iPhone 16 vs. 16e: Apple C1 modem vs. Qualcomm tested

With the iPhone 16e, Apple is breaking new ground: For the first time, it's using its own cellular solution, the C1 modem. Apple has previously relied on Qualcomm modems for its iPhones, but the company has been working to reduce this dependence for some time. The big question is how the new C1 modem compares to the proven Qualcomm technology. Initial tests show a mixed picture: While the iPhone 16e offers advantages in certain situations, the iPhone 16 with the Qualcomm modem remains superior in others.

The cellular modem is a central component of a smartphone. It determines not only the speed of the mobile internet connection, but also the stability of reception and power consumption. It plays a particularly crucial role in the age of 5G, as various network technologies are used, each of which is supported to varying degrees depending on the modem. The iPhone 16e with the new C1 modem offers an opportunity to compare Apple's proprietary development with Qualcomm's proven technology.

Performance comparison: iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16

Download speeds: iPhone 16 mostly ahead

According to tests by Ookla and data from carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, the picture is mixed. In many cases, the iPhone 16 with the Qualcomm modem achieves higher download speeds than the iPhone 16e. However, there are differences depending on the US carrier:

T-Mobile

iPhone 16: 357.47 Mbps
iPhone 16e: 264.71 Mbps

The iPhone 16 is about 24 percent faster here. The iPhone 16e's weaker performance could be due to the lack of support for certain 5G technologies such as carrier aggregation.

Verizon

iPhone 16: 124.4 Mbps
iPhone 16e: 140.77 Mbps

The iPhone 16e wins here. However, the overall low values indicate that the speed is limited by the network rather than the modem.

AT&T

iPhone 16: 146.49 Mbps
iPhone 16e: 226.9 Mbps

The iPhone 16e achieves significantly better results here.

mmWave 5G is missing on the iPhone 16e

A clear disadvantage of the iPhone 16e is the lack of mmWave 5G. While this ultrafast technology is only available in certain urban areas, it offers significantly higher bandwidths there. The iPhone 16 with a Qualcomm modem can use these networks, while the iPhone 16e is limited to sub-6 GHz 5G. In areas where mmWave 5G is available, the iPhone 16 therefore offers a clear advantage.

Stability in poor network coverage

Interestingly, the iPhone 16e with the C1 modem performs better in situations with poor cellular coverage. Here, Apple's own modem appears to offer a more stable connection than the Qualcomm solution. Users who frequently find themselves in areas with weak network coverage could therefore benefit from the new technology.

Upload speeds: iPhone 16e ahead

While the iPhone 16 generally has the edge in download speeds, the iPhone 16e scores higher in upload speeds. This is evident across all carriers, but especially on Verizon and AT&T. Those who frequently upload larger files or use high-quality video calls might achieve better results with the iPhone 16e.

Energy efficiency and battery life

A key advantage of the new C1 modem is its energy efficiency. According to Apple, it is the most energy-efficient modem ever built into an iPhone. Initial tests confirm that the iPhone 16e has longer battery life than the iPhone 16, likely due to the C1 modem's lower power consumption (via Ookla).

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e: Which iPhone offers better network performance?

The choice between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e depends heavily on individual usage behavior.

If you live in cities with mmWave 5G and want the highest download speeds, the iPhone 16 is a better choice (mmWave 5G is currently only available in the US).
Those looking for a more stable connection in difficult network areas and longer battery life might be happier with the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 16e is ahead in terms of upload speeds, while the iPhone 16 usually offers better download speeds.

The C1 modem is an important first step for Apple toward independence. The next step, the C2 modem, is already under development and will also support mmWave 5G. It remains to be seen how Apple will further develop this technology in future iPhone generations. (Image: Apple)