Apple’s Custom 5G Modem in iPhone SE 4 Offers Inferior Performance Compared to Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 in iPhone 16 Series

On Wednesday, Apple is set to unveil its anticipated budget-friendly iPhone featuring advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. This new device is expected to generate significant interest among consumers, as the company plans to revamp its SE lineup. Notable enhancements will include a larger display and a design inspired by the premium models in Apple’s range. More importantly, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to include upgraded internal components that promise to stand out in this iteration. Reports indicate that this model will feature Apple’s first in-house modem; however, early assessments suggest its performance may not match that of Qualcomm’s offerings.

Examining Apple’s In-House Modem: Performance Insights and Implications

Apple has a long-standing partnership with Qualcomm, which has supplied the company with tailored modem solutions for its iPhones. In a bid to reduce reliance on external suppliers, Apple has dedicated nearly seven years to developing its own modem technology. The iPhone SE 4 will mark the debut of Apple’s custom modem, serving a dual purpose as both a consumer product and a valuable testing ground for future enhancements. It is anticipated that improvements will eventually filter into Apple’s broader device lineup.

In contrast, the forthcoming iPhone 16 series will continue utilizing Qualcomm’s top-tier modems, which are renowned for their high performance. A recent report from Korea emphasizes that Apple’s modem is unlikely to rival Qualcomm’s robust capabilities, particularly when compared to the Snapdragon X75 5G modem. Although performance metrics are not yet available, it is widely accepted that Apple’s initial 5G modem may lack mmWave support and offer limited carrier aggregation features, potentially leading to slower data speeds when contrasted with Qualcomm’s flagship products.

For Apple to succeed with the iPhone SE 4, the company must capitalize on structural advantages while maintaining minimal compromises. The device promises notable features, including an OLED display, the A18 chip for outstanding performance, and enhanced Apple Intelligence functionality, all wrapped in an upgraded design. The compromises — such as a single camera lens, the custom modem, and the retention of a notch instead of the Dynamic Island feature — remain relatively minor in the grand scheme. Additionally, the presence of an Action Button could position the SE 4 to dramatically compete with standard models.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo anticipates robust sales for the iPhone SE 4, attributing this potential success to the significant advancements it offers compared to its predecessor. Coupled with 8GB RAM supporting Apple Intelligence, the SE 4 is poised to compete effectively within the budget smartphone market. The official announcement is eagerly awaited this Wednesday, and we’ll provide comprehensive coverage of the launch event.

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