Benchmark Suggests iPhone 7 Plus Has 3GB RAM

[recoil80]

Sounds like you're not familiar with 'upselling'. Same reason jet black is only available with 128GB or 256GB.

They don't even write the amount of RAM on their official site so I don't think it is helping sales that much. I mean, the vast majority of their customer don't even know what RAM is, just us people on macrumors and other tech sites.
I don't chose the 4.7'' model to save $100, I just find it to be the right size for me and it really pisses me off when they reserve features to the Plus without a technical reason

 

[1041958]

Honey, with an iOS market share of ~25% to Android's ~65%, hardly #1. 4GB should be the minimum. Anything less is Apple being cheap.

The iPhone is the #1 selling smartphone in the world. So why are you bringing up market share? They are two completely different things.

Besides, most Android phones sold around the world have 1GB or less of RAM and cost under $100.

 

[smacrumon]

The iPhone is the #1 selling smartphone in the world. So why are you bringing up market share? They are two completely different things.

Besides, most Android phones sold around the world have 1GB or less of RAM and cost under $100.

Because #1s can be measured in various ways. But they are irrelevant, the device should contain 4GB, not 3GB.

 

[Gudi]

3gb Ram is a good thing. Will decrease or end the chance of apps suddenly closing out while using it, which still happens on the 6S plus. Much needed.

Apps suddenly close when they crash, because of a software bug. Happens with any amount of memory.

 

[Zulithe]

Because #1s can be measured in various ways. But they are irrelevant, the device should contain 4GB, not 3GB.

There are android phones with 6GB ram that can't even touch the iPhone 6S/6S+, let alone the new 7/7+. Memory management is just as important as how much physical memory is there. I feel like 1GB of ram on an iPhone is almost equivalent to 2GB on an Android, especially the more bloated android phones like from Samsung.

4GB would be better, but I truly don't see it as a negative.

 

[Sunny1990]

Wait until Friday all mysteries will be solved

 

[Abazigal]

3GB RAM is nothing to get excited about. Androids are soon moving from 6GB to 8GB.

Don't give me the bullcrap that ohh iOS is teh mozt optimizzzed OS.

I believe they have still tried to be a miser and given just 3 instead of 4.

Reminds me of budget Androids with 750 MB or 1.5 GB odd figured RAM sizes.

Well, people have one of two choices.

Pay for more paper specs in an android device, but the problem is that they may not necessarily translate into a better user experience overall.

Pay for less specs in an iPhone, but be assured of a smooth user experience nonetheless.

Decisions decisions ....

 

[criticalmind]

A little historical perspective for how far we've come here: That single core number is double the score of a 2007 3Ghz/x5365 Mac Pro.

The MP, unsurprisingly, still wins on multicore, and by the same factor. But it also has eight cores and probably idles at 150w...

According to Mactracker its even 171 watts ...

 

[smacrumon]

There are android phones with 6GB ram that can't even touch the iPhone 6S/6S+, let alone the new 7/7+. Memory management is just as important as how much physical memory is there. I feel like 1GB of ram on an iPhone is almost equivalent to 2GB on an Android, especially the more bloated android phones like from Samsung.

4GB would be better, but I truly don't see it as a negative.

I agree, memory management is just as important. Saying this, I don't want my Safari pages refreshing all the time, after switching apps. Would be nice if they remained persistent.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Apps suddenly close when they crash, because of a software bug. Happens with any amount of memory.

That is not the only reason. Ram management is a factor.

 

[Zirel]

Honey, with an iOS market share of ~25% to Android's ~65%, hardly #1. 4GB should be the minimum. Anything less is Apple being cheap.

Honey, no one cares who sells the most $100 phones.

Doesn't need more, 2GB is enough to blast anything from Android in multitasking performance.

 

[smacrumon]

Honey, no one cares who sells the most $100 phones.

Doesn't need more, 2GB is enough to blast anything from Android in multitasking performance.

Have to say, I saw a Galaxy S7 recently, and lagging graphics were apparent.
I'm referring to web page tabs that need to reload because there isn't enough memory to hold open many apps and many webpage tabs. That needs to be eliminated to make a better user experience. That's why 4GB is necessary.

 

[WRChris]

3GB? Should have been 4GB.
Bare minimum these days with Apple.
Too bad the prices aren't bare minimum.

