Apple A17 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – In the grand unveiling of the iPhone 15 Pro series, Apple has introduced its most formidable mobile processor to date—the A17 Pro. Shedding the familiar “Bionic” moniker, this powerhouse of a chipset is tailor-made to complement the Pro series in all its glory.
Boasting a meticulously redesigned GPU, an efficient CPU, a formidable Neural engine, and a slew of other enhancements, it’s a force to be reckoned with.
But the burning question remains: How does the A17 Pro measure up against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor? In this comprehensive analysis of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A17 Pro, we embark on a journey to dissect and compare these two technological marvels. Join us as we explore the nuances of their differences and uncover the striking similarities that define the future of mobile processing.
You can also check its ranking on the Best Mobile Processor Ranking List. Additionally, you can use our Processor Comparison Tool to compare any processor to another.
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Sure, here is a table comparing the specs of the Apple A17 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 :
Specs | Apple A17 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
---|---|---|
CPU | Custom Six-core CPU, 19 billion transistors | Octa-core, Kryo CPU |
CPU Cores | 2x High-performance cores | 1x 3.2GHz (Cortex-X3) |
4x High-efficiency cores | 2x 2.8GHz (Cortex-A715) | |
2x 2.8GHz (Cortex-A710) | ||
3x 2.0GHz (Cortex-A510) | ||
Process Technology | TSMC’s 3nm process | TSMC’s 4nm process |
GPU | Apple Pro-class 6-core GPU Ray Tracing | Adreno 740 GPU; Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing |
Memory Support | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5X |
Machine Learning and AI | New 16-core Neural Engine; 35 TOPS | New AI Engine, Hexagon Processor |
ISP | Apple-designed Image Signal Processor | Triple 18-Bit Spectra ISP; Cognitive ISP, Snapdragon Sight |
Camera Capability | ProRAW photos at 48MP | Capture photos up to 200MP, 36MP triple shots with ZSL |
Video Capability | 4K60 ProRes videos | 4K HDR Dolby Vision @ 60FPS, Cinematic 4K@24FPS, Action mode, 8K HDR, Bokeh Engine 2 |
Modem | Snapdragon X70 5G modem | Snapdragon X70 5G modem |
Conn. | Wi-Fi 6E, 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, 5.3 |
In the battle for mobile processing supremacy, the Apple A17 Pro Vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 are set to go head-to-head. To kick off this epic showdown, we begin with an in-depth look at their CPU architectures and capabilities. It’s a clash of titans, as Apple’s A17 Pro makes history as the first mass-produced chip on TSMC’s groundbreaking 3nm node, boasting a staggering 19 billion transistors within a single die.
Apple A17 Pro:
Apple’s CPU configuration includes two high-performance cores, clocked at an impressive 3.70 GHz. This represents a remarkable 10% boost in performance over its predecessors, thanks to the new Everest cores. Additionally, four power-efficient CPU cores make up the ensemble, with Apple claiming these to be the most efficient mobile CPU cores available. They deliver a noteworthy 3x performance per watt compared to the competition, particularly the A510 core. The A17 Pro, owing to TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process node, excels in both CPU performance and efficiency.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2:
In contrast, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is built on TSMC’s 4nm node (N4 process) and follows an octa-core CPU design. It features a 1+(2+2)+3 CPU cluster arrangement, with a single potent Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2GHz, two Cortex-A715 cores ticking at 2.8GHz, two Cortex-A710 cores also running at 2.8GHz, and three Cortex-A510 cores operating at 2.0GHz.
The key differentiator here is the maximum clock speed of the primary core, which stands at 3.2GHz for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2—trailing behind the A17 Pro’s formidable 3.70GHz frequency. This puts Apple’s offering at a significant advantage in single-threaded tasks, an area where it is expected to shine. Even taking into account the rumored CPU details of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip—a (1+3+2+2) CPU design with a prime Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.39GHz—it still falls short of the A17 Pro’s clock speed.
To provide a clearer perspective, let’s examine the Geekbench 6 scores for all three chips. Please note that leaked scores for Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 should be taken with a pinch of salt, as OEMs are still optimizing the chip for peak performance.
Processor | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score |
---|---|---|
Apple A17 Pro | 2232 | 6424 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 1481 | 4941 |
When it comes to graphics processing units (GPUs), the rivalry between Apple and Qualcomm is nothing short of epic. Last year, Qualcomm’s Adreno 740 outshone Apple’s 5-core GPU in both performance and efficiency. This year, Apple is on a mission to recapture the GPU crown from Qualcomm, and they’ve pulled no punches to make it happen.
