The world of mobile processors is a highly competitive one, with tech giants like Apple and Qualcomm constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance. Two of the most recent and powerful mobile processors to hit the market are Apple’s A12 Bionic and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855. Both processors have their own strengths and weaknesses, but the question on everyone’s mind is: which one is better?
The Powerhouses of Mobile Processing
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand what makes these processors so powerful. Apple’s A12 Bionic is the brainchild of Apple’s silicon design team, built using a 7nm process. This tiny chip packs a punch, featuring a hexa-core CPU, a quad-core GPU, and a dedicated neural engine for machine learning tasks. The A12 Bionic is the powerhouse behind Apple’s 2018 iPhone lineup, including the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.
On the other hand, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 is built using a 7nm process as well, but it’s designed to be more versatile, supporting a wide range of Android devices from various manufacturers. The Snapdragon 855 boasts an octa-core CPU, an Adreno 640 GPU, and a dedicated AI engine. This processor is the flagship offering from Qualcomm, powering high-end Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and OnePlus 7 Pro.
Performance Comparison: A12 Bionic vs Snapdragon 855
When it comes to raw processing power, both the A12 Bionic and Snapdragon 855 deliver impressive performance. However, there are some key differences worth noting.
Geekbench Scores
One of the most widely recognized benchmarking tools is Geekbench, which provides a comprehensive score based on CPU performance. The A12 Bionic scores an impressive 4,812 in the single-core test and 11,481 in the multi-core test. In comparison, the Snapdragon 855 scores 3,547 in the single-core test and 10,433 in the multi-core test.
While the A12 Bionic blows the Snapdragon 855 out of the water in single-core performance, the Snapdragon 855 closes the gap in multi-core performance. This is due to the fact that the Snapdragon 855 has more cores (8) compared to the A12 Bionic (6).
Graphics Performance
When it comes to graphics performance, the Adreno 640 GPU in the Snapdragon 855 takes the lead. The Adreno 640 is a powerful GPU that supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, and it’s optimized for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
In comparison, the A12 Bionic’s quad-core GPU is also incredibly powerful, but it’s optimized for Apple’s proprietary graphics architecture, which is designed to work seamlessly with iOS.
Power Efficiency: A12 Bionic vs Snapdragon 855
Power efficiency is a critical aspect of mobile processing, as it directly impacts battery life. Apple’s A12 Bionic is renowned for its power efficiency, thanks to its 7nm process and Apple’s proprietary power management technology.
The A12 Bionic is designed to provide up to 15% faster performance while consuming up to 40% less power compared to the A11 Bionic. This means that Apple devices powered by the A12 Bionic can last longer on a single charge.
In contrast, the Snapdragon 855 is also power-efficient, but it’s designed to provide more flexibility to device manufacturers. While it’s still a power-efficient processor, it may not be as optimized for power saving as the A12 Bionic.
Artificial Intelligence: A12 Bionic vs Snapdragon 855
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in mobile devices, and both the A12 Bionic and Snapdragon 855 have dedicated AI engines. Apple’s Neural Engine in the A12 Bionic is designed to handle complex AI tasks, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
The Neural Engine is a dual-core design that can perform up to 5 trillion operations per second, making it one of the fastest AI engines in the mobile industry.
The Snapdragon 855 also features a dedicated AI engine, called the Qualcomm AI Engine. This engine is designed to provide up to 3x faster AI performance compared to the Snapdragon 845, and it’s optimized for tasks like object detection, facial recognition, and more.
Conclusion: A12 Bionic vs Snapdragon 855 – Which One Reigns Supreme?
So, which processor is better – the A12 Bionic or the Snapdragon 855? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize power efficiency, single-core performance, and seamless integration with iOS, the A12 Bionic is the clear winner.
On the other hand, if you prefer the flexibility of Android and need a processor that can handle demanding tasks like gaming and AI-intensive applications, the Snapdragon 855 is an excellent choice. Its powerful Adreno 640 GPU and dedicated AI engine make it an excellent option for high-end Android devices.
Ultimately, both processors are incredibly powerful and offer unique strengths. The A12 Bionic is a masterclass in power efficiency and single-core performance, while the Snapdragon 855 is a powerhouse of graphics performance and AI capabilities.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that mobile processors will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and performance. The A12 Bionic and Snapdragon 855 are just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next generation of mobile devices.
| Processor | Process Node | CPU Cores | GPU | AI Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A12 Bionic | 7nm | 6 (Hexa-core) | Quad-core GPU | Dual-core Neural Engine |
| Snapdragon 855 | 7nm | 8 (Octa-core) | Adreno 640 GPU | Qualcomm AI Engine |
Remember, when choosing a mobile device, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Both the A12 Bionic and Snapdragon 855 are incredible processors that offer unique strengths, so take the time to research and compare before making your decision.
