Why is my Nexus 4 faster on AT&T than my Galaxy Nexus?

**worknman** · 03-09-2013, 12:40 AM

I recently found this page on XDA in regard to tweaking APN settings on the Nexus 4:

Before I made these tweaks, I couldn't even get 2mbps. But afterwards, I could easily get 6-8mbps, and have seen as high as 13 on AT&T HSPA. So I got a SIM card adapter and tried the same settings on my GSM Galaxy Nexus (Gnex uses regular SIM vs microSIM on the Nexus 4), and I was dismayed to discover that I could only hit about 3.8mbps max on the Gnex, vs an average of 8mbps on the Nexus 4.

So, what's the differents? Same APN settings, same SIM card, same network. I thought the faster HSPA-42 on the Nexus 4 was only supposed to increase speed for T-mobile users? BTW: I don't know if it matters, but the Nexus 4 is running stock 4.2.2, while the Gnex is running AOKP on 4.1

**Chetan Takyar** · 03-09-2013, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by worknman

I recently found this page on XDA in regard to tweaking APN settings on the Nexus 4:

Before I made these tweaks, I couldn't even get 2mbps. But afterwards, I could easily get 6-8mbps, and have seen as high as 13 on AT&T HSPA. So I got a SIM card adapter and tried the same settings on my GSM Galaxy Nexus (Gnex uses regular SIM vs microSIM on the Nexus 4), and I was dismayed to discover that I could only hit about 3.8mbps max on the Gnex, vs an average of 8mbps on the Nexus 4.

So, what's the differents? Same APN settings, same SIM card, same network. I thought the faster HSPA-42 on the Nexus 4 was only supposed to increase speed for T-mobile users? BTW: I don't know if it matters, but the Nexus 4 is running stock 4.2.2, while the Gnex is running AOKP on 4.1

Could it be the new radio in 4.2.2? I always get 12-20 Mbps down on my phone with Vodafone nz

**CoMoNexus** · 03-09-2013, 09:43 AM

Could be a different transceiver module. Could be a different antenna system. Or both. That hardware can make a noticeable difference in performance.

**Chetan Takyar** · 03-09-2013, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by CoMoNexus

Could be a different transceiver module. Could be a different antenna system. Or both. That hardware can make a noticeable difference in performance.

Surly not enough to increase speeds that much?

**minnemike** · 03-09-2013, 02:40 PM

my guess is if you are only getting 3.8mb max with H+ (let's say next to a tower?), then there is something wrong with that phone.

**CoMoNexus** · 03-09-2013, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by Chetan Takyar

Surly not enough to increase speeds that much?

It's possible. I used to review smartphones and modems, and I've seen enormous differences.

**dan1431** · 03-09-2013, 06:43 PM

While I have no way of knowing, it could just be a coincidence, simply put, at&t may have upgraded the cell sites in your area and finished the upgrade post receipt of your Nexus 4.

Dan

**worknman** · 03-10-2013, 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by dan1431

While I have no way of knowing, it could just be a coincidence, simply put, at&t may have upgraded the cell sites in your area and finished the upgrade post receipt of your Nexus 4.

Dan

No, these tests were done minutes within each other, in the same room.

Anyway, if there is that big of a difference between speeds of these phones, then perhaps sites like this should be doing speed test benchmarks for other phones on the same network when reviewing new phones.