Android Beats Apple In 5G Tests: Qualcomm Reports

The incorporation of a custom modem like the C1 into the iPhone 16e has certainly captivated the industry, but it stands out from other Apple products due to how vertically it integrates the supply chain. However, Apple’s performance benchmarks do not appear to be optimistic, as a new study commissioned by Qualcomm indicates Apple’s first-generation C1 modem is significantly behind Qualcomm’s latest flagship products. The report highlights that Android flagship devices equipped with Qualcomm modems are, more often than not, outperforming the iPhone 16e, especially in low reception areas. While it is reasonable to assume that Apple will be able to catch up in successive versions, for the time being, data indicates a substantial disparity in value between Android devices, using Qualcomm modem technology, and Apple devices.

Qualcomm vs Apple: Real-World Testing Overview

Cellular Insights, which was recently commissioned by Qualcomm, ran a network performance analysis on three smartphones:

• iPhone 16e with Apple C1 modem

• Android Flagship A (likely Galaxy S25) with Snapdragon X80 modem – $799

• Android Flagship B (likely Galaxy S24) with Snapdragon X75 modem – $619

Employing T-Mobile’s sub-6GHz 5G stand-alone network, the tests were carried out at different locations in New York City. The evaluation included measures under:

• Near-cell conditions

• Mid-cell conditions

• Far-cell conditions

Key Performance Findings

Download and Upload Speeds

Both Qualcomm-powered Android phones consistently outperformed the iPhone 16e across all test conditions. The performance gap widened as the phones moved further away from cell towers.

Network Technology Disparity

The study pointed to a key reason for the performance gap: modem capabilities. Qualcomm modems in the Android devices supported advanced features like:

• Downlink carrier aggregation

• Uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA)

In contrast, the Apple C1 modem lacked observable support for ULCA and appeared to be constrained on the downlink, particularly in non-optimal network conditions.

Summary of Cellular Insights' Findings

"The Android A and B smartphones powered by Qualcomm modems deliver measurably superior performance in real-world 5G standalone environments. While the iPhone 16e powered by Apple C1 performs adequately under optimal RF and network load conditions, it lags significantly in edge cases—the very scenarios where next-generation modems are expected to excel."

Caution on Study Bias and Broader Context

Qualcomm sponsoring the work raises questions about conflict of interest possibilities. Even more so, with the company being a veteran in modem technology, their evidence does lead the charge of skepticism.

Moreover, the past decade served as the foundation for their authority in the cellular sphere. Inline with the with the C1's analysis however, the device’s capabilities have to be assessed as Apple’s first attempt at integrating an in-house modem. Such shifts in technology comes the burden of underperforming in initial stages.

Additional Insights from Ookla

According to other reports from Ookla, the worst-case scenario for signal reception is better for the iPhone 16e compared to the iPhone 16 with the latter having higher peak speeds. Most importantly, the iPhone 16 employs Qualcomm’s out-of-date Snapdragon X72 modem, which further emphasizes the gap in performance when compared to recent Android flagships.

What’s Next for Apple Modems?

Apple isn’t resting on its laurels. A reported Apple modem roadmap indicates:

• 2026: Introduction of mmWave support and enhanced carrier aggregation

• 2027: A next-gen Apple modem expected to rival Qualcomm’s best offerings

Final Thoughts

“Qualcomm’s rubust X75 and X80 are in the hands of experienced users,” said one prominent analyst. It is evident that Apple are in difficult straits with the C1 modem. While the iPhone 16e performs reasonably well in optimal conditions, it’s frankly clear that Qualcomm modems outperform in difficult network situations. The prognosis of Apple’s attempts on redesigning the modem leaves hope that not too far off iPhones could narrow that gap. Up until that point, the flags of Android, particularly with optimized 5G performance for T-Mobile’s fluctuating coverage areas, will take the lead.”