Apple M3 vs Apple A16 Bionic (5-CPU 4-GPU)

The Apple M3, introduced in late 2023, is primarily designed for desktop computers and laptops. It is manufactured using a 3 nm process.

It features an 8-core CPU and a powerful integrated Apple M3 (10 Core) graphics unit. A maximum memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s and 20 MB of Level 2 Cache contribute to its high performance. In benchmarks, the Apple M3 shows significantly higher single-core performance and almost double the multi-core performance compared to the Apple A16 Bionic.

This makes it ideal for computationally intensive applications. For gaming scenarios, it is better suited thanks to its superior GPU and memory bandwidth, offering PCIe Version 4.0 connectivity. Its power consumption is higher, tailored to the performance requirements of desktop systems. The Apple A16 Bionic, introduced in late 2022, is specifically optimized for smartphones.

It is manufactured using a 4 nm process and features a 6-core CPU and an integrated Apple A16 (4 GPU Cores) graphics unit. With a memory bandwidth of 51 GB/s, 20 MB of Level 2 Cache, and 24 MB of Level 3 Cache, it offers strong performance in the mobile segment. Its single-core performance is very good but falls below that of the Apple M3, as does its multi-core performance.

For gaming in its mobile context, it is powerful but does not reach the capacities of the Apple M3. The Apple A16 Bionic is designed for maximum energy efficiency and long battery life. A direct price comparison is not meaningful due to its fixed integration into end devices.