Apple A17 Pro vs Dimensity 9300: Apple takes on MediaTek
The tech world is changing and Android SoCs are now mature enough to take on Apple's SoCs. To assess this new dimension, let's look at Apple's A17 Pro vs Dimensity 9300 from MediaTek. Which SoC is going to win the day? Read on to find out.
A technological shift is unfolding right before our eyes. After playing second fiddle for so long, Android SoCs are now willing to claim the crown of “best mobile SoC“ from Apple. The battle between the Apple A17 Pro Vs. MediaTek's Dimensity 9300 should emerge as a key chapter in this story. In this detailed analysis, we will look deep into both flagship SoCs to see which one's better.
The Contestants
Unveiled in September 2023, the Apple A17 Pro stands as Apple's best smartphone SoC and it powers the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. With a clock speed of 3.7GHz, it currently enjoys the tag of the fastest mobile SoC (by clock speed) in the world.
On the other hand, the Dimensity 9300 is MediaTek’s current Flagship SoC. It was announced in November 2023. Even though it is poised as a solid candidate for upcoming flagship phones, its reception among smartphone OEMs is still somewhat cold. This is because many companies are still somewhat skeptical of high-end MediaTek SoCs.
With that being said, let's get into the comparison proper.
» See: Apple A17 Pro Vs. Dimensity 9300 - Full Specs Comparison
Performance of the Apple A17 Pro vs Dimensity 9300 Comparison
Comparing Android SoCs to SoCs running iOS is usually a tricky endeavor. That's why we usually turn to benchmarks. The two most popular benchmarks for testing mobile SoCs are GeekBench and AnTuTu.
The results on GeekBench 6 reveal that this is a closely contested duel. The Apple A17 Pro commands a total score of 7238, with the Dimensity 9300 coming very close with a score of 7051. However, the dynamics shift significantly on AnTuTu 10, where the Dimensity 9300 surges ahead with an impressive score of approximately 2 million, beating the A17 Pro by a notable 34%.
Gaming on the Apple A17 Pro vs Dimensity 9300
When we venture into the gaming landscape, the Mali G720 GPU ”Immortalis" MP12 on the Dimensity 9300 emerges as a potential game-changer. Its specs and benchmarks suggest that it does have a superior gaming performance. The A17 Pro, on the other hand, may feature a slightly weaker GPU, but it differentiates itself with optimization tailored for console-level gaming experiences.
RAM and Storage
The Dimensity 9300 supports the faster LPDDR5T RAM. Notwithstanding, the A17 Pro, armed with comparatively slower LPDDR5 RAM, is well-optimized to run and multitask smoothly due to iOS. On the storage front, the Dimensity 9300 champions UFS 4.0, while the A17 Pro adheres to Apple's NVMe standards.
Cameras and Video on the A17 Pro vs Dimensity 9300
Moving on to imaging (still and moving photos), the Dimensity 9300 unleashes its potential with support for sensors up to a staggering 320MP. In stark contrast, the A17 Pro, with an estimated 48MP cap, seems relatively conservative. This difference also extends to video capabilities. The Dimensity 9300 can effortlessly shoot 8K video at 30fps, overshadowing the A17 Pro's 4K HDR video at 60fps. However, the videos on the A17 Pro tend to look smoother than those on the Dimensity 9300.
Connectivity
This would then launch us into the connectivity department. Here, both contenders showcase versatility by supporting networks from 2G to 5G, which is complemented by Bluetooth 5.3 integration. For WiFi, however, a more nuanced tale unfolds. The Dimensity 9300 edges ahead with better Wi-Fi 7 support, promising faster data transfer speeds and network efficiency. On the flip side, the A17 Pro counters with a strategic introduction – satellite connectivity, strategically positioned for emergency SOS scenarios.
Battery life
The battleground of battery prowess unveils a distinct narrative. The A17 Pro, through its superior 3nm TSMC fabrication process, enjoys better battery life. In close pursuit, the Dimensity 9300, forged on a 4nm TSMC process, also puts forth a commendable performance but comes in second place.
Conclusion
In this story of technological evolution, the culmination of the Apple A17 Pro Vs. Dimensity 9300 comparison has revealed quite a lot.
The A17 Pro shines in gaming optimization, video capabilities, and battery life by leveraging the optimization provided by iOS. Meanwhile, the Dimensity 9300 has slightly better performance, better GPU, and superior connectivity.
Be it as it may, both SoCs are on par and the choice between the two will largely rely on the individual as opposed to the technical specification.