Apple A12 Bionic vs Apple M1

The Apple A12 Bionic, architectural codename A12, was developed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

It was aimed at users who need high efficiency and solid performance for everyday tasks in a compact form factor. Manufactured using the 7 nm process, it integrates a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores. Its internal graphics are known as Apple A12, and the maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s.

In benchmarks, the Apple A12 Bionic shows very solid single-core performance and good multi-core performance for its segment. The processor is optimized for very low power consumption. The Apple M1, architectural codename M1, is designed for desktop and laptop computers, as well as more powerful tablets.

It targets users who expect significantly higher computing power for demanding productivity and creative applications. The Apple M1 is manufactured using a more advanced 5 nm process and features an 8-core CPU, consisting of four performance cores and four efficiency cores. Its integrated graphics, called Apple M1 (8 Core), are significantly more powerful.

With a maximum memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s and support for PCIe 4.0, the Apple M1 significantly surpasses the Apple A12 Bionic in single-core and multi-core performance. This also applies to gaming scenarios, where the Apple M1's stronger graphics and higher bandwidth offer a superior experience.

Despite its higher performance, the Apple M1 is very energy efficient thanks to the 5 nm process. In terms of price-performance, neither processor is available separately. The Apple A12 Bionic is found in older, more affordable mobile devices, while the Apple M1 is built into more powerful, often higher-priced desktop and tablet devices.

The Apple M1 offers significantly higher computing power in its application area.