Latest speed test shows T-Mobile users should avoid one iPhone 17 variant

iPhone 17 Air might not be the right choice for US buyers

According to Ookla’s analysis, the iPhone 16e performs similarly to the iPhone 16 in most markets. Where the iPhone 16 shines is the regions with advanced 5G standalone (SA) networks, as Qualcomm’s modem can take better advantage of them. The C1 modem in the iPhone 16e doesn’t offer the same level of performance because it’s held back by its specs.This means that in countries with capable 5G networks, such as the US, China, India, and Saudi Arabia, the iPhone 16 generally performs better than the iPhone 16e.

Better download speeds on iPhone 16 for T-Mobile and Verizon users

The iPhone 16 provides better download speeds than the iPhone 16e. | Image Credit – Ookla

T-Mobile and Verizon customers experience better media download speeds on the iPhone 16. T-Mobile users achieved a median download speed of 317.64 Mbps, while Verizon users logged a median download speed of 172.12 Mbps.The difference is seemingly so pronounced because T-Mobile is the only carrier to have a nationwide 5G SA network and has deployed advanced features such as carrier aggregation.

The company used four-carrier aggregation across more than 65 percent of its network during the first half of the year. T-Mobile will only expand the use of the spectrum-combining tech, so the iPhone’s performance will improve over time.

The size of the carriers being aggregated also matters. T-Mobile combines 217 MHz of spectrum.

AT&T mostly uses two-carrier aggregation, which both the iPhone 16 and 16e can take advantage of. It combines 120 MHz on average. Verizon is ramping up the use of two-carrier aggregation and moving toward three-carrier aggregation. It utilizes 170 MHz.

This explains why T-Mobile offers the fastest download speeds for someone with the iPhone 16. 

Upload speeds

Upload speeds are better on iPhone 16e for AT&T and Verizon customers. | Image Credit – Ookla

In countries with cutting-edge networks, the iPhone 16 outperforms the 16e in upload speeds, though the reverse is true in the US, but not for all carriers.

On Verizon and AT&T, the iPhone 16e provides better upload speeds, but on T-Mobile, they perform similarly. 

One area where the iPhone 16e has a clear lead is for users who generally experience weak network performance due to factors such as distance from a cell tower or congestion. The iPhone 16e provides better performance in such situations, apparently because many of the users who typically get low speeds are connected to low-band 5G, which is slow but penetrates deeper. During these times, Qualcomm’s modem isn’t able to flex its muscles because there is no additional spectrum to combine.That’s especially true for AT&T and T-Mobile users, but less so for Verizon customers.

Unless you reside in an area with consistently low speeds, the iPhone 17 Air doesn’t look like a safe bet if you are with T-Mobile. Of course, the speed metrics might not matter much if that’s not your primary concern, or your need for a thin phone overrides everything else.

Even if you aren’t a T-Mobile customer, given that Qualcomm’s modems can take better advantage of advanced networks, you’d be better off with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro Max if your country has a capable 5G network.

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