Apple A6X vs Apple A7

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CPU comparison with benchmarks

-VS-

CPU lineage

Apple A6X or Apple A6X – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Apple A6X features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 2 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q3/2012 and belongs to the 6 generation of the Apple A series series.
The Apple A7 features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 2 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q3/2013 and belongs to the 7 generation of the Apple A series series.
Mobile Segment Mobile
Apple A6X Name Apple A7
Apple A series Family Apple A series
6 Generation 7
Apple A6/A6X Group Apple A7
 
 

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

The Apple A6X has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 2 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Apple A6X is 1.4 GHz
The Apple A7 has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 2 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Apple A7 is 1.4 GHz
normal Core architecture normal
1.4 GHz Frequency 1.4 GHz
2 Threads 2
No Overclocking No
No Hyperthreading No
2 CPU Cores 2
2x Swift Cores 2x Cyclone
 
 

Internal Graphics

The Apple A6X has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Apple A6X uses the PowerVR SGX554MP4 (4 Cores), which has 128 texture shaders
and 16 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The Apple A7 has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Apple A7 uses the PowerVR G6430, which has 128 texture shaders
0.3 GHz GPU frequency 0.45 GHz
Q3/2012 Release date Q3/2013
10 Direct X 10
PowerVR SGX554MP4 (4 Cores) GPU name PowerVR G6430
32 nm Technology 28 nm
-- Max. displays --
128 Shaders 128
0 bytes Max. GPU Memory 0 bytes
16 Execution units 16
-- Generation --
-- GPU (Turbo) --
 
 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

-- AI specifications --
-- AI hardware --
 
 

Hardware codec support

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.
No AVC No
No VC-1 No
No VP9 No
No h265 / HEVC (10 bit) No
No h264 No
No VP8 No
No h265 / HEVC (8 bit) No
No JPEG No
No AV1 No
 
 

Memory & PCIe

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 1.0 GB distributed across 4 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 17.1 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 1.0 GB distributed across 1 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 12.8 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
4 Memory channels 1
1.0 GB Max. Memory 1.0 GB
pci PCIe pci
No AES-NI No
No ECC No
17.1 GB/s Bandwidth 12.8 GB/s
LPDDR2-1066 Memory type LPDDR3-1333
 
 

Thermal Management

TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.
-- Tjunction max --
 
 

Technical details

The Apple A6X is manufactured using a 32 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The Apple A7 is manufactured using a 28 nm process.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 4.0 MB cache.
Q3/2012 Release date Q3/2013
APL 0598 Part Number APL 5698
1.0 MB L2-Cache 1.0 MB
None Virtualization None
ISA extensions
Chiplet Chip design Chiplet
A6 Architecture A7
32 nm Technology 28 nm
Socket
iOS Operating systems iOS
-- Release price --
Technical data sheet Documents Technical data sheet
ARMv7-A32 (32 bit) Instruction set (ISA) ARMv8-A64 (64 bit)
0 bytes L3-Cache 4.0 MB