Highlights
- iPhone 15 Pro Max records nearly double 5G download speeds compared to its predecessor.
- Snapdragon X70 and A17 Pro chipset both contribute to speed enhancement.
- Ookla’s top 5 list for median 5G speeds doesn’t feature iPhone 15, highlighting the chipset’s role.
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max has reportedly been causing a lot of stir with its purported 5G performance.
Now in a very recent test conducted by PhoneArena, its been concluded that not only does the device impress but also confounds with its remarkable 5G download speeds.
The crux of the matter lies in the 5G download data speed, which has nearly doubled to an astonishing 251.37 Mbps from last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, which clocked in at a median speed of 127.83 Mbps during Q2 2023, according to the report.
This drastic improvement defies expectations, particularly when Qualcomm—the supplier of the iPhone’s 5G modem chip—had promised a comparatively modest 24 percent speed bump with its new Snapdragon X70 5G modem.
So, what gives?
Interestingly, the Snapdragon X70 is not the only new technology inside the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The device also incorporates Apple’s proprietary 3nm A17 Pro chipset, not found in the standard iPhone 15 models.
PhoneArena claims that Ookla’s top five median 5G download data speeds in the US for Q3 2023 did not feature either the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus.
This despite both devices utilising the Snapdragon X70 so it seems entirely plausible that Apple’s A17 Pro chipset plays a significant role in this speed surge.
However the US cell phone carriers also have to shoulder some of the credit as the report claims that they have been working in the background, optimising networks to take full advantage of the evolving 5G technology.
However, given the facts in hand, it’s hard to deny that the intrinsic advancements within the iPhone 15 Pro Max are chiefly responsible for its robust 5G performance.
Apple renews contract with Qualcomm for 5G Modems
In another noteworthy development, Apple’s difficulties in producing its proprietary 5G modem has led to the company renewing its contract with Qualcomm for Snapdragon 5G modem chips through 2026, according to Haitong Securities analyst Jeff Pu.
Looking ahead, the next generation of Pro iPhones are slated to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 5G modem chip, which uses carrier aggregation for even faster data speeds and promises a 25 percent reduction in circuit board footprint, as per reports.
So, while Apple remained tight-lipped about this feature during the iPhone 15 series’ September 12 unveiling, the data tells a story of its own.
It’s not just about a new chip but an ensemble of technological enhancements that make the iPhone 15 Pro Max a force to reckon with in the 5G landscape.
FAQs
What’s the 5G download speed of the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has recorded a 5G download speed of 251.37 Mbps.
Does the A17 Pro chipset affect 5G speed?
Yes, the 3nm A17 Pro chipset in the iPhone 15 Pro Max likely contributes to its increased 5G speeds.
Why did Apple renew its contract with Qualcomm?
Apple has had difficulties in developing its own 5G modem, leading to a renewed contract with Qualcomm through 2026.
Will future iPhones feature the Snapdragon X75 modem chip?
Yes, next-gen Pro iPhones are expected to incorporate the Snapdragon X75 modem for even faster data speeds.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus to be manufactured (made) in India by Tata Group: Report