Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-1255U

The Apple M1, introduced in late 2020, is an Apple-designed System-on-a-Chip (ARM architecture), manufactured using a 5 nm process.

It aims for high energy efficiency and deep Apple ecosystem integration. With 8 cores, 16 MB of Level 2 cache, and an Apple M1 (8 Core) graphics unit, it offers 68 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Intel Core i7-1255U, released in early 2022, is a mobile Alder Lake U processor manufactured using a 10 nm process (Intel 7) for thin Windows laptops, designed for balanced performance.

It uses a hybrid design with 10 cores, 7 MB of Level 2 and 12 MB of Level 3 cache, an Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96 (Alder Lake) graphics unit, and 83 GB/s memory bandwidth. In single-core performance, both are comparable, with the Apple M1 slightly superior in Geekbench 6. In multi-core performance, the Apple M1 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i7-1255U in Geekbench 6, while the Intel Core i7-1255U leads in Cinebench R23.

The Apple M1 stands out for its exceptional energy efficiency; the Intel Core i7-1255U is also efficient but tends to have higher power consumption. Gaming-wise, the Apple M1 offers good performance in native titles (Apple ecosystem), while the Intel Core i7-1255U has broader Windows compatibility for casual gaming.

Price-wise, the Apple M1 is part of Apple devices, while the Intel Core i7-1255U is available in many Windows laptops. Recommendation: The Apple M1 is ideal for users who value energy efficiency and the Apple ecosystem. The Intel Core i7-1255U is for users seeking broad Windows software compatibility and solid all-around performance.