@BandOfBrothers wrote:
I've seen a YouTube video saying there's a difference between write speeds depending on capacity chosen on the iPhone 7 but the data speeds shouldn't be affected.
The iPhone 7 uses either a modem manufactured by Intel or Qualcomm. This, like other components, is to ensure supply during ramp up and production.
The Intel modem is the slower of the two, and typically locked iPhone 7 devices (those not sold sim-free) are the model using the slower Intel variant.
Not only is it a spec sheet difference between the two devices, in real world usage the difference can be as large as 30%. The slower Intel modem also has less support for GSM networks than the Qualcomm alternative.
The Qualcomm modem supports both CDMA and GSM networks, so for instance Verizon handsets in the US will use the faster Qualcomm modem.
In the UK I expect that all of the network tied/sold devices are using the Intel modem and unlocked devices such as those from Apple and Carphone Warehouse (initially unlocked before locking to first SIM card) will be using the Qualcomm variant.
Lastly, you can identify which modem your iPhone 7 has by looking at the model number 'AXXXX' and comparing it to Apple's list of supported networks for that model.
