Ipad Pro 10 5 Vs Iphone X Why Is The Iphone X Beating The Ipad In Geekbench Scores

On paper, the iPad Pro 10.5-inch should dominate the iPhone X in performance. It has a larger chassis, better cooling potential, and was marketed as a productivity powerhouse. Yet, in real-world benchmark tests—particularly on Geekbench—the iPhone X frequently matches or even surpasses its bigger sibling in both single-core and multi-core scores. This counterintuitive result raises questions: how can a smartphone outperform a tablet with seemingly superior specs? The answer lies not in raw hardware alone, but in a combination of thermal management, software optimization, processor binning, and usage patterns that influence sustained performance.

The Hardware at a Glance

Both devices launched in 2017 and were powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, a 64-bit hexa-core processor featuring two high-performance Hurricane cores and four efficiency Zephyr cores. At first glance, identical silicon should mean identical performance. However, minor variations in manufacturing, firmware tuning, and system architecture can lead to measurable differences in real-world output.

The iPad Pro 10.5-inch and iPhone X both use the same architectural foundation, but their implementation diverges in subtle yet impactful ways. The larger form factor of the iPad suggests it should handle heat more efficiently, allowing for longer periods of peak performance. In practice, however, the opposite often occurs.

“Even with identical chips, thermal headroom and power delivery define real-world performance more than transistor count.” — Dr. Linus Lee, Mobile Systems Architect

Thermal Throttling: The Hidden Performance Limiter

One of the most critical factors in benchmark performance is thermal throttling—the process by which a device reduces CPU clock speed to prevent overheating. While the iPad Pro 10.5-inch has more internal volume, its thermal design does not necessarily scale proportionally. In fact, during extended stress tests like Geekbench, the iPad often reaches thermal limits faster than expected.

The iPhone X, despite its compact size, benefits from aggressive dynamic clock management and tighter integration between the logic board, battery, and casing. Apple engineers optimized the iPhone X for burst performance—short, intense workloads typical of daily use—which aligns perfectly with Geekbench’s testing model. The iPad, designed for sustained multitasking and creative workflows, may prioritize long-term stability over peak short-term output.

Tip: Benchmark results are highly dependent on device temperature. For consistent readings, ensure both devices are at room temperature and not recently used.

Processor Binning and Silicon Lottery

Not all A11 Bionic chips are created equal. During semiconductor manufacturing, chips are \"binned\" based on performance characteristics after testing. Some units achieve higher clock speeds with lower voltage and heat output—these premium dies are often allocated to flagship smartphones where every milliwatt counts.

Evidence suggests that Apple may have prioritized allocating higher-binned A11 chips to the iPhone X line due to stricter space and thermal constraints. The iPad Pro, with slightly more lenient thermal margins, could function adequately with marginally lower-performing variants. While Apple never officially confirmed this practice, third-party teardowns and performance variance across units support the theory.

Performance Comparison Table

Device	Chip	Single-Core (Geekbench 4)	Multi-Core (Geekbench 4)	Thermal Design
iPhone X	A11 Bionic (likely higher bin)	~4,000	~10,200	Compact, optimized for burst
iPad Pro 10.5-inch	A11 Bionic (standard bin)	~3,800	~9,500	Larger chassis, less aggressive boost

Note: Scores vary slightly depending on iOS version, battery level, and ambient temperature. These are averaged results from multiple Geekbench submissions.

Software Optimization and Workload Profiles

Apple tailors iOS behavior based on device class. iPhones receive priority in responsiveness tuning because they handle calls, notifications, and camera operations that demand immediate CPU attention. The operating system allows the iPhone X to sustain peak clock speeds longer during short benchmarks.

In contrast, the iPad Pro runs a version of iOS (later iPadOS) that emphasizes background task management, split-screen app usage, and graphics-intensive applications like Procreate or video editing. Its scheduler may limit maximum CPU frequency to preserve battery and avoid heat buildup during prolonged use. As a result, while the iPad excels in real-world productivity, it underperforms in synthetic benchmarks designed to measure instantaneous throughput.

Real-World Example: The Developer's Dilemma

Consider Alex, an iOS developer who uses both devices for testing app builds. When running compile-time benchmarks using Swift code through a cross-platform tool, Alex noticed the iPhone X completed tasks 8–12% faster than the iPad Pro 10.5-inch, despite the latter having a larger screen and being used primarily for development work. After monitoring CPU usage and temperature logs, Alex found that the iPad began throttling within 90 seconds of full-load operation, while the iPhone maintained near-peak clocks for nearly three minutes—long enough to finish the test before thermal limits kicked in.

This case illustrates how benchmark conditions favor devices optimized for quick bursts rather than steady-state performance—even if the latter is better suited for actual user workflows.

Battery and Power Delivery Differences

Power delivery plays a crucial role in CPU performance. The iPhone X uses a smaller 2,716mAh battery compared to the iPad Pro’s 7,340mAh unit. Counterintuitively, the smaller battery enables tighter voltage regulation and faster access to peak power when needed. The iPad’s larger battery, while offering longer runtime, introduces slight latency in power delivery due to circuit design and charge distribution across a broader system.

Additionally, the iPhone X’s PMU (Power Management Unit) is fine-tuned to deliver rapid energy spikes to the CPU during brief intensive tasks—exactly the kind measured by Geekbench. The iPad’s PMU, meanwhile, balances load across multiple subsystems including display, LTE (on cellular models), Apple Pencil processing, and external accessories, diluting available headroom for CPU bursts.

Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Benchmark Accuracy

• Ensure both devices are updated to the same iOS version
• Perform tests at room temperature (20–23°C / 68–73°F)
• Close all background apps before running Geekbench
• Charge devices to at least 80% before testing
• Run each benchmark at least three times and average the results
• Avoid testing immediately after heavy usage or charging

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean the iPhone X is faster than the iPad Pro in everyday use?

Not necessarily. In day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and media playback, both devices feel equally responsive. The iPhone X may open apps slightly faster due to higher burst performance, but the iPad Pro handles multitasking, split-view, and graphics-heavy apps more smoothly thanks to its larger memory bandwidth and display optimization.

Can firmware updates change these benchmark results?

Yes. Apple has historically adjusted CPU performance profiles through iOS updates. For example, iOS 11.3 introduced mitigations for battery-related throttling, which affected older devices. While no official update specifically targeted the A11's iPad vs. iPhone disparity, minor scheduler tweaks could shift performance margins over time.

Is the iPad Pro underpowered for its intended use?

No. The iPad Pro 10.5-inch remains a capable device for creative professionals and mobile workers. Its perceived “slower” benchmark scores don’t reflect real-world usability. Tasks like video rendering, music production, and 3D modeling benefit more from sustained performance and GPU capabilities than short-term CPU spikes measured by Geekbench.

Conclusion: Benchmarks Don’t Tell the Whole Story

The fact that the iPhone X beats the iPad Pro 10.5-inch in Geekbench scores is less about one device being “better” and more about how performance is defined. Benchmarks reward short bursts of maximum effort, a scenario where the iPhone’s thermal strategy, silicon binning, and power delivery give it an edge. The iPad, designed for endurance and versatility, sacrifices peak intensity for stability and longevity.

Understanding this distinction empowers users to look beyond headline numbers and evaluate devices based on actual needs. If you prioritize app launch speed and responsiveness, the iPhone X’s profile makes sense. If you value sustained workload handling, external peripherals, and screen real estate, the iPad Pro remains unmatched in its class—even with a slightly lower Geekbench score.

🚀 Don’t judge a device by a single benchmark. Test it in your workflow, assess real-world performance, and share your findings with others navigating the same choices.