First iPhone 16e Benchmark Reveals Impact of Reduced GPU Core Count

[MacRumors]

The first Geekbench score for Apple's new iPhone 16e has surfaced, revealing the performance impact of Apple's decision to use a binned version of the A18 chip with fewer GPU cores compared to the standard iPhone 16 models.

According to Geekbench 6 Metal benchmark results spotted by MySmartPrice, the iPhone 16e scored 24,188 points in graphics testing, which is around 15% lower than the more expensive iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This performance difference is likely due to Apple's use of a chip-binned A18 chip. Chip binning is a common industry practice where chips with disabled or non-functional components are repurposed for lower-tier products. This approach helps manufacturers maximize yield and reduce waste while offering products at different price points.

In this case, the A18 chip in the iPhone 16e features a 4-core GPU configuration, compared to the 5-core GPU found in the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. However, as the Geekbench test shows, the 6-core CPU count remains unchanged.

Despite the reduced GPU performance, the iPhone 16e is expected to maintain strong overall performance, especially for its $599 starting price point. The Geekbench test also corroborates our previous finding that the iPhone 16e has 8GB of RAM, which is a minimum requirement of Apple Intelligence. The device tested was running iOS 18.3.1.

Of course, further benchmark results and real-world testing will be needed to fully assess the impact of the reduced GPU core count on everyday tasks and gaming performance. Apple will be accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 16e starting today at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, and the device launches on Friday, February 28 in 59 countries and regions.

Article Link: First iPhone 16e Benchmark Reveals Impact of Reduced GPU Core Count

 

[MayaUser]

physics cannot be bend

 

[davide_eu]

physics cannot be bend

‘Not always true’

Do you remember when they told that their watch can “increase precision” when syncing the time with the phone?

As we agree, it cannot be more precise than the source… but for them it was possible

 

[sifpilsen]

the iPhone 6e has 8GB of RAM

The unreleased 6e appears!

 

[Mariogolf]

Interesting. Apple on their website shows that 16e's GPU performance is 50% faster than 12's whereas 16's GPU performance is up to 2x faster than 12's. Apple won't show direct comparison between 16 and 16e. Difference in benchmark is not that significant as for a phone.

 

[timeislove]

Is it the first time they use the same model no to call a binned chip?

I couldn’t recall they did the same tactic for the older SE models. I remember they highlighted SE line use the chip same as that of the top of the line mobile (SE2 having the same cpu as IP11) but smaller form factor and lesser no of camera.

Is it kind of misleading customers?

 

[Col795]

Compare the 16e with iPhone 14 Pro!

 

[StoneJack]

Is it the first time they use the same model no to call a binned chip?

I couldn’t recall they did the same tactic for the older SE models. I remember they highlighted SE line use the chip same as that of the top of the line mobile (SE2 having the same cpu as IP11) but smaller form factor and lesser no of camera.

Is it kind of misleading customers?

it is not

 

[Reverend Benny]

One GPU core less won't make a big difference in the real world and the A18 is still a powerfull chip.
Good thing that they make use of chips that doesn't make it to the high-end devices.

I can imagne that we will prob see A18 chips with even less cores making it to other devices in the future such as an updated homepod or future unreleased products.

 

[thefrost]

The A18 is still powerful either way.

 

[sehns]

I wonder if the lower number of GPU cores has a positive effect on battery life

 

[DrJR]

Good. Now I can feel confident when condescending to the entry-level phone buyer.

Second rate chipset, indeed…..shame for you.

 

[calzon65]

I am really interested to see battery and WAN performance, especially with the new C1 chip.

 

[Ctrlos]

Largely meaningless numbers. I'd like to see Digital Foundry do a frame rate analysis on Resi 2 or Death Stranding instead.

 

[zombierunner]

used iPhone 15 Pro

 

[Populus]

Just to compare, does anyone have the graphic performance score of the A17 Pro or the A16 at hand?

Also, I wonder if this lower graphics performance impacts somehow on the AI speed.

 

[klasma]

I wonder if the lower number of GPU cores has a positive effect on battery life

Depends on what the GPU is used for. Processing tasks will just take longer with fewer cores, not use less battery.

 

[dz5b609]

I can't believe the 16e is a worse 16.

 

[EugW]

This phone is about 4X as fast in CPU and 4-5X as fast in GPU as my daughter’s 13” 2015 MacBook Pro with i5-5257U. It also has the same 8 GB RAM.

So far she has no complaints about that Mac’s performance for her light computing needs (surfing, iMessage, email, Google online apps, Zoom).

 

[Warped9]

A lot of complaining and whining around here about this phone because it’s not what some wanted. No surprise.

