Apple M1
Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU)
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Apple M1 vs Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU). Specifications, performance, tests

Overall score
star star star star star
Released
Q4/2020
Apple M1
Apple M1
Released
Q3/2021
Overall score
star star star star star
Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU)
Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU)

Compare Apple M1 VS Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU). Which processor delivers superior performance?

In this detailed comparison, we evaluate the specifications and benchmarks of both processors to determine the best choice for your needs. We analyze their core counts, maximum frequencies, and power consumption.

Apple M1 boasts a maximum frequency of 3.20 GHz GHz. 8 cores that enhance multitasking capabilities.With a power consumption of 15 W W, it ensures efficient performance.Released in Q4/2020, it incorporates the latest technology for optimal efficiency.

Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU) features a maximum frequency of 3.23 GHz GHz. 6 / 6 cores designed for high-performance tasks.Its power consumption is 8.5 W W, providing a balance of power and efficiency.Launched in Q3/2021, it is built to handle demanding applications.

Differences

Apple M1 Reasons to consider
Apple M1
Report a bug
  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    182 left arrow score
  • More number of cores

    2 times more cores

    8 left arrow 6

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Apple M1 CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
    128 place
  • Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
    216 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    117 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    346 place
  • iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
    57 place
  • Blender 2.81 (bmw27)
    106 place
  • Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
    86 place
  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    436 left arrow score
  • Higher clock speed

    Around 1% better clock speed

    3.23 GHz left arrow 3.20 GHz
  • Performance per watt

    About 0.57 times less performance per watt

    8.5 W left arrow 15 W

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU) CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    111 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    539 place
  • iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
    265 place
  • Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
    102 place

Specifications

Technical data
Apple M1 Apple M1
Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU) Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU)
CPU family and group

Comprehensive background on the processors being compared, detailing their series, generation, and targeted market segment.

  • Segment
    Mobile left arrow Mobile
  • Family
    Apple M series left arrow Apple A series
  • Generation
    1 left arrow 15
  • CPU group
    Apple M1 left arrow Apple A15
CPU Technical specs

Essential parameters including the number of cores, threads, base and turbo frequencies, and cache size. These metrics provide insight into the processor’s speed—higher values generally indicate better performance.

  • Frequency
    3.20 GHz left arrow 3.23 GHz
  • Turbo (1 Core)
    No turbo left arrow No turbo
  • Hyperthreading
    No left arrow No
  • Overclocking
    No left arrow No
  • Core architecture
    hybrid (big.LITTLE) left arrow hybrid (big.LITTLE)
IGPU

The integrated graphics (iGPU) do not influence the CPU performance significantly; they serve as a substitute for a dedicated graphics card in the absence of one or are utilized in mobile devices.

  • GPU name
    Apple M1 (8 Core) left arrow Apple A15 (4 GPU Cores)
  • GPU frequency
    3.20 GHz left arrow 0.60 GHz
  • GPU (Turbo)
    No turbo left arrow No turbo
  • Execution units
    128 left arrow 128
  • Shader
    0 left arrow 1024
  • Max. GPU Memory
    8 GB left arrow 8 GB
  • Max. displays
    2 left arrow 3
  • Generation
    1 left arrow 12
  • Technology
    5 nm left arrow 5 nm
  • Release date
    Q4/2020 left arrow Q3/2021
Hardware codec support

This section details the built-in codecs used for encoding and decoding media content, which significantly enhance processing speed and efficiency.

  • h265 / HEVC (8 bit)
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • h265 / HEVC (10 bit)
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • h264
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VP9
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VP8
    Decode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • AV1
    Decode left arrow No
  • AVC
    Decode left arrow Decode
  • VC-1
    Decode left arrow Decode
  • JPEG
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
Memory specs & PCI

Overview of the types and quantities of RAM supported by Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU) and Apple M1. The supported memory frequencies may vary depending on the motherboard configuration.

  • Memory type
    LPDDR4X-4266 left arrow LPDDR4X-4266
  • Max. Memory
    16 GB left arrow 8 GB
  • ECC
    No left arrow No
  • Memory channels
    2 left arrow 1
Thermal Management

Analyze the TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements of Apple M1 and Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU) to make an informed decision on the appropriate cooling system. Remember that TDP refers to thermal watts, not electrical watts.

  • TDP (PL1)
    15 W left arrow 8.5 W
  • TDP up
    20 W left arrow --
  • TDP down
    10 W left arrow --
Technologies and extensions

Information on architecture, interfaces, and additional instructions supported by Apple M1 and Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU), including virtual machine technologies and fabrication processes.

  • Instruction set (ISA)
    ARMv8-A64 (64 bit) left arrow ARMv8-A64 (64 bit)
  • Virtualization
    None left arrow None
  • ISA extensions
    Rosetta 2 x86-Emulation left arrow
  • L2-Cache
    16.00 MB left arrow 16.00 MB
  • Architecture
    M1 left arrow A15
  • Technology
    5 nm left arrow 5 nm
  • Socket
    N/A left arrow N/A
  • Release date
    Q4/2020 left arrow Q3/2021

Benchmarks

Performance tests CPUs

By analyzing the results from various benchmarks, you can gain a clearer understanding of the performance differences between Apple M1 and Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU).

Compare the synthetic benchmark scores and make an informed decision on the best processor for your needs!

Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
Geekbench 5 SC is a popular cross-platform performance test for desktop or mobile processors that uses system memory intensively
1742
Apple M1
1732
Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU)
Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
Geekbench 5 MC is a popular cross-platform performance test for desktop or mobile processors that uses system memory intensively
7650
Apple M1
4777
Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU)
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
The performance of the iGPU - the internal GPU in games
2600
Apple M1
1200
Apple A15 Bionic (4-GPU)

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