13 September • 8 Comments
Like clockwork, every September your entire tech world gets excited to the newest Apple device. The combination of a premium build, unmatched system performance, and tightly integrated software and services delivers what's considered to be the gold standard in smartphone user experience.
Over the past five years, Apple's modem supplier was Qualcomm, but this coming year, Apple has had a different approach while using decision to source two rather than one baseband chipset suppliers: Qualcomm and Intel. This created two distinct RF SKUs, one restricted to GSM/WCDMA/LTE support (A1778, A1784), powered by Intel's modem , then one with GSM/CDMA/WCDMA/TD-SCDMA/LTE support (A1660, A1661) powered by Qualcomm's modem
On usually the one hand, most high-end flagship devices launched in 2010 are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820, with X12 Category 12 integrated modem (MDM9645M discrete part). The X12 modem can perform up to 600Mbps peak downlink speeds, 3-Way Carrier Aggregation with 256 QAM, and in addition 4×4 MIMO for a passing fancy component carrier. Note that it is approximately the smartphone manufacturers to make a decision which of these powerful capabilities is going to be integrated into their final product.
The Verizon, Sprint and SIM Unlocked iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus variants are powered by Qualcomm's MDM9645M modem, accompanied by two transceivers: WTR3925 and WTR4905. Out of all supported features by Qualcomm's solution, Apple has chosen to implement 3-Way Carrier Aggregation about the downlink and 2-Way Carrier Aggregation about the uplink for contiguous Band 7 or Band 41. Higher Order Modulation (DL-256QAM, UL-64QAM), and Higher Order MIMO (4×4 MIMO) weren't implemented. Therefore, the peak theoretical downlink speeds are limited by 450Mbps when aggregating three 20MHz wide LTE component carriers. We have achieved the utmost 450Mbps by aggregating 20MHz wide Band 20, Band 1, and Band 7. EVS (Enhanced Voice Services), also referred to as Ultra HD Voice, offers significantly improved audio quality, numerous efficiencies at the physical and IP layer, and is also fully sustained by Qualcomm's modem. However, Apple has created a decision to disable this feature more likely to level the stage between the Qualcomm, and Intel variants.
On the other hand, the iPhone 7 represents Intel's initial design win in a very long time. In many ways this iPhone seems to be Intel's make or break it within the cellular modem business. Similar to Samsung's internally Shannon LTE modem present in Exynos based devices, Intel has decided to license CEVA DSP cores for the XMM7360 modem in conjunction with in-house SMARTi 5 RF Transceivers and X-PMU 736 RF Power Management. The Intel XMM7360 modem also supports 3-Way Carrier Aggregation about the downlink and 2-Way Carrier Aggregation for the uplink, but lacks support for EVS, DL-256QAM/UL-64QAM, 4×4 MIMO. Ironically, mobile operators like T-Mobile USA and Telstra that have been offering these advanced LTE features, are increasingly being supplied with all the iPhone 7 using the Intel modem.
While there haven't been a shortage of iPhone 7 unboxing videos, subjective camera reviews, plus more, were hard pressed to get any meaningful mention of cellular performance. This goes for any other flagship device for the market. In this day and age with mobile internet consumption in the all time high, we presume that a mobile device is merely as good as its capability to seamlessly connect and look after its connectivity using the mobile network. Most of the time mobile operators get blamed for dropped calls or session timeouts, however it is often forgotten how the phone OEMs implementation of baseband, RF Front-End (RFFE), along with the antenna design could play its role.
We have used the Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) CMWflexx setup containing two R&S CMW500 the other R&S CMWC controller, along with the R&S TS7124 RF Shielded Box with four Vivaldi antennas. This study may be done entirely independently, and Cellular Insights takes full responsibility for the analysis and opinions within this report. We have self-funded the procurement of iPhone 7 Plus units through commercial retail channels. All units happen to be preloaded with all the latest version of iOS (10.0.3)
Consistent with our previous reviews, our focus has become on measuring the very best achievable LTE throughput in clean channel state, starting at RSRP valuation on -85dBm, and incrementally reducing radiated power while maintaining Block Error Rate (BLER) under 2%. This allows us to measure RF sensitivity with the device under test while eliminating inter-cell interference and fully controlling the radiated environment. This also allows for high reproducibility and consistency individuals tests, and takes into account the performance of the entire RFFE subsystem.