Apple A17 Pro’s Pro-Class GPU:
Apple’s latest salvo in the GPU arms race is nothing short of impressive. They’ve introduced a brand-new Pro-class GPU built on a shader architecture that promises unparalleled performance and efficiency. The A17 Pro’s GPU boasts six cores, a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, resulting in a remarkable 20% boost in performance. To put this in perspective, last year’s GPU performance gap between the A15 Bionic and the A16 Bionic was a mere 5%. With the A17 Pro, Apple has truly upped the ante.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Apple has made a significant leap by bringing hardware-accelerated Ray tracing support to the A17 Pro’s Pro-class GPU. According to Apple, ray tracing on this new GPU is a whopping 4x faster than the software-based graphics rendering found on the A16 Bionic.
Additionally, the introduction of MetalFX Upscaling, a feature that harnesses the combined power of the GPU and the Neural Engine, promises high-quality graphics while conserving power.
For gamers, this translates into a game-changing experience. Titles like Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage can now be played on the iPhone 15 Pro series, delivering console-quality gaming on a smartphone. The A17 Pro’s Pro-class GPU is making a compelling case for itself in the gaming arena.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s Adreno 740:
While Qualcomm’s Adreno 740 GPU on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has performed admirably and supports features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing, it faces stiff competition from Apple’s A17 Pro. It’s worth noting that we will also be closely watching the upcoming Adreno 750 GPU on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, for the time being, Apple has once again surged ahead in the GPU race.
In the world of smartphone photography, image is everything, and the battle for supremacy in image signal processing (ISP) is fierce. As Apple unveiled its A17 Pro, they didn’t dwell much on the ISP at the event, but the Photonic engine now commands the helm of most camera capabilities, including Night mode and portraits.
There’s more in the pipeline for photography enthusiasts, with Spatial video recording set to debut on the iPhone 15 Pro series early next year. This exciting feature promises to breathe life into your memories, offering an immersive experience through Apple Vision Pro.
And if that’s not enough, you can already capture stunning 48MP ProRAW images and shoot 4K60 ProRes videos, all thanks to the prowess of the ISP.
Apple A17 Pro’s ISP:
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This formidable contender boasts an 18-bit triple ISP architecture, with the ability to handle 8K HDR videos and snap photos with resolutions of up to a whopping 200MP. On paper, it appears to have the upper hand in raw image processing prowess. However, as we’ve come to realize, real-world results can often tell a different story. Apple’s iPhones have consistently delivered exceptional video quality, often surpassing flagship Android smartphones. Therefore, judging the ISP performance of these processors solely based on specs might not paint the full picture.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s ISP:
Processor | Photonic Engine | Spatial Video Recording | Max Photo Resolution | Max Video Resolution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Apple A17 Pro | Yes | Coming Soon (2023) | 48MP ProRAW | 4K60 ProRes |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Yes | – | Up to 200MP | 8K HDR |
In this quest for image perfection, both the A17 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 bring impressive ISP capabilities to the table. Stay tuned as we put these processors through their paces and reveal which one emerges as the true champion in the realm of smartphone photography.
In the relentless pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) supremacy, the Apple A17 Pro has emerged as a formidable contender, boasting a multi-fold improvement in its AI capabilities. Central to this surge in power is the new 16-core Neural Engine, which now delivers a staggering 2x boost in performance compared to its predecessor, the A16 Bionic. With a mind-boggling capacity to perform 35 trillion operations per second (TOPS), it’s safe to say that Apple has raised the bar to unprecedented heights in a mere year.
Apple A17 Pro’s 16-core Neural Engine:
But let’s not forget Qualcomm, a long-time player in the AI arena. The older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC was already a powerhouse, delivering 27 TOPS in AI performance. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Qualcomm took the efficiency of its AI engine up a notch. Now, all eyes are on Qualcomm’s forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, as we eagerly await to see if it can outpace Apple in this exhilarating AI race.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s AI Engine:
The AI landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and both the A17 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 have shown remarkable prowess. As we await the arrival of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the stage is set for a thrilling competition in the AI realm. Stay tuned as we continue to explore and dissect these processors to determine who claims the AI crown of 2023.
While Apple’s grand unveiling of the A17 Pro didn’t dwell extensively on 5G connectivity, it’s a segment where substantial power and capability are essential. Underneath the hood, the A17 Pro discreetly houses a Qualcomm 5G modem, likely the Snapdragon X70—a modem that also finds its home in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Notably, Apple recently extended its 5G chipset agreement with Qualcomm, ensuring a partnership that will stretch until 2026.
Apple A17 Pro’s Connectivity:
In terms of 5G connectivity, the A17 Pro’s discrete modem boasts the capability to deliver lightning-fast speeds of up to 10Gbps, making it compatible with both the mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands. Furthermore, it offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, ensuring a robust connection portfolio.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s Connectivity:
On the other side of the spectrum, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is no slouch when it comes to connectivity. It features the Snapdragon X70 5G modem, accompanied by the latest radio advancements. In the local connectivity realm, it offers Bluetooth 5.3, LE, and Wi-Fi 7. A noteworthy addition this year is Apple’s inclusion of NavIC support in the A17 Pro, ensuring that both flagship chips now support India’s navigation satellite system.
