Teardown Web site Chipworks reported late last month that the new smartphone has two types of processors: a smaller chip made by Samsung, and a slightly larger chip manufactured by TSMC.
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While Apple hasn’t exactly disputed those test results, the company claims they don’t accurately portray real-world battery life.
According to TechCrunch, the tech giant explained in a statement that battery life difference in real world usage conditions only checks in at about 2 to 3%, which is far too low to be noticeable in reality.
About the advantage of SIM-free iPhones, Apple said: “If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling overseas, the SIM-free iPhone is the best choice”.
Surprisingly of the two A9 chips the Samsung produced one was the worst performer, and although it’s not entirely clear why given they have a standard architecture, the Samsung A9 chip also runs hotter than its TSMC produced rival.
For users who own an iPhone 6S or a 6S Plus, there’s a way to find out which chip your device has. Basically, they are unrealistic machine-driven tests that do not and cannot reflect real-world usage. Depending on the manufacturer the new A9 chip, your phone may experience poorer battery performance. Despite claims that the Samsung panel is superior to the LG one, and even a class-action lawsuit against the comapny, Apple never officially addressed the issue.
The TSMC A9 chip isn’t the only variable in these tests, though, so it’s very likely that something else could be to blame for the slight difference in battery life.
A few fairly unscientific tests from the online community have indicated that around 60 per cent of all iPhone 6s units and around 30 per cent of all iPhone 6s Plus units feature the Samsung chip.
Other tests performed by 6S users came to similar conclusions-the difference was less pronounced when using tests that weren’t constantly stressing the CPU.
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Reminder to conspiracy theorists: Samsung’s electronics wing makes Android smartphones and tablets that rival Apple’s iThings, while its semiconductor arm makes the chips in Apple gear.
