5.5-Inch iPhone 6's A8 Processor May Be More Powerful Than in 4.7-Inch Model

Cowen & Co. analyst Timothy Arcuri claims the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will differ in more than just display size, reports AppleInsider. According to Arcuri's supply chain checks, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may include a more powerful processor and a different touch module than the 4.7-inch model.

chipworks_a7_floorplan

A7 transistor die photo from Chipworks

Details on the degree of processor difference between the two models were not provided, but the report suggests it may be more than a simple difference in clock speed as seen in the A7 used in the current iPads and iPhone 5s. The A7 in the iPad Air is clocked at 1.4 GHz, while the same chip in the Retina iPad mini and iPhone 5s is clocked at 1.3 GHz.

Arcuri suggests the processor in the faster 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may actually have a larger die than the version found in the 4.7-inch model. This architectural change may hint at an A8 processor with a different graphics processor or possibly a new process for the fabrication of the chip.

Besides two different processors, Arcuri also believes the two iPhone 6 models may ship with different touch modules, with TPK as the likely manufacturer.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone at a September event with the 4.7-inch model possibly arriving first and the 5.5-inch following up to several months later.

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Top Rated Comments

kolax Avatar
140 months ago
Hope not! I want to buy a phone based on screen size, and not be forced to use a bigger screen to get better performance.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dilster3k Avatar
140 months ago
Yes... Gooood.... Good..

Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Taipan Avatar
140 months ago
Damn it, this means I'll have to settle with a lower end model. :-(
No amount of CPU power can make me buy a 5,5" phone.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
auero Avatar
140 months ago
A more power processor would make sense to compensate a higher resolution screen.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
prism Avatar
140 months ago
Ok lets do a roundup of the rumors on differences between the 4.7 & 5.5":

Different processors
Different touch module
Different glass material
Different camera lens system

If all these turn out to be true, it will be a stretch to call both the iphone 6!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kkamann Avatar
140 months ago
This should be a lively discussion. Lol
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)