Easy fix, don't buy the phone. But I get the feeling you just want to gripe about something
[doublepost=1473423361][/doublepost]

Have to say, I saw a Galaxy S7 recently, and lagging graphics were apparent.
I'm referring to web page tabs that need to reload because there isn't enough memory to hold open many apps and many webpage tabs. That needs to be eliminated to make a better user experience. That's why 4GB is necessary.

S7 lags so the iPhone needs 4gb of ram instead of 3? Does anyone think before they comment? My iPhone 6 Plus doesn't lad and I'm sure it doesn't have 4gb of ram, why is that?
[doublepost=1473423411][/doublepost]

Easy fix, don't buy the phone. But I get the feeling you just want to gripe about something
[doublepost=1473423361][/doublepost]

S7 lags so the iPhone needs 4gb of ram instead of 3? Does anyone think before they comment? My iPhone 6 Plus doesn't lag and I'm sure it doesn't have 4gb of ram, why is that?

 

[smacrumon]

Easy fix, don't buy the phone. But I get the feeling you just want to gripe about something
[doublepost=1473423361][/doublepost]

S7 lags so the iPhone needs 4gb of ram instead of 3? Does anyone think before they comment? My iPhone 6 Plus doesn't lad and I'm sure it doesn't have 4gb of ram, why is that?
[doublepost=1473423411][/doublepost]

No gripes here! You didn't read my comment properly it seems. I repeat the important part: "I'm referring to web page tabs that need to reload because there isn't enough memory to hold open many apps and many webpage tabs. That needs to be eliminated to make a better user experience. That's why 4GB is necessary."

 

[Tycho24]

That was last year's estimated cost for 2GB when LPDDR4 was new. This year 4GB LPDDR4 should cost the same as last year's 2GB if not less since it's more widely produced.

From experience, having more DRAM is good for future proofing since OS updates tend to be heavier with every update and you want to avoid your device becoming obsolete because of limited DRAM and no headroom. My device from 2012 with 2GB DRAM still runs great today without annoying app and browser tab reloads. A device in 2016 should have a minimum of 4GB although 6GB is preferred for future proofing.

That's certainly an opinion.
It sucks for you to have facts disrupt your narrative, I'm sure...

My iPhone 6S & my iPad Pro 9.7", both with 2gb RAM are screaming! (this is NOT anecdotal; feel free to read reviews). While I will admit that the bump to 2gb in the iPad was overdue when it landed in the Air 2- it's where it needs to be now (performance-wise, not "I know nothing & get off to meaningless spec sheets"-wise).

 

[WRChris]

No gripes here! You didn't read my comment properly it seems. I repeat the important part: "I'm referring to web page tabs that need to reload because there isn't enough memory to hold open many apps and many webpage tabs. That needs to be eliminated to make a better user experience. That's why 4GB is necessary."

I did misread I'm sorry I'm so pissed my alarm didn't wake me up this morning and now I have to wait until November!
I do understand that more ram would be ok but not necessary. That's relative to the user though so maybe in your case you are right and need 4 instead of 3 but how do you know the new phones with 3gb of ram aren't enough for what you want?
[doublepost=1473427015][/doublepost]

I did misread I'm sorry I'm so pissed my alarm didn't wake me up this morning and now I have to wait until November!
I do understand that more ram would be ok but not necessary. That's relative to the user though so maybe in your case you are right and need 4 instead of 3 but how do you know the new phones with 3gb of ram aren't enough for what you want?

In all fairness I rarely have more than 2 tabs open at once, but you are right there is some lag but there are so many variables that it's possible the phones would even lag with 8gb of ram.
Sorry again I was irritable

 

[nviz22]

I dislike the fact that the 7+ or any of the "Plus Models" have higher specs in a bulkier frame. A lot of folks are buying the 7+ simply because of the 1080p screen, camera, more RAM, and having some "additional features."

 

[Zirel]

Have to say, I saw a Galaxy S7 recently, and lagging graphics were apparent.
I'm referring to web page tabs that need to reload because there isn't enough memory to hold open many apps and many webpage tabs. That needs to be eliminated to make a better user experience. That's why 4GB is necessary.

Nope.

I have an iPad Pro 9.7 with 2GB "only" and it never reloads pages. And according to the tests, the iPhone with 2GB holds more apps in mem than the 4GB Samsung.

