The Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple A18 Pro are flagship phone chips, but the available evidence does not establish one universal performance winner. Qualcomm publishes generational performance claims and identifies the benchmarks behind them; Apple’s specification page lists the A18 Pro’s core configuration without making a direct benchmark comparison. To judge which is faster, match the workload and test conditions—and distinguish chip claims from results measured on actual phones.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Apple A18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom Qualcomm Oryon CPU; Qualcomm lists speeds up to 4.47 GHz, notes a 4.32 GHz variant, and says a 7-core version is also available. Check the specific phone’s variant. Qualcomm specifications | 6 cores: 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. Apple does not list a clock speed on its cited specification page. Apple iPhone 16 Pro technical specifications |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU; supported APIs listed include Vulkan 1.3, OpenGL ES 3.2, and OpenCL 3.0 FP. Qualcomm specifications | 6-core Apple GPU. Apple iPhone 16 Pro technical specifications |
| AI hardware | Qualcomm Hexagon NPU within the Qualcomm AI Engine. Qualcomm specifications | 16-core Neural Engine. Apple iPhone 16 Pro technical specifications |
| Example device | Tom’s Guide identifies the Galaxy S25 Ultra as using Snapdragon 8 Elite; configurations can vary by model and region. Tom’s Guide device and benchmark context | Used in iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple technical specifications |
These specifications describe different designs. CPU core counts and clock speeds alone cannot establish which chip is faster, and the Hexagon and Neural Engine core counts are not directly comparable measures of AI performance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the benchmark evidence establishes
Qualcomm’s launch claims
In its October 2024 launch announcement, Qualcomm cited Geekbench 6.2 single-core and multi-core tests, Speedometer, and AnTuTu CPU results when presenting Snapdragon 8 Elite performance claims. These are Qualcomm-reported results, not a controlled Snapdragon 8 Elite-versus-A18 Pro result. The company also claimed generational gains over the previous platform: a 45% Oryon CPU performance boost and 44% greater CPU power efficiency, plus 40% enhanced Adreno GPU performance and 40% improved GPU efficiency. Those figures compare Qualcomm generations, not Qualcomm’s chip with Apple’s. Qualcomm’s launch announcement
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Reference-device results versus retail phones
Android Authority published reference-device testing against the A18 Pro period and cautioned that results from its reference device might not match later retail phones. A reference result can help show how chips perform under that test setup; it is not a guarantee of what a particular handset will sustain. Android Authority’s reference-device testing
#1 Best Overall
- MULTIPLE TASKS WITH ONE ASK: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend— your Galaxy S25+ handles multiple tasks with a single ask.¹
- START THE DAY SMARTER: Stay one step ahead with a phone that gives you the info you need before you even know you need it with Now Brief.²
- REDUCE THE NOISE. REVEAL THE MAGIC: AI Camera with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises so you can relive your favorite moments with fewer distractions.³
- BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY FACE: Capture every portrait with clarity and confidence on the Galaxy S25+ Series. The advanced portrait features adjust skin tones and preserve natural textures, giving every shot a polished, professional look.
- MORE POWER TO YOU: Reimagine what’s possible with the Galaxy S25+, featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly translate your calls, slow down a video, or edit your photos without skipping a beat.
The cited sources do not establish a controlled, same-condition head-to-head score table across both chips. A single percentage advantage therefore cannot be presented as a settled overall result.
How to interpret “which is faster?”
- Single-core CPU: Look for the same benchmark version and comparable device conditions. A single-core score says little by itself about sustained gaming or graphics.
- Multi-core CPU: Confirm the test version and phone. Results can vary with power limits, cooling, software, and memory configuration.
- Browser and app responsiveness: A result such as Speedometer is tied to its browser and device setup; it is not a direct measure of every app or everyday interaction.
- Graphics and gaming: Compare the same graphics test, API, resolution, and phone conditions. GPU labels or API support lists are specifications, not performance rankings.
- Sustained performance and efficiency: Short benchmark runs do not by themselves show how a phone behaves during a long gaming session or how much power it uses over time. The handset’s thermal design and power limits matter.
- On-device AI: Vendor-defined engine names and core counts do not provide a shared independent AI score. Compare the same AI task and measurement method before drawing a performance conclusion.
For any score, check the exact phone, software, benchmark version, graphics API and resolution where relevant, and whether the result came from a manufacturer, a reference device, or a retail handset. Phone-to-phone comparisons also include differences beyond the chip itself.
Rank #2
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Which phones use these chips?
Apple lists the A18 Pro in iPhone 16 Pro models. Snapdragon 8 Elite appears in Android phones; the Galaxy S25 Ultra is one reported example. Snapdragon configurations may vary across models and regions, so verify the exact device listing rather than assuming every phone with a similar model name uses the same chip variant.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Rank #3
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
