AT&T’s 3G network offers iPhone 4 owners faster data downloads than Verizon’s network, according to a recent study by Metrico Wireless. The study looked at data collected from thousands of tests in several cities around the U.S.
Based on Metrico’s findings, AT&T’s wireless network offered iPhone 4 customers more than twice the download speeds compared to Verizon, and that AT&T completed ten percent more data download sessions when the iPhone was in motion. Despite the numbers, however, the company found that the mean load time for average Web pages was similar on the AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4.
Verizon topped AT&T’s iPhone in data uploads when the device was stationary with ten percent more of its test sessions completed.
AT&T iPhone 4 download speeds top Verizon
When compared to 22 other smartphones on AT&T’s network, the iPhone 4 ranked near the top of the pack for data upload and download speeds and was inline with performance from the HTC Surround, LG Quantum and Sone Ericsson Xperia. For call performance, the iPhone 4 earned an average ranking, and below average in Bluetooth speech quality.
When compared against 17 other Verizon smartphones, the iPhone 4 earned one of the top rankings for noise canceling performance, and an average rating for speech quality. The iPhone 4 ranked below average, however, for data download speeds.
Metrico Wireless performed over 10,000 Web page downloads, over 2,000 data upload and download, and about 4,000 voice call tests as part of its study.
With results across the board for both versions of the iPhone 4, Metrico couldn’t offer up a clear cut winner. “How did they stack up? It depends on how the customer is using the device,” the company said.