Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Outperforms iPhone 17 Pro Max in Gaming Despite A19 Chip's Single-Core Lead

Apple's A19 Dominates Single-Core, But Xiaomi's Snapdragon Shines in Gaming

Apple's latest iPhone 17 series, featuring the new A19 and A19 Pro chips, has set a new benchmark in single-core performance, even surpassing desktop-class processors. In a recent PassMark test, the A19 chip demonstrated an astonishing lead in single-threaded loads, outperforming powerful CPUs like Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K and AMD's EPYC 4585PX, all while consuming a fraction of the power and operating with passive cooling. This remarkable efficiency, estimated at a mere 4W for the A19 compared to the desktop chips' 44W and 56W respectively, is a testament to Apple's engineering prowess, especially considering the iPhones lack active cooling systems like fans or liquid cooling.

The A19 Pro, found in the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models, scored 5,088 in the same test, very close to the standard A19's 5,149. This slight difference is attributed to the number of cores, as both chips share the same core architecture. While the A19's multi-core performance naturally trails behind its desktop counterparts due to fewer cores, its single-core supremacy and incredible power efficiency are undeniably impressive, especially without the need for bulky cooling solutions.

Gaming Performance: Where Snapdragon Takes the Crown

However, when it comes to the demanding world of mobile gaming, the narrative shifts. Benchmark results indicate that the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, not only matches but often surpasses the iPhone 17 Pro Max in crucial gaming metrics. This is a crucial distinction for users who prioritize immersive gameplay and sustained performance under heavy loads.

In rigorous gaming tests, such as Wuthering Waves, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max consistently delivered a higher average frame rate (59.1 FPS) compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max (57.8 FPS). Astonishingly, this superior performance came with lower power consumption: 4.83W on the Xiaomi versus 5.89W on the iPhone, even though the Xiaomi was operating at a slightly higher resolution. A similar trend was observed in Honkai Impact 3rd, where the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max maintained a slightly higher FPS (59.6 vs. 58.8) with marginally better power efficiency (5.30W vs. 5.52W).

Cooler, More Efficient, and Faster in Real-World Gaming

Beyond raw frame rates and power draw, thermal management is paramount for a smooth gaming experience. Here too, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max showcased its advantage. During the Wuthering Waves test, its maximum temperature peaked at a cooler 39.0°C, significantly better than the iPhone's 43.3°C. In Honkai Impact 3rd, the Xiaomi maintained a temperature of 40.5°C against the iPhone's 42.7°C. This superior thermal efficiency means the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max can sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling, a common frustration for mobile gamers.

While Apple's A19 chips are undeniably technological marvels, excelling in single-threaded tasks and general efficiency, the latest Snapdragon flagship demonstrates that for gaming-centric use cases, Android flagships like the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max are currently leading the charge. This offers a compelling choice for consumers: Apple's cutting-edge general performance versus the raw gaming prowess and superior thermal management offered by top-tier Android devices.