We've tested three unique LTE frequency bands, Band 12 (10MHz), Band 4 (20MHz), and Band 7 (20MHz) in 4×2 MIMO configuration using Transmission Mode 4. While both devices achieved the utmost sustained data rates at the cell center, simulating edge of cell scenarios by reducing power level did cause each iPhone to show off two different personalities.
As the device attaches to eNodeB, it reports its LTE capability. To get this out from the way, 4×4 MIMO and 256QAM features are not supported about the iPhone 7 Plus.
FDD LTE Band 12 is part in the lower 700MHz band plan, covering 15 MHz of contiguous spectrum across three blocks (A, B, C). Most LTE Band 12 deployments can be 5 MHz or 10 MHz wide even though Band 12 can theoretically be deployed approximately 15 MHz widths. Coincidentally, LTE Band 12 capable tools are only certified to support around 10 MHz operation. As opposed to mid and high band spectrum, low frequency such as 700MHz Band 12 can propagate further, penetrate the concrete structure better, and quite often times could be the only LTE layer reaching the product. For this particular reason, high sensitivity of your smartphone receiver is extremely important in challenging signal conditions, and it may make a difference between completing and dropping a VoLTE call.
Both iPhone 7 Plus variants perform similarly in ideal conditions. At -96dBm the Intel variant required to have Transport Block Size adjusted as BLER well exceeded the 2% threshold. At -105dBm the gap widened to 20%, and at -108dBm to a whopping 75%. As a result of such a huge performance delta between the Intel and Qualcomm powered devices, we purchased another A1784 (AT&T) iPhone 7 Plus, as a way to eliminate any possibility of a faulty device. The end result was virtually identical. We are hoping this sudden dip in performance with a specific RSRP value will likely be further investigated with the engineering and hopefully resolved. At -121dBm, the Intel variant performed more in accordance with its Qualcomm counterpart. Overall, the normal performance delta relating to the two is inside the 30% range in favor with the Qualcomm variant.
Band 4 could be the most commonly deployed LTE spectrum band in North America, while Band 7 deployments are spread around across the rest with the globe. Mid and high spectrum bands are widely-used to densify LTE networks and provide incremental capacity. Just like during our Band 12 tests, the iPhone 7 Plus with the Intel modem will continue to struggle even at relatively higher RSRP values with unexplainable sharp dips in performance. The gap relating to the two variants is consistent and north of 30% again in favor of the Qualcomm variant.
To put this into perspective, we now have compared the side of cell performance of a few other flagship devices to see how these iPhones compare in less than favorable conditions
In all tests, the iPhone 7 Plus with all the Qualcomm modem had a substantial performance edge in the iPhone 7 Plus with all the Intel modem. We are not sure the fact that was the main reason behind Apple's decision to source two different modem suppliers to the newest iPhone. Considering that this iPhone while using Qualcomm modem is offered in China, Japan and within the United States only, we can not imagine that modem performance was a deciding factor. When all said and done, the iPhone 7 Plus is a beautifully designed smartphone, with arguably the top-in-class camera and system performance. It's also the most effective iPhone ever. We hope that next year's iPhone delivers best-in-class LTE performance.
Reviewer • 1 year ago
This is a great article. Could you please review the goole pixel cellular performance too,
brodie7838 • 1 year ago
Agreed, great article - I too would love to view this updated with the Pixel (while others!).
Could there be considered a connection between Intel modems and widespread reports of broken GPS/location services on some iPhone 7 and Pluses,
Jon Dagle • one year ago
David, the majority of problems in US are on Verizon, so that's Qualcomm chip. I know of reports on AT&T and Sprint, plus some European carriers-in UK I think. Many, but not all, report 10.0.3 or 10.1 fixed this.
Excellent article, Milan! Love the charts.
Georgi Dimitrov • one year ago
It would are actually an excellent one, if power measurements have been conducted too. Without it, it's simply politics.
