iPad Air 4. Apple describes the A14 as faster than most PC laptops and made a similar statement about the A12Z that's found in its 2020 iPad Pro. So how do these two mobile processors actually compare?
Apple's A12 processor first landed in the iPhone XS in 2018. A more powerful variant was used in the 2018 iPad Pro, the A12X. The 'X' means that more cores can be used at once, as well as other performance enhancements that Apple keeps to itself. Generally speaking, the A12X is about 60 to 70-percent faster than the A12 when it comes to dealing with demanding tasks. In 2020, Apple updated the iPhone 11 to an A13, but the newest iPad Pro stayed with an A12 variant, this time the A12Z. This version of the A12 gave it an eight‑core graphics processor that better handles 4K video editing, 3D design, and augmented reality. The A12Z is also used in the developer-only Apple Silicon Mac mini.
With the iPad Air 4, Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 is expected to arrive soon. A new iPad Pro, however, is unlikely to be seen until the first quarter of 2021. Apple released two iPad Pro sizes earlier this year. The $599 iPad Air 4 has an A14, but the $799 iPad Pro has an A12Z. What does that mean? Is the Air 4 faster than the iPad Pro? The answer is complicated. In less challenging conditions, the A14 is likely faster and has better battery efficiency and that's due to the 5 nanometer manufacturing process. The A12Z uses a 7nm process, inherently slower and less efficient. For reference, 5nm means the transitors are packed tighter and that makes electrons reach their destinations within the chip faster, while using less power. However that isn't the only important factor.
Multiple Cores & Thermal Concerns
The A14 Bionic also includes a four-core U is split evenly, with four for speed and four for energy savings. The specialization between the processors is becoming more clear and the intent behind the design can make a big difference. Since the A12Z is meant specifically for larger devices with higher capacity batteries, the processor can convert that energy into performance more easily. There are also thermal characteristics to consider. A processor meant to work in an iPhone cannot be allowed to generate great amounts of heat, due to the small chassis. The A12Z is meant to reach higher temperatures without concern, knowing it will into the larger area allowed by an iPad Pro.
Of course, there won't be an absolute comparison of the A14 and the A12Z until someone manages to run thorough laptops, perhaps that's enough to know for now.
Source: Apple