Apple A11 Bionic Vs Intel Core I5: The Ultimate Showdown For Mobile Performance

In the realm of computing, two prominent names that often come to mind are Apple and Intel. These tech giants have been at the forefront of innovation for decades, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of performance and efficiency. In this blog post, we will delve into a detailed comparison between two of their flagship products: the Apple A11 Bionic chip and the Intel Core i5 processor. By examining their key features, benchmarks, and real-world applications, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Architecture and Design

The Apple A11 Bionic chip is a 64-bit ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC) designed by Apple specifically for its mobile devices. It was first introduced in 2017 with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. The A11 Bionic features a six-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. It also includes a three-core Apple-designed GPU, a neural engine for machine learning tasks, and an image signal processor for camera enhancements.

On the other hand, the Intel Core i5 is a family of 64-bit x86-based processors designed by Intel for general-purpose computing. It is a popular choice for laptops, desktops, and even some high-end smartphones. The Core i5 lineup includes various models with different core counts, clock speeds, and integrated graphics capabilities. For this comparison, we will focus on the 8th-generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor, which features four cores, eight threads, and a base clock speed of 1.6GHz.

Performance Benchmarks

To assess the performance of the Apple A11 Bionic and Intel Core i5, we will look at various benchmarks that measure different aspects of their capabilities.

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4 is a cross-platform benchmark that evaluates a device’s overall performance in single-core and multi-core tasks. In Geekbench 4, the Apple A11 Bionic chip scores an impressive 4199 in the single-core test and 10266 in the multi-core test. The Intel Core i5-8250U, on the other hand, scores 4173 in the single-core test and 12519 in the multi-core test.

AnTuTu

AnTuTu is another popular benchmark that measures a device’s overall performance, including CPU, GPU, memory, and storage. In AnTuTu, the Apple A11 Bionic chip scores around 210,000 points, while the Intel Core i5-8250U scores around 160,000 points.

3DMark

3DMark is a graphics benchmark that evaluates a device’s GPU performance. In 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme, the Apple A11 Bionic chip scores around 4500 points, while the Intel Core i5-8250U with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 scores around 1500 points.

Real-World Applications

Benchmark scores provide valuable insights into a device’s performance, but it’s also essential to consider how these devices perform in real-world applications.

Everyday Tasks

For everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and using office productivity software, both the Apple A11 Bionic and Intel Core i5 processors offer more than enough performance. Even demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design can be handled smoothly on both platforms.

Gaming

When it comes to gaming, the Apple A11 Bionic chip holds a significant advantage over the Intel Core i5-8250U. Mobile games are typically optimized for ARM-based processors, and the A11 Bionic’s powerful GPU delivers exceptional graphics performance. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-8250U’s integrated graphics are not as capable, and gaming performance may be limited in some titles.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor to consider, especially for mobile devices. The Apple A11 Bionic chip is known for its excellent power efficiency, enabling longer battery life on iPhones and iPads. The Intel Core i5-8250U, on the other hand, consumes more power, resulting in shorter battery life in laptops and other devices.

Takeaways: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs

The Apple A11 Bionic and Intel Core i5 are both capable processors that offer excellent performance for various applications. However, their strengths and weaknesses differ, making them suitable for different use cases.

The Apple A11 Bionic is a powerful and efficient chip designed specifically for mobile devices. It excels in everyday tasks, gaming, and battery life. It is an ideal choice for users who prioritize portability and performance in a mobile form factor.

The Intel Core i5 is a versatile processor suitable for a wide range of computing needs. It offers strong performance for everyday tasks, productivity software, and even light gaming. It is a good choice for users who want a versatile device that can handle various tasks, including demanding applications like video editing and graphic design.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Apple A11 Bionic and Intel Core i5 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the type of applications you run, the importance of portability, and your budget when making a decision.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which processor is better for gaming, the Apple A11 Bionic or the Intel Core i5?

A: The Apple A11 Bionic offers better gaming performance than the Intel Core i5-8250U due to its powerful GPU and optimizations for mobile games.

Q: Which processor is more power efficient, the Apple A11 Bionic or the Intel Core i5?

A: The Apple A11 Bionic is more power efficient than the Intel Core i5-8250U, resulting in longer battery life on mobile devices.

Q: Which processor is better for video editing and graphic design, the Apple A11 Bionic or the Intel Core i5?

A: The Intel Core i5 is a better choice for video editing and graphic design due to its higher core count and dedicated graphics capabilities.

Q: Which processor is better for everyday tasks like browsing the web and using office productivity software, the Apple A11 Bionic or the Intel Core i5?

A: Both the Apple A11 Bionic and Intel Core i5 offer excellent performance for everyday tasks, so the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Q: Which processor is more affordable, the Apple A11 Bionic or the Intel Core i5?

A: The Apple A11 Bionic is typically found in mobile devices, while the Intel Core i5 is found in laptops and desktops. The cost of a device with either processor will vary depending on the specific model and configuration.