The iPhone XS has made significant improvements in LTE download speeds compared to its predecessor, the iPhone X. With the use of the Intel XMM7560 modem, Apple has been able to achieve faster speeds and support all four major US wireless carriers. This move also allowed Apple to distance itself from Qualcomm, a dominant player in the high-end modem market.
However, despite these advancements, the iPhone XS still falls short of devices equipped with Qualcomm’s X20 modem, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. In a comparison conducted by Cellular Insights using advanced measurement equipment from Rohde & Schwarz and data from Ookla Speedtest Intelligence database, it was found that Qualcomm-powered devices consistently outperformed Intel-powered ones.
One key factor contributing to this performance gap is the lack of 4×4 MIMO antennas in previous models like the iPhone X. The introduction of 4×4 MIMO in the iPhone XS and XS Max has helped improve speeds significantly, especially in weak signal conditions. While these new iPhones show improvement over their predecessors, they still lag behind Qualcomm-powered devices like the Galaxy Note 9 and Google Pixel 2.
In real-world testing scenarios using a 20MHz channel of Band 4 commonly used by major carriers in North America, it was evident that while the iPhone XS Max performs well under good signal conditions thanks to its new antennas, it struggles to match up with Qualcomm-powered devices as signal strength decreases. Despite this discrepancy, Apple’s efforts to enhance LTE performance are commendable and show promise for future iterations of their flagship smartphones.The iPhone XS may have crushed the iPhone X in LTE speeds, but it still falls short of Qualcomm devices in terms of performance. When tested with very weak signals below -120dBm, the XS Max showed competitive results with Qualcomm phones and outperformed the iPhone X significantly. However, Qualcomm devices were able to squeeze out slightly better performance from extremely weak signals.
Comparing the iPhone XS to the XS Max, there was only a marginal difference in performance. Both devices share the same modem and antennas, resulting in almost identical LTE speeds. The slight improvement seen in the XS Max was not significant enough for users to notice in real-world scenarios.
This testing would not have been possible without equipment from Rohde & Schwarz, a global leader in mobile device and network testing. Their CMWFlexx solution provided Cellular Insights with cutting-edge technology including CMW500 Wideband Communication Testers and RF shielded boxes equipped with Vivaldi antennas for up to 4×4 MIMO capabilities.
Rohde & Schwarz’s solution offers unparalleled power and flexibility, allowing for simulation of various signal conditions for accurate testing. The CMWFlexx system showcased its capabilities at Mobile World Congress Americas, impressing attendees with its ability to replicate even obscure band conditions accurately.
While the iPhone XS may have shown improvements over its predecessor, it still lags behind Qualcomm devices when it comes to LTE speeds. With advancements in technology and testing equipment like Rohde & Schwarz’s solutions, further improvements can be made to bridge this gap and enhance overall performance on future Apple devices.The iPhone XS has proven to outperform its predecessor, the iPhone X, in LTE speeds across all major carriers in the US and Canada. According to Speedtest Intelligence data from the week of September 24, the iPhone XS boasts an average download speed increase of 6.6Mbps on US carriers and a significant 20.2Mbps increase in Canada compared to the iPhone X.
AT&T shows the largest improvement with an 8Mbps jump from the X to the XS, followed by T-Mobile at 6.6Mbps, Verizon at 5.7Mbps, and Sprint at 2.3Mbps in the US. For those upgrading from an iPhone 7, there is an even more substantial speed increase of 9.9Mbps in the US and a whopping 31.6Mbps in Canada when switching to the iPhone XS.
Despite these impressive gains, it is worth noting that devices equipped with Qualcomm’s X20 modem still edge out Apple’s latest offering in terms of LTE speeds. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, for example, maintains higher mean download speeds than the iPhone XS both in the US and Canada during that same week.
while Apple has made significant strides with its latest flagship device when it comes to LTE performance compared to previous models like the iPhone X or even older models like the iPhone 7, there is still room for improvement if they want to surpass competitors utilizing Qualcomm modems such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note series.The iPhone XS has been touted as a significant improvement over its predecessor, the iPhone X. However, recent tests have shown that the XS falls short in LTE speeds when compared to devices using Qualcomm modems. While the XS outperforms the Pixel 2 in low-signal conditions, it lags behind other flagship phones like the Galaxy Note 8 in overall speed.
One of the key factors contributing to this discrepancy is software. A comparison between iPhone models with Intel and Qualcomm modems revealed that performance significantly improved with iOS 12 on Intel devices, bringing them closer to Qualcomm-powered iPhones. This suggests that early versions of firmware can impact signal reception and overall speed.
Some users have reported signal problems with their iPhone XS on platforms like Reddit. While hardware issues have not been identified, it is possible that early versions of firmware are causing these problems. It is important for users experiencing issues not to return their devices immediately, as software updates are likely to address these concerns.
while the iPhone XS offers impressive performance improvements over its predecessor, it still struggles to match up to devices equipped with Qualcomm modems in terms of LTE speeds. As software updates continue to be released, it is expected that any existing issues will be resolved, ensuring a smoother experience for users moving forward.The iPhone XS may be a powerhouse in many aspects, but when it comes to LTE speeds, it falls short compared to Qualcomm-powered devices. While the iPhone XS boasts impressive performance and features, including a stunning display, powerful processor, and advanced camera capabilities, its LTE speeds are not as fast as those found in devices equipped with Qualcomm modems.
Qualcomm has long been known for its superior modem technology, which allows for faster download and upload speeds on mobile networks. This means that users of Qualcomm-powered devices can enjoy quicker web browsing, smoother video streaming, and faster downloads compared to those using iPhones with Intel modems like the one found in the iPhone XS.
In real-world testing, it has been shown that Qualcomm-powered devices consistently outperform iPhones with Intel modems when it comes to LTE speeds. This can be particularly noticeable in areas with weak signal strength or congested networks where faster speeds are crucial for a smooth user experience.
While the iPhone XS is still a top-tier device with many great features and capabilities, its slower LTE speeds may be a drawback for users who prioritize fast and reliable connectivity. For those who rely heavily on their smartphones for tasks that require high-speed internet access, such as streaming HD video or online gaming, opting for a device powered by Qualcomm’s modem technology may provide a better overall experience.
The recently released iPhone XS has been hailed as a performance beast, particularly when it comes to LTE speeds. However, despite its impressive performance, the device still falls short of Qualcomm’s latest offerings. In a recent comparison test, the iPhone XS outperformed its predecessor, the iPhone X, in terms of LTE speeds. The iPhone XS demonstrated faster download and upload speeds, making it more efficient for tasks that require fast internet connectivity.
Despite this improvement, the iPhone XS still lags behind Qualcomm’s latest modems in terms of LTE performance. Qualcomm’s modems have consistently been a powerhouse in the industry, offering blazing-fast speeds and reliability. With the recent rollout of 5G technology, the gap between Qualcomm and Apple’s modem technology seems to be widening.
While the iPhone XS is a step in the right direction for Apple in terms of LTE speeds, it still has a ways to go to catch up to the likes of Qualcomm. Hopefully, future iterations of the iPhone will see further improvements in modem technology to offer users the best possible mobile experience.
