Skip to main content

Larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may sport a faster processor than the 4.7-inch model

larger iphone 6 may have faster processor mockup
Image used with permission by copyright holder
When it comes to the iPhone 6, bigger may be better, and we don’t just mean the screen. A new report from Cowen & Co. analyst Timothy Arcuri, hints the rumored 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may sport a faster version of the A8 processor than the one potentially fitted to the smaller 4.7-inch model.

In a note sent to investors on Monday morning, Arcuri cited Asian supply chain checks as the source of his information. The note, obtained by AppleInsider, is quite technical so stick with us. It states that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6’s processor may have a larger die, which could indicate that the chipset will have more on-die silicon than the smaller model. If the die really is larger, it could mean that the A8 processor inside the larger iPhone 6 will have more graphics processing cores.

In the past, Apple has given different processors to devices in the same category. For example, the iPad Air features a faster 1.39GHz A7 processor, while the iPad Mini with Retina display comes with a slightly less powerful version of the A7, which clocks in at 1.29GHz.

It stands to reason that Apple may do the same thing with its two iPhone 6 models. Given the fact that the 5.5-inch version has a much larger screen, it could benefit from a slight boost in processing power. It’s also doubtful that the 4.7-inch version would suffer too much with fewer graphics cores.

However, although Arcuri seems to have reached the conclusion that a larger die means a faster processor with more graphics cores, it’s entirely possible that two different suppliers produced the A8 chips, resulting in a slight variation in die size, but not in overall processing power. Early reports hinted that TSMC and Samsung would split the duty of producing the A8 chips for Apple’s iPhone 6.

At this point, it’s impossible to tell, but it seems unlikely that such a small variation in clock speed would alter the performance of either model significantly. We’ll know for sure when Apple finally reveals its new iPhone models in the coming months, but in the meantime, check out our iPhone 6 rumor roundup to catch up on all the latest news about Apple’s next flagship smartphones.

Editors' Recommendations

Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
Best refurbished iPhone deals: Get an iPhone for under $200
An iPhone 13 in white color option.

The Apple iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones on the market, though they don’t come cheap. We've frequently only see iPhone deals when they are paired with new cell carrier contracts, and it’s even less frequent that you come across one of the best iPhones with a significant price drop. One way to land an iPhone at a great price is to shop refurbished. Refurbished iPhones almost all come backed with a functionality guarantee or extended return window nowadays, making a refurbished iPhone as safe of a purchase as shopping new. There are a lot of refurbished iPhones seeing amazing price points right now, and several that are even discounted. If you’re looking to save big on an iPhone, these are the best refurbished iPhone deals you’ll find right now.
iPhone XR -- from $193
iPhone XR Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

A refurbished model but one that's unlocked and comes with a full one-year warranty, the Apple iPhone XR is still pretty stylish for its age. It has a large 6.1-inch LCD screen with 1,792 x 828 resolution with Liquid Retina technology ensuring it looks super sharp. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, it's starting to show its age but still has potential. There's also a 12MP back camera that can shoot 4K videos while the front-facing camera is 7MP and ideal for selfie-taking.

Read more
The best iPhone 15 cases in 2023: our 10 favorites so far
New cases for the iPhone 15.

Waiting on an iPhone upgrade? Now is the time to pounce, as the newest additions to Apple's legendary roster were confirmed at its September 2023 event. The belles of the ball this year have to be the upgraded iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models, which have finally received the design update the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max received last year. Now equipped with the Dynamic Island across the hole-punch selfie camera, the gulf between the iPhone and iPhone Pro has lessened again.

If you're eagerly awaiting your upgrade, or if this is your first iPhone, you'll be wanting to keep it safe. Smartphones tend to be with us throughout our day, and that means they can fall prey to any one of a number of hazards. Bumps, drops, even scratches from sharing your pocket with keys or coins; the list is near endless. The last thing you want is for your new phone to end up scratched, chipped, or even completely broken. Thankfully, a good protective case can stop that from happening. Here are some of the best Apple iPhone 15 cases you can buy right now.

Read more
Does the iPhone 15 have an overheating problem? Here’s what we know
Someone holding the Natural Titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 series have been launched with much fanfare, but it seems that not all users are completely satisfied with the new handsets. Despite the many improvements and new features that come with these phones, users of both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 have taken to social media to complain about overheating issues.

While this may not be a cause for immediate alarm, it is certainly something that Apple and its team of engineers will need to monitor closely, assuming there is a system-wide problem, which there might not be. The last thing anyone wants is for the new phones to become a safety hazard or for users to suffer damage to their devices.

Read more