With Onic SIM rapidly gaining popularity across Pakistan for its digital-first approach, many users are curious about one key aspect: Internet speed. Onic promises fast and reliable 4G internet, but does it truly deliver what it claims? Or is it just another telecom brand riding the marketing wave?
To answer this, we’ve conducted detailed internet speed tests across major cities using Onic SIM in real-world conditions. In this blog, we’ll cover the test results, compare them to other networks, and help you decide whether Onic SIM is really that fast — or not.
Understanding Onic SIM’s Network Infrastructure
Before diving into the speed test results, it’s important to understand how Onic works. Unlike Jazz, Zong, or Telenor, Onic doesn’t own its own telecom towers. Instead, it functions as a Digital Mobile Virtual Network Operator (DMVNO) — meaning it relies on existing network infrastructure, most likely Ufone/PTCL’s backend, for its coverage and signal strength.
That said, Onic optimizes this infrastructure with priority bandwidth allocation, which often leads to better-than-expected performance for data usage in urban areas.
Our Speed Test Setup
To get a fair and realistic assessment, we tested Onic SIM in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi — where Onic is officially supported.
Here’s how we conducted our tests:
- Device Used: Samsung Galaxy S21 (eSIM) and iPhone 13 (physical SIM)
- Testing Tool: Ookla Speedtest & Netflix Fast.com
- Connection Type: 4G LTE
- Signal Strength Monitored: -90 dBm to -65 dBm (moderate to strong)
Each test was done at three different times: Morning (8–10 AM), Afternoon (1–3 PM), and Night (8–10 PM).
Onic SIM Speed Test Results
Here are the average download and upload speeds recorded across cities:
| City | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) | Ping (ms) | Signal Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 32.5 | 14.2 | 28 | Strong |
| Lahore | 30.1 | 12.9 | 30 | Strong |
| Islamabad | 28.7 | 11.5 | 33 | Good |
| Faisalabad | 24.3 | 10.1 | 40 | Moderate |
| Rawalpindi | 27.8 | 11.7 | 35 | Good |
Average Download Speed (All Cities): ~28.7 Mbps
Average Upload Speed (All Cities): ~12 Mbps
These results are quite impressive for a virtual operator — especially considering many users experience less than 15 Mbps on traditional networks during peak hours.
How Does Onic Compare to Jazz, Zong & Telenor?
Let’s look at a side-by-side speed comparison based on the same cities.
| Network | Avg. Download (Mbps) | Avg. Upload (Mbps) | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onic | 28.7 | 12.0 | Consistent speeds in cities |
| Jazz | 33.2 | 15.4 | Best speed in Lahore & Islamabad |
| Zong | 35.8 | 16.8 | Best in Karachi & Faisalabad |
| Telenor | 18.5 | 9.3 | Lower speeds, better stability in rural areas |
While Zong and Jazz still outperform Onic in raw speed, Onic manages to stay very competitive, especially when considering its pricing and value.
Streaming and Gaming Experience on Onic
Speed numbers are one thing — but what about actual usage? Here’s how Onic performed during typical online activities:
YouTube & Netflix Streaming
- 1080p Video: Streams without buffering, even during peak hours.
- 4K Video: Plays smoothly in most areas with strong signals.
- Netflix Fast.com Speeds: Consistently above 25 Mbps in major cities.
Online Gaming (Mobile)
- Ping in PUBG Mobile: 30–50 ms (acceptable for casual gaming)
- Call of Duty Mobile: No major lag or disconnections
- Multiplayer gaming: Stable performance in city centers
Video Calls (Zoom, WhatsApp)
- Minimal call drops and good video quality even during busy hours
Verdict: For average users — students, professionals, content streamers — Onic delivers solid, lag-free experiences.
What Affects Onic’s Speed?
While Onic performs well overall, several factors can influence its speed:
- Device Compatibility: Newer devices with LTE-A or 5G modems perform better
- Location: Urban centers get higher priority and tower density
- Time of Day: Speeds can drop slightly during heavy usage hours
- eSIM vs Physical SIM: No notable difference in performance between the two
Who Should Use Onic for Internet?
If you’re in a major city and want a digital, affordable, and high-speed mobile internet experience, Onic is a great option. It may not match Zong’s peak speeds, but it provides:
- Better value per GB
- Stable, consistent performance
- Transparent, no-deduction billing
On the other hand, if you live in a remote or rural area, Zong or Jazz may still offer better signal coverage.
Final Thoughts
Onic SIM proves that you don’t need to be a legacy network to deliver quality internet speeds. In our tests, it consistently hit download speeds close to 30 Mbps — fast enough for streaming, gaming, downloading, and video calling without interruptions.
While it might not dethrone Jazz or Zong in sheer speed, Onic wins big on pricing, simplicity, and a fully digital experience. If you’re tech-savvy, urban-based, and value convenience with solid performance, Onic SIM is absolutely worth trying in 2025.