Apple M2 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

The Apple M2 is a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) developed by Apple. It is primarily used in Apple's own devices such as MacBooks, Mac Minis, and iPads, and targets users who value high energy efficiency and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem.

The Apple M2 is manufactured using an advanced 5 nm process. It features a Unified Memory Architecture that allows CPU, GPU, and other components to use the same memory space, resulting in a high memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s. The processor integrates a 20 MB Level 2 Cache. In benchmarks, the Apple M2 shows strong single-core performance, which in some tests is superior to or on par with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, but inferior in another significant test.

In multi-core performance, the Apple M2 lags behind the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H in all relevant tests. The integrated graphics unit, the Apple M2 (10 Core), offers good performance for games optimized for the macOS ecosystem, enabling a smooth gaming experience in many titles.

The Apple M2 is known for its outstanding energy efficiency. It operates with a low thermal design power (TDP), leading to longer battery life in mobile devices and quiet systems. The price-performance ratio must be considered within the context of the closed Apple ecosystem, as the processor is tightly integrated into the devices and derives its value from overall integration and efficiency.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, based on the Meteor Lake H architecture, is a processor from Intel designed for high-performance laptops. It targets users seeking versatile performance for productivity, content creation, and gaming in a Windows-based system, often with a focus on AI acceleration. This processor is manufactured using a 7 nm process and utilizes a hybrid architecture with performance, efficiency, and low-power efficiency cores.

It features an 18 MB Level 2 Cache and a 24 MB Level 3 Cache. The maximum memory bandwidth is 120 GB/s. Compared to the Apple M2, the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H shows significantly higher multi-core performance in all relevant benchmarks. Its single-core performance is superior in one significant test, while in other tests it is close to or slightly below the Apple M2.

The integrated graphics unit, the Intel Iris Xe 8 Core Graphics 128 EUs (Meteor Lake), offers solid performance for moderate gaming requirements and broad compatibility with a variety of Windows games thanks to comprehensive driver support. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is also designed for energy efficiency but offers a higher configurable thermal design power (TDP) to enable peak performance when needed.

It integrates a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for efficient AI tasks. The processor is part of an open ecosystem, meaning that its price-performance ratio largely depends on the specific laptop manufacturer and the overall configuration. It offers flexibility in device selection. In summary, the Apple M2 offers excellent energy efficiency and tight integration into the Apple ecosystem, making it ideal for users who value battery life and a seamless user experience.

Its single-core performance is very strong in specific applications. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, on the other hand, impresses with superior multi-core performance, broader software compatibility through the Windows ecosystem, and dedicated hardware for AI tasks. It is the better choice for users who require maximum computing power in multitasking scenarios, content creation, or a wide selection of games on Windows.