Apple has never made a “budget” phone the way Samsung and other makes do. I do disagree with many who think/thought the SE designation connotated with “cheap.” Apple simply doesn’t make cheap and essentially throwaway products. Apple has never had the equivalent of a Samsung A15 or A35 or Motorola G Play. If this is what people were expecting they were bound to be disappointed.

The 16e was meant to be a significant upgrade over the SE and it certainly is. For all intents and purposes it’s equivalent to an iPhone 14. It was certainly never meant to eclipse the current iPhone 16 lineup—that was never going to happen. So it remains the entry point to the iPhone lineup.

I have no issues with the tech specs or performance for what this phone is supposed to be. My disappointment with the 16e is the price—it’s $100 too much in my opinion. I think the market would have been better served by it being $100 less and still not be considered a “cheap” phone.

This phone is meant to appeal to someone considering an upgrade from an iPhone 13 or older. Anyone with a 14, 15 or 16 is not going to look at this.

Furthermore most people are not going to obsess over the tech and performance specs the way some around here do. For most it’s an iPhone, it looks modern and functions like an iPhone, and it’s less money than a 15 or 16. Thats all they’re going to care about.

I have a 14 for a year and a half. I, and others like me, would be a borderline candidate for the 16e, but not seriously. I certainly wouldn’t see any real advantage to switching from a 14 to a 16e. I probably won’t upgrade until at least the iPhone 18, although I am curious about the forthcoming 17 Air.

I think Apple could have done better on the price, particularly in these times. But time will tell if they’re on target or not.

 

[Fyrus]

Is it the first time they use the same model no to call a binned chip?

I couldn’t recall they did the same tactic for the older SE models. I remember they highlighted SE line use the chip same as that of the top of the line mobile (SE2 having the same cpu as IP11) but smaller form factor and lesser no of camera.

Is it kind of misleading customers?

Even though it is a standard practise to use binned chips for lower cost devices, what isn't standard practise is naming the processor/gpu/SoC the same. Apple calls both these chips the a18 which is kinda misleading especially towards people less interested in technology.

 

[menist]

The score is in between the 15 Pro's and 14's. I wonder if Ray-Tracing games are compatible with the 16e. Its still not bad for daily use.

iOS Benchmarks - Geekbench

 

[brofkand]

Wait for the Pixel 9a.

 

[Warped9]

I upgraded from an 8+ to my current 14. If I still had my 8+ and was looking to upgrade then the 16e would definitely be worth consideration. But now having my 14 the 16e would not be a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[Fyrus]

A lot of complaining and whining around here about this phone because it’s not what some wanted. No surprise.

Apple has never made a “budget” phone the way Samsung and other makes do. I do disagree with many who think/thought the SE designation connotated with “cheap.” Apple simply doesn’t make cheap and essentially throwaway products. Apple has never had the equivalent of a Samsung A15 or A35 or Motorola G Play. If this is what people were expecting they were bound to be disappointed.

The 16e was meant to be a significant upgrade over the SE and it certainly is. For all intents and purposes it’s equivalent to an iPhone 14. It was certainly never meant to eclipse the current iPhone 16 lineup—that was never going to happen. So it remains the entry point to the iPhone lineup.

I have no issues with the tech specs or performance for what this phone is supposed to be. My disappointment with the 16e is the price—it’s $100 too much in my opinion. I think the market would have been better served by it being $100 less and still not be considered a “cheap” phone.

This phone is meant to appeal to someone considering an upgrade from an iPhone 13 or older. Anyone with a 14, 15 or 16 is not going to look at this.

Furthermore most people are not going to obsess over the tech and performance specs the way some around here do. For most it’s an iPhone, it looks modern and functions like an iPhone, and it’s less money than a 15 or 16. Thats all they’re going to care about.

I have a 14 for a year and a half. I, and others like me, would be a borderline candidate for the 16e, but not seriously. I certainly wouldn’t see any real advantage to switching from a 14 to a 16e. I probably won’t upgrade until at least the iPhone 18, although I am curious about the forthcoming 17 Air.

I think Apple could have done better on the price, particularly in these times. But time will tell if they’re on target or not.

Such a classic MacRumors-forum comment. Most people aren't 'whining' because it isn't a budget phone or because it should be more powerful. People are annoyed with Apple removing an iPhone tier which was perfect for the elderly and children while not breaking the bank.

People would have been fine with this device having the iPhone Xr housing if that would help it keep the SE price tag.

Even though I don't have the numbers, the amount of children in Europe growing up without an Apple device is increasing because Android devices perform a lot better than they used to at an affordable price. These kinds of moves make Apple lose the newer generations.