The Apple A9 processor was designed for end devices to provide high computing performance with moderate energy requirements.

Manufactured using a 16-nanometer process, this chip utilizes two cores along with 3 MB of Level 2 cache and 4 MB of Level 3 cache. Compared to the Apple A7, the Apple A9 achieves significantly higher single-core performance in benchmarks such as Cinebench R23.

The integrated graphics unit named Apple A9 benefits from a memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s, which enhances performance in games. Thermal power dissipation remains low due to the chosen manufacturing process. Since the chip is permanently integrated, the price-performance ratio depends on the respective end device.

This model is recommended for users seeking a solid basis for everyday applications and graphical requirements. The Apple A7 processor functions as a 64-bit chip within this architecture family. Production takes place in a 28-nanometer process with two computing cores, 1 MB Level 2 cache, and 4 MB Level 3 cache.

The computing power in benchmarks like Cinebench R23 is significantly lower than that of the Apple A9, as the architecture operates on a different technical basis. The PowerVR G6430 unit is responsible for graphical output, supported by a memory bandwidth of 13 GB/s. In gaming scenarios, the hardware reaches its limits with complex tasks.

Power consumption is higher in relation to the performance provided. Since no separate market price exists, the assessment of cost-effectiveness is determined by the overall package of the device. The Apple A7 is suitable for basic tasks.

Apple A9

  • Manufacturing in a 16-nanometer process
  • Memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s
  • Integrated Apple A9 graphics unit
  • 3 MB Level 2 cache

Apple A7

  • Manufacturing in a 28-nanometer process
  • PowerVR G6430 graphics unit
  • Memory bandwidth of 13 GB/s
  • 1 MB Level 2 cache

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple A9
Rank 2 - 50 %
Apple A7
Multi-core performance
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple A9
Rank 2 - 52 %
Apple A7
Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
558
Apple A7
Apple A7 50 %
2C / 2T · 1.40 GHz
278
Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
1,024
Apple A7
Apple A7 52 %
2C / 2T · 1.40 GHz
528
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
Apple A9
250
Apple A7
Apple A7 46 %
PowerVR G6430
115

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple A9Apple A7
FamilyApple A series (27)Apple A series (27)
CPU groupApple A9/A9X (2)Apple A7 (1)
ArchitectureA9A7
Technology16 nm28 nm
SegmentSmartphone / TabletSmartphone / Tablet
Socket
PredecessorApple A8Apple A6
SuccessorApple A10 FusionApple A8

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple A9Apple A7
CPU Cores / Threads2 / 22 / 2
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturenormalnormal
Cores: 2x Twister 2x Cyclone
Frequency: 1.85 GHz 1.40 GHz
Turbo (1 Core):
Turbo (All Cores):
L2-Cache3.00 MB1.00 MB
L3-Cache4.00 MB4.00 MB
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple A9Apple A7
GPU nameApple A9PowerVR G6430
GPU frequency0.65 GHz0.45 GHz
CUs / Shader24 / 19216 / 128
Raytracing
Max. displays12
Max. GPU Memory4 GB
Technology16 nm28 nm
Release dateQ3/2015Q3/2013

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple A9Apple A7
AI hardware
AI specifications
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple A9Apple A7
MemoryLPDDR4-3200 (25.6 GB/s)
LPDDR3-1333 (12.8 GB/s)
Max. Memory2 GB1 GB
Memory channels11
ECCNoNo
PCIe
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple A9Apple A7
TDP5 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.

Technical details

Wischen
Apple A9Apple A7
Chip designChipletChiplet
AES-NI
Operating systemsiOSiOS
Instruction setArmv8-A (64 bit)Armv8-A (64 bit)
ISA extensions
Release dateQ3/2015Q3/2013
Release price
Documents

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple A9 is 3.8 stars (38 ratings), while Apple A7 has received 3.6 stars (18 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple A9
Apple A9
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
Apple A7
Apple A7
2C / 2T · 1.40 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple A9
Apple A9
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