Kirin 990 vs A13 Bionic: Real-World Differences

The Kirin 990 and Apple A13 Bionic are the flagship mobile processors from 2019, and the A13 Bionic is the faster chip in raw CPU and GPU performance, while the Kirin 990 counters with an integrated 5G modem and better power efficiency in certain workloads. This article compares their architectures, real-world performance, and which one matters more for your daily use.

Background: The 2019 Flagship Landscape

Both chips launched in late 2019, powering the Mate 30 series and the iPhone 11 series respectively. The Kirin 990 was Huawei’s answer to the A13, built on TSMC’s 7nm+ EUV process (the first for a smartphone SoC), while the A13 used TSMC’s 7nm (non-EUV) process. Despite the process advantage, Apple’s custom CPU cores and GPU design gave the A13 a significant performance lead in most benchmarks.

The Kirin 990 came in two variants: the standard 4G version and the 5G version (with the Balong 5000 modem integrated). The A13, by contrast, relied on Apple’s separate Intel or Qualcomm modems for connectivity—the iPhone 11 series did not support 5G.

CPU Architecture: Apple’s Lead in Single-Core

The A13 Bionic uses two high-performance Lightning cores (2.65 GHz) and four high-efficiency Thunder cores (1.8 GHz). The Kirin 990 uses a tri-cluster design: two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.86 GHz, two Cortex-A76 at 2.36 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 at 1.95 GHz.

In Geekbench 5, the A13 scores roughly 1,330 in single-core and 3,500 in multi-core, while the Kirin 990 scores around 770 and 3,200 respectively. The A13’s single-core lead is enormous—nearly 73%—which translates to faster app launches and more responsive UI. Multi-core is closer, but the A13 still wins by about 10%.

In real-world terms, the A13’s superior single-core performance means everyday tasks like scrolling, opening apps, and web browsing feel snappier on the iPhone 11. The Kirin 990’s multi-core performance is respectable, but it cannot match Apple’s per-core efficiency.

GPU and Gaming Performance

The A13 has a 4-core Apple-designed GPU, while the Kirin 990 uses a 16-core Mali-G76 MP16. In GFXBench Manhattan 3.1 (offscreen), the A13 achieves around 123 fps, while the Kirin 990 gets about 76 fps—a 62% difference. The A13 also runs cooler and sustains performance longer, while the Kirin 990 tends to throttle under sustained load.

For gaming, the A13 delivers a smoother experience in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite, with higher frame rates and fewer frame drops. The Kirin 990 is no slouch, but it struggles with the most graphics-intensive games at maximum settings.

AI and Neural Engines

The A13’s Neural Engine (8-core) is rated at 6 TOPS, while the Kirin 990’s Da Vinci NPU (dual-core) achieves about 4.5 TOPS. Apple’s AI performance is better optimized for on-device tasks like Face ID, photo enhancement, and augmented reality. The Kirin 990’s NPU handles AI tasks like scene recognition and voice assistants, but it is less powerful and less widely supported by third-party apps.

5G and Connectivity: Kirin’s Advantage

The Kirin 990 5G integrates the Balong 5000 modem, supporting both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks. The A13 has no 5G support at all—the iPhone 11 series is 4G LTE only. This is a major differentiator: if you want 5G today, the Kirin 990 is the clear choice, provided you live in an area with coverage and your carrier supports it.

However, 5G in 2019 was still in its infancy, and many users found LTE speeds sufficient. The A13’s lack of 5G was a trade-off for better battery life, as 5G modems consume more power.

How to Choose: What Matters to You

When deciding between a phone with the Kirin 990 and one with the A13, consider these factors:

Performance: The A13 is faster in almost every benchmark and real-world task. If you want the best performance, choose the iPhone 11.
5G: The Kirin 990 5G supports 5G networks. If 5G is a priority, the Mate 30 Pro 5G is the only option here.
Ecosystem: iOS vs. Android is a bigger factor than the chip itself. The A13 runs iOS, while the Kirin 990 runs Android (with Huawei’s EMUI).
Battery life: The Kirin 990 is more power-efficient in idle and light tasks, but the A13’s performance cores are more efficient under load. Real-world battery life depends more on the phone’s battery size and display.
Price: Used phones with these chips are now budget options. The iPhone 11 is often more expensive on the used market due to Apple’s brand.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the Kirin 990’s higher clock speed (2.86 GHz vs 2.65 GHz) means it is faster. Clock speed only matters within the same architecture; Apple’s cores are far more efficient per clock. Another misconception is that the Kirin 990’s integrated 5G modem makes it superior—but 5G coverage is still patchy in many regions, and the A13’s LTE performance is excellent.

One real problem with the Kirin 990 is thermal throttling. In sustained gaming, the phone heats up and the GPU performance drops, while the A13 maintains its frame rate better. Another issue is software support: Huawei’s phones with the Kirin 990 do not receive Google services (on newer models), which can be a deal-breaker for many users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the A13 Bionic still good in 2024?

Yes, the A13 Bionic is still capable for most tasks. It can handle everyday apps, social media, and even moderate gaming without issue. However, it is now several generations behind, so expect slower performance in the most demanding games and apps compared to newer chips.

Does the Kirin 990 support 5G?

Only the Kirin 990 5G variant does. The standard Kirin 990 (4G) does not. The 5G version is found in the Mate 30 Pro 5G and Mate Xs, while the 4G version is in the Mate 30 and P40.

Which chip is better for gaming?

The A13 Bionic is better for gaming. It delivers higher frame rates, better sustained performance, and runs cooler. The Kirin 990 can play most games, but you will need to lower settings on heavy titles.

Can the Kirin 990 run Android apps that require Google Play?

Yes, but with a caveat. The Kirin 990 phones released after 2019 (like the Mate 30 series) do not have Google Play pre-installed due to US sanctions. You can install it manually via APK, but some apps may not work perfectly, and you won’t get automatic updates from Google.

How does the A13 compare to newer iPhone chips?

The A13 is roughly 20-30% slower than the A14 and A15 in CPU, and the gap widens with each generation. For most users, the A13 is still fine, but if you need the latest camera features or high-refresh-rate gaming, you may want a newer iPhone.

Is the Kirin 990 more power-efficient than the A13?

In idle and light tasks, the Kirin 990 is slightly more efficient due to the smaller 7nm+ EUV process. However, under heavy load, the A13 is more efficient because its cores are more powerful and finish tasks quicker. Real-world battery life depends more on the phone’s battery capacity and screen.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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