Michael • 11 months ago
it can be a good article with no 'power' consumption data. although that data would immensely useful also. because you sight a lack power consumption data as the article basis for not being 'good or excellent makes me suspect you for being an intel 'fan boy.'(this not meant to offensive, i know guilty of it myself). mainly because power consumption improvements is the thing that intel is doing best there main line processors. that being said i would like view a power consumption test (intel's edge on smaller lithography technology could be the biggest source of better efficiency ). in solid world use better power efficiency/ long battery, i'd personally suspect to be more important to a lot of consumers instead of the data rate performance(that they can clearly prove intel's inferiority, here).
Travis • 1 year ago
Yes please look at the Pixel radio when compared with other phones. Out of every one of the reviews I have seen online to the Pixel no person actually reviewed the "phone". After all we demand these units work well when no WiFi is around.
Thomas Anderson • one year ago
Please usually do not review Google Pixel. I don't care the consequence of it. Thank you.
Please dont read the article around the Pixel. Thank you
John • twelve months ago
Any strategy to determine which variant is at my personal iPhone 7 plus,
Steven H. • 12 months ago
Yes, easily. The article noted which carriers are available the one while using Qualcomm modem. If you got it outright, maybe it was for use on a single of those carriers,
Holger • 1 year ago
The model number of your iPhone is printed on the back of the device.
Brian B. • one year ago
You can also find the model number by visiting Settings > General > Regulatory.
ilikemyprivacy • one year ago
A few thoughts: 1. Thanks for achieving this, so little information positioned on RF performance of phones which is so critical for performance, battery life, etc. 2. I would be interested to determine you rerun this test using the iOS 10 Beta. The latest beta includes modem firmware 1.25.00 on the Qualcomm version which seems to help significantly having a variety of issues 3. If possible, it might be great to look with a comparison for other RF front-end features like envelope tracking, antenna tuning, etc. between your Intel and Qualcomm models even as we..
Walt French • 1 year ago
Great article; thanks. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see inside the article what features within the new Intel modem differed through the 6S's MDM9635M. As the comparison chart makes the two parts look much the same, what appears is that the 9645's additional features are (today) 12 months ahead of the 9635 as well as the Intel part.
Marcus • one year ago
My question is the one using the Qualacom modem vs Intel was there any correlation between battery too, If the qualacom works more effectively does it use more battery power based on tests as opposed to Intel. Just trying to gage it if i do decide to get a iPhone 7
Flash • 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing. Was this test conducted while using latest update iOS 10.0.3 including a fix to get a bug that may cause issues with cellular connectivity, a challenge that only affected the newest iPhone 7 along with the iPhone 7 Plus, Thanks.
Edvinas Maciulis • 9 months ago
its clearly written " All units are actually preloaded with the latest version of iOS (10.0.3)"
Maxwell • one year ago
Can you do a review on the ZTE Axon 7 signal strength and LTE performance please and thanks
Prasad • 1 year ago
Marcus, Assume you're downloading a file that is 70MB in size. If your iPhone with Qualcomm chip downloads this in two the time, it will probably be able to go to rest that much faster. It is just not necessary the performance is obtained on the cost of power.
VP • 1 year ago
So if this will be the case my iPhone 7 Plus purchased thru T-Mobile shouldn't have any Verizon or Sprint connectivity. However when accessing carrier in settings it scans for available networks & finds T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon & Sprint. It ought not be possible as a result of hardware limitations. I couldn't get mine on release day in spite of pre-order. Could the demand & backlog have prompted Apple to include Qualcomm modems to all models,
WiWavelength • 1 year ago
VP, the available network scan on your 3GPP only baseband is detecting the LTE networks for VZW and Sprint, not their CDMA2000 networks. The latter use PRL based network selection, not user initiated network selection. AJ
Eric • 12 months ago
It would be great in the event you could provide a picture with the test setup.
Yang • twelve months ago
Without testing environment and setup specified, such a comparison is less meaningful
Jupiter Antunes • 1 year ago
One important point has to be kept inside picture, not only the modems helps make the differences however the Antenna with the Modems. One significant information medicine Return Loss with the antenna scanning the channels in a very Band. If a LAB is reading this article could do it for us... thanks.
