Apple A18 Google Tensor G5
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Apple A18 vs Google Tensor G5

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The Apple A18 is an Apple-developed System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with the codename Donan, designed for maximum computing and graphics performance in Apple's devices.

It is manufactured using a 3nm process and utilizes a hybrid architecture of performance and efficiency cores. With 20 MB of Level 2 Cache and 24 MB of Level 3 Cache, it achieves significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance than the Google Tensor G5.

Its integrated Apple A18 graphics unit (5 GPU Cores) and 60 GB/s memory bandwidth predetermine it for demanding gaming scenarios and compute-intensive applications. The Google Tensor G5, internally known as G5 Laguna, is Google's own 3nm SoC, manufactured by ARM, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Pixel devices.

It integrates specialized accelerators for AI workloads. Although it offers solid performance, its single-core and multi-core performance noticeably lags behind the Apple A18. Its IMG DXT-48-1536 graphics unit and 51 GB/s memory bandwidth also enable mobile gaming, but likely with lower performance than its competitor.

Both 3nm processors are designed for high energy efficiency in mobile devices. Since they are not available as individual components, a direct price-performance analysis is not possible. The Apple A18 is the ideal choice for ultimate raw performance and graphics capabilities. The Google Tensor G5 is aimed at users who prioritize advanced on-device AI features and intelligent, personalized experiences.

Apple A18

  • Superior computing performance (single- and multi-core).
  • Strong integrated graphics performance for gaming.
  • High memory bandwidth of 60 GB/s.
  • Efficient 3nm manufacturing process.

Google Tensor G5

  • Strong focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
  • Integrated specialized AI accelerators.
  • Efficient 3nm manufacturing process.
  • Designed for intelligent, personalized device experiences.

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple A18
Rank 2 - 70 %
Google Tensor G5
Multi-core performance
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple A18
Rank 2 - 76 %
Google Tensor G5
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple A18
Apple A18 100 %
6C / 6T · 4.04 GHz
3,384
Google Tensor G5
8C / 8T · 3.78 GHz
2,362
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple A18
Apple A18 100 %
6C / 6T · 4.04 GHz
8,430
Google Tensor G5
8C / 8T · 3.78 GHz
6,403
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple A18
Apple A18 100 %
Apple A18 (5 GPU Cores)
2,150
Google Tensor G5
IMG DXT-48-1536
1,690

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple A18Google Tensor G5
FamilyApple A series (27)Google Tensor (5)
CPU groupApple A18 (2)Google Tensor G5 (1)
ArchitectureDonanG5 Laguna
Technology3 nm3 nm
SegmentSmartphone / TabletSmartphone / Tablet
Socket
PredecessorApple A16 BionicGoogle Tensor G4
SuccessorApple A19

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple A18Google Tensor G5
CPU Cores / Threads6 / 68 / 8
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (Prime / big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 2x Donan P-Core
0.70 - 4.04 GHz
1x Cortex-X4
3.78 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Donan E-Core
0.74 - 2.30 GHz
5x Cortex-A725
3.05 GHz
Core Cluster 3: 2x Cortex-A520
2.25 GHz
L2-Cache20.00 MB
L3-Cache24.00 MB
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple A18Google Tensor G5
GPU nameApple A18 (5 GPU Cores)IMG DXT-48-1536
GPU frequency0.39 - 1.68 GHz0.40 - 1.10 GHz
CUs / Shader20 / 6406 / 1536
Raytracing
Max. displays10
Max. GPU Memory8 GB8 GB
Technology3 nm3 nm
Release dateQ3/2024Q4/2025

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple A18Google Tensor G5
AI hardwareApple Neural EngineGoogle Tensor AI
AI specifications16 Neural cores @ 38 TOPSGoogle Edge TPU
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple A18Google Tensor G5
MemoryLPDDR5X-7500 (60.0 GB/s)
LPDDR5-6400 (51.2 GB/s)
Max. Memory8 GB16 GB
Memory channels14
ECCNoNo
PCIe
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple A18Google Tensor G5
TDP12 W10 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.

Technical details

Wischen
Apple A18Google Tensor G5
Chip designChipletChiplet
AES-NI
Operating systemsiOSAndroid
Instruction setArmv9-A (64 bit)Armv8.7-A (64 bit)
ISA extensions
Release dateQ3/2024Q3/2025
Release price
Documents

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple A18 is 4.0 stars (215 ratings), while Google Tensor G5 has received 3.6 stars (48 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple A18
Apple A18
6C / 6T · 0.70 - 4.04 GHz
Google Tensor G5
Google Tensor G5
8C / 8T · 3.78 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple A18
Apple A18
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