The newly launched iPhone 16 Pro series is powered by Apple’s latest A18 Pro chipset. Apple claims that the A18 Pro is the most powerful mobile chipset in the world. Built on TSMC’s improved N3E process node, it comes with an updated CPU that promises impressive performance enhancements over its predecessor, the Apple A17 Pro. In this article, we will compare the A17 Pro and A18 Pro chipsets, focusing on their CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance.
A17 Pro vs A18 Pro: Specs Comparison
| A17 Pro | A18 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Six-core CPU (2+4) | Six-core CPU (2+4) |
| CPU Cores | 2x 3.78 GHz Performance cores 4x 2.11 GHz Efficiency cores | 2x 4.04GHz Performance cores 4x Efficiency cores 15% faster CPU |
| Process Technology | TSMC’s 3nm process (N3B) | TSMC’s 3nm process (N3E) |
| GPU | Apple 6-core GPU Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing | Apple 6-core GPU 20% faster GPU 2x faster Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5, up to 6400 MT/s | LPDDR5X, up to 7500 MT/s 17% faster memory |
| Machine Learning and AI | 16-core Neural Engine; 35 TOPS | 16-core Neural Engine; 35 TOPS |
| Modem | Snapdragon X70 5G modem Up to 10 Gbps Peak Download Up to 3.5 Gbps Peak Upload | Snapdragon X75 5G modem (likely) Up to 10 Gbps Peak Download Up to 3.5 Gbps Peak Upload |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
A17 Pro vs A18 Pro: CPU
The Apple A18 Pro is built on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process node, known as N3E. It features six CPU cores, including two performance cores that can reach an impressive frequency of 4.04GHz, making it a first for mobile chipsets. Additionally, it includes four efficiency cores.
What sets the A18 Pro apart is its adoption of the Armv9.2 architecture. Although it lacks SVE (Scalable Vector Extensions) support, it incorporates two SME (Scalable Matrix Extension) units, enhancing performance in AI and machine learning tasks, referred to by Apple as ML accelerators.
In contrast, the A17 Pro was built on TSMC’s first-generation 3nm process node (N3B) and features a similar six-core setup. Its performance cores can reach up to 3.78GHz, while the efficiency cores can boost up to 2.11GHz.
Apple claims that the A18 Pro CPU is 15% faster than its predecessor and consumes 20% less power. The Geekbench score for the A18 Pro reaches 3,409 in single-core and 8,492 in multi-core tests, showcasing a performance difference of around 15% when compared to the A17 Pro.
A17 Pro vs A18 Pro: GPU
When it comes to the GPU, Apple has made only modest changes to the microarchitecture this year. The A18 Pro features a six-core GPU that remains similar to the previous year's model, with an increase in GPU frequency. Furthermore, the new LPDDR5X memory, operating at 7500 MT/s, provides a 17% speed boost, leading to enhanced graphics performance.
The new aluminum internal frame and thermal substructure also allow the GPU to maintain peak performance for longer periods. Apple asserts that the A18 Pro's GPU delivers 20% faster graphics performance compared to the A17 Pro's GPU. Additionally, hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing is now twice as fast as before.
A17 Pro vs A18 Pro: Neural Engine
The 16-core Neural Engine in both the A18 Pro and A17 Pro can perform up to 35 trillion operations per second (TOPS). While there are no changes to the Neural Engine between the two models, the A18 Pro benefits from 17% faster memory, facilitating quicker performance in AI and machine learning tasks. This enhanced Neural Engine is capable of executing Apple Intelligence features locally on the device.
A17 Pro vs A18 Pro: Connectivity
On the connectivity front, the A18 Pro is expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 5G modem, while the A17 Pro was equipped with the Snapdragon X70 5G modem. Although both modems promise similar peak download and upload speeds, the X75 modem offers improved coverage and efficiency.
For wireless connectivity, the A18 Pro supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, while the A17 Pro is limited to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
A17 Pro vs A18 Pro: Closing Thoughts
The A18 Pro chipset presents significant enhancements over the A17 Pro, particularly in the CPU and GPU areas. With the adoption of Armv9.2 architecture and the inclusion of SME units, AI and machine learning performance are expected to improve considerably. Moreover, Apple has focused on thermal performance, introducing a thermal graphite substructure that allows the CPU and GPU to sustain peak performance longer.
In summary, the iPhone 16 Pro series, powered by the A18 Pro chipset, offers substantial improvements, delivering faster performance without sacrificing efficiency. However, to make a fully informed judgment, further benchmarking and performance assessments will be necessary. Stay tuned for updates!