Ehsan • one year ago
Qualcomm should ask Apple for "Qualcomm Inside" sticker around the phones with Q chip.
Joe • 12 months ago
If you swapped an Intel variant iPhone out at the Apple Store under warranty, would they supply you with another Intel or will they use the Qualcomm version for warranty replacements,
Justin • 1 year ago
Whenever you turn in the warranty claim, probably you will receive a refurbished unit. Not a a different one when you first buy/order. I would give it back under the thirty day window and purchase another one personally. Although the phone is new, you may still potentially get a refurb
Robert • one year ago
It wold be interesting to view how the two different transceiver (RF + modem) compare in case there is carrier aggregation which can be in harmonic relationship, for example B12 because primary carrier transmitting at 710 MHz and B4 because secondary carrier with receive frequency at 2130. In this case another harmonic of the B12 transmitter lands in B4 receiver thus potentially de-sensing it and degrading the throughput when the B12 TX power is high (cell-edge scenario).
Ed • twelve months ago
I am still looking forward to Anandtech to complete their digging. And offering some explanation to why. The Intel Modem is according to TSMC 28nm. Qualcomm X12 is on 20nm. ( Only the X16 is on 14nm FinET I believe ). X12 is / might be even better then the coming Intel offering 7480, that is STILL manufactured by TSMC. Why did Apple decide to utilize newer X12 whenever they know the older MDM9635 was enough compared to Intel's 7360, Not supporting 4x4 MIMO in X12 was obviously a rather simple decision because less then 10% in the network inside the world support it, with no phone has yet to control 4x4 MIMO inside. A some other details like X12 wasn't an authentic 4x4 MIMO and require separate chip to complete so, while X16 is really a true 4x4 MIMO. And I am confident an Software update could make EVS possible. Whether or not they will get it done is entirely different matter. What cost / patent issues could happen,
Luka • 1 year ago
How it may be achived more than 150M for SGS7edge using one carrier Band4,
R • 1 year ago
2X2 MiMo single carrier using 64QAM is 75Mbps x 2... 150Mbps and 3CA with same config is 150Mbps x 3 giving 450Mbps peak.... it is a shame Apple failed to use 256QAM!
Bjoern • 12 months ago
Nice rewiew, and measurements on the poewer drawn by both modules when performing differently,
Mark • 1 year ago
This is often a great article. I get lucky and live in a location that gets marginal reception but I couldn't know it because I were built with a Nokia 928 from Verizon. When i finally had to trade it in immediately after years, I tried the iphone 6S and discovered the reception to become horrible. I traded it looking for a Galaxy S6 and was told "no more trades" so I was forced to keep it. That also had horrible reception within my house. My signal varies from -105 to -115 and calls constantly get dropped. My girlfriends Galaxy S5 worked great at my house and I took that like a sign because antenna design changing inside Galaxies between the S5 and the S6...which I found being true. When her phone was ready for replacement I searched around and found no bad things were said about the HTC10 reception. At my encouragement, she got the HTC 10 and gets great reception at my house. I are actually searching for some kind of articles on antenna testing and also this report is just what I was searching for. I would, however, like to see a wider range of phones tested. It could be interesting to find out how that HTC10 does from the iphone and galaxy. And, I would also like to view how the newest Droid Z as well as the Pixel fare. thanks a lot again
Alexander • 12 months ago
Thank you for the effort, Milan. It could be nice to determine the error bars around the graphs as well as the statistical comparison for your low signal LTE examples. Given the low average current networks speed limits (9-40 Gbs) it can be crucial to magnify graphs accordingly. I am going to use my phone mostly on the European GSM networks, so having A1661 with CDMA capability may not grant automatic CDMA network switch with European sim or..,And of course after all it could be nice to prove the efficiency of the 30% discrepancy in solid world or near to real world situation...What could be battery impact,
John • 12 months ago
The disabling of HD Voice - would it be permanently disabled or is which a function that Apple could enable within the future,
Adam • twelve months ago
Lab test isn't field test. If you need to do field test,the outcome are almost same.
