The Apple A6 is a desktop processor designed for users in need of solid efficiency. Manufactured using the 32-nanometer process, this chip integrates two computing cores.

The architecture features 1 MB of Level 2 cache and does not include a Level 3 cache. Due to its architecture and higher memory bandwidth of 9 GB/s, the Apple A6 offers increased data processing performance compared to the Apple A5.

The integrated PowerVR SGX543MP3 graphics unit with three cores enables stable rendering in graphical applications. The thermal design power is low, limiting heat generation. The price-performance ratio depends on availability in specific systems on the secondary market. The Apple A6 is recommended for users who prioritize smoother operation in graphical environments.

The Apple A5 is a desktop processor for users who want to use basic functions in compact systems. This processor is also manufactured using the 32-nanometer process and has two cores. It is equipped with 1 MB of Level 2 cache but offers no Level 3 cache. Computing performance is lower in direct comparison due to the smaller memory bandwidth of 6 GB/s and older architecture.

For graphical output, the PowerVR SGX543MP2 is used, which has two cores. In gaming scenarios, this configuration offers basic performance that falls behind that of the Apple A6. Power consumption is low, minimizing thermal requirements. On the market, this processor is primarily found in low-cost systems for simple tasks.

It is particularly suitable for basic applications where energy efficiency is the priority.

Apple A6

  • 32 nm manufacturing process
  • PowerVR SGX543MP3 graphics with three cores
  • 9 GB/s maximum memory bandwidth
  • 1 MB Level 2 cache

Apple A5

  • 32 nm manufacturing process
  • PowerVR SGX543MP2 graphics with two cores
  • 6 GB/s maximum memory bandwidth
  • 1 MB Level 2 cache

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank ?
Apple A6
Rank ?
Apple A5
Multi-core performance
Rank ?
Apple A6
Rank ?
Apple A5
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple A6
Apple A6 100 %
PowerVR SGX543MP3 (3 Cores)
68
Apple A5
Apple A5 19 %
PowerVR SGX543MP2 (2 Cores)
13

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple A6Apple A5
FamilyApple A series (27)Apple A series (27)
CPU groupApple A6/A6X (2)Apple A5/A5X (2)
ArchitectureA6A5
Technology32 nm32 nm
SegmentSmartphone / TabletSmartphone / Tablet
Socket
PredecessorApple A5
SuccessorApple A7Apple A6

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple A6Apple A5
CPU Cores / Threads2 / 22 / 2
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturenormalnormal
Cores: 2x Swift 2x Cortex-A9
Frequency: 1.30 GHz 1.00 GHz
Turbo (1 Core):
Turbo (All Cores):
L2-Cache1.00 MB1.00 MB
L3-Cache
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple A6Apple A5
GPU namePowerVR SGX543MP3 (3 Cores)PowerVR SGX543MP2 (2 Cores)
GPU frequency0.27 GHz0.20 GHz
CUs / Shader6 / 484 / 32
Raytracing
Max. displays11
Max. GPU Memory
Technology32 nm32 nm
Release dateQ3/2012Q1/2012

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple A6Apple A5
AI hardware
AI specifications
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple A6Apple A5
MemoryLPDDR2-1066 (8.5 GB/s)
LPDDR2-800 (6.4 GB/s)
Max. Memory1 GB1 GB
Memory channels22
ECCNoNo
PCIe
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple A6Apple A5
TDP
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.

Technical details

Wischen
Apple A6Apple A5
Chip designChipletChiplet
AES-NI
Operating systemsiOSiOS
Instruction setArmv7-A (32 bit)Armv7-A (32 bit)
ISA extensions
Release dateQ3/2012Q1/2011
Release price
Documents

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple A6 is 4.3 stars (3 ratings), while Apple A5 has received 3.6 stars (9 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple A6
Apple A6
2C / 2T · 1.30 GHz
Apple A5
Apple A5
2C / 2T · 1.00 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple A6
Apple A6
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