Connectivity Comparison:
Processor | 5G Modem | Max Speed | Wi-Fi Standard | Bluetooth Version | NavIC Support |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple A17 Pro | Discreet (Qualcomm) | Up to 10Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Bluetooth 5.3 | Yes |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Integrated (Snapdragon X70) | – | Wi-Fi 7 | Bluetooth 5.3 | – |
In the ever-evolving landscape of connectivity, both the A17 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offer a comprehensive suite of features. As we venture deeper into the heart of these processors, we’ll determine which one emerges as the ultimate connectivity champion in 2023. Stay tuned for the final verdict.
In the ever-evolving world of smartphone processors, the Apple A17 Pro’s relentless pursuit of excellence has left the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chipset nearly a year old, struggling to keep pace. While it might seem an unfair contest due to the disparity in launch dates, it serves as a testament to how far Apple has surged ahead in the realm of mobile processing over the course of a year. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, hinting at what it must achieve to bridge the widening gap.
Apple A17 Pro’s Dominance:
From the comprehensive comparison, it becomes evident that Apple has once again asserted its dominance, showcasing significant leads in the CPU, GPU, and AI departments. The A17 Pro’s unparalleled advancements in these core areas underscore Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s Challenge:
As the dust settles on this showdown, the spotlight now shifts to Qualcomm. The onus is on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to redefine the narrative and mount a formidable challenge to Apple’s supremacy. Can Qualcomm pull ahead once more? Only time will reveal whether they can recalibrate the balance of power in the world of mobile processors.
In this race for processing perfection, Apple’s A17 Pro has set an impressive standard. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 finds itself playing catch-up, the arrival of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 promises an exciting future for mobile processing. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone chipsets.
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it becomes evident that Apple has once again asserted its dominance, showcasing significant leads in the CPU, GPU, and AI departments. The A17 Pro’s unparalleled advancements in these core areas underscore Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology.
Check Below in the table more benchmark score will be added
Product Name |
Apple A17 ProQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Product Image |
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Price | |
Our Rating | |
Brand | Apple Qualcomm |
Category | Processor Processor |
Manufacturer | Apple Qualcomm |
Announced | 13 September, 2023 15 November, 2022 |
Model | A17 Pro SM8550-AB |
Class | Flagship Flagship |
Size | 3nm TSMC 4nm |
Cores | 6‑core CPU 8 |
CPU Configuration |
10% faster - CPU 2x 3.7 GHz – performance and 4x 2.02 GHz efficiency cores 1 Prime core x 3.2 GHz ARM Cortex-X3 & 4 x 2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 and 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 |
High Frequency | 3700 MHz 3200 MHz |
Performance Core | 2x 3.7 GHz 1 Prime core x 3.2 GHz ARM Cortex-X3 |
Power Efficient Core | 4x 2.02 GHz 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 |
Core architecture | hybrid (big.LITTLE) hybrid (Prime / big.LITTLE) |
Instruction set | ARMv9-A ARMv9-A |
L1 Cache | 256 KB |
L2 cache | 16 MB 1 MB |
L3 cache | 8 MB |
Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 8 W |
Storage Type | NVMe UFS 4.0 |
Extra Feature |
Transistor count 19 billion |
GPU | Apple A17 (6‑core GPU) Adreno 740 |
GPU frequency | 1398 MHz 1.00 GHz |
GPU Architecture | Apple GPU Adreno 700 |
FLOPS | 2147.2 Gigaflops 3000 |
OpenCL Version | 2.0 2.0 |
DirectX Support | 12 12 |
Vulkan version | 1.1 1.3 |
Shading units | 128 |
Video Encoding |
H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9, Motion JPEG Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), HDR10+, AV1, H.264 (Advanced Video Coding (AVC)), VP9, VP8, Dolby Vision®, H.265 (High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)), HDR10 |
Video Playback |
HEVC, H.264 and ProRes HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG Up to 8K @ 60 fps |
Gaming | Ray tracing HDR gaming (10-bit color depth, Rec. 2020 color gamut) • Snapdragon Shadow Denoiser |
APU / NPU / AI Proc. / Neural IP | Apple 16‑core Neural Engine Qualcomm® Hexagon™ Processor |
TOPS Speed | 35 trillion operations per second - |
Extra Feature |
