Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) Apple M2
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Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) vs Apple M2

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Apple M2 The Apple M2, introduced in 2022, is the main processor for Apple's mainstream laptops and desktops such as MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13", and Mac mini.

Manufactured using a 5 nm process, it typically features an 8-core CPU (four performance cores, four efficiency cores). With a maximum memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s and an Apple M2 (10 Core) graphics unit, it offers significantly higher multi-core performance than the A15 and an advantage in single-core tasks.

Its power consumption is optimized for active cooling systems, enabling sustained high performance. Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) Unveiled in 2021, the Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) is primarily designed for Apple's mobile devices like iPhone 13 and iPad mini.

Also manufactured using a 5 nm process, it features a 6-core CPU (two performance cores, four efficiency cores). The maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s with an integrated Apple A15 (5 GPU Cores) graphics unit. Its single-core performance is robust; however, its multi-core performance is lower than that of the Apple M2.

It is characterized by extremely low power consumption, optimized for battery operation. Performance Comparison and Recommendation For gaming, the Apple M2 offers superior performance for demanding titles thanks to its more powerful graphics unit (Apple M2 (10 Core)) and higher memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s.

The Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) delivers excellent mobile gaming performance but does not reach the level of the Apple M2 in desktop-like scenarios. Both processors are an integral part of their devices; M2-based devices are positioned in the premium segment, while the A15 offers excellent value for money in a mobile context.

The Apple M2 is suitable for users who require creative work and demanding gaming on laptops or desktops. The Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) is ideal for mobile users who value performance and energy efficiency for apps and games.

Apple M2

  • Higher multi-core and graphics performance
  • Suitable for laptops and desktops
  • Optimized for active cooling systems
  • Broader application areas (productivity, creativity)

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)

  • High single-core performance
  • Extremely energy efficient
  • Ideal for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets)
  • Excellent performance for mobile games

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 92 %
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M2
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 55 %
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M2
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
6C / 6T · 3.23 GHz
2,370
Apple M2
Apple M2 100 %
8C / 8T · 3.50 GHz
2,596
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
6C / 6T · 3.23 GHz
5,726
Apple M2
Apple M2 100 %
8C / 8T · 3.50 GHz
10,062
Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
6C / 6T · 3.23 GHz
1,745
Apple M2
Apple M2 100 %
8C / 8T · 3.50 GHz
1,874
Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
6C / 6T · 3.23 GHz
4,777
Apple M2
Apple M2 100 %
8C / 8T · 3.50 GHz
8,853
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
Apple A15 (5 GPU Cores)
1,713
Apple M2
Apple M2 100 %
Apple M2 (10 Core)
3,550
AI performance (NPU)

AI performance (NPU)

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
6C / 6T · 3.23 GHz
15.8 TOPS
Apple M2
Apple M2 100 %
8C / 8T · 0.66 GHz
15.8 TOPS

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M2
FamilyApple A series (27)Apple M series (38)
CPU groupApple A15 (2)Apple M2 (8)
ArchitectureA15M2
Technology5 nm5 nm
SegmentSmartphone / TabletNotebook
Socket
PredecessorApple A14 BionicApple M1
SuccessorApple A16 BionicApple M3

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M2
CPU Cores / Threads6 / 68 / 8
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 2x Avalanche
3.23 GHz
4x Avalanche
0.66 - 3.50 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Blizzard
2.02 GHz
4x Blizzard
0.60 - 2.42 GHz
L2-Cache16.00 MB20.00 MB
L3-Cache32.00 MB
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M2
GPU nameApple A15 (5 GPU Cores)Apple M2 (10 Core)
GPU frequency1.34 GHz0.45 - 1.40 GHz
CUs / Shader20 / 640160 / 1280
Raytracing
Max. displays32
Max. GPU Memory6 GB24 GB
Technology5 nm5 nm
Release dateQ3/2021Q2/2022

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M2
AI hardwareApple Neural EngineApple Neural Engine
AI specifications16 Neural cores @ 15.8 TOPS16 Neural cores @ 15.8 TOPS
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M2
MemoryLPDDR4X-4266 (34.1 GB/s)
LPDDR5-6400 (102.4 GB/s)
Max. Memory6 GB24 GB
Memory channels12
ECCNoNo
PCIe4.0
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M2
TDP10 W20 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up30 W
TDP down10 W
T. junction max.100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)Apple M2
Chip designChipletMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsiOSmacOS, iPadOS
Instruction setArmv8-A (64 bit)Armv8.5-A (64 bit)
ISA extensionsRosetta 2 x86-Emulation
Release dateQ3/2021Q2/2022
Release price
DocumentsTechnical data sheet

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) is 4.2 stars (196 ratings), while Apple M2 has received 4.4 stars (743 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
6C / 6T · 3.23 GHz
Apple M2
Apple M2
8C / 8T · 0.66 - 3.50 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
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