Wow, I didn't believe you, and had to try it myself. You are totally right. Checking the "Request desktop site" checkbox, reddit loads a lot faster on my phone. That is really sad.
I never downloaded the reddit mobile app, and have always just stuck with mobile web whenever I wanted to browse it. But now I'll be sure to just request desktop site.
They should make a PWA version. Although i akready add the site icon to my home screen. Opens in chrome. But an optimized PWA would be nice. I read a WIRED story about a redesign, hope it doesn't slow it more.
I never downloaded the reddit mobile app, and have always just stuck with mobile web whenever I wanted to browse it. But now I'll be sure to just request desktop site.