Part of the mobile testing matrix is testing on different carriers. CNET set out to do some in-the-wild testing regarding the call quality of the iPhone 5 across carriers. They stood on a street corner in New York City and made several calls from iPhone 5s operating on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. Here’s what they experienced:

AT&T: You can hear the most background noise, and voice quality is perhaps the most grainy. Call volume is fine, and you can make out conversations via speakerphone and regular calls.

Verizon: At first listen, the Verizon and Sprint models seem better, but too close to call between them. Background noise is far quieter, nearly silent, and my voice is crisp and audible in all calls. However, notice on the test call to San Francisco that there’s distinct popping and a bit of distortion.

Sprint: This is the winner, and the more, we listened the more we agreed. Background noise isn’t a factor, and my voice comes through loud, clear, and even a bit richer. I also noticed that Brian’s call came through clearer and louder on my end. The audio sample shows off how much better it sounds.

CNet cautions readers that this test shouldn’t be seen as an end-all-be-all endorsement. Each carrier has different signal strength in different locations and this quick test was conducted from only one spot. You can listen to recordings of the calls at CNET >>>