Apple M1 (7-GPU) Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
VS

Apple M1 (7-GPU) vs Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)

Last updated:
The Apple M1 (7-GPU) and the Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) represent different generations of Apple's desktop processors, tailored to various performance requirements.

The Apple M1 (7-GPU) was established as an energy-efficient solution for a broad user base. The Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) is a newer development, designed for maximum performance in professional and demanding applications. The Apple M1 (7-GPU) is manufactured using the 5 nm process and features a 7-core GPU, 16 MB Level 2 Cache, PCIe 4.0, and a memory bandwidth of 68 GB/s.

The Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) utilizes the more advanced 3 nm process, a 12-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, 36 MB Level 2 Cache, PCIe 5.0, and a significantly higher memory bandwidth of 273 GB/s. In single-core and multi-core performance, the Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) significantly surpasses the Apple M1 (7-GPU) in all relevant benchmarks, with performance increases well over 10 percent.

This is due to the more modern architecture, higher core count, and improved efficiency. For gaming scenarios, the Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU), with its stronger 16-core GPU and significantly higher memory bandwidth, offers substantially better performance for smoother frame rates and more detailed graphics.

Regarding power consumption, the Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) benefits from the 3 nm process, which enables high efficiency per processing unit. Nevertheless, its higher overall performance under sustained load can lead to higher power consumption than the Apple M1 (7-GPU), which is known for its excellent energy efficiency in everyday tasks.

In terms of pricing, devices with the Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) are positioned in the premium segment, while the Apple M1 (7-GPU) offers a more cost-effective entry. In summary, the Apple M1 (7-GPU) is ideal for general tasks and energy-efficient operation. The Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) is the clear choice for professional users and gaming enthusiasts who require the highest computing and graphics performance.

Apple M1 (7-GPU)

  • Energy-efficient 5 nm chip
  • Solid performance for everyday tasks
  • Cost-effective entry point
  • 7-core GPU

Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)

  • Advanced 3 nm chip
  • Superior computing and graphics performance
  • High memory bandwidth and PCIe 5.0
  • Ideal for professional applications and gaming

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 2 - 64 %
Apple M1 (7-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
Multi-core performance
Rank 2 - 39 %
Apple M1 (7-GPU)
Rank 1 - 100 %
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
Cinebench 2024 Single-Core

Cinebench 2024 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 3.20 GHz
112 pts
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 4.51 GHz
176 pts
Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core

Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 3.20 GHz
509 pts
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 4.51 GHz
1,692 pts
Cinebench R23 Single-Core

Cinebench R23 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 3.20 GHz
1,503 pts
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 4.51 GHz
2,165 pts
Cinebench R23 Multi-Core

Cinebench R23 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 3.20 GHz
7,759 pts
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.60 GHz
19,288 pts
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 3.20 GHz
2,369
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 4.51 GHz
3,940
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 3.20 GHz
8,576
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 3.60 GHz
20,124
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
Apple M1 (7 Core)
2,290
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
Apple M4 Pro (16 Core)
6,410
AI performance (NPU)

AI performance (NPU)

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 0.60 GHz
11.0 TOPS
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 1.26 GHz
38.0 TOPS

More benchmarks

At a glance

Wischen
Apple M1 (7-GPU)Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
FamilyApple M series (38)Apple M series (38)
CPU groupApple M1 (9)Apple M4 (7)
ArchitectureM1M4
Technology5 nm3 nm
SegmentNotebookNotebook
Socket
PredecessorApple M3 Pro (11-CPU 14-GPU)
SuccessorApple M5 Pro (15-CPU 16-GPU)

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

Wischen
Apple M1 (7-GPU)Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
CPU Cores / Threads8 / 812 / 12
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturehybrid (big.LITTLE)hybrid (big.LITTLE)
Core Cluster 1: 4x Firestorm
0.60 - 3.20 GHz
8x Donan P-Core
1.26 - 4.51 GHz
Core Cluster 2: 4x Icestorm
0.60 - 2.06 GHz
4x Donan E-Core
1.02 - 2.59 GHz
L2-Cache16.00 MB36.00 MB
L3-Cache
Overclocking

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

Wischen
Apple M1 (7-GPU)Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
GPU nameApple M1 (7 Core)Apple M4 Pro (16 Core)
GPU frequency0.39 - 1.30 GHz0.39 - 1.58 GHz
CUs / Shader112 / 896256 / 2048
Raytracing
Max. displays23
Max. GPU Memory8 GB32 GB
Technology5 nm3 nm
Release dateQ4/2020Q4/2024

NPU AI performance

Wischen
Apple M1 (7-GPU)Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
AI hardwareApple Neural EngineApple Neural Engine
AI specifications16 Neural cores @ 11 TOPS16 Neural cores @ 38 TOPS
NPU + CPU + iGPU

Memory & PCIe

Wischen
Apple M1 (7-GPU)Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
MemoryLPDDR4X-4266 (68.2 GB/s)
LPDDR5X-8533 (273.0 GB/s)
Max. Memory16 GB64 GB
Memory channels24
ECCNoNo
PCIe4.05.0
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

Wischen
Apple M1 (7-GPU)Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
TDP18 W45 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up25 W
TDP down10 W
T. junction max.100 °C

Technical details

Wischen
Apple M1 (7-GPU)Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
Chip designMonolithicMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsmacOSmacOS, iPadOS
Instruction setArmv8.5-A (64 bit)Armv9.2-A (64 bit)
ISA extensionsRosetta 2 x86-EmulationRosetta 2 x86-Emulation, AVX2, SME
Release dateQ4/2020Q4/2024
Release price
Documents

Your rating

Here you can rate one or both of the processors. The average rating of Apple M1 (7-GPU) is 4.7 stars (71 ratings), while Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU) has received 4.8 stars (367 ratings).

Click on the stars to rate one or both processors.

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
Apple M1 (7-GPU)
8C / 8T · 0.60 - 3.20 GHz
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
Apple M4 Pro (12-CPU 16-GPU)
12C / 12T · 1.26 - 4.51 GHz

Most popular CPUs in both categories

Apple M1 (7-GPU)
Apple M1 (7-GPU)
Buy now on Amazon and save! Buy on Amazon