Darrell Brand • twelve months ago
Just called Apple and mentioned my concerns- I bought my iPhone 7 unlocked with no plan Apple does not have any response.
landoncube • 1 year ago
The SIM unlocked version will be the Qualcomm modem, according for the article.
JohnL • one year ago
Only Qualcomm within the US plus a couple of other places, it's Intel in Europe (1778 model is supplied since the unlocked one).
JohnL • twelve months ago
What was the modem firmware used within the tests please, Also IMHO worth repeating in 3-4 months to find out if Intel are making significant improvements to some young product..
JohnL • one year ago
I note 10.1 updates the modem firmware (Intel model) from 10.0.3's version 1.00.05 to at least one.01..13, which may seem like quite a bit. I don't know the fact that was in 10.0.2 I'm afraid.
JohnL • 11 months ago
We're now as much as modem firmware 1.02.15 as well as the performance is definitely getting better,
Jacq • 1 year ago
This article created for great reading. A handful of things I would become in seeing in the future articles. 1. Testing this on Google's Pixel device as well as every major flagship release. This is information that could influence an investment decision. I also from daily use between the 5x and 6p felt the 5x was horrible and which you tested the 6p's signal at the same time, 2, Was there a pace of power consumption on the different signal strength between the two chipsets, Wondering if it affected the performance too. Thanks - JSH
Alessia Campoli • 1 year ago
Good to determine that iPhone 7 is going to be IP67 waterproof! When concerning in regards to the waterproof function of mobile, I found an very worthwhile video regarding it. On this video, they drop VKworld T1 Plus, a low cost 6.0-inch smartphone towards the mud and wash it directly with water for while, that is unbelivalble.
VG • 12 months ago
Even should you leave apart the intel vs qualcomm modem differences, this article clearly tells that SD 820 based devices can have far better connectivity as compared to any iPhone7
AP • 1 year ago
If I'm about the AT&T network, is there anyway to ascertain if I'm receiving a Qualcomm version before I purchase/open the therapy lamp,
Alexis • 12 months ago
the model number is written for the outside from the box. You could make out the print without breaking the seal or opening the therapy lamp. The ATT model uses the Intel modem. If you want the qualcomm then obtain a unlocked version
landoncube • 12 months ago
My research indicates that there is no AT&T Qualcomm phone available. I am considering the SIM unlocked Qualcomm version for usage on AT&T.
Doug Lerner • twelve months ago
I are now living in Tokyo and make use of KDDI Au. I can't find out which model these are using. AU shops say "it might be either, however you can't tell until purchasing and opening the therapy lamp to look." All the floor models I've seen have the model number with the Intel chip though. I'm wondering how much of an issue this can be and if I should upgrade my iPhone 6 Plus now.
karyn • one year ago
the model number is written about the outside of the box. You could see clearly without breaking the seal or opening this area.
Doug Lerner • twelve months ago
You're right! I can see that around the back of my iPhone 6 Plus box. That precludes to be able to upgrade online, but perhaps I can do that in a very store. Assuming there exists even greater than one model sold within Japan for AU. I still have not been able to make sure yet.
Kari • 1 year ago
Let's wait a bit and see what's Apple's response is, before jumping into conclusions.
Doug Lerner • twelve months ago
Actually, it turns out that the model sold in Japan is neither the A1784 nor the A1661. For the iPhone 7 Plus it may be the A1785. The details are near -7/specs/ nevertheless the modem props up following: FDD-LTE（バンド1、2、3、4、5、7、8、11、12、13、17、18、19、20、21、25、26、27、28、29、30） TD-LTE（バンド38、39、40、41） TD-SCDMA 1,900（F）、2,000（A） CDMA EV-DO Rev. A（800、1,900、2,100MHz） UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA（850、900、1,700/2,100、1,900、2,100MHz） GSM/EDGE（850、900、1,800、1,900MHz） I don't know if that means it's Qualcomm or Intel. The Japan model also supports FeliCa, which allows people to use it like Suica/Pasmo cards to ride the trains and subways.
