Mobile vs Desktop Speed Tests: Which Device Gives Accurate Results?

Same WiFi, 6 Different Results

Results (All via WiFi 6E, Same Router)

• Windows Desktop (wired): 924 Mbps ↓ | 911 Mbps ↑ | 5.1ms
• MacBook Air M3: 887 Mbps ↓ | 861 Mbps ↑ | 5.8ms
• iPad Pro M4: 743 Mbps ↓ | 689 Mbps ↑ | 7.2ms
• Samsung Galaxy S25: 681 Mbps ↓ | 594 Mbps ↑ | 8.4ms
• iPhone 15 Pro: 619 Mbps ↓ | 541 Mbps ↑ | 9.1ms
• Raspberry Pi 4: 312 Mbps ↓ | 289 Mbps ↑ | 6.2ms

Why Phones Show Lower Speeds

1. Smaller antennas: Less signal gain = less throughput per unit time.
2. Thermal throttling: Phone CPU saturates during encryption/decryption before the network does.
3. WiFi chip grade: Mobile chips prioritize power efficiency over throughput.

Which Device Gives the True Speed?

A wired desktop shows the connection's true capacity. For WiFi measurement, use a laptop within 3m of the router. Phone results = "mobile experience," not connection capability. Never use phone results to dispute an ISP billing issue.