Initial lab tests reveal that the new Apple modem in the iPhone 16e matches the speeds of the iPhone 16 while offering improved efficiency.

Recent tests have been conducted on the cellular performance of the new iPhone 16e, and the results look very encouraging. A Chinese review site called Geekerwan performed a variety of 5G tests in a controlled lab setting using a synthetic cell tower.

Overall, their findings suggest that the iPhone 16e offers cellular connectivity that is very similar to what you would experience with the iPhone 16, showing comparable speeds and reliability. One of the exciting claims from Apple regarding efficiency also appears to hold true. Geekerwan found that the C1 modem, used in the iPhone 16e, consumes significantly less power than the Qualcomm modem found in the iPhone 16.

Interestingly, the lack of major issues in the tests indicates that the iPhone 16e is performing effectively, as its cellular performance is nearly indistinguishable from the iPhone 16—though it’s important to note that the 16e does not support mmWave technology. In addition to lab testing, Geekerwan took the iPhone 16 models, including the 16e, on a subway train journey. While speeds varied during the ride, all iPhone 16 models experienced a similar level of dropouts and maintained comparable average connectivity strength.

A clear and noteworthy finding from the tests was the difference in power consumption between the two models. According to the data, in high signal conditions, the iPhone 16 required an average power draw of 0.88 watts while the iPhone 16e drew only 0.67 watts. This shows approximately a 24% reduction in power consumption. In areas with weaker signals, the difference was still significant, with the iPhone 16 using 0.81 watts compared to the 16e’s 0.67 watts—about a 17% difference.

When it comes to real-world battery life, the iPhone 16e performed well in a 5G video streaming test, lasting approximately 7 hours and 53 minutes. In comparison, the iPhone 16 lasted around 7 hours, and the iPhone 16 Pro came in at about 6 hours and 54 minutes. This means the iPhone 16e lasted nearly an hour longer than the standard iPhone 16. The larger iPhone models, like the Plus and Pro Max, with their bigger batteries, achieved around eight and a half hours of streaming time.

However, it’s worth noting that it’s hard to pinpoint how much of the individual battery life improvements in the iPhone 16e can be attributed to the improved efficiency of the modem versus the fact that the 16e has a bigger internal battery. The iPhone 16e is equipped with a 3961mAH battery, which is about 12% larger than the battery in the iPhone 16 Pro. Thus, it appears that Apple has succeeded in extending the battery life of the iPhone 16e by combining the efficiency of the C1 modem with a larger battery capacity.

For more details, you can view the full video test conducted by Geekerwan on their platform.