Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Apple A18 Pro: The Android Chipset that’s taking the fight to Apple
If you’re looking for a flagship smartphone, a Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered device may be just what you need to enjoy unparalleled performance.
Smartphones have come a long way, with their CPUs giving even high-end computers a run for their money with their performance. However, Apple iPhones have reigned supreme over the years with the Apple Axx silicon. This year, however, Qualcomm took the fight against Apple with its latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, based on an all-new Oryon architecture. So, has Qualcomm succeeded in surpassing the performance of the Apple A18 Pro? Let’s find out in this detailed comparison between the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple’s A18 Pro.
Benchmark Breakdown
Snapdragon 8 Elite, with its 3nm TSMC fabrication process and Oryon CPU, brings cutting-edge performance to Android devices. Its octa-core configuration, which includes a prime core clocked at 4.32 GHz and performance cores at 3.53 GHz, is tailor-made for power users who demand the best.
We ran a few benchmark tests to see what the processor was actually capable of. For the purposes of the test, we used the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered iQOO 13 and compared it against an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here’s what we got.
Geekbench is an excellent tool to check the single-core and multi-core performance of smartphones. In our tests, the Snapdragon 8 Elite scored an impressive 3093 in the single-core performance and 9854 in the multi-core score. Meanwhile, the A18 Pro managed to have a slight lead in the single-core performance with a score of 3285. It offered a much lower multi-core score of 8021. This suggests that the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices would offer a better experience when running resource-intensive applications or when gaming.
AnTuTu is another popular smartphone test, and for good reason. The benchmark scores it offers tend to cover all aspects of the device, making them a good indicator of a smartphone’s overall performance.
The iQOO 13 scored a very impressive 28,05,924, which is amongst the highest smartphone scores recorded by the benchmark. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the A18 Pro SoC scored 17,74,620. While impressive on its own, it’s quite behind the AnTuTu score achieved on the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
GPU and Gaming Performance
The Qualcomm Adreno GPU is a standout in the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It features QHD+ 240Hz support, which translates to breathtakingly smooth visuals — perfect for high-end gaming and multimedia. For the first time ever, Qualcomm redesigned the Adreno GPU with a “Sliced” architecture, claiming an impressive 40% power savings.
In GPU benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC in the iQOO 13 holds its ground remarkably well. In the GFXBench Manhattan and T-Rex tests, the device scored 7,482 and 3,369 frames, respectively. This narrowly edges out the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which scored 3707.8 and 3325.57 frames in the same tests.
While these scores may be close, the Snapdragon 8 Elite has many features up its sleeves to improve the gaming experience for gamers. For starters, the chipset offers support for QHD+ panels with up to 240Hz refresh rates. It helps ensure a fluid gaming experience while also providing a competitive edge for online multiplayer games.
Additionally, Qualcomm’s latest is the first smartphone chipset to provide support for Unreal Engine 5.3 with Nanite. As such, it’s capable of delivering console-level graphics in your palm. This puts it ahead of the A18 Pro in terms of sheer gaming capability.
AI and Camera Features
When it comes to AI, Snapdragon has really stepped up the game. It features on-device personalised multi-modal AI, allowing for better performance in tasks such as camera improvements, gaming, and virtual assistants.
But that’s not all. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s on-device AI capabilities enable more responsive virtual assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa, even when offline. This means quicker responses and the ability to perform complex tasks like setting reminders, adjusting settings, or answering questions seamlessly. Additionally, its AI can enhance gaming by intelligently adjusting in-game settings to optimise performance.
For photography enthusiasts, the Qualcomm Spectra ISP promises endless possibilities. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite, you’ll get up to 320 MP photo capture and support for limitless real-time semantic segmentation. This means improved night photography, richer colours, and greater dynamic range — something Apple has been championing for years, but Qualcomm seems to have caught up nicely.
Snapdragon’s AI-driven Spectra ISP makes it perfect for photography and videography enthusiasts. If you love capturing moments at night or in dynamic environments, Snapdragon’s ISP ensures richer, more detailed images. Whether it’s high-resolution photography or 4K video recording, the 8 Elite ensures your memories look stunning.
Real-World Usability and Connectivity
The Snapdragon 8 Elite also excels in connectivity. Its X80 5G modem and FastConnect 7900 support provide a seamless mobile experience with Wi-Fi 7 and 5G features. Qualcomm’s offering ensures better network stability with AI-powered antenna tuning, which is great for everyday use, from video streaming to making voice calls over LTE.
For those who depend on their phones for streaming HD content or making high-quality video calls, the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers stable connectivity even in areas with spotty coverage. With Wi-Fi 7 and 5G support, users can enjoy uninterrupted streaming on Netflix or Disney+ without worrying about buffering or dropped connections.
In real-world testing, the Snapdragon’s improved power efficiency was notable. Thanks to its 3nm architecture and optimised power savings in the GPU, Snapdragon devices could offer longer battery life, even while performing heavy tasks like gaming or 4K video recording.
If you’re someone who is always on the go, the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s power efficiency means you can enjoy all the features of a flagship phone — from gaming to photography — without worrying about running out of battery. Whether it’s a workday full of video calls or a weekend of nonstop gaming, Snapdragon’s improved power management ensures you stay connected longer.
Bottomline: The Android Chipset Reigns Supreme
While Apple has always been synonymous with high performance, Snapdragon has outdone itself this year. The Snapdragon 8 Elite not only matches the A18 Pro in computational prowess but also beats it in several areas, such as AI performance, real-world usability, and graphics capabilities. For Android enthusiasts, it’s an exciting time—Snapdragon 8 Elite provides the perfect combination of power, efficiency, and innovative features that make it a worthy rival to Apple’s offering.
If you’re looking for a flagship smartphone, a Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered device may be just what you need to enjoy unparalleled performance across gaming, productivity, and overall responsiveness. From casual users seeking smooth everyday performance to power users demanding top-tier graphics and AI capabilities, devices powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite deliver the ultimate Android experience.
