Comprehensive CPU Benchmark Comparison
Analyzing the Performance of Samsung Galaxy Series and iPhone 16 Pro
Key Takeaways
- Single-Core Performance: The iPhone 16 Pro leads with superior single-core benchmark scores, showcasing Apple's continued dominance in single-threaded tasks.
- Multi-Core Efficiency: High-end variants of the Samsung Galaxy S25+ with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets surpass the iPhone 16 Pro in multi-core performance, highlighting significant advancements in multi-threaded processing.
- Generational Improvements: Each successive Samsung Galaxy model demonstrates notable CPU performance enhancements, with the S25+ offering a substantial 37% increase over its predecessors.
Introduction
In the competitive landscape of smartphones, CPU performance remains a critical factor influencing user experience. This comprehensive comparison delves into the CPU benchmarks of the Samsung Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S24 FE, and the iPhone 16 Pro. By examining benchmark scores, chipset specifications, and performance trends, we aim to provide an in-depth analysis to help consumers make informed decisions.
Device Overview
Samsung Galaxy S25+
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ represents the pinnacle of Samsung's smartphone technology, equipped with either the Snapdragon 8 Elite or the Exynos 2500 chipset, depending on the region. The Snapdragon variant boasts a significant 37% increase in CPU performance over previous generations, establishing it as one of the fastest Android CPUs available. In contrast, the Exynos 2500 variant, while still robust, offers slightly lower performance metrics.
Samsung Galaxy S24+
The Galaxy S24+ continues Samsung's tradition of delivering high-performance devices. It is powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in the US and select markets) or the Exynos 2400 (internationally). Early benchmarks suggest a 10–20% improvement in both single-core and multi-core performance over the Galaxy S23+, thanks to architectural optimizations and enhanced efficiency.
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Released in early 2023, the Galaxy S23+ is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in most regions or a regional Exynos variant. It offers excellent single-core performance and robust multi-core capabilities, maintaining stable performance under sustained loads due to mature manufacturing processes and effective thermal management.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
The Galaxy S24 FE (Fan Edition) is designed to balance cost and performance. It utilizes the Exynos 2400e chipset, providing a CPU performance that outperforms the Galaxy S23+ but falls slightly short of the Galaxy S24+. This model caters to users seeking high performance without the premium price tag associated with flagship devices.
iPhone 16 Pro
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the A18 Pro chipset, maintaining Apple's tradition of integrating powerful and efficient processors. The A18 Pro excels in single-core performance, delivering industry-leading efficiency through tight hardware-software integration. Benchmark scores place the iPhone 16 Pro ahead in single-threaded tasks, while it remains competitive in multi-core performance.
Benchmark Analysis
Single-Core Performance
Single-core performance is crucial for tasks that rely on a single thread, such as app launches, basic navigation, and general responsiveness. The iPhone 16 Pro leads in this category, with a Geekbench 6 single-core score of 3,400, demonstrating superior performance in single-threaded operations. Samsung's flagship models follow, with the Galaxy S25+ equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite achieving a single-core score of 3,160. The Exynos 2500 variant of the Galaxy S25+ scores 2,358, while the Galaxy S24+ and S24 FE record approximately 2,125 and slightly lower scores, respectively.
Multi-Core Performance
Multi-core performance impacts applications that can leverage multiple threads, such as video editing, gaming, and multitasking. In this category, the high-end Samsung Galaxy S25+ with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro, achieving a multi-core score of 9,941, compared to the iPhone's 8,341. Even the Exynos 2500 variant of the Galaxy S25+ offers respectable multi-core performance with a score of 8,211, slightly surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro. The Galaxy S24+ scores approximately 6,571, while the Galaxy S24 FE falls in line with or slightly below the Galaxy S24+.
Benchmark Table
| Device | Chipset | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S25+ | Snapdragon 8 Elite | 3,160 | 9,941 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25+ | Exynos 2500 | 2,358 | 8,211 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | A18 Pro | 3,400 | 8,341 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 | ~2,125 | ~6,571 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Exynos 2400e | ~2,125 | ~6,571 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Exynos Variant | ~2,125 | ~6,571 |
Performance Trends Across Generations
Samsung Galaxy Series
Samsung's Galaxy series has shown consistent improvements in CPU performance across successive generations. The Galaxy S23+ set a high standard with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Exynos variants, providing robust single and multi-core performance. Moving to the Galaxy S24+, Samsung introduced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Exynos 2400, yielding a 10–20% performance boost. The Galaxy S25+, particularly in its Snapdragon 8 Elite configuration, marked a significant leap with a 37% increase in CPU performance, positioning it ahead of its predecessors.
