The 5G iPhone 12 is a big deal, and Apple is taking its time compared to other manufacturers, one would have expected the new range of smartphones to be at the level of competition at least at 5G download speeds. But according to data collected by Opensignal, which publishes a network measurement application of the same name, this is not actually the case.

It is also clearly disappointing for the iPhone 12, neither of which models appear in the top 25 smartphones in the United States in terms of average 5G cellular download speeds. Samsung occupies a large proportion of the pie, with its terminals (including the S21 range) accounting for 60% of this ranking.

Surprise: Three foldable devices are making their way (Motorola’s Razor, Galaxy Z Flip and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 2). A good omen for manufacturers and operators: Despite their innovative design, they have no problem accessing the 5G network. Future foldable models should not face any problem at this level. We also note that Google’s Pixel 5 exists. But not the iPhone 12…

The good news for the iPhone 12 and its users is the significant increase in download speed (x2.3) between 4G and 5G on Apple smartphones. You will tell me, luckily it moves fast in 5G. But the advantage is all the more significant because since the iPhone XS, the manufacturer’s devices only integrate cellular chips from Intel, being less efficient than their counterparts on Qualcomm.

Apparently, everything has changed with the iPhone 12 that works with the Qualcomm 5G modem, the X55, as part of a partnership that will continue (more or less) until 2023. But then, since all manufacturers use Qualcomm chips, how to explain the difference between the iPhone 12 and the competition?

Ian Fogg, who oversees the study, says Samsung and others have more expertise in antenna placement and design. The Galaxy S21 was the third generation of 5G smartphones on Samsung, while the iPhone 12 is, of course, Apple’s first generation.

Apple’s “disadvantage” in this area can also be seen in the average 4G and 5G download speeds in its smartphones, which are systematically lower than the devices of LG, Samsung, Google or OnePlus. On the other hand, and as expected, the iPhone 12 also displays a higher average than previous generations of the iPhone. Sometimes a little: iPhone 11 Pro Max, not yet far from 4G, iPhone 12 …

Opensignal gives a good reason to wait for future iPads that will be 5G compatible (they will, necessarily, eh mieur Apple): We should expect a serious gain in download speeds on the 5G network.

Downloading on the iPhone 12 Pro is an average of 36% faster than the iPad Pro, which is logical (they are satisfied with 4G). CQFD: With the integration of the 5G chip into future tablets, users will therefore automatically benefit from improved cellular download performance, as long as there is a compatible network nearby.