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

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

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

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

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

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

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

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

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

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

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

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

AI performance (NPU)

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

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple M2Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
FamilyApple M series (38)Apple A series (27)
CPU groupApple M2 (8)Apple A15 (2)
ArchitectureM2A15
Technology5 nm5 nm
SegmentNotebookSmartphone / Tablet
Socket
PredecessorApple M1Apple A14 Bionic
SuccessorApple M3Apple A16 Bionic

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple M2Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
CPU Cores / Threads8 / 86 / 6
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 4x Avalanche
0.66 - 3.50 GHz
2x Avalanche
3.23 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Blizzard
0.60 - 2.42 GHz
4x Blizzard
2.02 GHz
L2-Cache20.00 MB16.00 MB
L3-Cache32.00 MB
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple M2Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
GPU nameApple M2 (10 Core)Apple A15 (5 GPU Cores)
GPU frequency0.45 - 1.40 GHz1.34 GHz
CUs / Shader160 / 128020 / 640
Raytracing
Max. displays23
Max. GPU Memory24 GB6 GB
Technology5 nm5 nm
Release dateQ2/2022Q3/2021

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple M2Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
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 M2Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
MemoryLPDDR5-6400 (102.4 GB/s)
LPDDR4X-4266 (34.1 GB/s)
Max. Memory24 GB6 GB
Memory channels21
ECCNoNo
PCIe4.0
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple M2Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
TDP20 W10 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up30 W
TDP down10 W
T. junction max.100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple M2Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU)
Chip designMonolithicChiplet
AES-NI
Operating systemsmacOS, iPadOSiOS
Instruction setArmv8.5-A (64 bit)Armv8-A (64 bit)
ISA extensionsRosetta 2 x86-Emulation
Release dateQ2/2022Q3/2021
Release price
DocumentsTechnical data sheet

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple M2 is 4.4 stars (742 ratings), while Apple A15 Bionic (5-GPU) has received 4.2 stars (195 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

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

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple M2
Apple M2
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