Ookla has analyzed 5G speed and latency of iPhone 16 against its predecessors in several key telecom markets.
The iPhone 16 family demonstrated a significant edge in median 5G download speeds in 5 out of 11 countries analyzed.
iPhone 14 models recorded the slowest median 5G download speeds in 7 of the 11 countries.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 family excelled in 5G latency, achieving the best (lowest) median latency in 8 countries.
The iPhone 16 lineup led in 5G latency in only one market.
Galaxy S24 models outperformed in median 5G upload speeds, leading in 8 of the 11 countries.
iPhone 14 and 15 devices consistently ranked lowest for upload speeds.
Performance metrics varied widely between countries due to differences in 5G infrastructure, spectrum allocations, and network investments.
While the iPhone 16 lineup shows clear improvements in download speeds over its predecessors, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 family outpaces it in latency and upload performance, suggesting that individual needs and regional factors should guide purchase decisions.
India
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 261.57 Mbps (highest among all devices).
Lowest median 5G multi-server latency: 44 ms.
Upload speed: ~14 Mbps.
Galaxy S24:
Download speed: 251.17 Mbps.
Top 5G upload speed: 19.69 Mbps.
Older iPhones (14 and 15):
Median download speeds: Over 230 Mbps.
Upload speeds: ~14 Mbps.
For iPhone 14 users, the 30 Mbps speed boost seen with the iPhone 16 could justify an upgrade, though all devices performed strongly in India’s robust 5G landscape.
Philippines
Galaxy S24:
Median 5G download speed: 158.47 Mbps (market leader).
Lowest 5G latency: 32 ms.
iPhone 16:
Median download speed: 125.68 Mbps.
Slightly outperformed iPhone 14 and 15 models (~120 Mbps).
While the iPhone 16 showed minor improvements, the Galaxy S24 family outshined with a significant 33 Mbps lead in download speeds and better latency.
Taiwan
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 342.37 Mbps (market leader).
Upload speed: ~38 Mbps (matches Galaxy S24).
Galaxy S24:
Download speed: 313.96 Mbps.
Upload speed: ~38 Mbps.
Older iPhones (14 and 15):
Download speeds: Above 287 Mbps.
The iPhone 16 leads Taiwan’s 5G speeds with a 30 Mbps advantage, but all devices deliver exceptional performance. The decision to upgrade might depend more on features than speed.
iPhone 16 lineup shows steady performance improvements, particularly in India and Taiwan.
The Galaxy S24 family leads in upload speeds and often dominates latency metrics, notably in Philippines.
While improvements are evident, users may weigh other factors, such as features and design, before upgrading.
Belgium
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 237.37 Mbps (fastest).
Latency: 40 ms or better across all devices.
iPhone 14 and 15:
Median download speeds: Just over 170 Mbps.
Bottom Line:
The iPhone 16 offers a notable speed boost over its predecessors, making it a strong option for users seeking better 5G performance.
France
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 279.29 Mbps (market leader).
Speed advantage: ~60 Mbps faster than older iPhones.
Galaxy S24:
Median download speed: 242.34 Mbps.
Best latency: 38 ms.
With significantly faster 5G speeds than both older iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy S24, the iPhone 16 stands out for users prioritizing speed.
Germany
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 172.69 Mbps (fastest).
Speed advantage: Over 40 Mbps faster than iPhone 14 and 15.
Galaxy S24:
Trailed in download speeds but had the lowest latency: 34 ms.
For German users, the iPhone 16’s speed advantage makes it a compelling upgrade, especially for those using older devices.
The iPhone 16 lineup leads in download speeds across Belgium, France, and Germany, offering a significant performance boost over its predecessors. While the Galaxy S24 excels in latency, users focused on 5G speed gains may find upgrading to the iPhone 16 worthwhile.
Brazil
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 468.11 Mbps.
Slightly faster than iPhone 15 (465.75 Mbps) and significantly ahead of iPhone 14 (444.29 Mbps).
Galaxy S24:
Median download speed: 482.95 Mbps (fastest).
Brazil recorded the fastest 5G speeds in the study, with even the “slowest” device outperforming many other markets by over 100 Mbps. Upgrading may depend more on features than on speed, as all devices deliver exceptional performance.
Colombia
Galaxy S24:
Median 5G download speed: 246.05 Mbps (about 50 Mbps faster than iPhones).
Top upload speed: 35.66 Mbps.
iPhone 16:
Median download speed: 195.25 Mbps, with the 14 and 15 models trailing slightly at around 181.27 Mbps.
Bottom Line:
The Galaxy S24 leads in Colombia for 5G performance, but iPhone 16 users still enjoy solid speeds and may prioritize Apple’s ecosystem and features when considering an upgrade.
Brazil: Exceptional 5G speeds across all devices make upgrading for speed alone unnecessary.
Colombia: The Galaxy S24 family leads in both download and upload speeds, but iPhones still provide strong connectivity, making features the key deciding factor.
Canada
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 182.43 Mbps (about 45 Mbps faster than iPhone 15 and 14 models).
Outpaced Galaxy S24 (155.61 Mbps).
Galaxy S24:
Lowest latency: 34 ms.
The iPhone 16 lineup delivers the best 5G speeds in Canada, making it a strong choice for users seeking top performance. All devices offer solid connectivity, but the latest iPhone edges out for speed enthusiasts.
Mexico
Minimal speed differences between iPhones:
iPhone 14: 191.31 Mbps,
iPhone 15: 185.88 Mbps,
iPhone 16: 185.79 Mbps.
Galaxy S24: 173.70 Mbps.
5G speeds across all iPhone models in Mexico are nearly identical, offering no compelling performance-based reason to upgrade. Users should focus on new features or other device capabilities when deciding.
United States
iPhone 16:
Median 5G download speed: 324.23 Mbps.
Outperformed Galaxy S24 (287.35 Mbps), iPhone 15 (244.48 Mbps), and iPhone 14 (220.76 Mbps).
Latency: All devices registered latency below 53 ms.
The iPhone 16 leads in 5G performance in the U.S., making it an appealing upgrade for those seeking the fastest speeds. While all devices perform well, the iPhone 16’s significant speed edge strengthens its appeal.
