Technically, the Qualcomm-powered iPhone 7 models on Verizon network are capable of downloading data at a faster rate than the Intel-powered AT&T run iPhone 7s. However, in tests carried out by researchers at Twin Prime and Cellular Insights both the phones proved to be same on the speed front.
“Every iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus meets or exceeds all of Apple’s wireless performance standards, quality metrics, and reliability testing,” Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller told Bloomberg. “In all of our rigorous lab tests based on wireless industry standards, in thousands of hours of real-world field testing, and in extensive carrier partner testing, the data shows there is no discernible difference in the wireless performance of any of the models,” she added.
According to a report by Cellular Insights, Qualcomm’s X12 is capable of dealing with more data channel simultaneously. It is capable of downloading data up to 600Mbsp in comparison to Intel’s modem that tops out at 450Mbps. Cellular Insights cited that Apple has not enable the feature as it is likely to level the playing field between both the Qualcomm, and Intel variants.
In a statement to Bloomberg, Twin Prime's Head of Product Gabriel Tavridis said, “The data indicates that the iPhone 7 is not taking advantage of all of Verizon’s network capabilities. I doubt that Apple is throttling each bit on the Verizon iPhone, but it could have chosen to not enable certain features of the network chip.”
