Apple has launched its flagship iPhone 16 Pro series with the new A18 Pro chipset. The Apple A18 Pro boasts significant improvements in CPU performance and efficiency, delivering powerful graphics and AI capabilities. Meanwhile, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 continues to be the leading chipset in the Android ecosystem. This article provides a detailed comparison between the Apple A18 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, focusing on their specs, performance, and overall capabilities.
A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Specs Comparison
When comparing the Apple A18 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it's vital to look at their specifications. The A18 Pro features a six-core CPU configuration with a blend of performance and efficiency cores, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 utilizes an octa-core architecture. Here’s a closer look at their specifications:
| Apple A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Six-core CPU (2+4) | Octa-core, Kryo CPU (1+3+2+2) |
| CPU Cores | 2x 4.04GHz Performance cores 4x Efficiency cores | 1x 3.3GHz (Cortex-X4) 3x 3.2GHz (Cortex-A720) 2x 3.0GHz (Cortex-A720) 2x 2.3GHz (Cortex-A520) |
| Process Technology | TSMC’s 3nm process (N3E) | TSMC’s 4nm process (N4P) |
| GPU | Apple 6-core GPU Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing | Adreno GPU 750 HW Ray Tracing, AFME 2.0 Unreal Engine 5 Lumen |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5X, up to 7500 MT/s | LPDDR5X, up to 4.8GHz |
| Machine Learning and AI | 16-core Neural Engine; 35 TOPS | New Hexagon AI Engine Run AI models up to 10B parameters |
| Modem | Snapdragon X75 5G modem (likely) Up to 10 Gbps Peak Download Up to 3.5 Gbps Peak Upload | Snapdragon X75 5G modem Up to 10 Gbps Peak Download Up to 3.5 Gbps Peak Upload |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LE |
A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: CPU Performance
The CPU performance is a critical aspect when comparing chipsets. The Apple A18 Pro is manufactured using TSMC’s advanced N3E process, featuring a six-core configuration that includes two high-performance cores operating at 4.04GHz. This architecture allows the A18 Pro to excel in tasks requiring speed and efficiency.
In contrast, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 utilizes an octa-core design built on a 4nm process, with its prime core, Cortex-X4, clocking up to 3.3GHz. Benchmark testing shows that the A18 Pro outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 significantly in both single-core and multi-core tests, achieving scores of 3,409 and 8,492 respectively in Geekbench 6.3.
- The A18 Pro is approximately 54% faster in single-core tasks compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- In multi-core tasks, the A18 Pro is about 21% faster.
- Upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 might level the playing field.
A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: GPU Performance
When it comes to graphics performance, the A18 Pro features a 6-core GPU that is reported to be 20% faster than its predecessor, the A17 Pro. This improvement is attributed to increased clock speeds, enhanced memory bandwidth, and better thermal management.
On the other hand, the Adreno 750 GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has already shown excellent performance, surpassing the A17 Pro last year. However, with the enhancements made in the A18 Pro's GPU, further benchmarking is necessary to determine the exact performance differences.
A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
Both chipsets feature powerful NPUs that enhance their machine learning capabilities. The 16-core Neural Engine in the A18 Pro delivers up to 35 TOPS based on the INT8 data type. This capability allows for efficient processing of AI tasks, contributing to the device's overall intelligence.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while not officially rated, is reported to have a Hexagon AI engine capable of delivering 45 TOPS. Both NPUs are expected to be leveraged by smartphone manufacturers for advanced AI features and applications.
A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Connectivity Features
Connectivity is crucial in today’s mobile experience. The Apple A18 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon X75 5G modem, providing peak download speeds up to 10Gbps. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for robust local connectivity.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 shares similar connectivity features with support for the same 5G modem but includes Bluetooth 5.4, offering slightly improved local connectivity options. Overall, both chipsets are well-equipped for high-speed internet and local wireless communication.
A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Final Thoughts
In summary, the Apple A18 Pro outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in numerous aspects, especially in CPU speed and efficiency. While the A18 Pro maintains a lead in graphics performance and NPU capabilities, upcoming advancements in Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 may alter the competitive landscape in the near future. As technology evolves, both companies continue to push the boundaries of mobile performance, making it an exciting time for consumers.
