Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro models feature a new graphene thermal system designed to improve heat dissipation and maintain stable performance under demanding workloads. While the A18 Pro chipset offers significant performance gains compared to its predecessor, how does it stack up against Android flagships with superior cooling solutions?
Testing the Limits with Genshin Impact
To assess the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s thermal performance, the YouTube channel “极客湾Geekerwan” conducted extensive gaming tests using Genshin Impact. The device was compared to previous iPhones, as well as Android flagships powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300+ chipsets.
Android Flagships Outperform in Genshin Impact
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max outperformed its predecessors, it was consistently surpassed by Android devices equipped with active cooling systems. The Red Magic 9S Pro, in particular, demonstrated superior gaming performance, thanks to its advanced thermal management.
A18 Pro’s Performance and Stability
The A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro Max maintained a respectable framerate of 55.5 FPS in Genshin Impact, but it was outpaced by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in terms of average frame rate (59.9 FPS). However, the Red Magic 9S Pro’s gameplay was noticeably smoother and more stable.
Size Matters: Thermal Performance Variations
Interestingly, the iPhone 16 Pro, despite using the same A18 Pro chipset, achieved a lower framerate (49.5 FPS) and exhibited less stable performance compared to the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max. This suggests that the smaller model may have a less efficient thermal system.
However, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus presented a surprising twist. The smaller iPhone 16 actually achieved a higher framerate than the iPhone 16 Plus, indicating that factors beyond screen size can influence thermal performance.
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro models have made significant strides in thermal management, but they still fall short of Android flagships equipped with advanced cooling solutions. While the A18 Pro offers impressive performance, the overall gaming experience can be impacted by thermal limitations, especially in the smaller iPhone 16 Pro model.
