Apple A10X Fusion
Apple A10X Fusion in 2025: Is It Worth Considering?
Overview of mobile processors for budget devices
Introduction
In the world of mobile technology in 2025, processors featuring artificial intelligence, 6G support, and nanometer fabrication processes dominate. However, even in this race for innovation, there remain niches for proven solutions. One of them is the Apple A10X Fusion chip, released back in 2017, yet still found in new budget devices. Let's explore who might find it useful today and who should opt for more modern alternatives.
Architecture and Fabrication Process: A Balance of Past and Present
Cores and Frequencies
The A10X Fusion is built on a heterogeneous architecture with six cores:
- 3 high-performance Hurricane cores clocked up to 2.38 GHz for demanding tasks;
- 3 energy-efficient Zephyr cores clocked around 1.3 GHz for background processes.
This setup allows for battery savings by automatically switching between clusters. However, by 2025 even budget chips (such as the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3) are employing more advanced architectures with AI accelerators, which the A10X lacks.
Apple A10X GPU
The 12-core graphics processor shows modest results in modern games. For instance, in Genshin Impact at medium settings, it delivers 25-30 FPS, while the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 maintains a stable 60 FPS.
10nm Fabrication Process
In comparison, modern chips (like the Apple A17 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) are produced using a 3nm technology, which provides better energy efficiency and thermal performance. The A10X, on the other hand, is designed with a TDP of 8 watts, which can lead to throttling in devices without active cooling (tablets, thin laptops) during prolonged workloads.
Performance in Real Tasks
Gaming
- Casual gaming (e.g., Candy Crush Saga, Among Us) — runs without issues.
- AAA titles (like Call of Duty: Mobile) — medium settings, 30 FPS with occasional drops.
- Cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, NVIDIA GeForce NOW) — reliant on internet stability; the processor handles stream decoding well.
Multimedia
- 4K video — playback is smooth, but editing in apps like LumaFusion requires patience.
- Streaming — limited to Wi-Fi 5 (maximum speed of up to 866 Mbps), which falls short of the Wi-Fi 6E capabilities in new chips.
AI Applications
- Neural network operations (for example, photo stylization in Prisma) are processed on the CPU, increasing processing time. Modern processors with NPUs (Apple Neural Engine) accomplish these tasks 3-5 times faster.
Energy Consumption
With moderate usage (web browsing, video), devices with A10X operate for 8-10 hours. In gaming or editing, expect about 3-4 hours.
Integrated Modules: Limitations of the 4G Era
- Modem — only supports 4G LTE (up to 450 Mbps). For 5G networks in 2025, an external modem is required, raising device costs.
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 — outdated standards. For example, Bluetooth 4.2 does not support simultaneous connections of multiple low-energy devices (LE Audio).
- Navigation — GPS and GLONASS are included, but there’s no support for Galileo or Beidou, which reduces accuracy in some regions.
Comparison with Competitors
Apple A12 Bionic (2018)
- More powerful CPUs (+15%) and GPUs (+20%), and features a Neural Engine for AI tasks.
- Devices with A12 (e.g., iPad 8th generation) start at $299, making them more appealing.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (2024)
- Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3.
- 40% higher performance in gaming.
MediaTek Dimensity 8020 (2023)
- Superior energy efficiency (6nm fabrication process) and an AI accelerator.
Conclusion: A10X Fusion lags behind even budget chips from 2023-2024, but wins on price.
Usage Scenarios
Who could benefit from A10X in 2025?
1. Students — for note-taking, reading, and basic apps.
2. Children — for games like Roblox and watching YouTube.
3. Elderly users — appreciate iOS simplicity and long battery life.
Where is it found?
- Budget tablets: e.g., the new iPad (basic model from 2025) priced at $249.
- Devices aimed at emerging markets: India, African countries.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Price — devices are 30-40% cheaper than competitors.
- Optimization — iOS and applications still support A10X.
- Reliability — a proven architecture over time.
Disadvantages
- No 5G or modern communication standards.
- Weak AI potential.
- Limited support timeframe — Apple ceased updates for A10X in 2024.
Practical Buying Tips
1. Check the OS. Ensure the device runs at least iOS 16 (current apps require version 17+).
2. Assess your tasks. If you need video editing or gaming — it's better to pay more for A12/A13.
3. Compare battery life. The battery should be at least 7000 mAh for comfortable use.
Examples of 2025 devices:
- Apple iPad 2025 Basic — $249, 10.2" screen, 64 GB.
- Oukitel RT1 (Chinese brand) — $199, 8" display, 5000 mAh.
Final Conclusion
The Apple A10X Fusion in 2025 is a choice for those who:
- Aren’t chasing cutting-edge technology — need an affordable tablet for watching series and social media.
- Value the Apple ecosystem — but aren't ready to pay for flagship models.
- Seek a temporary solution — for example, for a child before school.
Key benefits: savings of $100-150 compared to new models, adequate performance for basic tasks. However, for long-term use (3+ years), it’s advisable to consider devices with A12 or Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
Note: All prices mentioned are current as of April 2025 and refer to new devices available in retail stores in the USA and global marketplaces.