Intel points out gigabit LTE and 5G modem product strategy
Based on an analysis of speed test data compiled by Ookla, Qualcomm is highlighting the superior performance of Android devices using its Snapdragon 845 mobile platform as compared to Apple devices equipped with Intel cellular modems. The testing data is culled from AT&T and T-Mobile US subscribers.
Sherif Hanna, Qualcomm’s director of product marketing, said the deltas tracked in the speed testing are so significant the chipmaker wanted to highlight the analysis. “The differences on paper do translate to actual difference in performance in the real world,” he told RCR Wireless News. “In terms of cellular we’ve been in the business since 1980. [Intel] is a relatively new entrant. When it comes to expertise, they’re relative newcomers.”
The below graph compares performance between Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 and Intel’s XMM7480 and XM7360. On the AT&T network, Qualcomm’s silicon pushed up to 64% faster speeds; up to 41% faster upload speeds and up to 27% lower latency. Below that the same metrics are tracked for T-Mobile US users.
Further digging into the numbers, Hanna called out “worst-case results” where users were dealing with poor signal conditions. In that condition he said Qualcomm performed 192% better than Intel on upload speeds. “Imagine that you are a user at the edge of the network and you are trying to upload a video. It’s taking you three times longer to upload.” In addition to the user experience, this also has implications for other users trying to tap the same spectral and network resources. “It has an impact on the whole network. While they’re using the airwaves to send the data, they’re also monopolizing the network.”
Reached for comment, Karin Taylor, a PR manager in Intel’s 5G and Network Transformation group, highlighted the company’s product roadmap. “Intel expects to have our gigabit LTE modem, the Intel XMM7560 in market soon…Intel 5G multi-mode modems are on track for 2019 as announced—the Intel XMM8000 series will support both sub-6 and mmWave bands, as well as beamforming. Intel has already delivered NR interoperability with Huawei and China Mobile, Ericsson and China Mobile and again with Ericsson and Telstra…with the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform, including the world’s first commercial live 5G NR data call with Ericsson and Telstra.”
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