Apple A9 vs. Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 22, 2023
Apple A9 is a dual-core chipset used in iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, designed by Apple. Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is a quad-core chipset used in various Android devices, designed by Qualcomm. Both are mobile processors, but from different manufacturers.
Difference Between Apple A9 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Apple A9 is a proprietary chip designed by Apple and serves as the brain of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. It boasts a dual-core configuration and emphasizes both performance and energy efficiency. Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, on the other hand, is a product from Qualcomm, a company known for designing processors for a multitude of Android smartphones.
The Snapdragon 820 stands out with its quad-core configuration, offering enhanced multitasking capabilities. This design is in contrast to the Apple A9's dual-core setup, which, while efficient, may not be as versatile in handling numerous tasks simultaneously. Both processors, however, are built using advanced fabrication processes that prioritize speed and efficiency.
When considering graphics, the Apple A9 integrates a six-core GPU, which enhances graphical performance for apps and gaming. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 counters with its Adreno 530 GPU, promising high-quality graphics and smooth performance across a range of applications and games.
In terms of market presence, Apple A9's exclusivity to Apple products limits its spread, appearing solely in Apple's ecosystem. Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 enjoys a broader market share, given its integration into a variety of Android devices from different manufacturers, which allows for diverse usage and applications.
Comparison Chart
Core Configuration
Dual-core processor.
Quad-core processor.
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Devices Used In
IPhone 6s and 6s Plus.
Various Android devices.
Graphics Processor Unit
Six-core GPU.
Adreno 530 GPU.
Designed By
Apple.
Qualcomm.
Market Presence
Limited to Apple devices.
Found in multiple devices from various manufacturers.
Compare with Definitions
Apple A9
Integrates a six-core GPU for graphics.
Gaming on the iPhone 6s is enhanced by the Apple A9's six-core GPU.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Belongs to Qualcomm's Snapdragon series of chips.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is a successor to the Snapdragon 810.
Apple A9
Features a dual-core CPU configuration.
The dual-core design of the Apple A9 ensures efficient multitasking.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Features a quad-core CPU configuration.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 can handle multiple tasks simultaneously with its quad-core setup.
Apple A9
Apple A9 is a mobile processor designed by Apple.
The iPhone 6s runs smoothly thanks to its Apple A9 chip.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Used in a variety of Android smartphones.
Many top-tier Android phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820.
Apple A9
Used exclusively in Apple devices.
Apple A9 can't be found in non-Apple products.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
It integrates the Adreno 530 GPU.
Graphics on devices with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 are boosted by the Adreno 530 GPU.
Apple A9
It's the ninth-generation chip in Apple's A-series.
The Apple A9 follows the A8 in Apple's lineup of mobile processors.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is a mobile processor from Qualcomm.
The latest smartphone uses the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chip.
Common Curiosities
In which devices can I find the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820?
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is found in various Android smartphones.
Are there other chips in the Snapdragon series?
Yes, Qualcomm has multiple chips in the Snapdragon series, with the 820 being one of them.
How does the Apple A9 compare to its predecessors?
The Apple A9 offers better performance and efficiency compared to earlier A-series chips.
Do any tablets use the Apple A9?
Yes, certain iPad models utilize the Apple A9 chip.
Does the Apple A9 support multitasking efficiently?
Yes, despite its dual-core setup, the Apple A9 handles multitasking efficiently.
What devices use the Apple A9 chip?
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus utilize the Apple A9 processor.
How many cores does the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 have?
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 features a quad-core configuration.
Who designed the Apple A9?
Apple A9 was designed by Apple.
What's the GPU in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820?
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 integrates the Adreno 530 GPU.
Is the Apple A9 exclusive to iPhones?
While prominent in the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the Apple A9 chip is also used in other Apple devices.
Which has a broader market presence, Apple A9 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 820?
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, as it's found in multiple Android devices from various manufacturers.
Which has better graphics performance, Apple A9 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 820?
Both offer competitive graphics performance, with Apple A9 using a six-core GPU and Snapdragon 820 using Adreno 530.
What's the manufacturing process of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820?
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is built using a 14nm FinFET process.
How does Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 handle multitasking?
With its quad-core setup, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 efficiently manages multiple tasks simultaneously.
What's the core configuration of Apple A9?
Apple A9 features a dual-core CPU configuration.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
