Apple A16 Bionic vs Apple M4 (10-CPU)

The Apple A16 Bionic, introduced in autumn 2022, is a processor primarily for high-end smartphones, manufactured using the 4 nm process.

It integrates two performance cores and four efficiency cores, which form a strong basis for mobile applications and multitasking. Its internal graphics unit features 5 GPU cores and offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 51 GB/s. The processor has 20 MB of Level 2 cache and 24 MB of Level 3 cache. The Apple M4 (10-CPU), introduced in spring 2024, is designed for professional tablets and slim laptops and is manufactured using the more advanced 3 nm process.

It features ten CPU cores – typically four performance cores and six efficiency cores – and an Apple M4 (10 Core) graphics unit. With 20 MB of Level 2 cache, a maximum memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s, and PCIe 4.0, it offers significant performance improvements. In terms of computing power, the Apple M4 (10-CPU) significantly surpasses the A16 Bionic in both single-core and multi-core tasks, which translates to faster execution of complex applications and better multitasking.

Especially in graphics-intensive games, the M4 is clearly superior thanks to its more powerful GPU and significantly higher memory bandwidth, leading to smoother frame rates. The A16 Bionic is designed for maximum energy efficiency for mobile devices, while the M4 (10-CPU), despite its higher performance, also offers excellent performance per watt, though it may consume more power under load.

A direct price-performance analysis is not possible as both CPUs are firmly integrated into Apple devices. Devices with the M4 are generally positioned in the upper price segment due to their outstanding performance.