Apple invested numerous years into perfecting the technology that powers its new C1 modem. Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 16e, there were expectations that Apple’s C1 would lag behind Qualcomm’s 5G modem—at least for this initial iteration. However, a recently released study based on real-world data suggests a different narrative.
Study reveals Apple’s C1 surpasses Qualcomm in crucial aspects
Today, Ookla released an analysis comparing the real-world performance of the iPhone 16e featuring the C1 modem against the standard iPhone 16 equipped with Qualcomm’s modem.
The results were unexpected.
Ookla monitored performance across the leading three US carriers in three separate categories:
- 10th percentile (lowest performance experience)
- Median performance
- 90th percentile (highest performance experience)
The comprehensive data provides a detailed view of how both devices perform against each other, yielding several significant insights.
Firstly, the iPhone 16e with the C1 modem showed superior performance in the 10th percentile.
This indicates that in scenarios where connectivity is challenging and download speeds are compromised, the C1 provided a more favorable experience compared to Qualcomm’s modem.
Conversely, the iPhone 16 with Qualcomm’s modem outperformed in the 90th percentile, achieving better peak download speeds across AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
However, Ookla suggests this might not be as crucial for users:
Performance in the lowest 10th percentile often offers a truer depiction of the overall quality of experience (QoE) than the peak 90th percentile, which may be influenced by conditions in mmWave areas and faces diminishing returns.
What about median performance?
While close, the iPhone 16e generally had an advantage, delivering faster median speeds on both AT&T and Verizon networks.
In contrast, T-Mobile users experienced higher median speeds with Qualcomm than with Apple’s C1.
In terms of upload speeds, the iPhone 16e consistently outperformed across all major carriers. For both AT&T and Verizon, the C1 provided roughly double the upload speeds of Qualcomm. On T-Mobile, the C1 still maintained a slight edge.
DMN’s Perspective
Apple finds itself in a unique position with its C1 modem. On one hand, the company has reason to celebrate its success in developing a 5G modem that can compete with the current market leader—and according to this new data, even exceed it.
On the other hand, the company still utilizes Qualcomm modems in all of its flagship, higher-end iPhones. Thus, it may not be prudent for Apple to launch a significant campaign highlighting the advantages of the C1.
Nonetheless, these findings boost my enthusiasm for the future of Apple’s modem innovations.
What are your thoughts on the comparison between Apple’s C1 and Qualcomm? Share your insights in the comments.
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