Pei • twelve months ago
this article has been seen in China. Only Qualcomm variants can be bought here. Many apple users are not contented with APPLE because iPhone is costly while Apple used a negative modem.
JohnD • twelve months ago
All devices with qualcomm have issues in the field. Lab vs field tests are totally different. The mobility tells how feasible a computer device is. Not speaking about the fact that in tangible NW the eNB will not give yous this kind of bandwidth. I really do not understand why you people battle to have inside pocket the newest devices around the market...
ElmCha • twelve months ago
All Qualcomm devices have problems inside the field, How so, Kindly elaborate.
Michael • 11 months ago
+ elaborate i am not that familiar cell antenna, but article does may actually show Qualcomm having substantial fringe of intel here.... with that said i avoid computers /network devices and also other kinds of 'smart' devices that utilize qualcomm networking chipsets such as the plague, when i have choice anyways. (performance is just not usual my concern, its their buggy and incompatible nature that i dislike one of the most )
Great article! Very nicely detailed and accurate information based around the currently released iPhones.
salman Khan • 1 year ago
Both intel and Qualcomm modems are equipped for supporting a lot more than LTE network let them have enough resources. and channel conditions are good. This means that performance of the intel modem may not be limitation here. It depends on test conditions, transport protocol parameters, both mobiles (Qualcomm and Intel) exact locations and a lot of other factors. As a user, I dont care much if my downloading speed is 150Mpbs or 140Mpbs because I rarely run any application on my own mobile phone that requires this much high data rate on my small mobile(HD video stream needs few Mpbs speed). But I would be more interested in power comparison and battery life with these two modems.
Bob H • twelve months ago
My burning real question is whether the inferior Intel modem I would enter my AT&T 7 Plus would also have inferior receptivity to my AT&T iPhone 6. If so, I will wait to upgrade until the 8. I already have spotty reception acquainted with my 6 and I can not afford to make it worse. Is there already a strategy to compare this or will it require a new test, Thanks.
Bob H • one year ago
I posted a matter here that was held up for curation and then disappeared. It seemed perfectly harmless. What happened,
Bob H • one year ago
I a chance to answer my question by doing a field test in my 6 in your own home and learning I was receiving a reading of -114 for most places, and after that bringing home a 7 Plus (using the inferior Intel modem) and having readings between -108 and -112. Glad to learn that "inferior" does not imply worse than the usual 6, inside my location a minimum of, so I'll keep your 7 Plus.
landoncube • one year ago
Could you repeat the testing now that iOS 10.1 has become released, I have an A1784 iPhone 7 plus.
JohnL • twelve months ago
It is depressing simply how much my 1778 is slower than my 5s for LTE. A quick 4G test (or few) for dinner gives 65.7MB/s down/14.1 up for that 5s and 60.0/6.5 for that 7... Plus I only tested it as I'd seen a trend and this wasn't a one-off. A bigger concern may be the 5s holds onto a 4G signal far better, the 7 does like to become on 3G (iOS 10.1).
Jos • one year ago
There is a very interesting article about phone reception quality. Its writen by professor Gert Frølund Pedersen, from Denmark's Aalborg University. The direct link for the PDF: - I ran some tests myself around the 3 Belgian providers. Reception quality inside my residence is very bad where I live (bad coverage) with signal levels between -95 and -113 dBm. By the way, I'm an engineer and possess quite some RF knowledge. Tested with a brand new iPhone 7 (Intel modem), iPhone SE, Nexus 5, Lumia 925 and Lumia 800 (both Lumia's remain Nokia design, not Microsoft). Tests are pure subjective, on different places within my house with all the phones and swapping SIM cards each time. With a signal of -95 dBm, the iPhone 7 often doesn't receive or can't call someone and text messages can't be send. More or less the identical story while using iPhone SE. The Lumia's perform the very best, the Nexus 5 sits with shod and non-shod. The Lumia's have always a better signal then the opposite phones. I don't worry about LTE performance (I only get 3G at best over here) since I have Wifi internal. Don't realise why reviewers mention all the gadgets from the phones, even though the basic functionality (making messages or calls) isn't even decently tested in a place with bad reception. Of course it's considerably more interesting to match stuff like camera functionality, screen colours, quality with the Gorilla glass, bending phones etc, but it is all non-essential. I'd enjoy having a phone that bends whenever you sit on it, but no less than has an excellent reception and will be used to make a call. Just want a phone with all the best receiver sensivity. For each 3 dB reduction in level, the singal power is reduced by about one half. So a much more sensitive phone just increases results in environments with weak signals. That also includes using it in your car, a poor environment for a cellular phone (metal cage). And most with the time, the receiver inside the phone is just not the problem, however the antenna plays a lot bigger role... As professor Pedersen suggests in their article, it will become time manufacturers are open about this within the specs of the phone.
