How we compare iPhone, iPad and MacBook
What the percentages mean
In the charts, 100% represents your current iPhone. The second bar shows the iPhone you want to buy. A value above 100% means that this metric is higher on the selected iPhone than on your current one.
Responsiveness and demanding tasks — Geekbench 7 CPU
We compare Geekbench 7 single-core and multi-core scores separately, without mixing the two tests or different Geekbench versions. For iPhone 11–17 we use model averages from Geekbench Browser; for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max we use Tom’s Guide lab results from the same benchmark version. System responsiveness uses Single-Core, the performance of one CPU core. Demanding tasks use Multi-Core, the work of multiple cores together. Even the same chip does not guarantee an identical score: the device and test conditions matter. These scores indicate CPU performance, not a guaranteed speed difference in every app.
Gaming speed — graphics benchmark
We use one test: 3DMark Wild Life Extreme. We prefer UL medians for both phones, then GSMArena results for both phones. If a UL median must be compared with GSMArena’s best loop, we show ≈: this is an approximate guide from different testing conditions. Different tests are never compared directly. A score percentage does not guarantee the same FPS increase: the game, settings, heat and frame-rate caps all matter.
Photos and video — separately
We match photo and video tests using the same methodology for both phones. We prefer DXOMARK, including previous tests with a compatible protocol. Without a shared DXOMARK version, we use PhoneArena’s own lab scores for both phones. Different protocols and laboratories are never mixed. This is a score difference, not a literal percentage improvement in every image. Without comparable results, the row remains with an explanation instead of a percentage.
Screen, brightness and battery life
Screen size compares estimated rectangular area using Apple’s standard-rectangle diagonal and the resolution’s aspect ratio. Rounded corners and camera cutouts are not subtracted. The table shows diagonal length in inches. Brightness uses Apple-rated values, with typical, HDR and outdoor brightness kept separate. When HDR or outdoor brightness is not specified, we use maximum typical brightness as a fallback, not a separate measurement. Battery life compares stored video-playback hours, not a prediction of battery life for your personal usage.
iPad: storage, cores and test versions
We compare the selected model, screen size and storage. On some iPad Pro models, storage determines CPU core count and RAM, so two versions of one iPad can differ. CPU scores must use the same Geekbench version; graphics scores must use the same 3DMark workload. Identical hardware and differences below 1% are hidden. Battery comparisons require the same test scenario for both devices; Apple claims and laboratory measurements use different conditions.
MacBook: exact configuration and memory
We account for model, size, chip and CPU/GPU core counts. CPU uses Single-Core and Multi-Core from one Geekbench version; graphics uses Metal. Selecting RAM or SSD does not invent new CPU scores: memory effects depend on the task. SSD speeds appear only for the measured configuration, including capacity and RAM. Battery comparisons require a shared protocol; otherwise we explain the missing comparison. Chip names and core counts do not replace test results.
Reading the graphs
Graphs at the beginning of the comparison show differences in individual tasks and specifications. They are not an overall device rating. The ≈ symbol marks an estimate or fallback; a score difference does not guarantee the same change in your task completion time.
What we show without percentages
The lower table shows the selected iPhones’ specifications side by side: time to charge to 50%, screen diagonal and resolution, refresh-rate range, adaptive refresh and LTPO; chip, cooling, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and frame material. Camera features include an ultra-wide camera, a dedicated telephoto camera, optical-quality zoom, macro photography and LiDAR. We also compare hardware ray tracing, Camera Control, the Action button, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, MagSafe, connector and USB transfer speed, weight, dimensions and water resistance. Values appear under the model names, for example ‘Yes / No’, ‘Lightning / USB-C’ or ‘30 min / 20 min’. Identical known specifications are hidden; missing values are marked ‘No data’. We do not turn feature availability or technology names into percentages.