Intel Core i7-8550U vs Apple M4

The Intel Core i7-8550U, introduced in late 2017, was designed for energy-efficient mobile devices such as thin and light laptops, targeting the mainstream market.

It is based on the Kaby Lake U Refresh architecture and manufactured using the 14 nm process. This processor features 4 cores and 8 threads. In contrast, the Apple M4 was unveiled in mid-2024 and is aimed at professional users in Apple's high-end iPads and future Mac models.

It utilizes the advanced M4 architecture and is manufactured using the state-of-the-art 3 nm process, with up to 10 cores, consisting of 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores. In terms of computing performance, the Apple M4 shows significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance than the Intel Core i7-8550U.

The M4's architecture enables superior processing speed for demanding applications. The Intel Core i7-8550U is equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is suitable for basic graphical tasks and light gaming. The Apple M4, on the other hand, integrates a powerful Apple M4 (10 Core) GPU, offering substantially higher graphics performance for modern games and complex graphical applications.

The maximum memory bandwidth of the Apple M4 is 120 GB/s, while that of the Intel Core i7-8550U is 38 GB/s. The Intel Core i7-8550U is designed for a typical TDP of 15W, making it suitable for systems with low cooling capacity. The Apple M4 is renowned for its exceptional energy efficiency, delivering very low power consumption despite its high performance, which enables long battery life.

Since the Intel Core i7-8550U is an older processor, it can be found today in cost-effective used devices. Its price-performance ratio is good for simple tasks. The Apple M4 is a premium processor in new Apple devices, which means the entry price for a system with this chip is significantly higher, but this is justified by its superior performance and efficiency.

In summary, the Intel Core i7-8550U provides a solid foundation for everyday tasks in cost-effective systems. The Apple M4, however, is the clear choice for users seeking ultimate performance, excellent graphics performance, outstanding energy efficiency, and the benefits of the Apple ecosystem.