Massi • twelve months ago
What process node could be the Intel modem, Would be very interesting to find out power comparison between Intel and Qualcomm
Psymon • 1 year ago
Great article.. I found it simply in time! Having just purchased an iphone 7 plus, 32GB on contract inside the UK for use for the Three network. Without any hesitation I have now returned the product and will wait prior to the i8 appears. Here's why... I live inside a network fringe area of Cornwall and in addition trunk travel a lot. The fringe signal at home for your i7 displayed a significant decrease around the previous i5 and i5s signals. 4G has been incredibly sporadic everywhere had appeared to offer no performance increase over 3g. Another immediate issue was obviously a very sharp spike in data usage, I have owned the Three, All You Can Eat Data plans for a long time, peaking at 25gb inside heaviest usage months... In just five operational days of the i7 the daily use begun to top 3gb when streaming music, using google maps and general browsing, near 50% over I had ever seen before. I spoke with Three technical to get a few hours, explaining my way through great detail, in an attempt to overcome the problems or no less than gain a fantastic explanation. Three quickly admitted how the 4g has not been working for the i7 properly and a solution was being sought between Apple and Three (Apple deny this) Three technical suggested turning from the 4g until being advised of your update that resolves the issue. There was no explanation as to why the signal was poorer on the i7 in comparison with all previous devices, however I am beginning understand why, your article makes perfect sense. The Data usage increase was also not met which has a good explanation but was dismissed by indicating that I already have All You Can Eat Data, why worry.. point taken... but take note if you happen to be paying for capped data limits! By the way the upgrade to iOS 10.1.1 has created no observable difference.! I also ran a performance test about the i7 using a little app "Performance Test" just to find out whether the phone performed as advertised.. A friend also purchased an i7 with 256gb in the same time as me giving me the opportunity to check both. What was remarkably disappointing was the write speeds... the read speeds were much the same but the write speed was significantly slower on my small 32gb i7. Close to 50% less capable slowing the unit down by 50% when emailing its memory. This has also been observable when browsing images on both phone with maximum signal strength. (My friend has additionally retuned his iPhone 7 to the same reasons) As a final pass before returning the i7, together with your article available, I made a scheduled appointment with Apple to determine if they were prepared to shine some light for the issues. To be fair, we were holding not really interested, they did however offer me a replacement but while using Intel Model numbers. They confirmed the Models while using Qualcomm component installed weren't available in the UK. If you have an iPhone 7 with all the model numbers A1778 or A1784 or have decided you're buying a new phone.. DON'T it really isn't really worth the grief and they is going to be virtually worthless once the difficulties are reputed.. These phones WILL give you trouble, perhaps not so much inside city but rural and travelling they simply don't meet a price tag of £50.00 for a telephone let alone £780.00 , they really are no greater than just a very expensive camera/ipods.
Peter • twelve months ago
Three days ago in Munich I habe bought an i7+ delivery mid Dec. After that article I'll cancel your order and keep my 5se expecting i8. GREAT test review - a must read for almost any Apple user.
Peter • one year ago
Upon canceling the order I've asked myself what a cellphone is for - or else primarily for mobile connection like talking and data transfer, Otherwise quite simply iPod. I7 is close to be seen being an iPod with all the occasional use of mobile connectivity. Whatever was presented with the last keynotes - it was never any touch upon "we offer great mobile connectivity" It was an unexpressed and intrinsic property associated with a iPhone once we all have assumed. This seems to be wrong inside post Steve time considering that the i5 was the past one approved by him. Doubling profit and revenue the basic feature with the iPhone went lost: talking. Wasn't there any product manager responsible for, Others have their battery gate but a mobility gate is more serious. Iwonder what Woz' opinion will be. I would like to read an announcement from Apple. And: this testing and benchmarking shall be a standard from now on watching the i8 among others.
