Your browser does not support JavaScript!

Apple A18 vs A18 Pro: Power Unveiled

GOOVER DAILY REPORT October 22, 2024
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Introduction to Apple A18 and A18 Pro Processors
  3. Technical Specifications
  4. GPU Performance and Capabilities
  5. Benchmarks and Performance Testing
  6. Power Consumption and Efficiency
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report explores the technical specifications and performance of Apple's A18 and A18 Pro processors, alongside their debut with the iPhone 16 series in 2024. Focusing on architecture, core configurations, and GPU advancements, it contrasts the capabilities and applications of the two processors. The Apple A18 is equipped with 2 performance cores and 4 efficient cores, a 5-core GPU, and a 35 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU), aimed at consumers using iPhone 16 models. Meanwhile, the Apple A18 Pro, debuting in the iPhone 16 Pro series, mirrors the core structure but accelerates performance with higher clock speeds and a 6-core GPU, catering to creator-focused and high-demand scenarios. Key findings show that the A18 Pro generally outpaces the A18 in benchmark scores and graphics performance due to enhanced hardware capabilities. Both processors incorporate advanced connectivity options like 5G and Wi-Fi 7, yet the A18 Pro is distinct with its heightened computational prowess and power efficiency stemming from the TSMC N3E manufacturing process.

2. Introduction to Apple A18 and A18 Pro Processors

  • 2-1. Release and debut with iPhone 16 series

  • The Apple A18 processor made its debut in September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The A18 Pro processor was introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The processors are part of the latest generation of Apple silicon that powers the iPhone 16 family.

  • 2-2. Core architecture and configurations

  • The A18 processor features 2 performance cores and 4 efficient cores, along with a 5-core GPU and a 35 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU). It is primarily based on the v9.2A ARM microarchitecture and supports advanced connectivity options including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. In contrast, the A18 Pro processor has the same core structure but operates at slightly higher clock speeds and features a 6-core GPU. Additionally, both processors are paired with 8 GB of RAM, which is the highest amount ever in an iPhone model.

3. Technical Specifications

  • 3-1. ARM microarchitecture v9.2A

  • The Apple A18 processor is primarily based on the ARM microarchitecture v9.2A, marking it as a powerful successor to the A16 processor. This architecture supports advancements in performance and energy efficiency.

  • 3-2. Core performance and efficiency

  • The Apple A18 features a configuration of 2 performance cores (P-cores) running at 4.04 GHz and 4 efficiency cores (E-cores) operating at 2 GHz. Its performance has been benchmarked to be in line with other high-end processors such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Dimensity 9300, particularly excelling in single-thread performance which rivals the more power-intensive Apple M3 chip. Additionally, the A18 Pro boasts the same core structure but with higher clock speeds, enhancing its computational capabilities.

  • 3-3. Integrated technologies: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC

  • The Apple A18 supports significant modern connectivity features, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. These integrations provide robust options for high-speed connectivity and data transfer, enhancing its applicability in various consumer and creator-oriented scenarios.

4. GPU Performance and Capabilities

  • 4-1. Comparison of A18 and A18 Pro GPUs

  • The Apple A18 GPU features an integrated graphics card with five cores. It achieves performance that is claimed to be up to 40% faster than its predecessor, the A16 GPU. However, compared to the A18 Pro GPU, which has six cores and offers enhanced display engines and video processing capabilities, the A18 GPU is positioned as a mid-tier option. The A18 Pro's design allows it to outperform the A18 in several performance metrics, especially in sustained tasks.

  • 4-2. Hardware ray tracing and mesh support

  • Both the A18 and A18 Pro GPUs come equipped with hardware ray tracing and mesh support features. While the A18 Pro GPU is RT-enabled and based on the advanced architecture similar to M4-series GPUs, the A18 GPU, despite its capabilities, does not match the performance of the A18 Pro in terms of ray tracing and rendering efficiencies.

  • 4-3. Benchmark comparisons and advancements

  • Benchmarks reveal that the A18 GPU occupies a performance tier between the A16 and A17 Pro GPUs, the latter having six cores. In various tests, the A18 Pro GPU outperformed even the 7-core M1 GPU. Additionally, it has comparative benchmark scores with modern GPUs like the Immortalis-G720 MP12 and Adreno 740 and 750. Power consumption benchmarks indicate that while the A18 GPU has lower power requirements under load compared to earlier generations, the A18 Pro GPU is more advanced, with power efficiency resulting from its TSMC N3E manufacturing process.

