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Definitive Qualcomm (A1660/A1661) v. Intel (A1778/A1784) iPhone 7/7 Plus Thread
- Thread starter Mr. Zarniwoop
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Quote from the article. Samsung LTE chip is the top dog, following by Qualcomm. but real world usage impact is minimal.
"....When coverage gets weak or spotty, however, Qualcomm managed to pull ahead with about a 30% better performance on average, compared to the Intel version of the iPhone 7 Plus. Oh well, that's not going to affect your real world usage too much, but it shows that Intel still has some catching up to do with Qualcomm's cellular modem designs. Another interesting fact is that it was actually the Galaxy S7 edge, of all the phones tested, that pulled way ahead of all designs, and this one has Samsung's in-house Shannon LTE modem chip..."
"....When coverage gets weak or spotty, however, Qualcomm managed to pull ahead with about a 30% better performance on average, compared to the Intel version of the iPhone 7 Plus. Oh well, that's not going to affect your real world usage too much, but it shows that Intel still has some catching up to do with Qualcomm's cellular modem designs. Another interesting fact is that it was actually the Galaxy S7 edge, of all the phones tested, that pulled way ahead of all designs, and this one has Samsung's in-house Shannon LTE modem chip..."
Apple has used 2 different LTE modems for the iPhone 7.
1) Qualcomm
2) Intel
The Qualcomm modem is a bit faster.
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2016/10/...e.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/10/20/iphone-7-plus-qualcomm-modem-bests-intel-modem/
My iPhone 7 Plus 256 Jet Black has the Qualcomm modem (A1661).
How about yours?
1) Qualcomm
2) Intel
The Qualcomm modem is a bit faster.
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2016/10/...e.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/10/20/iphone-7-plus-qualcomm-modem-bests-intel-modem/
My iPhone 7 Plus 256 Jet Black has the Qualcomm modem (A1661).
How about yours?
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Anyone that has a T-mobile/AT&T Model (A1778/A1784) will have Intel in them.
Anyone that has the Verizon/Sprint/Sim-Free model (A1660/A1661) will have Qualcomm.
Anyone that has the Verizon/Sprint/Sim-Free model (A1660/A1661) will have Qualcomm.
I do not care which modem my 256 7+ has.
Very happy with my 7+!!!
Very happy with my 7+!!!
It sounds like they tested with 10.0.3. But, your point about firmware updates is a good one. It is entirely possible that future firmware updates to the Intel modem will narrow or eliminate whatever speed differences have been found in this test. Qualcomm has had much more time to perfect their firmware than Intel has. But, even if a small difference in speeds remain between the two modems, we are still talking about something that will have virtually no effect on every day, real world usage for almost everybody.
Why does it matter. We do not need ANOTHER thread of mine is better than yours or I have the worst phone in the world. All phones have modems, its that simple.
This thread serves no purpose. Should be locked.
Looks like in the Qualcomm version they are using a Murata WiFi/BLE card, but the Intel version might be combining.
Those are not reasons to lock it, a good valid reason is that this is easily answered by knowing your carrier. This isn't a CPU debate where any device could hold any CPU... it is clearly stated which model carries what.
You could look up the model number in settings, general, about and cross reference it here:
https://www.techwalls.com/iphone-7-plus-model-differences/
It's a little easier to read the number on the back of the phone.
I'm not at all sure the Qualcomm chip is faster and more reliable. The test at http://cellularinsights.com/iphone7/ (using 10.0.3) was done after the 10.0.3 update that came out specifically to resolve Verison (Qualcomm) connectivity issues. That update resolved slow speeds and connectivity problems. There are quotes that state that similar issues with ATT/Tmobile (Intel) phones were not addressed but will be addressed in the upcoming 10.1 update.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2016/10/18/apple-ios-10-0-3-should-you-upgrade/#7f3e9a9d65da
Quote: "The bad news is cellular connectivity problems are spread across multiple iPhone models and carriers and iOS 10.0.3 appears to only work well for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on Verizon. Owners of iPads, iPod touches and older iPhones can ignore iOS 10.0.3 as well since it won’t even show up for your devices."
The update could equalize the modems.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2016/10/18/apple-ios-10-0-3-should-you-upgrade/#7f3e9a9d65da
Quote: "The bad news is cellular connectivity problems are spread across multiple iPhone models and carriers and iOS 10.0.3 appears to only work well for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on Verizon. Owners of iPads, iPod touches and older iPhones can ignore iOS 10.0.3 as well since it won’t even show up for your devices."
The update could equalize the modems.
In countries with CDMA networks like Japan, China, and the US? Definitely.
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If you bought it from them, yes.
I actually don't think this matters a great deal, but out of curiosity I wonder: which modem is in the sim-free version?