M4 benchmarks leaked: How powerful is Apple’s new chip?

A recent benchmark result has emerged for the 9-core M4 chip, shedding light on its performance compared to the higher-end 10-core version. The benchmark indicates that the 9-core M4 is approximately 10% slower than the 10-core variant in terms of multi-core performance.

Apple's M4 chip

The leaked benchmark focuses on the 9-core configuration of the M4 chip. Geekbench 6, a popular benchmarking tool, measures a processor’s performance in single-core and multi-core tasks. It’s important to note that while a single benchmark isn’t definitive, it does provide valuable data points to assess the M4’s potential capabilities.

The benchmark suggests a slight performance disparity between the 9-core and the 10-core M4 variants. The 9-core version lags behind by about 10% in multi-core performance, likely due to the difference in core count.

The 10-core M4 is presumed to have an additional high-performance core, giving it an advantage in handling demanding, multi-threaded applications that utilize multiple cores simultaneously.

Surpassing the M3: A significant performance jump

Despite the discrepancy between the two M4 configurations, the 9-core variant still offers a significant performance improvement compared to its predecessor, the M3 chip. Based on the benchmark, we can anticipate roughly a 13% overall performance enhancement.

This translates to noticeably faster processing times for everyday tasks, including video editing, working with large files, and running graphics-intensive applications. Users familiar with the M3 will experience a smoother and more responsive workflow with the M4.

M4 chip

Leaving the M2 in the dust

The benchmark results are particularly exciting for iPad Pro users. The 9-core M4 is estimated to deliver a substantial 35% performance boost compared to the M2 chip found in previous-generation iPad Pro models.

This considerable increase in processing power will make the next generation of iPad Pros even more capable of handling professional-grade workflows and demanding creative tasks.

M4 chip

Benchmarks:

Here’s the comparison of the 9-core M4 chip based on its multi-core performance in Geekbench 6 results:

  • M4 chip (10-core CPU):14,600
  • M4 chip (9-core CPU): 13,000
  • M3 chip (8-core CPU): 11,600
  • M2 chip (8-core CPU): 9,600

While the benchmark provides a promising glimpse into the M4’s capabilities, it’s important to consider that this is likely an early engineering sample.

Apple will likely further optimize the M4’s performance before its official release. Nonetheless, the results are encouraging and suggest that the M4 will be a powerful addition to Apple’s chip lineup.

While benchmarks are valuable tools for gauging raw processing power, real-world performance can be influenced by various factors. Software optimization plays a crucial role.

Apple has a history of tightly integrating hardware and software, ensuring that its operating systems and applications are optimized to leverage the full potential of its chips.

This synergy often leads to real-world performance that surpasses what benchmarks alone might suggest. Additionally, factors like thermal management and device design will also influence the M4’s performance in real-world scenarios.

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