20% faster GPU 4x faster ray tracing than A16 Bionic 2x faster Neural Engine - First Snapdragon Mobile Platform with hardware-based micro tile inferencing to run complex neural networks - Dual-core AI processor, Always-sensing camera - Qualcomm® Hexagon™ Processor Features: Qualcomm® Hexagon™ Tensor Accelerator, Dedicated power delivery system, Qualcomm® Hexagon™ Scalar Accelerator, Qualcomm® Hexagon™ Vector eXtensions (HVX), Micro Tile Inferencing, Fused AI Accelerator architecture, Hexagon Direct Link |
RAM Type | LPDDR5 LPDDR5x |
RAM frequency | 3200 MHz 4200 MHz |
RAM Max | 8 GB 24 GB |
Max Bandwidth | 51.2 gigabytes / second 64 Gbit/s |
Bus Speed | 4x 16 Bit 4x 16 Bit |
Cellular Modem | Snapdragon X70 5G modem Snapdragon™ X70 5G Modem-RF System |
Cellular Technology |
G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n66, n70, n77, n78, n79) FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53) UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) TD-SCDMA, HSPA, sub-6 GHz, FDD, 5G mmWave, NSA (non-standalone), CDMA 1x, EN-DC, EV-DO, CBRS, NR-DC (mmWave-sub6 dual connectivity), TDD, LTE, GSM/EDGE, SA (standalone), SA (standalone) mmWave, WCDMA |
5G Modem | |
5G Network | 5G (sub‑6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO5 Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA5 8 carriers (mmWave), 2x2 MIMO (mmWave), 4x4 MIMO (Sub-6) |
5G mmWave | |
5G sub-6 GHz | |
Download Speed | Up to 10 Gbps Up to 10 Gbps |
Upload Speed | 3.5 Gbps Up to 3.5 Gbps |
Dual SIM | |
Extra Feature |
Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) 5G+5G and 5G+4G, Global 5G Multi-SIM Qualcomm® Smart Transmit 3.0 technology, Qualcomm® AI-Enhanced Signal Boost, Qualcomm® 5G Ultra-Low Latency Suite, Qualcomm® Wideband Envelope Tracking, Qualcomm® 5G AI Suite, Qualcomm® 5G PowerSave Gen 3 |
wireless System | Apple wireless System Qualcomm® FastConnect™ 7800 |
Wi-Fi Band | Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO6 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 6 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
WiFi-5 | |
WiFi-6 | |
WiFi-6E | |
Wi-Fi 7 | |
Download Speed | Up to 5.8 Gbps |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth® 5.3 |
GPS | Precision dual-frequency GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou and NavIC), iBeacon micro-location GLONASS, NavIC, Beidou, GPS, QZSS, Galileo |
USB | USB-C USB-C, USB 3.1 |
NFC | |
Extra Feature |
Digital compass Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip NFC with reader mode Express Cards with power reserve Features: Passpoint, TDLS, High Band Simultaneous (HBS) Multi-Link, Wi-Fi QoS Management, Wi-Fi Optimized Connectivity, MU-MIMO (UL/DL), Wi-Fi Aware R3, Wi-Fi Location, OFDMA (UL/DL), Miracast, Voice-Enterprise |
ISP | Apple ISP Qualcomm® Spectra™ |
Single Camera | 48MP Up to 108 MP |
Multi Camera |
12MP + 12MP
Triple Camera (MFNR, ZSL, 30 fps): Up to 36 MP Dual Camera (MFNR, ZSL, 30 fps): Up to 64+36 MP |
Video capture |
4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps and 120 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording Up to 8K HDR 30fps or 4K 120fps, 720p @ 960 fps Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), Dolby Vision®, HDR10, HDR10+ |
Video Codec | HEVC, H.264 and ProRes, ACES, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP8, VP9 |
Extra Feature | • Up to 200 Megapixel Photo Capture |
Display Support | 2796x1290 4K @ 60 Hz • QHD+ @ 144 Hz |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz 144 Hz |
Extra Feature |
10-bit color depth, Rec. 2020 color gamut • HDR10, HDR10+, HDR vivid, and Dolby Vision |
Audio Playback | upported formats include AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio playback User‑configurable maximum volume limit Qualcomm Aqstic™ audio codec Qualcomm Aqstic™ audio codec |
Bluetooth Audio | AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio playback Bluetooth audio: Snapdragon Sound™ Technology with support for Qualcomm® aptX™ Voice, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and LE Audio |
Security Features |
Face ID
Qualcomm® 3D Sonic Sensor Max, Qualcomm® 3D Sonic Sensor Biometric Authentication (Face), Biometric Authentication (Fingerprint), Biometric Authentication (Voice), Biometric Authentication (Iris) |
Fingerprint Sensor | |
Face Detection |
Charging Speed | 15W wireless, 25W wired Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 5 technology |
AnTuTu benchmark scores | 1480302 1245135 |
Geekbench scores |
Single-Core Score - 2934 Multi-Core Score - 7374 Geekbench 6 Score Single-Core Score - 1498 Multi-Core Score - 4981 |
3DMark | 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited 15,399/92fps and 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited 3,481/20fps 13243 |
PCMark | 18915 |