Apple A8 Vs A7 Is Upgrading Really Worth It For The Performance Boost

When Apple introduced the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in 2014, they came equipped with the A8 chip—a successor to the A7 that powered the iPhone 5s. On paper, the A8 promised better performance, improved efficiency, and a smaller manufacturing process. But for users already on an A7-powered device, the real question wasn’t just about specs—it was whether the upgrade delivered enough of a tangible benefit to justify the cost and hassle.

This article breaks down the technical differences between the Apple A7 and A8 processors, evaluates real-world performance gains, and helps you determine if upgrading from an A7-based iPhone to an A8 model was—or still is—worth it.

Architecture and Technical Specifications

The Apple A7, launched in 2013 with the iPhone 5s, was a landmark chip as Apple’s first 64-bit processor in a smartphone. Built on a 28nm process, it featured a dual-core CPU clocked at around 1.3GHz and a PowerVR G6430 GPU. It brought desktop-class architecture to mobile, enabling smoother multitasking and laying the foundation for future iOS advancements.

The A8, released a year later, refined this foundation. Also a 64-bit dual-core processor, it ran at approximately 1.4GHz and was manufactured on a more advanced 20nm process. This shrink allowed for better power efficiency and reduced heat output. The GPU was upgraded to the PowerVR GX6450, offering roughly 50% faster graphics performance according to Apple’s claims.

“Moving to a 20nm process wasn’t just about speed—it was about delivering more performance per watt, which directly impacts battery life and thermal management.” — Anand Lal Shimpi, Tech Analyst & Founder of AnandTech

Beyond raw silicon, the A8 also included an updated M8 motion coprocessor, adding support for barometer data, compass calibration, and more precise fitness tracking—useful for health-conscious users.

Performance Comparison: Benchmarks and Real-World Use

Benchmarks offer a standardized way to compare chips, but they don’t always reflect everyday experience. Let’s examine both.

Metric	Apple A7 (iPhone 5s)	Apple A8 (iPhone 6)
CPU Speed (approx.)	1.3 GHz	1.4 GHz
Manufacturing Process	28nm	20nm
GPU	PowerVR G6430	PowerVR GX6450
Geekbench 3 (Single/Multi)	1380 / 2500	1600 / 2800
Graphics Performance (GFXBench T-Rex)	32 fps	48 fps
RAM	1GB	1GB

The numbers show a clear generational leap: CPU performance increased by about 15–20%, while graphics saw a more significant jump. However, since both devices had only 1GB of RAM, memory bottlenecks could still limit sustained multitasking performance, especially as iOS evolved.

Tip: If you're upgrading solely for performance, consider how you use your phone. Casual browsing and social media won’t fully exploit the A8’s gains, but gaming and photo editing will.

Real-World User Experience

In daily use, the difference between the A7 and A8 is subtle but noticeable. App launches are snappier on the A8, and transitions in iOS feel slightly more fluid. When switching between heavy apps—like moving from Photoshop Express to Safari with multiple tabs—the A8 holds onto background processes more reliably.

Gaming performance benefits the most. Titles like *Infinity Blade III* or *Real Racing 3* run at higher frame rates with fewer stutters on the A8. Texture loading is faster, and level transitions are smoother, thanks to the improved GPU and memory bandwidth.

One often-overlooked advantage is thermal efficiency. The A8’s 20nm design runs cooler under load, meaning sustained performance doesn’t degrade as quickly due to throttling. Users playing long gaming sessions or recording HD video noticed less lag over time compared to the A7, which could warm up and slow down after extended use.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using an iPhone 5s since its release in 2013. By late 2014, she found her phone slowing down when editing photos in Snapseed or switching between messaging apps. She considered upgrading to the iPhone 6 but hesitated—was it worth $650?

After testing both devices side-by-side, she noticed the iPhone 6 opened large Lightroom files 30% faster and handled 1080p video exports without freezing. The larger screen also made photo editing easier. For her workflow, the A8 upgrade wasn’t just about speed—it improved productivity.

She upgraded and found the combination of faster processing, better display, and longer battery life justified the cost within six months of professional use.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Deciding whether to upgrade depends on your usage patterns, current device condition, and budget. Use this checklist to evaluate your situation:

• ✅ Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or slowdowns on your A7 device?
• ✅ Do you use graphics-intensive apps (games, video editors, AR tools)?
• ✅ Is your battery degrading (holding less than 80% capacity)?
• ✅ Do you value longer software support? (A8 devices received iOS updates longer.)
• ✅ Can you take advantage of hardware improvements like better cameras or larger screens?
• ❌ Are you mostly using light apps (email, web, messaging) without issues?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives and “no” to the last point, then upgrading to an A8 device offered meaningful benefits.

Lifespan and Software Support Considerations

Another factor beyond raw performance is longevity. Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5–6 years after release. The iPhone 5s (A7) received updates up to iOS 12, while the iPhone 6 (A8) got iOS 12 as well—but the 6s, which followed, reached iOS 15.

This means that even though the A8 was faster, both A7 and A8 devices hit their update ceiling around 2019. However, the A8’s efficiency gave it a slight edge in running newer iOS versions smoothly. iOS 10 and 11 introduced heavier visual effects and background processes; the A8 handled them with fewer hiccups.

For users planning to keep their phone beyond two years, the A8 provided a better long-term experience—not because it lasted longer physically, but because it stayed usable longer as apps evolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the A8 significantly improve battery life over the A7?

Yes, but indirectly. The 20nm process is more power-efficient, and combined with a larger battery in the iPhone 6, users typically saw 1–2 hours more usage time. However, increased screen size and resolution offset some gains.

Can the A8 run modern apps today?

Not effectively. Neither A7 nor A8 devices support iOS versions beyond 12, meaning most modern apps either don’t install or run poorly. As of 2024, these chips are obsolete for current software demands.

Was the A8 worth the upgrade in 2014?

For users on older devices like the iPhone 5 or earlier, absolutely. For iPhone 5s owners, it depended on needs. If you wanted better performance, a larger screen, and improved camera, yes. If your 5s still felt fast, the upgrade was more about form factor than necessity.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

In 2014, upgrading from the A7 to the A8 was a moderate but meaningful step forward. It wasn’t revolutionary like the jump from A6 to A7, but it delivered measurable improvements in speed, efficiency, and user experience—especially for power users.

The A8 offered better future-proofing, superior graphics, and a foundation for larger, more capable devices. If you were pushing your iPhone 5s to its limits, the upgrade paid off. For casual users, the benefits were less obvious and often overshadowed by the cost.

💬 Still using an older iPhone? Share your experience upgrading from A7 to A8—or skipping it entirely. Your insights could help others decide what matters most in a smartphone upgrade.