Apple A12 Bionic
Apple A12 Bionic in 2025: Is it Worth Choosing Smartphones with This Processor?
(Updated: April 2025)
Since its release in 2018, the Apple A12 Bionic has become a landmark chip that set new standards for mobile device performance. Seven years later, smartphones and tablets based on it are still available for sale, but their positioning has changed: they have moved into the budget and mid-range segment. Let's figure out whether the A12 Bionic is still relevant in 2025, who it suits, and what details to pay attention to.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Innovations That Withstood the Test of Time
The Apple A12 Bionic was the first mobile processor manufactured using a 7nm process technology. This allowed Apple to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce heat generation compared to its predecessor, the A11 Bionic (10nm).
CPU Features:
- 6-Core Architecture: 2 high-performance Vortex cores (up to 2.49 GHz) + 4 energy-efficient Tempest cores (1.6 GHz).
- Cache Memory: 8 MB L2 cache for quick access to data.
- 2nd Generation Neural Engine: An 8-core AI accelerator capable of performing up to 5 trillion operations per second.
Graphics:
- Apple A12 GPU with 4 cores. Supports Metal 2 and enhanced rendering for games and AR applications.
Energy Consumption:
- TDP (thermal design power) — 6 Watts. Thanks to the clustering of cores, the chip dynamically distributes tasks, saving battery charge.
Why Is This Important Today?
Even in 2025, the 7nm process remains adequate for basic tasks. However, modern chips (such as the Apple A18 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) use 3nm standards, giving them an advantage in transistor density and energy efficiency.
2. Real-World Performance: What Can the A12 Bionic Do?
Benchmarks (Geekbench 6):
- Single-Core: 1301 — comparable to Snapdragon 778G (2021).
- Multi-Core: 2843 — on par with Snapdragon 855 (2019).
- AnTuTu 10: 630,677 — lower than the budget Dimensity 7050 (around 800,000).
Gaming:
- Modes: Medium settings in Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile (60 FPS), Roblox.
- Limitations: Modern AAA titles, such as Honkai: Star Rail, require graphics settings to be reduced to a minimum.
Multimedia:
- Supports 4K video at 60fps, HDR10.
- Streaming services (Netflix, YouTube) run smoothly.
AI Tasks:
- The Neural Engine handles basic functions:
- Real-time photo enhancement (portrait mode, noise reduction).
- Text recognition via camera.
- Basic AR applications (e.g., IKEA Place).
- For complex tasks (AI image generation, 8K video processing), the power is insufficient.
Energy Consumption:
- Batteries with a capacity of 3000–4000 mAh (e.g., in iPhone XR) provide 4–6 hours of screen time.
- Heating: moderate during prolonged gaming sessions, but critical overheating is not observed.
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Navigation
- Modem: Intel XMM 7660 with support for 4G LTE Advanced (speeds up to 1 Gbps). 5G is absent — this is a major downside in 2025.
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Up to 866 Mbps. Modern routers with Wi-Fi 6/6E will operate in limited mode.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Connects to headphones and smartwatches. Supports AAC codec but not aptX HD.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo. Satellite connectivity (emergency SOS calls) is not available.
Conclusion: For basic usage (social media, calls, city navigation), the modules are sufficient, but the lack of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 may become a problem in active use of cloud services.
4. Comparison with Competitors
With Previous Generations:
- Apple A11 Bionic (2017): +15% CPU speed, +50% energy efficiency.
- Snapdragon 845 (2018): A12 is 40% faster in Single-Core but on par in Multi-Core.
With Modern Chips (2025):
- Apple A18 Bionic (3nm): 3 times higher performance, AI support at the device level.
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: Better graphics (Adreno 735) and 5G modem.
- MediaTek Dimensity 8300: Cheaper but 30% more powerful in Multi-Core.
Positioning: Today, the A12 Bionic represents the level of budget Android smartphones priced at $150–250.
5. Use Scenarios: Who Is It Suitable For?
- Gaming: Only for casual games (Among Us, Clash Royale).
- Daily Tasks: Social media, messaging, web surfing.
- Photo and Video:
- Recording 4K@60 FPS.
- Portrait mode with bokeh effect.
- Basic retouching in apps like Lightroom.
- Not Suitable For: Video editing, streaming in high quality, neural network tasks (e.g., ChatGPT on the device).
6. Pros and Cons of A12 Bionic
Advantages:
- Optimization for iOS: Even in 2025, iPhone XR/XS receive updates (iOS 18 with limited functionality).
- Energy Efficiency: Better than many Android counterparts.
- Affordable Price: Devices with A12 cost $200–300.
Disadvantages:
- No 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited performance in demanding applications.
- Outdated Bluetooth and GPS modules.
7. Practical Tips When Choosing a Device
- Check the iOS version: Ensure the smartphone supports the current OS.
- Battery: Replace the battery if its wear is over 20%.
- Price: New iPhone SE (2023) on A15 Bionic starts at $400 — it's better to pay more for modern technology.
- Alternatives: Consider Android smartphones with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or Dimensity 7050 in the same price range.
Which Devices Use A12?
- Smartphones: iPhone XR, XS, XS Max.
- Tablets: iPad Mini 5, iPad 8.
8. Final Conclusion: Who Is A12 Bionic Suitable For?
This processor is worth considering if:
- You want an inexpensive iPhone. For example, a refurbished iPhone XR for $200.
- Advanced features are not needed. 5G, 8K recording, or ultra-settings gaming are not a priority.
- Stability is important. iOS ensures smooth operation even on old hardware.
Main Benefits:
- Low price.
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
- Support for essential iOS features.
Alternative: If the budget allows $300–400, consider the iPhone SE (2023) or Android smartphones with 5G and more recent chips.
Conclusion
The Apple A12 Bionic in 2025 is a choice for those who value the Apple brand but are not willing to overpay for flagships. It is suitable for social media, calls, and simple tasks, but for serious work or gaming, it's better to consider more modern solutions.