What processor is in the iPhone 6s?

Known fact that the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus smartphones may have an A9 processor from different companies: Samsung or TSMC. Apple divided the production of its chips for the first time, the exact ratio varies, but the expert community agreed that Taiwanese TSMC got about 60%, while Korean Samsung produces about 40% of processors.

Strange as it may seem, the chips differ from each other not only by country and manufacturer, but also by some other parameters, such as the processor from TSMC ( APL1022, or N66MAP for iPhone 6s Plus and N71MAP for iPhone 6s) is created using 16nm technology, while Samsung ( APL0898, or N66AP for iPhone 6s Plus and N71AP - iPhone 6s) creates its chips using 14-nm technology, their area differs by 10% (96 versus 104.5 square millimeters). It is worth noting that the chips have the same structure and set of components.

Naturally, the operation of different chips will differ; as soon as it became known that the processors in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus could vary, users began to conduct a large number of tests to find out which TSMC or Samsung chip is better.

The test results are very contradictory, in some the difference in results is about 20-40%, in others only 2-3% (which corresponds to the official position of Apple). But they all come to the conclusion that the advantage remains on the side of chips from TSMC.

Working hours

Thus, the publication Ars Technica presented tests from which it follows that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus on a TSMC processor last 624 minutes while surfing the web, versus 610 for Samsung. The synthetic test for operating time Geekbench 3 shows 272 minutes, versus 212. When tested in the GFXBench benchmark - 139 versus 133 minutes. At the same time, in the WebGL test, the operating time of a smartphone with a Samsung processor turned out to be higher - 352 minutes versus 348 minutes.

The GeekBench developers posted their individual test results, of which the time difference was always at 2 hours: for TSMC - 7 hours 50 minutes, for Samsung - 6 hours 5 minutes.

Performance

In AnTuTu performance tests, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus on Taiwanese-made chips also came out ahead by several percent, while the temperature remained lower than that of Samsung: 37 degrees versus 40+.

At the same time, in the Geekbench performance benchmark, the leadership remained on Samsung's side - 2542 and 4444 points in single-core and multi-core modes, while the TSMC processor had 2526 and 4404 points.

Official position

Apple has confirmed that there is indeed a difference between TSMC and Samsung processors, but the difference should not exceed 2-3% during normal (usual) use of smartphones. At the same time, all synthetic tests that subject the chip to maximum load cannot reflect using iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus in real life, and this way of testing is incorrect.

From the available information we can safely conclude that there really is a difference between the chips, this is not denied by Apple itself, however, normal use smartphones, you are unlikely to notice the difference, but during energy-intensive processes, for example, shooting video in 4K format, the difference will be obvious and the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus running on processors from TSMC will be in an advantageous position.

How to determine which processor is installed in iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus

To determine which chip is installed in an iOS gadget, there are already applications in App Store and other directories that allow you to determine the processor version:

First utility CPU Identifier It is not distributed through the App Store, it can be downloaded from the owner's repository - http://demo.hiraku.tw/CPUIdentifier/, this does NOT require jailbreaking, however, you will need to confirm the installation of a corporate certificate.

The answer to the question that worries iPhone 6s and 6s Plus buyers.

News has repeatedly appeared on the Internet that both flagship smartphones from Apple, and, with identical external characteristics and the same use, differ in different indicators time battery life . The reason for this was the installation: part new iPhones run on a chip from TSMC, the other part is built on a processor from a South Korean manufacturer Samsung.

The guys from the YouTube channel checked how critical this difference is Austin Evans. Visual test of two models iPhone 6s different processors :

Original video

The essence of the test

All iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are divided into two camps: one with Samsung chips made of 1 4nm technology, others - with processors from TSMC, the production of which is carried out under 16nm process. The difference in manufacturing principles was also reflected in the final area of ​​the processors: the chip from Samsung is 8.5 mm smaller than that from TSMC: 96 mm against 104.5 mm(square millimeters).

To conduct the test, two completely identical iPhone 6s models were taken: the same amount of memory, the same color, but completely different processors. Both smartphones charged to 50% mark.

Austin used the utility to test the battery Geekbench 3 and the corresponding benchmark. Before the experiment, using a lux meter, the brightness of both gadgets was set to the same level 200 nits. After which both iPhones underwent Battery Benchmark over the next two-plus hours.

The winner in this battle was a smartphone powered by a TSMC processor. He worked 50 minutes longer“colleagues” from Samsung. Using a thermal imager, the potential heating temperature of smartphones was determined: a Samsung chip warmed up the smartphone up to 33 degrees Celsius, while TSMC is up to 30.

Testing potential battery life using artificial tests has nothing to do with how a user uses a smartphone in everyday life. The operating algorithm of such testers is to maximize the processor load in order to dramatically increase power consumption. In reality, the user is interested in quieter operation, and therefore another test was carried out.

