commissioned by Qualcomm, the study offers early insights into the technical hurdles Apple faces in bringing critical infrastructure components in-house. The C1 modem marks a first attempt in a segment where Qualcomm has a two-decade development lead and wide licensing moat. Wall Street has taken note: Qualcomm shares rose 2.6% amid the report's publication, reflecting investor confidence in its continuing technological advantage. Apple stock was left unchanged, up 2.5%, but the company could face scrutiny over whether future iterations of its modem can close the performance gap. Related articles Qualcomm-backed study finds Apple's in-house modem falls short in 5G tests AMC, movie theater stocks pop as box office hits Memorial Day record Telus launches C$70 billion investment targeting fibre, 5G, AI and rural access
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Qualcomm-backed study finds Apple's in-house modem falls short in 5G tests
-- Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is touting a new study highlighting the performance edge of its 5G modem chips over Apple Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL) first in-house modem, as both tech giants vie for wireless supremacy. The report, conducted by Cellular Insights and funded by Qualcomm, found that Android smartphones powered by its Snapdragon X75 and X80 modems significantly outperformed Apple's C1 modem in download and upload speeds, particularly in challenging urban 5G environments. Apple's iPhone 16e, the first device equipped with its custom-built modem, lagged behind competitors while connected to T-Mobile's standalone 5G network in New York City. According to the study, Qualcomm-powered Android phones recorded up to 35% faster download speeds and as much as 91% faster upload performance. While Apple's modem kept pace under ideal signal conditions close to cell towers, performance gaps widened in low-signal areas such as indoors or at greater distances. 'Performance deltas became increasingly pronounced as signal conditions deteriorated,' the Cellular Insights report stated, citing more consistent throughput and superior carrier aggregation on Qualcomm hardware. The test results come at a strategic inflection point for both companies. Apple spent years developing the C1 modem to reduce reliance on outside suppliers, with Qualcomm previously serving as Apple's exclusive provider and generating nearly 20% of its revenue from the relationship at its peak. Qualcomm's modems leveraged advanced features such as 4CC downlink and 2CC uplink carrier aggregation, while the iPhone 16e lacked observed ULCA and had fewer active component carriers. 'Greater platform maturity' and support for features like FDD+FDD ULCA were described as key differentiators in the report. Despite being commissioned by Qualcomm, the study offers early insights into the technical hurdles Apple faces in bringing critical infrastructure components in-house. The C1 modem marks a first attempt in a segment where Qualcomm has a two-decade development lead and wide licensing moat. Wall Street has taken note: Qualcomm shares rose 2.6% amid the report's publication, reflecting investor confidence in its continuing technological advantage. Apple stock was left unchanged, up 2.5%, but the company could face scrutiny over whether future iterations of its modem can close the performance gap. Related articles Qualcomm-backed study finds Apple's in-house modem falls short in 5G tests AMC, movie theater stocks pop as box office hits Memorial Day record Telus launches C$70 billion investment targeting fibre, 5G, AI and rural access Sign in to access your portfolio