 

[WRChris]

I dislike the fact that the 7+ or any of the "Plus Models" have higher specs in a bulkier frame. A lot of folks are buying the 7+ simply because of the 1080p screen, camera, more RAM, and having some "additional features."

You do understand that the plus is more expensive right? I doubt there was ever a meeting at Apple that consisted of executives trying to screw the 4.7 phone out of features. The more expensive phone has more features. Seems like common sense to me

 

[nviz22]

You do understand that the plus is more expensive right? I doubt there was ever a meeting at Apple that consisted of executives trying to screw the 4.7 phone out of features. The more expensive phone has more features. Seems like common sense to me

There are features that can be exclusive, but not stuff that should be consistent between devices. Look at what the Note 7 offers vs the S7?

Bigger screen, HDR quality, S-Pen, Retina Scanner, bigger battery, newer software features, higher on board storage, better color schemes (all black frame vs having gray metal), etc? That's fine.

But when it comes towards cameras, processing speed, ram quantity, and other phone basics? No. I rather have people comfortable at a screen size they like rather than having to jump up to get the features they want. Which is why the SE exists. People don't want to give up their 4" iPhones. 2GB RAM, 4K camera, A9 processor, and a bunch of hardware for LTE differences vs the 5S. 3D Touch isn't that much of a huge deal to break up Apple's potential momentum in the 4" market. Are there people who are 3D Touch or no buy? Sure. But they're in a minor category since most people care about reliability and performance.

 

[WRChris]

There are features that can be exclusive, but not stuff that should be consistent between devices. Look at what the Note 7 offers vs the S7?

Bigger screen, HDR quality, S-Pen, Retina Scanner, bigger battery, newer software features, higher on board storage, better color schemes (all black frame vs having gray metal), etc? That's fine.

But when it comes towards cameras, processing speed, ram quantity, and other phone basics? No. I rather have people comfortable at a screen size they like rather than having to jump up to get the features they want. Which is why the SE exists. People don't want to give up their 4" iPhones. 2GB RAM, 4K camera, A9 processor, and a bunch of hardware for LTE differences vs the 5S. 3D Touch isn't that much of a huge deal to break up Apple's potential momentum in the 4" market. Are there people who are 3D Touch or no buy? Sure. But they're in a minor category since most people care about reliability and performance.

Not sure how Samsung is relevant in what you are trying to say. I understand some people want a small iPhone with the same features the big phone has but that's not how it works, at least, with Apple. If you watched and listened to the keynote you would know they only put more ram in it because of the dual camera setup. But you do make a good argument with yourself about why the phone shouldn't have and should have more ram. You're cool with adding another camera but you don't want it to have the memory to use it? The OS uses software to merge both images captured and create 1 image, doesn't need more ram? The SE exists because they can manufacture them for next to nothing, Im not trying to argue with you but you sound upset Apple doesn't cater to you personally.
[doublepost=1473456150][/doublepost]

Not sure how Samsung is relevant in what you are trying to say. I understand some people want a small iPhone with the same features the big phone has but that's not how it works, at least, with Apple. If you watched and listened to the keynote you would know they only put more ram in it because of the dual camera setup. But you do make a good argument with yourself about why the phone shouldn't have and should have more ram. You're cool with adding another camera but you don't want it to have the memory to use it? The OS uses software to merge both images captured and create 1 image, doesn't need more ram? The SE exists because they can manufacture them for next to nothing, Im not trying to argue with you but you sound upset Apple doesn't cater to you personally.

Reread again and you aren't ok with dual cameras sorry Im a little stoned but seriously you would want dual rear cameras on a phone that much smaller? You are still getting OIS, 4K at 30fps. Apple only cares that their displays have retina not so much resolution. It's more about ppi to them, right or wrong

 

[jonen560ti]

Until concrete results are obtained, the 7 should be faster. It has less pixels to render on the screen so it requires less RAM and CPU/GPU than the Plus would.

