AnTuTu V11 Performance Test Breakdown: Why Pro Models Face Thermal Throttling in New UE5 GPU Benchmarks
Dear AnTuTu users:
We have noticed that in the latest AnTuTu Benchmark V11, some users have expressed doubts regarding the scores of iOS devices, especially the high-end Pro series models. We hope to use this article to explain the testing mechanism and the results.
This iOS version of AnTuTu Benchmark V11 features a major upgrade to the GPU testing scenarios, which have been migrated to the much more demanding UE5 (Unreal Engine 5). This upgrade is designed to simulate more complex and extreme graphics processing tasks of the future, placing much higher demands on the GPU performance and sustained cooling capabilities of devices compared to previous generations.
Our testing process is complete and continuous. During the test, the system first conducts high-intensity GPU scene testing, followed by CPU, memory, and other items in sequence. This workflow accurately reflects the comprehensive performance of a device under continuous high-load operating conditions.
We found that Pro series devices supporting the 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate experience a significant increase in power consumption and heat generation from the screen and related chip modules when running high-pressure GPU tests. At the same time, the more premium chassis materials used in Pro models do indeed differ in thermal conductivity compared to the aluminum alloy used in the standard models. The combination of these two factors causes Pro models to potentially accumulate more heat during the initial GPU phase of the test.
The key lies in the fact that if this concentrated heat generated in a short period cannot be dissipated quickly, it will trigger the device's stricter thermal management and frequency throttling mechanisms to protect the core hardware. This throttled state continues to affect the subsequent CPU and memory test items, preventing their scores from reaching ideal levels. Therefore, although the Pro series models theoretically have stronger peak performance, their overall performance stability in the extreme, continuous load scenarios simulated by V11 is affected by thermal constraints.
his is exactly what AnTuTu Benchmark hopes to reveal and communicate: our scores measure the sustainability and comprehensive stability of performance release in real high-load scenarios, rather than short-term peak data. The test results reflect the real differences in experience caused by thermal design, material choice, and performance scheduling strategies when different devices handle future heavy-duty applications.
We thank every user for their feedback and discussion. AnTuTu will continue to optimize the testing models and remains committed to providing everyone with more professional performance evaluation tools that are closer to real-world usage scenarios.
