Google Tensor vs Apple M4

The Google Tensor is a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) primarily developed for mobile devices such as Google's Pixel smartphones.

It was introduced in 2021 and aims for integrated performance for AI and ML applications in the mobile sector. The Apple M4, on the other hand, is a highly integrated processor unveiled in 2024.

It is primarily designed for Apple's iPad line but also offers capabilities that approach desktop applications due to its high performance. The Google Tensor is manufactured using a 5 nm fabrication process, which allows for good efficiency for mobile applications. It is based on the ARM architecture (Architecture codename: G1).

The exact core configuration is not specified, but it uses a mix of performance and efficiency cores. The Apple M4 is manufactured using a more advanced 3 nm fabrication process. This smaller process step contributes to higher transistor density and improved energy efficiency. The Apple M4 is known for its advanced architecture (Architecture codename: M4) and typically offers a 10-core CPU configuration that uses a combination of performance and efficiency cores for versatile tasks.

In synthetic benchmarks, the Apple M4 shows significantly higher single-core performance compared to the Google Tensor. For tasks that benefit from a single, fast core, such as responsive applications, the Apple M4 offers superior computing power. The Apple M4 also demonstrates significantly stronger multi-core performance.

This makes it better suited for complex tasks requiring many parallel computations, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or demanding software development, where it can efficiently utilize its numerous cores. For gaming scenarios, the Apple M4 offers considerably better performance.

It features a powerful integrated graphics unit (Apple M4 (10 Core)) and a significantly higher maximum memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s. This enables smoother frame rates and higher fidelity in demanding games. The Google Tensor uses an ARM Mali-G78 MP20 graphics unit and a maximum memory bandwidth of 53 GB/s, which is sufficient for mobile games but cannot match the performance of the Apple M4 in the category of demanding desktop-level games.

Both processors are designed for high energy efficiency, which is typical for ARM-based architectures. The Google Tensor was developed for use in smartphones, where low power consumption is crucial for battery life. The Apple M4, designed for iPads, also offers impressive performance per watt and is designed to operate efficiently under load for extended periods without generating excessive heat, which is important for slim tablet enclosures.

Neither the Google Tensor nor the Apple M4 are available as standalone desktop processors on the open market. They are integral components of the devices they are built into. The price-performance ratio must therefore be considered in the context of the entire device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

The Apple M4 is typically built into premium devices, leading to a higher overall price but offering top-tier performance in return. The Google Tensor is a solid processor for integrated mobile applications, tailored for efficient AI and ML tasks. Its strength lies in optimization for the specific requirements of smartphones.

The Apple M4 provides significantly higher computing and graphics performance, coupled with leading energy efficiency, which predestines it for demanding professional applications and gaming. For users seeking a processor for a device with excellent AI function integration and solid everyday performance in a mobile form factor, the Google Tensor is a good choice.

For users who need uncompromising performance for creative tasks, complex workflows, and high-resolution gaming in a portable yet powerful device, the Apple M4 is the clearly superior option.