This time, Austin launched a lengthy YouTube video on both smartphones. Both were connected to the same wireless network Wi-Fi and before the start of the test are charged at the same level in percentage terms.

As a result of the playback test streaming video The winner was again the iPhone, powered by a TSMC chip. True, the difference this time was only 1%: the iPhone 6s on a chip from Samsung used up 15% of the battery charge; model with TSMC on board – 14%.

How to find out what processor is installed in the iPhone?

If you are uneasy at heart and you can’t wait to find out what processor is installed in your smartphone, use the information utility Lirum Info Lite.

This application is distributed absolutely free, and to obtain information about the processor, just run Lirum. Pay attention to the model name indicated opposite the item Model.

In the model iPhone 6s processors have the following names:

• N71AP– manufacturer Samsung;
• N71MAP- Manufacturer: TSMC.

In smartphones iPhone 6s Plus the situation is as follows:

• N66AP– manufacturer Samsung;
• N66MAP- Manufacturer: TSMC.

Conclusion. When testing battery performance using the GeekBench 3 utility, the device is subjected to high loads, during which the smartphone processor operates at maximum power. In this case, a chip from TSMC is a better option. During normal work: reading email, watching movies, surfing, listening to music, taking photos or videos, there is practically no difference between both processors.

Perhaps there is no reason to be upset at all?

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Released in September 2014, two models: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus created a lot of noise. They are equipped with an updated 64-bit single-chip system called A 8. This dual core processor based on the proprietary Cyclone microarchitecture, the clock frequency of which is 1.4 GHz. The A8X crystal dimensions are only 12.5 mm by 10 mm, that is, 125 mm 2. Both models have one gigabyte random access memory type LPDDR3, which is integrated into a single case with the A8, which further saves internal space.

The advanced A8 processor is equipped with a powerful and highly efficient six-core PowerVR Series6XT GX6650 graphics chip. The A 8 is also equipped with an M8 motion coprocessor. It allows you to more effectively determine the parameters of all iPhone sensors 6 and 6 plus: from the barometer to the time and location of the smartphone. At the same time, the M8 processor significantly reduces energy costs for reading and processing constantly updated data.

For models 6 and 6 plus, the A 8 processor was produced by the Taiwanese company TSMC, which specializes in the production of modern semiconductor products and microboards. In the future, cooperation with Samsung is planned.

What benefits did A 8 achieve?

Some of the undeniable improvements that the iPhone received thanks to the use of the A 8 include:

Firstly, the A 8 processor shows more high performance and faster than its predecessors, as it is manufactured using a modern twenty-nanometer technological process. It makes it possible to use a simply incredible number of transistors in chips - about two billion. It’s hard to even imagine, let alone develop and successfully implement!

As you can see from the benchmarks below, the overall performance of the iphone and iphone plus not the highest on the market, but you are guaranteed uninterrupted operation of the devices in any conditions. And as iOS 8 continues to be refined, performance will only increase.

Secondly, energy is consumed much more efficiently, and this despite the fact that the enlarged screen (in the 6 plus model, especially) consumes a significantly larger amount of it. Those. At first glance, optimization is not very noticeable, but in fact it is significant. In the test for battery life with a connection via Wi-Fi networks they showed some of the best results.

Thirdly, graphics performance has improved significantly with it. In addition to this, the developers have created Metal technology, which significantly expands the capabilities of the A 8 processor and iOS systems 8 for processing graphics in 3D. It helps to achieve high realism and detail in images. For fans of games with complex visual effects, this is an undeniable plus.

Fourthly, it allows you to maintain high-speed performance in browsers at an enviable level.

Among the shortcomings, iOS 8, which is still not properly developed to suit the capabilities of the device, stands out. It does not allow the full potential of the iPhone 6 and 6 plus to be fully revealed. But this can be fixed - during the development and installation of updates, which is what programmers, in fact, successfully do.

The very modest size of the RAM is also clearly a disadvantage. Although the developers surprisingly managed to achieve good results in performance, it is not inferior to more powerful ones, in technically, analogues from competitors. But still, there is room for growth in this direction, and perhaps in new models the RAM will be increased.

Comparison with other processors of previous iPhone models

As you can see from the above comparative tables, the A 8 processor did not significantly improve the performance of the new models compared to its predecessor, the A 7. An independent benchmark of models released by Apple over the past few years showed such performance dynamics.

As you can see, there is no fundamental separation from the previous device. Although the manufacturer presents its own dynamics of increasing the processor performance of the entire released model range:

But still, the iPhone 5 s can still compete with the iPhone 6 or 6 plus. After all, in essence, there is nothing fundamentally new in them - the characteristics of the A 7 processor were improved and honed, only for a larger diagonal and the corresponding graphics and power consumption requirements.

