Apple A9 vs Apple A9X

The Apple A9X was developed for professional applications and was launched at the same time as the Apple A9.

Both processors are manufactured using the 16-nanometer process and are based on the A9 architecture, featuring 3 MB of level 2 cache and 4 MB of level 3 cache. A significant difference lies in the memory bandwidth, which at 51 GB/s is significantly higher in the Apple A9X than in the base model.

In benchmarks for single-core and multi-core performance, the Apple A9X outperforms the Apple A9 by more than ten percent. Especially in gaming scenarios, the Apple A9X benefits from its stronger integrated graphics unit called Apple A9X and the high bandwidth. The thermal design power is set higher for the Apple A9X, allowing for more stable performance under load.

It offers high performance for professional users. The Apple A9 is optimized for use in compact devices and targets a wide range of users. It also uses 16-nanometer manufacturing and the A9 architecture and is equipped with 3 MB of level 2 cache and 4 MB of level 3 cache. The memory bandwidth is 26 GB/s.

Evaluating computing power shows that the Apple A9 lags behind the Apple A9X in single-core and multi-core tests. The performance differences clearly exceed the ten percent threshold. In games, the integrated Apple A9 graphics unit provides a solid but, in direct comparison, weaker display.

The advantage of the Apple A9 lies in lower heat generation and lower energy consumption. The price-performance ratio is very balanced due to its widespread use in various models.