When using @media queries, does a phone load non-relevent queries and images?

Question

If I base my CSS on mobile styling, then use @media queries for gradually larger displays (tablets, desktops etc), will the mobile devices use the desktop style

Answer 1

Tim Kadlec has put together some awesome research for this – Media Query & Asset Downloading Results

Your specific question is answered in Test #4 – results are spotty. Better to have media queries for both your images.