Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, powered by the A19 Pro chip, is already making headlines with impressive benchmark results. Early Geekbench 6 tests show the processor living up to Apple’s claims of faster speeds and improved efficiency. While Apple continues to lead in single-core performance, Samsung has managed to edge closer in the multi-core race.
Benchmark Results Show Noticeable Improvements
The iPhone 17 series posted single-core scores ranging between 3,523 and 3,895, while multi-core scores fell between 8,810 and 9,746. By comparison, last year’s iPhone 16 Pro with the A18 Pro processor delivered around 3,396 single-core and 8,655 multi-core. This year’s jump demonstrates roughly a 10% increase in raw power, offering smoother app launches, quicker navigation, and generally faster response times across iOS.
For everyday use, single-core performance tends to matter most, and Apple remains firmly on top in that category. The A19 Pro ensures tasks like browsing, messaging, and productivity apps feel seamless. Multi-core improvements, while notable, show tougher competition from other smartphone makers.
Samsung and Google Compete Closely
Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which powers the Galaxy S25 Ultra, trails Apple in single-core at around 2,862 but puts up a strong fight in multi-core, reaching 9,481. In certain U.S. models, Samsung has managed to push multi-core performance past 10,000, giving it a slight edge over Apple in that specific benchmark. Google’s latest Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 Pro XL, meanwhile, lags behind both Apple and Samsung with 2,296 single-core and 6,203 multi-core results, highlighting the gap in processing strength.
Beyond the Benchmarks
While the numbers look strong on paper, benchmarks only tell part of the story. Factors such as heat management, battery efficiency, and sustained performance under heavy use will play a large role in real-world experience. For most current iPhone 16 Pro owners, the speed difference may feel modest, but those upgrading from older generations will likely notice a dramatic leap in responsiveness and capability.
Looking Ahead
Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, including the standard iPhone 17, Pro, Pro Max, and the newly introduced iPhone Air. All models feature variants of the A19 chip, positioning the series as one of Apple’s strongest performance upgrades in years. With unmatched single-core dominance and competitive multi-core scores, the iPhone 17 Pro continues Apple’s tradition of pushing processing power forward—though Samsung’s advancements serve as a reminder that the performance race is far from over.