AT&T and Verizon Wireless are running neck and neck in the race to the fastest data, call quality and text messaging. Root Metrics' June report shows just how close all the carriers are in the quality of services, they offer. We have tested carrier speeds and found them to be faster than Root Metrics reported even using the Root Metrics app, see video that follows.
Root Metrics uses an app that is installed on smartphones to compare data. Other companies that make similar software ware Ookla and OpenSignal.
We've seen download speeds as fast as 28-35Mbps using a Droid RAZR HD MAXX from Verizon, in the spring. Recently, we ran speed tests between a Samsung Galaxy S 4, HTC One and LG Optimus G on the AT&T network. The HTC One and GS 4 were similar in speed around 24-26Mbps down. The LG Optimus G Pro was the fastest of all AT&T models at 32Mbps down.
According to Root Metrics, Verizon won the overall best score for Los Angeles, by a few points with a score of 94, followed by AT&T at 90, T-Mobile at 79 and Sprint at 56.
We found that the Sprint LTE can be as fast as 13Mbps down and 5.5Mbps uploading data on Samsung Galaxy Note II in Hollywood. However, the Sprint LTE network is not fully deployed in all of Los Angeles, which is probably why the data speeds were overall slower than the other carriers.
According to Root Metrics, AT&T's average download data speeds were 13.5 up and 6.7 down, while Verizon came in at 13.2 down and 8.3 up. T-Mobile's download/upload speeds were 7.2/1.6 while Sprint showed 3.7/1.9. Reliability scores were close, Verizon 99.5, AT&T 99, T-Mobile 98.8 and Sprint 94.9. Text message were fastest on T-Mobile (6.6 seconds), followed by Verizon(14.1 seconds).
Where Verizon won was in all around performance when all scores were averaged.
Verizon data LTE data speeds will be getting faster when they deploy AWS spectrum LTE which will run on the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and Nokia Lumia 928.
Factors that figure into data speed include processor, location, network conditions and software. In the video that follows you will see how the Droid DNA scored with three different tests Root Metrics, OpenSignal and Ookla.
The tests varied in the same location. The fastest we saw was one OpenSignal test with a whopping 45Mbps down and 8-14Mpbs up. Ookla averaged 18-24Mps down 7-10Mps up. Root Metrics tests showed 18-24Mpbs down and 10Mbps up. We think either we are near a tower or between two towers with fewer users within the Verizon coverage area.
Root Metrics tests used the RootScout app running from off-the-shelf Android-based consumer smartphones without external antennas or other non-standard equipment.
As you can see by the video, different tests show slightly different results. Verizon has a slight edge in this location, however, it all depends on where you live, work and travel. For example in the town of Sierra Madre, close to the San Gabriel Mountains, the locals know that the only carrier to have signal north of the main street is Verizon Wireless. Coverage is better than ever by all the major carriers, the next factors that may help you decide are prices, plans offered, phone selections and reviews.
Root Metrics reported that Verizon Wireless won the best score. What do you think? Let us know via the comments below.
We would like to warn you that if you decide to do your own testing you may use all your data on your plan. In own of our tests of the LG Optimus G Pro, we went through 1GB of data in a few days...