The Galaxy S24 FE offers a balanced approach, delivering high performance akin to the Galaxy S24+ but at a more affordable price point. Its use of the Exynos 2400e chipset ensures that it outperforms the previous generation (Galaxy S23+) while providing slightly lower performance compared to the flagship S24+.
iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro continues Apple's tradition of enhancing CPU performance with each generation. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, it excels in single-core performance, achieving a Geekbench 6 score of 3,400, which leads the market. In multi-core performance, the A18 Pro stands strong with a score of 8,341, maintaining competitiveness against high-end Android devices. Apple's vertical integration ensures that hardware and software optimizations contribute to exceptional real-world performance and efficiency.
Architecture and Efficiency
Samsung's Chipset Architecture
Samsung leverages industry-leading chipset technologies, primarily utilizing Qualcomm's Snapdragon series and their in-house Exynos processors. The Snapdragon 8 Elite and Gen 3 variants bring cutting-edge advancements in CPU architecture, delivering substantial performance improvements and enhanced efficiency. These chipsets benefit from refined manufacturing processes, such as the advanced 4nm node, and incorporate architectural optimizations that boost both single and multi-core performance metrics.
The Exynos variants, while slightly trailing their Snapdragon counterparts in raw performance, still offer robust CPU capabilities. Samsung's focus on thermal management and power efficiency ensures that their devices maintain peak performance without significant throttling during sustained workloads.
Apple's A18 Pro Architecture
Apple's A18 Pro chip continues to set industry standards in CPU performance, particularly excelling in single-core tasks. The architecture emphasizes efficiency and speed, allowing the iPhone 16 Pro to perform exceptionally well in real-world usage scenarios. Apple's tight integration of hardware and software means that even if multi-core benchmark scores are comparable to or slightly below high-end Android devices, the overall user experience remains fluid and responsive.
The A18 Pro's efficiency also translates to better battery management, ensuring that users can enjoy prolonged performance without significant drains on battery life. This holistic approach to CPU design underscores Apple's commitment to delivering high-performance devices without compromising on efficiency.
Real-World Implications
Daily Usage and App Performance
Benchmark scores provide a quantitative measure of CPU performance, but real-world usage often depends on how effectively this power is utilized. The iPhone 16 Pro, with its superior single-core performance, offers snappy app launches, smooth navigation, and efficient multitasking. This makes it particularly well-suited for users who prioritize a responsive and seamless experience in day-to-day tasks.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ with the Snapdragon 8 Elite excels in multi-threaded applications, making it ideal for power users who engage in intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, and running multiple applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S24+ and S24 FE also provide solid performance, with the latter offering a balanced experience for users seeking high performance without the premium price.
Gaming and High-Performance Applications
For gaming enthusiasts and users who rely on high-performance applications, the multi-core capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S25+ are advantageous. Its higher multi-core benchmark scores translate to better handling of complex calculations, rendering, and multitasking during gaming sessions. This ensures smoother gameplay, reduced latency, and enhanced graphical performance.
While the iPhone 16 Pro also performs admirably in gaming scenarios, its multi-core performance is slightly behind the high-end Samsung Galaxy S25+ variant. However, Apple's optimization of games for its hardware ensures that users still experience high-quality graphics and smooth performance.
Battery Efficiency and Thermal Management
Battery life and thermal performance are critical factors that influence user satisfaction. The Samsung Galaxy S25+ demonstrates improved thermal management, allowing it to sustain peak performance for extended periods without overheating. This is particularly beneficial during prolonged gaming sessions or intensive multitasking.
The iPhone 16 Pro, powered by the A18 Pro chip, offers excellent energy efficiency, contributing to longer battery life even under heavy usage. Apple's focus on optimizing energy consumption ensures that users can enjoy extended periods of use without frequent recharging. Additionally, the efficient thermal design prevents the device from becoming excessively warm, maintaining comfort during extended use.
Conclusion
The CPU benchmark comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S24 FE, and the iPhone 16 Pro reveals a dynamic landscape of high-performance smartphones. The iPhone 16 Pro stands out in single-core performance, ensuring a responsive and efficient user experience. Meanwhile, Samsung's flagship Galaxy S25+ with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset leads in multi-core performance, catering to power users and those engaged in resource-intensive tasks.
Each successive generation of Samsung Galaxy devices demonstrates significant improvements in CPU performance, with the Galaxy S25+ marking a substantial leap over its predecessors. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a balanced option for users seeking performance without the premium price. Apple's iPhone 16 Pro continues to set benchmarks in single-core efficiency, maintaining its reputation for delivering seamless and efficient performance through tight hardware-software integration.
Ultimately, the choice between these devices depends on individual user needs and preferences. Users prioritizing single-threaded tasks and energy efficiency may lean towards the iPhone 16 Pro, while those requiring robust multi-threaded performance and advanced thermal management might prefer the Samsung Galaxy S25+ Snapdragon variant. Both ecosystem benefits and specific performance metrics should be considered to make an informed decision.
References
Last updated February 15, 2025