Two Modems, One Set of Tests
Ookla, the group behind SpeedTest and Downdetector, ran a head‑to‑head look at the iPhone 16e. It uses Apple’s C1 modem, released last February. They compared it with the iPhone 16, which uses Qualcomm’s modem. The goal was to see how each device performs on real networks across several countries.
What the Numbers Show in Brief
In many places, the iPhone 16e kept pace with the iPhone 16. In Canada, the 16e posted a median download speed of 128.66 Mbps, edging ahead of the iPhone 16 in that market. Note that Ookla did not publish a separate median for the iPhone 16 in Canada. This kind of result signals the two phones can feel similar on day‑to‑day use in some regions.
Saudi Arabia showed the biggest download gap. The iPhone 16 hit 353.49 Mbps, while the 16e came in at 295.01 Mbps. On the flip side, Spain saw the 16e pull ahead with 139.88 Mbps, compared to the iPhone 16’s 110.38 Mbps.
Uploads Tell a Consistent Story Across Markets
When it comes to upload speeds, the iPhone 16e outperformed the iPhone 16 in 15 of the 21 markets checked. Canada showed the clearest advantage. The 16e reached a median upload speed of 23.91 Mbps, while the iPhone 16 stayed at about 11.57 Mbps. That’s a noticeable split for users who share lots of content or run live streams from their phones.
Across other big markets, the iPhone 16e also posted strong uploads. In places like Saudi Arabia, Austria, and China, upload speeds rose higher, with the iPhone 16e delivering as fast as 34 Mbps in some cases.
Why Some Markets Favor One Chip Over the Other
As noted, the iPhone 16 generally did better on networks with more robust 5G architecture. That trend shows up in places such as China and Saudi Arabia, where faster networks unlock the Qualcomm chip’s potential. The iPhone 16e, powered by Apple’s C1 modem, can still perform well in markets with bottlenecks that slow the Qualcomm setup.
Ookla points out that the iPhone 16e didn’t reach the same peak as the iPhone 16 in every test. Still, it shines in spots where networks face limits that slow the Qualcomm solution. This suggests real‑world use may feel similar in many places, but some networks will tilt the balance toward the C1 option.
Which Markets Drive the Most News
The study also highlights where the iPhone 16e sells best. Japan leads with an 11.3 percent share of iPhone sales for the 16e. Next up come France at 5.9 percent and Spain at 5.8 percent. Canada sits lower, with about 3 percent of iPhone sales going to the 16e. These numbers reflect how people pick phones for their networks and carriers in different regions.
Interestingly, Qualcomm’s own study argues its chips stay ahead in some cases. Yet that research also admits the differences are small and often depend on the test conditions. Both brands show strong performance overall, with each doing well in certain markets.
The Timing Is Interesting
The timing of Ookla’s report is notable. Apple is set to unveil new iPhones at a big event on September 9. One rumor already points to a new iPhone 17 Air that could also use the C1 modem. If that pans out, Apple’s approach to modem choices might stay a hot topic as new devices roll out.
What This Means for Everyday Tech Use
For most users, the choice between the two iPhones may come down to carrier coverage and local network strength. In areas with top‑tier 5G networks, the iPhone 16 can show its best side. In markets with tighter bandwidth or heavy use, the iPhone 16e can hold its own and deliver solid speeds in both downloads and uploads. Either way, both models prove that Apple and Qualcomm’s tech can keep up in the fast lane, even as they use different building blocks.
Where Speed Meets Strategy
The real‑world takeaway is simple: where your signal is strong, both devices perform well. Where a network slows down, the iPhone 16e’s C1 modem may offer a steadier, more reliable experience in some spots. For power users, the data points from Ookla’s tests provide a useful snapshot of how these phones behave in diverse markets.
What to Watch Next
As new iPhones land, it will be worth watching if more devices adopt the C1 modem. The mix of speeds across countries hints at how networks and hardware collide to shape everyday use. If the iPhone 17 Air lands with the same C1 tech, it could keep this modem duel interesting for the long run.
Please note that when you make a purchase through our links at GameHaunt, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep bringing you the free journalism you love on our site! And don’t worry, our editorial content remains totally unbiased. If you’d like to show some support, you can do so here.
