What Makes iPhones Unique & Very Expensive? - Part 2

Second on my list is  the chipset.

A chipset is a set of electronic components in a computer or mobile device that manages the data flow between the processor, memory, and other components.

In a computer, the chipset is typically located on the motherboard and consists of two main chips: the Northbridge and the Southbridge. The Northbridge handles communication between the processor and high-speed components like the memory and graphics card, while the Southbridge manages communication with lower-speed components like the hard drive, USB ports, and audio controller.

In a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet, the chipset is often integrated into a single chip that includes the processor, graphics processor, and other components. The chipset plays a critical role in the performance and capabilities of the device, and newer chipsets typically offer improved performance, better energy efficiency, and additional features compared to older ones.

Most recent iPhone models use Apple's own chipset, called the "A-series" chip, which is designed specifically for use in iPhones and iPads. The specific chipset used in each iPhone model varies depending on the release year and model.

For example, the iPhone 13 series uses the A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 12 series uses the A14 Bionic chip. Older models such as the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 use the A12 Bionic chip, while the iPhone X and iPhone 8 use the A11 Bionic chip. Each new generation of the A-series chip typically offers improved performance over the previous generation, making newer iPhone models faster and more capable than older ones.

But their rival counterparts, Android devices, are powered by a variety of chipsets, depending on the manufacturer and the specific device. However, most Android devices use chipsets designed by Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, or Huawei.

 

Qualcomm is the largest supplier of chipsets for Android devices, with its Snapdragon series of chipsets being used in many high-end and mid-range devices. Samsung's Exynos series of chipsets is used in some of its own smartphones as well as devices from other manufacturers. MediaTek produces chipsets for a range of devices, including entry-level and mid-range smartphones. Huawei's HiSilicon Kirin chipsets are used in some of its own smartphones.

Each chipset has its own strengths and weaknesses, and manufacturers choose a chipset based on factors such as performance, power efficiency, and cost.

In terms of raw performance, the latest iPhone chipsets generally outperform the chipsets used in Android devices.

For example, the latest iPhone 13 models use Apple's A15 Bionic chipset, which has been reported to outperform the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset used in many Android devices. Benchmark tests have shown that the A15 Bionic has better CPU and GPU performance, faster AI processing, and better power efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 888.

However, it's important to note that raw performance is not the only factor that determines a device's overall performance. Other factors such as software optimization, memory, storage, and display quality also play important roles in overall performance. Additionally, Android devices often have more RAM than iPhones, which can help them perform well even if their chipsets aren't as powerful.

References:

• Chipset" on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipset
• "What is a chipset?" on PCWorld: https://www.pcworld.com/article/188082/what-is-a-chipset.html
• "Mobile processor, GPU, and chipset guide" on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/mobile-processor-guide-1023129/
• "Understanding Chipsets" on TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/guides/579-understanding-chipsets/
• "The most important smartphone processors of 2021" on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/best-smartphone-processors-1070118/
• "Qualcomm, MediaTek, Samsung: Who makes the best smartphone processor?" on ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/qualcomm-mediatek-samsung-who-makes-the-best-smartphone-processor/
• "Best Mobile Processors of 2021" on TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/best/best-mobile-processor
• "The Best Smartphone Processors: Top Mobile CPUs for Gaming and More" on Tom's Guide: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-phone-processors,review-4083.html

What Makes iPhones Unique & Very Expensive? - Part 1

Apple phones (iPhone) compared to its marketing rival, Android (Google), is far ahead in terms of technology and more importantly, pricing. But why the vast difference since majority of the hardware Apple makes are ironically manufactured by their marketing rivals, Samsung, who are literally owners of the Android system?

The first part in the series of articles I willl be writing will talk about Sanboxing in Apple phones and computers. But what is a Sandbox?

Sandboxing is a security feature implemented in iPhones and other iOS devices that helps to protect the operating system and user data from malicious software and unauthorized access.

In the context of iPhones, sandboxing refers to the practice of isolating apps and their associated data from the rest of the device's operating system. Each app runs in its own "sandbox" environment, which restricts its access to system resources and other apps' data. This means that if one app is compromised or attacked by malware, it cannot access or damage other apps or data on the device.

Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any type of software program or code that is specifically designed to cause harm, damage, or disruption to computer systems, networks, or mobile devices.

Malware can take many different forms, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, ransomware, and adware. Each type of malware has its own specific functions and characteristics, but all of them are designed to carry out some type of malicious activity.

For example, a virus is a type of malware that can spread from one computer to another, often by attaching itself to a legitimate program or file. Once it has infected a computer, the virus can carry out a variety of malicious activities, such as deleting files, stealing data, or causing system crashes.

Similarly, spyware is a type of malware that is designed to collect information about a user's computer activities and send that information to a third party, often without the user's knowledge or consent. This information can include keystrokes, passwords, browsing history, and other sensitive data.

In general, malware is a serious threat to computer and network security, and can cause significant damage to both individuals and organizations. Protecting against malware requires a combination of preventive measures, such as using antivirus software, keeping software up-to-date, and being cautious when downloading and opening attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.

Sandboxing is an important security feature because it helps to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, such as login credentials, financial information, and personal photos and messages. It also helps to prevent malware from spreading to other parts of the device or to other devices on a network.

In addition to sandboxing, iPhones and other iOS devices also use other security features, such as encryption, secure boot, and app code signing, to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Together, these features help to make iPhones and other iOS devices some of the most secure consumer devices available.

So next time, when you think of buying an apple device, look out for this unique feature.