A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Benchmarks

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The A18 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 are the flagship mobile processors of their respective generations. In raw benchmark scores, the A18 Pro typically leads in single-core CPU performance and sustained efficiency, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 often matches or slightly edges it in multi-core and GPU peak performance, depending on the test and device cooling.

Background: The Two Flagship Chips

Apple’s A18 Pro powers the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (2023), built on TSMC’s 3nm process. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, also on TSMC’s 3nm node, debuted in late 2023 in Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12. Both are system-on-chips (SoCs) that integrate CPU, GPU, neural processing unit (NPU), and modem. The A18 Pro uses Apple’s custom CPU cores and a 6-core GPU, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 uses ARM’s Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores with an Adreno 750 GPU.

How Benchmarks Work

Benchmarks are standardized tests that measure performance in controlled scenarios. The most common ones for mobile chips are:

Geekbench 6 – measures CPU single-core and multi-core performance using real-world tasks like image processing and compression.
AnTuTu 10 – a comprehensive test that combines CPU, GPU, memory, and UX scores into one overall number.
3DMark Wild Life Extreme – a graphics stress test that pushes the GPU to its limits.
GFXBench – another GPU benchmark that runs game-like scenes (e.g., Aztec Ruins).

Scores vary by device because thermals, cooling systems, and software tuning affect results. A phone with a vapor chamber will sustain higher performance than one with passive cooling.

Benchmark Numbers (Typical Results)

Based on publicly reported results from early 2024 (averages from multiple devices):

Geekbench 6 Single-Core: A18 Pro ~2900, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ~2300. The A18 Pro leads by about 25%.
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: A18 Pro ~7200, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ~7500. Snapdragon edges ahead by ~4%.
AnTuTu 10: A18 Pro ~1.5 million, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ~2.0 million. Snapdragon scores higher, but AnTuTu includes memory and UX that favor the Android implementation.
3DMark Wild Life Extreme (peak): Both are close; Snapdragon often scores slightly higher, but A18 Pro sustains better over time due to lower power draw.

These are ballpark figures; your specific device may differ.

Real-World Performance vs Benchmarks

Benchmarks don’t tell the whole story. In everyday use, both chips feel instant for social media, web browsing, and video. Differences appear in sustained workloads: gaming for 30 minutes, video editing, or augmented reality. The A18 Pro’s efficiency (lower power per task) means it often runs cooler and maintains frame rates longer. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s higher peak GPU can push more frames in short bursts, but may throttle sooner in a thin phone without active cooling. For most users, the difference is imperceptible.

How to Choose Between Them

Your choice is more about the ecosystem than raw numbers:

If you want iOS, smooth updates for years, and best-in-class single-core performance for app launches, get the A18 Pro (iPhone 15 Pro).
If you prefer Android, want faster charging, or need features like reverse wireless charging, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the top pick.
For gaming, consider the specific phone’s cooling: a Snapdragon phone with a large vapor chamber may outperform an iPhone in long sessions.
For battery life, the A18 Pro tends to be more efficient, but Android phones often have larger batteries, so real-world endurance is similar.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that a higher AnTuTu score means a better chip. AnTuTu includes memory and UX tests that can be skewed by software optimizations. Another issue is thermal throttling: a phone that scores 2 million in AnTuTu in a cool room may drop to 1.5 million after 10 minutes of gaming. Always look at sustained performance tests (like 3DMark’s stress test) rather than peak scores. Also, don’t compare cross-platform benchmarks directly—iOS and Android handle background tasks differently, so a score difference doesn’t translate to a real-world speed difference.

Cost and Value

Both chips are found only in premium phones. The A18 Pro is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro line, starting at $999. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 devices range from $800 to $1,200 (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, OnePlus 12). If you’re on a budget, mid-range chips like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or Apple’s A16 Bionic offer 80% of the performance at half the price. For most users, the flagship premium isn’t worth it unless you’re a heavy gamer or video editor.

Alternatives to Consider

If you don’t need the absolute top performance:

Apple A16 Bionic (iPhone 15/14 Pro) – still fast, better battery life than A18 Pro.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Galaxy S23 Ultra) – close to 8 Gen 3, often cheaper.
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 – competitive in multi-core, but less common in Western markets.
Google Tensor G3 (Pixel 8) – focuses on AI, not raw speed.

These chips handle daily tasks flawlessly and save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the A18 Pro faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3? In single-core CPU tasks, yes—it’s about 25% faster. In multi-core, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is slightly ahead. GPU performance is comparable, but the A18 Pro is more efficient.

Which chip is better for gaming? The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has a higher peak GPU performance, but the A18 Pro sustains performance better due to lower power draw. If the phone has good cooling, Snapdragon may edge out; otherwise, they are equal.

Why does AnTuTu show Snapdragon winning by a lot? AnTuTu includes memory and UX tests that are heavily optimized on Android. It’s not a pure CPU/GPU test, so treat it as a system-level score, not a chip comparison.

Does the A18 Pro have better battery life? Yes, the A18 Pro is more power-efficient, but iPhone batteries are smaller. In real-world use, both last a full day with moderate use.

Should I upgrade from a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone to an 8 Gen 3? No, the performance gain is modest (~15%). You’d only notice it in heavy gaming or video editing. Wait another generation.

Which chip will get longer software support? Apple typically supports iPhones for 6-7 years, while Android flagships get 4-5 years. So the A18 Pro will receive updates longer.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.