A recent study commissioned by Qualcomm asserts that Android devices equipped with its latest modems significantly outperform Apple’s inaugural in-house 5G modem, the C1, featured in the iPhone 16e. Conducted by Cellular Insights, the research indicates that Qualcomm’s modem platforms deliver higher upload and download speeds, particularly in challenging signal environments. However, the study’s funding source raises questions about the objectivity of these findings.
Qualcomm Modems Demonstrate Performance Gains
Cellular Insights evaluated the iPhone 16e against two Android devices: one utilizing the Snapdragon X75 modem and the other the newer X80 modem. Testing took place on T-Mobile’s sub-6 GHz Standalone 5G network in New York City. The report reveals that the Android devices outperformed the iPhone in nearly every scenario.
In terms of average throughput across three New York City locations:
– Download speeds were 34.3% to 35.2% faster on Android devices.
– Upload speeds were 81.4% to 91.0% faster.
The report attributes these disparities to superior carrier aggregation, higher spectral efficiency, and more reliable performance under poor signal conditions. Notably, the Android devices supported uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA), a feature absent in the iPhone 16e, leading to significant differences in uplink performance, especially indoors and in distant cell tests.
Limitations and Contradictions
While the study claims real-world testing, it acknowledges a key limitation: Android devices permitted chipset-level testing, whereas the iPhone did not. Consequently, Apple’s performance was measured through application-layer speeds rather than directly from the modem.
Further complicating the narrative, a previous independent analysis by Ookla demonstrated that Apple’s C1 modem performs well under everyday conditions. This study concluded that although Qualcomm modems may achieve higher peak speeds, the iPhone often delivers better results during typical usage scenarios.
As reported by Cellular Insights, Qualcomm’s platforms hold an advantage in difficult network environments. However, given that Qualcomm funded the research, the findings warrant careful scrutiny. The real-world experience for users may still depend more on factors such as signal strength and software optimization than on raw modem specifications.
Apple’s Foray into In-House Modems
Apple’s development of the C1 modem marks a significant milestone in its pursuit of hardware independence. The C1 debuted in the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, signaling Apple’s intent to reduce reliance on external suppliers like Qualcomm. Despite this progress, the C1 currently lacks support for millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G technology, which offers ultra-fast speeds in specific areas. Reports suggest that Apple is developing a second-generation modem with mmWave support, expected to debut in future iPhone models.
Qualcomm’s Strategic Response
In response to Apple’s advancements, Qualcomm has unveiled its latest high-end modem, the X85. CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized the modem’s integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, stating that it increases the range of performance of the modem so the modem can deal with weaker signals. Amon suggested that this innovation would create a substantial performance gap between high-end Android devices and iOS devices.
Qualcomm anticipates that by 2026, it will supply modems for just 20% of iPhones, with none at all by 2027. To mitigate the impact of losing Apple as a customer, Qualcomm is diversifying into other markets, including automotive, PCs, virtual and augmented reality, and smart devices, aiming to reduce its dependence on modem sales and patent licensing.
The Road Ahead
The competition between Apple’s C1 modem and Qualcomm’s offerings underscores the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile connectivity. While Qualcomm’s study highlights its modems’ superior performance in certain scenarios, independent analyses suggest that Apple’s C1 holds its own under typical usage conditions. As both companies continue to innovate, consumers can expect ongoing improvements in mobile network performance and efficiency.
