We’ve got a new generation of iPhone and again we are seeing Apple dual-source the modem chips between Qualcomm and Intel. That’s good for Apple but the situation seems to be similar to last year, we will see a disparity in network support and performance between the 2 modems.
Specifically, the iPhone X A1865 uses the Qualcomm MDM9655 Snapdragon X16 LTE modem while the iPhone X A1901 has the Intel XMM 7480 modem. You can check out my previous article to understand more about differences among iPhone X models. Basically, the Qualcomm modem is more superior and I guess most people will prefer this option because it covers more cellular bands and the performance of Qualcomm’s chips has always been better than Intel’s.
Apple even had to throttle speeds of the Qualcomm modem so that it has a parity with the slower Intel modem. Qualcomm is the only chipmaker making modems with the next-generation Gigabit LTE network but you won’t see that on any iPhone X model because Apple disabled the feature. This puts the iPhone noticeably behind Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG V30 in terms of LTE speeds and efficiency. The Gigabit LTE has a peak bandwidth of 1,000 Mbps while the LTE speed of the current iPhone X’s chips is limited to 600 Mbps.
If you buy an unlocked iPhone X from T-Mobile, which is the A1901, you will still be able to use it on Verizon and Sprint and make phone calls with VoLTE (make sure to check with your carrier first to activate the phone). However, you can’t take advantage of the CDMA networks of these carriers. Only the iPhone X A1865 with Qualcomm modem supports both GSM and CDMA networks. Therefore, even when the Qualcomm modem can’t reach its full capacity, it is still a better option. You can buy the iPhone X A1865 with Qualcomm chip from Verizon, Sprint, or get the unlocked sim-free version.
Eric Garant says
I live in Canada and I would like to get an iPhone X with the Qualcomm chip inside( Model no. A1865 ). Since every major carriers here in Canada don’t offer anymore the CDMA network, it is safe to think that there will be no way of getting the A1865 model without having to go to an Apple Store in the USA, which I will not do. I contacted Apple support earlier this morning and they told me that if I decide to purchase the unlocked iPhone X on their US website, it will not ship to my country. So, which options are left ? Any solution ?
Thanks.
Regards,
Claudio says
Hi Eric, both chips will show the same performance. Having a superior chip, like Qualcomm, it doesn’t means that all enhanced features are available by software. In order to enable it you need to break the warranty, which is not recommended. Btw, I am in Canada too and my solution is not to worry.
Claude
Alan says
Switch to Android with the Qualcomm modem, get a better, faster, cooler phone for less money?
Corey Cruz says
No Android phone has anything even close to the A11 SoC (CPU) in the iPhone X. So while Qualcomm’s cellular modem might be a little faster than intel’s, their SoC is a good 1-2 years behind Apple’s custom design. So to answer your question: No.
jose agudelo says
I have been on both phones IOS and android. For last year I have finally escaped the android world and I can sure say IOS world is more expensive, bit it is quality, trustworthy and has better and real product government! Yes, it is like having a chevy or a bmw!
himel says
i am from bangladesh. i want to buy iphone x 256gb space gray. iPhone X A1865 uses the Qualcomm MDM9655 Snapdragon X16 LTE modem are this model support to use this in bangladesh. i am buy this phone from usa. but i use this phone in bangladesh .how can i pre order full factory unlock.
Ehab says
Hi
Please i live in Iraq which model can buy works here sim free internationally works Iphone x ?
Best
Loca says
Ehab, both of them are working in Iraq because Iraq has GSM network and both phone work on GSM.
Fawaz el atawna says
Hi
My qwestion is
Does the iphone x A1865 with qualcomm work in israel ?
Thanks
Sooraj says
I would like to buy IPhone X 256GB from the US but would mostly be using it in India and maybe a little bit in Europe and UK. Which model should I buy and will it support Indian telecom networks like Airtel, Vodafone etc.?
Also is the model available in Apple Stores in the US?
Ishaan says
Will the A1901 model work with an Indian GSM SIM card in India?
Hasib says
Hello,
I live in Canada and I want to buy I phone X from the apple store for my sister who lives in Bangladesh and frequently travels to United Kingdom.
I was wondering if the one they sell in Canada will work in both of these countries. Specially Bangladesh.
To my knowledge the mobile network in Bangladesh is (GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSDPA).
It would be really helpful if you can let me know if it will work or not.
Thank You.
Rexxe says
Hi,
I would like to buy a iPhone x Next month, I would like to have the A1865.
I am living in Norway and uses Telenor, I’ve been trying to talk to them about this, if A1865 works in Norway, including the 4G network.
They told me that they were not sure.
Therefor I am asking here if anyone knows if the iPhone X A1865 works in Norway, thank you for reply!
Shada says
I would like to purchase the Qualcomm MDM9655 Snapdragon X16 LTE modem not the iPhone but just the baseband …I have a faulty one ..can any one direct me to a website where I can purchase it ..would appreciate it if you kindly forward it to my mail
Jason Tubbs says
The model number on my iphone x is: mqa52ll/a. Is there a certain replacement screen that I need to look for?