Choosing between the latest iPhone and Android flagship often boils down to chip performance. This year, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple’s A17 Pro battle it out for the crown. Let’s delve into their specs, benchmarks, and strengths to help you decide.
| Feature | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Apple A17 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1x 3.3GHz Cortex-X4, 3x 3.2GHz Cortex-A720, 2x 3GHz Cortex-A720, 2x 2.3GHz Cortex-A520 Refresh | 2x 3.78GHz, 4x 2.11GHz (Apple-designed) |
| GPU | Adreno (Qualcomm-designed) | 6-core (Apple-designed) |
| AI | Hexagon DSP | 16-core Apple Neural Engine |
| RAM | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 |
| Video | HEVC, AV1 decode, 4K60 capture | HEVC, AV1 decode, 4K60, 8K30 capture |
| Modem | X70 LTE/5G (10,000Mbps down, 3,500Mbps up) | X70 LTE/5G (10,000Mbps down, 3,500Mbps up) |
| Other Networking | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 Ready | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Process | TSMC 4nm (N4P) | TSMC 3nm (N3B) |
Also Read: Exynos 2400 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: A Detailed Chipset Comparison
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro: Specs and Benchmarks
- CPU: Apple uses custom cores built on a newer 3nm process, while Qualcomm opts for Arm’s latest Cortex-X4 core and a 4nm process.
- Single-core: Apple takes the lead with a 26% advantage in Geekbench 6.
- Multi-core: Qualcomm wins with a higher score thanks to its octa-core configuration.
- Thermal throttling: Qualcomm’s reference device showed performance drops during sustained workloads,raising concerns for real-world performance.
Also Read: Mediatek Dimesnity 8300 Vs Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: Chipset Comparison
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro: Gaming and GPU
- Graphics: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 shines in benchmarks, outperforming Apple’s A16 Bionic (not A17 Pro) by 32% in 3DMark’s Wildlife Extreme test.
- Ray tracing: Both chips support hardware ray tracing, but the gap in performance narrows under heavy load.
- Gaming focus: Apple courts AAA console game developers, making the A17 Pro an attractive option for serious mobile gamers. Qualcomm offers impressive graphics muscle, but the Android game library lacks similar high-profile titles.
Also Read: List Of Upcoming Flagship Android Smartphones Powered By Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset
AI and Other Features: Different Paths, Uncertain Impact
- Qualcomm: Prioritizes AI capabilities, showcasing generative AI applications like image generators and video object removal.
- Apple: Integrates AI subtly, highlighting improved features like autocorrect and object detection.
- Adoption: Qualcomm’s flashy AI features may not translate to everyday use unless phone makers actively implement them.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Powered By Galaxy AI, Tweaked Snapdragon 8 Gen Launched: Top Highlights
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro: The Verdict
Neither chip is a clear winner. Choose the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 if:
- You prioritize raw graphics power and a lower price point.
- You’re open to exploring the potential of on-device AI features, waiting for developers to catch up.
Choose the Apple A17 Pro if:
- You’re a serious mobile gamer seeking AAA console experiences.
- You value seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem and prefer established AI features.
Ultimately, the “better” chip depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider all aspects beyond raw performance before making your choice.