Peter • 1 year ago
Conclusions: Apple uses 2nd sourcing to keep purchasing price low. Regardless performance or radiation impact. There would have been a time Apple was standing for perfect products. Not anymore. Only iOS is binding the customers finally to Apple.
matt • twelve months ago
I am so glad I found this article about the I phone 7 plus, living within the uk as well as on 3 network I just discovered after upgrading towards the iPhone 7 plus this challenge with signal and how poor the intel version with the phone is and its particular reception. living inside a marginal reception area I have decided to cancel my upgrade and select something else, its nice to have a mobile phone with unlimited data but only should you can utilize it reliably. mostly I want a good signal over anything else and from what I have read in these last few hours the iPhone 7 plus suffers badly with poor reception on 4G here in the uk. Apple must be ashamed of the iPhone 7 plus and its particular reception performance. for the high end product at high end price. I would would like it to out perform its predecessors and turn into an improvement not a step backwards in their main function like a phone that needs a signal. very poor R&D Apple and you must be ashamed to not even come forward and admit in your loyal customers you've made a mistake with all the 7 and 7 plus. cancelling inside the morning. Thank you for article.
Chris • twelve months ago
I appreciate the detail within this article. I started looking for info like this because the rest of my family has iPhone 6s Plus's. I are in possession of a IPhone 7 Plus. To my disappointment, their phones outperform my new phone if we play Pokemon Go together. They start to catch their spawned Pokemon before I even see mine. They laugh at me and my new phone. I also lose connectivity while using Niantic servers more they do. When I called or speak to Apple Support, they simply say, "It's the software." All the phones mentioned, are on the same AT&T account (8 total phones). When I went towards the AT&T store, they said they don't take care of performance issues. I was required to contact Apple. When I call Apple, they say, "It's the Carrier or Software company. This has been very frustrating.
Great post.Really getting excited about read more. Really Great.
SMS • 9 months ago
So, what could be the so good concerning this phone anyway, it incredibly expensive, inferior camera that is certainly producing inferior images, buggy OS, and now, susceptible to failures performing a basic tasks a simple phone needs to be able to do, like sending and SMS, and after this this... I wish I kept my older phone, I really desire to give apple a bit of my mind, like one on one.
Shayna • 8 months ago
I contain the iphone7 A1778 Intel model with T-mobil. It constantly cuts out inside the middle of messages or calls where I can only hear the caller, however they cannot hear me. Everytime I've spoke with representatives, they initiate a 'software update' or a reset process etc, and then make calls to themselves on their T-mobile network- which are through fine. I only have the problem- it seems, when calling non-Tmobile phones. I have identified that I can temporarily rectify this issue by placing the decision on speaker mode for a few seconds and after that returning and the caller can hear me again. However I end up achieving this several times throughout the telephone call. Is this a known issue for this particular model, Have there been any known work arounds, I'm just past the 30 day return, plus it seems there can be a huge trouble with this phone! I'm very upset that I just now am scanning this information for the different modems- merely a bit too far gone for my own, personal good!
George Mavrikas • 7 months ago
How about revisiting this short article, given that apple has updated the 7 a couple of times. Maybe they've fixed the situation or narrowed the diff.
Jonathan • a couple of months ago
Can we revisit, Lots of OS and firmware updates since this short article was first published. Intel firmware seems to become on version 2.0.0.1 now (iOS 10.0.3 used firmware version 1.00.05). It would be very interesting to view if performance has become better with time. It would be also nice to add iPhone 8 as seems like Apple uses both Qualcomm and Intel modems again. I think i'd be interesting to compare both 7s and both 8s to view whether the gap has closed, if there was improved performance via firmware updates, and if there was improved performance with the next generation.
Nooxm • 2 months ago
Can you please do an evaluation ab iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus,
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