Apple M1 (7-GPU) vs Apple M4

The Apple M1 (7-GPU), introduced at the end of 2020, is an SoC based on the 5 nm manufacturing process with a 7-core graphics unit and 16 MB L2 cache.

It has a maximum memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s. As the first Apple Silicon chip with the architecture codename M1, it targeted a wide range of Mac devices and offered efficient performance for everyday tasks and creative applications. The Apple M4, introduced in May 2024, is a more advanced chip with the architecture codename M4, manufactured using the 3 nm process.

It integrates a 10-core graphics unit, 20 MB L2 cache, and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s. The M4 was developed for demanding workloads and AI applications and can be found in Apple's latest premium devices. Performance Comparison In single-core tests, the Apple M4 outperforms the Apple M1 (7-GPU) by over 50 percent, while achieving over 40 percent higher performance in multi-core scenarios.

This makes the M4 significantly faster for computationally intensive tasks. For gaming, the M4 offers a significantly better gaming experience with smoother frame rates thanks to its 10-core GPU and almost double the memory bandwidth. Energy Efficiency and Price-Performance Ratio Both chips are known for their energy efficiency.

The M4's 3 nm process allows it to maintain excellent efficiency despite higher performance. The Apple M1 (7-GPU) offers a very good price-performance ratio for standard applications in its currently available devices. The M4 is positioned in premium segments, which is reflected in its higher purchase price, but it also delivers top performance.