What is the A12 Bionic chip?
The A12 Bionic chip is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) developed by Apple Inc. for their iOS devices, particularly the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. It is the successor to the A11 Bionic chip and is designed to provide high-performance computing capabilities while minimizing power consumption. The A12 Bionic chip features a 64-bit, six-core design with two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores.
The A12 Bionic chip also features a four-core graphics processing unit (GPU) and a dedicated neural engine for machine learning tasks. It is fabricated using a 7nm process, making it one of the most advanced mobile processors available. The A12 Bionic chip is known for its exceptional performance, power efficiency, and advanced features like Face ID and Animoji.
What is the Snapdragon 855 chip?
The Snapdragon 855 is a mobile system-on-a-chip (SoC) developed by Qualcomm Technologies Inc. It is designed to provide high-performance computing capabilities and advanced features for Android devices. The Snapdragon 855 is a 64-bit, octa-core processor with a 1+3+4 architecture, featuring one high-performance core, three high-efficiency cores, and four low-power cores.
The Snapdragon 855 also features a Adreno 640 graphics processing unit (GPU), which provides improved graphics performance and support for advanced graphics features like augmented reality and 4K video recording. It is fabricated using a 7nm process and supports advanced technologies like 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and USB 3.1.
Which chip is faster, A12 Bionic or Snapdragon 855?
The A12 Bionic chip is generally considered to be faster than the Snapdragon 855 chip in terms of single-core performance. The A12 Bionic chip has a higher clock speed and better performance per clock, making it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core processing.
However, the Snapdragon 855 chip has a higher multicore score, making it better suited for tasks that rely on multiple cores, such as video editing and multitasking. The Snapdragon 855 chip also has a more advanced graphics processing unit (GPU), which provides better graphics performance. Ultimately, the choice between the A12 Bionic and Snapdragon 855 chips depends on the specific use case and the type of tasks the device will be used for.
Which chip is more power-efficient, A12 Bionic or Snapdragon 855?
The A12 Bionic chip is generally considered to be more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 855 chip. Apple’s focus on power efficiency has led to significant advances in reducing power consumption while maintaining high performance. The A12 Bionic chip’s 7nm process and optimized design allow it to provide exceptional performance while minimizing power consumption.
The Snapdragon 855 chip, on the other hand, is designed to provide high performance at the cost of higher power consumption. While it has a more advanced GPU and faster clock speeds, it requires more power to operate. This can result in shorter battery life and increased heat generation. However, Qualcomm has made efforts to improve power efficiency in the Snapdragon 855 chip, and it still provides impressive battery life in many Android devices.
Which chip has better AI capabilities, A12 Bionic or Snapdragon 855?
The A12 Bionic chip has a dedicated neural engine that provides advanced machine learning capabilities, making it better suited for AI-intensive tasks like facial recognition, object detection, and natural language processing. The neural engine is capable of performing 5 trillion operations per second, making it one of the most advanced AI accelerators available.
The Snapdragon 855 chip, on the other hand, has a more limited AI capability, relying on its CPU and GPU to perform AI tasks. While it has improved AI capabilities compared to its predecessors, it still lags behind the A12 Bionic chip in terms of raw processing power and dedicated AI hardware. However, Qualcomm’s AI engine is still capable of performing advanced AI tasks and is optimized for Android devices.
Which chip has better graphics performance, A12 Bionic or Snapdragon 855?
The Snapdragon 855 chip has a more advanced graphics processing unit (GPU) than the A12 Bionic chip, providing better graphics performance and support for advanced graphics features like augmented reality and 4K video recording. The Adreno 640 GPU is capable of providing fast and efficient graphics performance, making it well-suited for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
The A12 Bionic chip’s GPU is still capable of providing excellent graphics performance, but it lags behind the Snapdragon 855 chip in terms of raw graphics processing power. However, Apple’s optimized software and hardware integration allow the A12 Bionic chip to provide smooth and efficient graphics performance, making it well-suited for iOS devices.
Which chip is more widely used, A12 Bionic or Snapdragon 855?
The Snapdragon 855 chip is more widely used than the A12 Bionic chip, as it is used in a larger number of Android devices from multiple manufacturers. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series is one of the most popular mobile processor lines, and the Snapdragon 855 chip is widely adopted in high-end Android devices.
The A12 Bionic chip, on the other hand, is only used in Apple’s iOS devices, specifically the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. While Apple’s devices are extremely popular, the A12 Bionic chip’s limited availability restricts its usage to a smaller number of devices compared to the Snapdragon 855 chip.