Qualcomm Study: iPhone 16e Lags Android Devices in 5G Performance by 35%

Qualcomm has released a study, conducted by Cellular Insights, which shows that its baseband chips outperform Apple's self-developed C1 baseband, especially in densely populated urban areas. The iPhone 16e, which features Apple's C1 baseband, lagged behind Android devices using Qualcomm's technology in both upload and download speeds on T-Mobile's 5G network in New York City. This research, funded by Qualcomm, was submitted to media outlets for review.

Apple has been developing the C1 chip for several years as part of its broader strategy to replace supplier components with in-house technology. Baseband chips are crucial for connecting smartphones to cellular networks, enabling voice calls and mobile data. While the C1 chip performs adequately in ideal network conditions, it falls short in scenarios where the advantages of next-generation basebands should be most apparent. For users in crowded urban areas, indoor environments, or those requiring high-frequency uploads, Android devices with Qualcomm's technology offer superior 5G performance, providing quantifiable and reproducible improvements in user experience.

Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment on the study. Qualcomm's use of third-party reports is a strategic move aimed at its key customer, Apple. Over the years, Apple has contributed approximately 20% of Qualcomm's revenue. Until the release of the iPhone 16e, Qualcomm was the sole supplier of baseband chips for Apple's devices. However, Apple plans to gradually expand the use of its self-developed baseband across its entire product line, ultimately phasing out Qualcomm as a supplier.

Qualcomm has warned investors that revenue from Apple's baseband chips will eventually drop to zero, but the company aims to offset this loss by expanding into new business areas. Earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook praised the C1 chip as the most efficient baseband in iPhone history, noting the smooth progress of the new device's launch.

The study's data indicates that two similarly priced Android devices using Qualcomm's technology had download speeds up to 35% faster and upload speeds up to 91% faster than the iPhone. The performance gap widened further in conditions of network congestion or weak signals. The report also noted that the iPhone experienced noticeable heating and a sudden drop in screen brightness after just two minutes of testing, though it did not specify whether users would notice a decline in communication quality during daily use or address battery life.

Baseband chips communicate with carrier networks via radio waves, converting signals into data and voice within the phone. Enhancing signals is a common method to improve connectivity, but it increases power consumption. Qualcomm emphasizes the complexity of developing baseband technology, asserting that its advantage lies in simulating complex network environments to ensure stable chip performance under various conditions. Factors such as weather, tall buildings, and network congestion can all affect a phone's actual performance.

For Apple, developing its own baseband is part of its broader strategy of vertical technology integration. From Mac computers to the popular iPhone, Apple's products now feature in-house processors, giving the company greater control over functionality and cost management. This strategy allows Apple to customize its products more effectively and maintain tighter control over costs, which is a significant advantage in the competitive tech market. However, the transition to self-developed baseband chips is not without its challenges, as evidenced by the performance issues highlighted in the study. Qualcomm's response, using third-party data to challenge Apple's claims, underscores the intense competition and strategic maneuvering in the tech industry. As both companies continue to innovate and adapt, consumers can expect to see ongoing advancements in smartphone technology and performance.