Intel Core i7-1265U vs Apple M4

The Intel Core i7-1265U, based on the Alder Lake U architecture, was introduced in the first quarter of 2022 and is aimed at energy-efficient, slim notebooks for everyday tasks and productivity.

The Apple M4, introduced in the second quarter of 2024, is a high-performance System-on-a-Chip (SoC) for the Apple ecosystem, known for its efficiency and computing power in mobile devices such as the iPad Pro.

The Intel Core i7-1265U is manufactured using the 10 nm process (Intel 7) and utilizes a hybrid architecture with two performance cores and eight efficient cores, enabling a total of 12 threads. It features 7 MB L2 cache and 12 MB L3 cache. The Apple M4 is manufactured using a more advanced 3 nm process.

It integrates up to 10 cores, divided into four performance cores and six efficient cores, and has 20 MB L2 cache. An L3 cache is not separately listed here. In the Geekbench 6 benchmark, the Apple M4 shows significantly higher single-core performance, surpassing the Intel Core i7-1265U by more than 10 percent.

For multi-core performance, the Apple M4 also delivers significantly higher computing power, greatly exceeding the Intel Core i7-1265U in this benchmark. This indicates superior processing capability of the Apple M4 for demanding applications. For gaming scenarios, both processors are primarily designed for efficiency and not for high-end games.

The Intel Core i7-1265U integrates an Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96 (Alder Lake) unit, suitable for casual gaming and light graphics applications. The Apple M4 features an integrated Apple M4 (10 Core) graphics unit. Thanks to its modern architecture, high memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s, and tight integration into the system, the Apple M4 generally offers superior graphics performance for optimized games and applications in the Apple ecosystem.

The memory bandwidth of the Intel Core i7-1265U is 83 GB/s. The Intel Core i7-1265U, as a U-series processor, is optimized for low power consumption, with a typical TDP in the range of 15 watts. The Apple M4 is known for its exceptional energy efficiency, enabled by the 3 nm manufacturing process and ARM architecture.

It delivers high performance with very low power consumption, making it particularly attractive for mobile devices. The Intel Core i7-1265U is available in a variety of Windows-based notebooks, meaning the price-performance ratio heavily depends on the specific device. The Apple M4 is exclusively available in Apple's products, such as the current iPad Pro.

Direct individual purchase is not possible. The price-performance ratio of the Apple M4 is therefore tied to the premium segment of Apple devices, which offer high performance and efficiency. The Intel Core i7-1265U stands out for its wide availability in the Windows world and offers solid performance for everyday tasks and most productivity applications.

It is a reliable choice for users looking for a versatile Windows notebook. The Apple M4 impresses with its outstanding single-core and multi-core performance, industry-leading energy efficiency, and powerful integrated graphics unit. It is the ideal choice for users who require maximum mobile performance for creative applications, demanding multitasking, and the Apple ecosystem.