Apple A12Z Bionic vs Apple M2

The Apple A12Z Bionic, introduced in early 2020 for the iPad Pro, offered strong performance for mobile productivity.

Manufactured using the 7 nm process (A12 architecture), it integrates an 8-core CPU (four performance cores, four efficiency cores) and an 8-core graphics unit. With 8 MB of Level 2 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s, it was a benchmark for tablets. The Apple M2, released in mid-2022 for Macs, delivers significantly higher computing power and efficiency.

Manufactured using the more advanced 5 nm process (M2 architecture), it also features an 8-core CPU (four performance cores, four efficiency cores), but with improved performance, and a more powerful 10-core graphics unit (Apple M2 (10 Core)). With 20 MB of Level 2 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s, it surpasses the Apple A12Z Bionic in single-core and multi-core benchmarks by over 10 percent.

In gaming, the Apple M2 is clearly superior thanks to better graphics and higher memory bandwidth. Both are energy-efficient, with the Apple M2 delivering more efficient performance due to its 5 nm process. The Apple M2's price-performance ratio, in terms of computing power, is superior despite its integration into more expensive devices.

The Apple A12Z Bionic is suitable for lighter tasks and older tablets. For maximum performance in professional applications, multitasking, or modern gaming, the Apple M2 is the clear recommendation.