5. Benchmarks and Performance Testing

  • 5-1. AnTuTu and GeekBench scores

  • The performance of the Apple A18 and A18 Pro processors was evaluated using popular benchmarking tools, namely AnTuTu and GeekBench. According to data gathered from testing, the A18 processor achieved a score of 1,539,646 on the AnTuTu benchmark, while the A18 Pro scored 1,713,073. This indicates that the A18 Pro outperformed the A18 by approximately 10.1%. In GeekBench testing, the A18 scored 3,091 in the single-core test and 7,129 in the multi-core test. In contrast, the A18 Pro scored 3,279 and 7,855 in single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. The performance differences noted were 4.5% for single-core and 10.1% for multi-core comparisons.

  • 5-2. Single-thread and multi-thread performance metrics

  • The testing results for single-thread and multi-thread performance reveal minor yet significant distinctions between the two processors. The A18's single-core score stands at 3,091, while the A18 Pro's single-core score registers at 3,279. For multi-thread performance, the A18 scored 7,129, whereas the A18 Pro achieved a score of 7,855. The differences in performance indicate that, while the A18 Pro is superior in both metrics, the enhancements are more pronounced in multi-threaded scenarios.

  • 5-3. Graphics performance comparison

  • Graphics performance testing between the two processors utilized 3DMark Wild Life Extreme and GFXBench. In the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark, the A18 processed at 3,881 frames while averaging 23.2 frames per second, whereas the A18 Pro scored 4,592 frames with an average of 27.5 frames per second, indicating a performance advantage of 15.5% for the A18 Pro. GFXBench testing produced averages of 57.46, 20.42, 81.78, and 351.98 frames per second for the A18 across various tests, while the A18 Pro delivered averages of 58.8, 26.05, 94.05, and 385.65 frames per second, further highlighting the A18 Pro's proficiency in handling graphically intensive tasks.

6. Power Consumption and Efficiency

  • 6-1. TSMC N3E Manufacturing Process

  • The Apple A18 and A18 Pro processors utilize the TSMC N3E manufacturing process, which enhances power efficiency due to its advanced fabrication technology. This modern process supports the creation of more compact and efficient transistors, leading to reductions in power consumption during operations.

  • 6-2. Power Consumption Comparisons

  • The power consumption metrics of the A18 Pro SoC indicate that it can consume up to approximately 10 W under high load conditions, with average sustained power consumption hovering around 4 W. In contrast, the A18 processor's power consumption figures are not explicitly stated, but it is reported to be generally lower than that of the A18 Pro. This disparity highlights the increased power efficiency in the A18 Pro, primarily attributed to its upgraded GPU architecture and more advanced cores.

  • 6-3. Efficiency in Various Operating Conditions

  • The efficiency of the A18 and A18 Pro processors varies based on their operational conditions. While the A18 Pro's GPU is deemed very power-efficient due to the TSMC N3E manufacturing process, the A18's efficiency metrics are generally tied to its simpler architecture. The A18 Pro exhibits superior graphical and computational capabilities, making it more suitable for tasks that demand higher performance, while the A18 remains efficient for general consumer applications. The balance between power consumption and performance is crucial for both processors, ensuring that they adapt well to their intended usage scenarios.

7. Conclusion

  • The evaluation of Apple A18 and A18 Pro processors underscores their significant roles in advancing smartphone processing capabilities, each tailored for distinct user needs. The Apple A18 offers a balanced performance with its architecture suitable for general consumer devices. In contrast, the Apple A18 Pro pushes the boundaries with improved GPU capabilities and faster core speeds, making it ideal for intensive applications such as gaming and media content creation. Although both processors lack USB 3.x support, their high efficiency in multitasking and connectivity elevates their pertinence in the modern smartphone arena. These findings highlight the A18 Pro's superiority in graphics and computational efficiency, calling attention to its suitability in creator-focused markets. However, the absence of specific power consumption details for the A18 suggests further examination is warranted in this area. Future prospects could delve deeper into leveraging these processors for AI-driven tasks, capitalizing on the NPU's robust 35 TOPS performance. As technology continues to evolve, enhancements in processor architectures may further transform mobile computing, advocating continual research and development to harness such potential.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. Apple A18 [Processor]

  • The Apple A18 is a smartphone processor released in 2024, featuring a mix of high-performance and efficient cores. It's designed to provide robust performance in general consumer devices like the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.

  • 8-2. Apple A18 Pro [Processor]

  • A variant of the Apple A18, the A18 Pro offers improved GPU capabilities and performance, targeting creator-focused applications and demanding tasks such as gaming and media creation.

  • 8-3. Neural Processing Unit (NPU) [Technology]

  • The NPU in the A18 series supports advanced machine learning applications, delivering up to 35 TOPS, essential for AI-driven tasks.

9. Source Documents