To summarize, we note that, despite not the most advanced individual characteristics, the iPhone, like no other device, will provide you with enviable reliability and stability. All existing problems are mainly software, which means they can be easily eliminated with high-quality software. And no test will adequately assess the convenience and smooth operation of these wonderful gadgets.

Many owners of the new Apple iPhone 6S already know that some models have one difference between each other. This difference lies in the manufacturer of the Apple A9, the processor of the new product, because two companies were involved in their production. This was the reason for the different sizes of the “stone”, because technological processes were used different types. To determine the processor manufacturer, an unofficial application for iOS has now been developed, allowing you to find out which chip is running in a particular instance.

This feature became known only after Chipworks specialists, who disassembled several 6S smartphones, stumbled upon the differences. To their surprise, the new product used two processors that differed in size. Samsung (South Korea) worked on the production of a smaller “stone” (APL0898), while larger processor turned out by Taiwanese specialists from TSMC (APL1022).

The reason for the difference was the use different technologies manufacturing, so the Apple A9 using Samsung's 14-nm process has an area of ​​96 square millimeters, but TSMC uses a 16-nm process, so the “stone” has an area of ​​104.5 square millimeters. The processors have only the same structure and list of components.

Everything would be fine, but the difference in technology can affect energy efficiency, power consumption and productivity. This means that iPhone 6S with APL1022 and APL0898 chips can show different battery life and performance. In theory, Samsung technology allow you to reduce the amount of energy consumed by the processor and increase performance.

Indeed, Chipworks tests showed minor differences in the performance of the processors. There are preliminary data showing that with the “stone” from samsung smartphone produces 4444 and 2542 points (for multi-core and single-core mode, respectively), but TSMC technology allows you to get 4404 and 2526, respectively.

If you are interested in knowing what Hardware is used specifically in a specific instance, you need to install an unofficial application called CPU Identifier. The AppStore doesn't have it, so you'll need to install an enterprise certificate during the process.

For your information, it was previously explained that Samsung received more orders for the production of the A9X and A9, but new data says that the Taiwanese company received 63 percent of the deliveries, which means that the more productive Samsung only received 37 percent.

Battery Memory System Status Monitor

Download this application from the App Store and launch it.

• N71mAP- this is an iPhone 6s with a processor from TSMC
• N66mAP- this is an iPhone 6s Plus with a processor from TSMC
• N71AP- this is an iPhone 6s with a Samsung processor
• N66AP- this is an iPhone 6s Plus with a Samsung processor

All variations of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus have a processor called Apple A9, but it is produced by two companies - Samsung and TSMC. Each of them has its own technology.

Both chipsets use FinFET transistors, but Samsung produces chips using 14-nanometer technology, and TSMC has not yet mastered it, so it uses the less advanced 16-nanometer technology. Surprisingly, their performance is about the same, and the power consumption of TSMC is slightly lower, which is confirmed by several synthetic tests.

Unfortunately, Apple does not indicate on the box or in the documentation of the device which manufacturer’s processor is installed in it; you can find out after opening it.

The paint color on the surface of the processor produced at the Samsung factory is closer to yellow, while the TSCM chipset is more golden. They also differ in size - the Samsung board is a little more compact, and the TSCM is wider and longer.

There is an easier way to determine the manufacturer of the processor, in which you do not have to open the smartphone case. You can use free application or others that show extended system information.

Install this application from the App Store, launch Go and go to the “Storage and Model Information” section. Here you will see the model designation of the processor installed in the smartphone.

Apple iPhone 6s:
- N71AP - Apple A9 made by Samsung
- N71MAP - Apple A9 made by TSMC

Apple iPhone 6s Plus:

N66AP - Apple A9 made by Samsung
- N66MAP - Apple A9 made by TSMC

In reality, you may not notice the difference between iPhone versions 6s and 6s Plus with different processors, since it is not so significant, but if you have a choice and are able to check the system information, of course, it is better to take a smartphone with a TSCM processor rather than a Samsung one.

There is a third way - using the CPU Identifier application:

Go to this site from your smartphone, click the Install button and install the downloaded application.

A CPU Identifier icon will appear on your desktop, but in order to launch this application, you need to go to Settings > General > Profile and click on Guangzhou Huimei Electronic Co. Ltd." In the window that opens, you will need to confirm that you trust this developer’s application to run on your smartphone.

Return to home page and open the CPU Identifier application. It will show which company is the manufacturer of the processor (Samsung or TSCM).

Now that you know what you want, go to settings again and remove CPU Identifier.

Updated:

The initial version of the article contained erroneous information that Samsung processors are better.

Updated again:

Added a third method in case the Lirum Device Info app is not available in the App Store.