Google Tensor Apple A18 Pro
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Google Tensor vs Apple A18 Pro

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The Google Tensor, whose architecture is codenamed G1, is manufactured using a 5 nm process. This ARM-technology-based processor offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 53 GB/s and features an 8 MB Level 2 cache.

It is designed to deliver solid performance for demanding tasks, primarily in Google's own devices. The Apple A18 Pro, internally known as Donan, is manufactured using the state-of-the-art 3 nm process and developed by Apple.

With a maximum memory bandwidth of 60 GB/s and generous cache memory (20 MB Level 2 cache, 24 MB Level 3 cache), it is designed to offer leading computing power and energy efficiency for a wide range of applications. In benchmarks, the Apple A18 Pro shows significantly higher performance.

In the Geekbench 6 single-core and multi-core tests, the Apple A18 Pro surpasses the Google Tensor by more than 10 percent in each, indicating superior processing capability. The Google Tensor delivers a respectable score in the Cinebench R23 single-core test. For gaming scenarios, the Apple A18 Pro is expected to offer better performance.

This is attributed to the more advanced 3 nm manufacturing process, higher memory bandwidth, and significantly larger cache memories. The integrated graphics unit of the Apple A18 Pro with 6 GPU cores is also likely to enable superior graphics performance compared to the ARM Mali-G78 MP20 of the Google Tensor.

Information on Thermal Design Power (TDP) is not available. However, due to the more modern 3 nm manufacturing process of the Apple A18 Pro, higher energy efficiency compared to the 5 nm process of the Google Tensor is expected. This suggests better performance per watt. Since these processors are permanently installed in end devices, a direct assessment of the price-performance ratio or market prices is not possible.

In summary, the Apple A18 Pro offers significantly higher computing power, especially in multi-core applications and gaming, supported by state-of-the-art manufacturing and generous cache. The Google Tensor delivers solid performance but is inferior in most performance areas.

For users who require maximum computing power, energy efficiency, and superior graphics performance for demanding tasks and games, the Apple A18 Pro is the superior choice. The Google Tensor is suitable for users who desire a well-optimized system for everyday tasks within the Google ecosystem.

Google Tensor

  • 5 nm manufacturing process
  • Based on ARM technology
  • Solid performance for demanding tasks
  • Integrated ARM Mali-G78 MP20 graphics unit

Apple A18 Pro

  • 3 nm manufacturing process
  • High single-core and multi-core performance
  • Generous cache memory (L2 and L3)
  • Integrated Apple A18 Pro (6 GPU Cores) graphics unit

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 44 %
Google Tensor
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple A18 Pro
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 43 %
Google Tensor
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple A18 Pro
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Google Tensor
8C / 8T · 2.80 GHz
1,494
Apple A18 Pro
6C / 6T · 4.04 GHz
3,409
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Google Tensor
8C / 8T · 2.80 GHz
3,639
Apple A18 Pro
6C / 6T · 4.04 GHz
8,492
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Google Tensor
ARM Mali-G78 MP20
1,943
Apple A18 Pro
Apple A18 Pro (6 GPU Cores)
3,589
AI performance (NPU)

AI performance (NPU)

Google Tensor
8C / 8T · 2.80 GHz
1.6 TOPS
Apple A18 Pro
6C / 6T · 0.70 GHz
38.0 TOPS

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Google TensorApple A18 Pro
FamilyGoogle Tensor (5)Apple A series (27)
CPU groupGoogle Tensor (1)Apple A18 (2)
ArchitectureG1Donan
Technology5 nm3 nm
SegmentSmartphone / TabletSmartphone / Tablet
Socket
PredecessorApple A17 Pro
SuccessorGoogle Tensor G2Apple A19 Pro

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Google TensorApple A18 Pro
CPU Cores / Threads8 / 86 / 6
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (Prime / big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 2x Cortex-X1
2.80 GHz
2x Donan P-Core
0.70 - 4.04 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 2x Cortex-A76
2.25 GHz
4x Donan E-Core
0.74 - 2.30 GHz
Core Cluster 3: 4x Cortex-A55
1.80 GHz
L2-Cache8.00 MB20.00 MB
L3-Cache24.00 MB
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Google TensorApple A18 Pro
GPU nameARM Mali-G78 MP20Apple A18 Pro (6 GPU Cores)
GPU frequency0.76 GHz0.39 - 1.68 GHz
CUs / Shader20 / 32024 / 768
Raytracing
Max. displays11
Max. GPU Memory8 GB
Technology5 nm3 nm
Release dateQ4/2021Q3/2024

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Google TensorApple A18 Pro
AI hardwareGoogle Tensor AIApple Neural Engine
AI specificationsGoogle Edge TPU @ 1.6 TOPS16 Neural cores @ 38 TOPS
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Google TensorApple A18 Pro
MemoryLPDDR5-5500 (53.0 GB/s)
LPDDR5X-7500 (60.0 GB/s)
Max. Memory12 GB8 GB
Memory channels21
ECCNoNo
PCIe
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Google TensorApple A18 Pro
TDP10 W12 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.

Technical details

Wischen
Google TensorApple A18 Pro
Chip designUnknownChiplet
AES-NI
Operating systemsAndroidiOS
Instruction setArmv8-A (64 bit)Armv9-A (64 bit)
ISA extensions
Release dateQ4/2021Q3/2024
Release price
Documents

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Google Tensor is 4.3 stars (79 ratings), while Apple A18 Pro has received 4.1 stars (512 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Google Tensor
Google Tensor
8C / 8T · 2.80 GHz
Apple A18 Pro
Apple A18 Pro
6C / 6T · 0.70 - 4.04 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Google Tensor
Google Tensor
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