Screen resolution really should not affect speed unless we`re talking about games or other highly GPU intensive applications. CPU only tells GPU what to render and what resolution to render at so CPU load does not increase with resolution. RAM load increases a bit, but shouldnt matter in system UI`s. GPU load does indeed increase, but for basic loads like homescreens, higher resolution should not affect general app performance, apps should in theory start just as fast regardless of whether they are rendered at SD or 4K.

the higher resolution = lower performance argument really only applies to games and other graphics intensive applications. and that assumes that the apps run at the native screen resolution

 

[nviz22]

Not sure how Samsung is relevant in what you are trying to say. I understand some people want a small iPhone with the same features the big phone has but that's not how it works, at least, with Apple. If you watched and listened to the keynote you would know they only put more ram in it because of the dual camera setup. But you do make a good argument with yourself about why the phone shouldn't have and should have more ram. You're cool with adding another camera but you don't want it to have the memory to use it? The OS uses software to merge both images captured and create 1 image, doesn't need more ram? The SE exists because they can manufacture them for next to nothing, Im not trying to argue with you but you sound upset Apple doesn't cater to you personally.
[doublepost=1473456150][/doublepost]


Reread again and you aren't ok with dual cameras sorry Im a little stoned but seriously you would want dual rear cameras on a phone that much smaller? You are still getting OIS, 4K at 30fps. Apple only cares that their displays have retina not so much resolution. It's more about ppi to them, right or wrong

I never said I want or don't want a dual camera system. If the dual camera system is worse than the S7, then there is no point to it. My point was that Samsung took a huge step unifying the specs between the S7 and Note 7. Parity is fine, but not too much of it. The core is the same, which I believe Apple should've done. My point also was that people are moving up for specs and then realize how big and bulkier the Plus models are and then go back to a smaller one. I just look at the products. Not Keynotes. Most of them are filler stuff. Okay, 3GB to make a dual camera set up. If they want gimmicks, they should add it in a "Pro model" like how there is a PS4, PS4 Pro. Photography is part of a basic smartphone function. I wouldn't buy a Plus model if it had the same specs and around the same battery size. I actually prefer the 4.7" model than the 5.5" range. My S7 size is fine.

I am upset that Apple didn't release a great iteration to the next phone. I wanted to spend my $ on Apple if it was worth it. I am not alone in this for sure. The headphone jack was essential and that was a huge blow to me.

As for 4K and OIS, it took 2 models to get OIS into the base iPhone 4.7" model. Why wasn't that available from the start? Apple's weird fascination with the Retina PPI gimmick is going to get them to fall behind. Samsung makes the best panels in the business. What I would've been fine with was a QHD screen, 3GB RAM, A10 Processor, Headphone Jack, Quick Charge, Wireless Charging, 4x4 MIMO/256 WQAM, some VR functionality, 64GB storage starting, and anything on top is a welcomed addition to an extent.

 

[Keirasplace]

Screen resolution really should not affect speed unless we`re talking about games or other highly GPU intensive applications. CPU only tells GPU what to render and what resolution to render at so CPU load does not increase with resolution. RAM load increases a bit, but shouldnt matter in system UI`s. GPU load does indeed increase, but for basic loads like homescreens, higher resolution should not affect general app performance, apps should in theory start just as fast regardless of whether they are rendered at SD or 4K.

the higher resolution = lower performance argument really only applies to games and other graphics intensive applications. and that assumes that the apps run at the native screen resolution

It applies because battery life goes through the floor if you up resolution, simple as that. There is plenty of proof of that so I don't need to hypothesize.

Also, if I'm browsing a web page going very fast, clicking, going to different tabs, and need to refresh all of that a 60 fps, well it is kind of like a game hey... And there will some impact of having a big resolution to push; for example, a bit more heat inside which will force a throttling of the CPU quicker. There is an impact.

 

[1041958]

It applies because battery life goes through the floor if you up resolution, simple as that. There is plenty of proof of that so I don't need to hypothesize.

Also, if I'm browsing a web page going very fast, clicking, going to different tabs, and need to refresh all of that a 60 fps, well it is kind of like a game hey... And there will some impact of having a big resolution to push; for example, a bit more heat inside which will force a throttling of the CPU quicker. There is an impact.

In the Phonebuff video test of the 6S and Note 7 they had 2 Apps doing CPU intensive work: rendering a video and apply an effect to a photo. Both of these are done offscreen (screen resolution is irrelevant) and the 6S still beat the Note 7. By a mile. I hope that the Note 7 wasn't getting hot and throttling since it wasn't on for even one minute before this part of the test.