iPhone 7 Units With Intel Modems Perform Worse Than Qualcomm Models
 

If you've got an iPhone 7 with an Intel modem, your signal won't be as great in weak or spotty areas. Analysis would suggest that the Qualcomm modems provide 30% better signal performance. ...the iPhone 7 Plus with the Qualcomm modem had a significant performance edge over the iPhone 7 Plus with the Intel modem. We are not sure what was the main reason behind Apple's decision to source two different modem suppliers for the newest iPhone. Considering that the iPhone with the Qualcomm modem is being sold in China, Japan and in the United States only, we can not imagine that modem performance was a deciding factor.

http://www.hardocp.com/news/2016/10/... lcomm_models/