CPU Comparison
Apple M1 Pro vs Intel Core i7-1255U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. Apple M1 Pro is a 5nm ARM-based SoC with 8 performance and 2 efficiency CPU cores, up to a 16-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and up to 32GB unified memory with 200GB/s bandwidth, designed for pro laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
In pro workloads like code compilation and light-to-medium multitasking, M1 Pro completes tasks quickly and at low power.
Highly responsive for daily office tasks, with plenty of E-cores to keep background apps from slowing down the system.
Gaming
Can run esports games like League of Legends smoothly, but struggles with modern AAA titles on integrated graphics.
Virtualization
Good for light Docker containers, but 2 P-cores limit performance when running full Windows VMs.
Efficiency
High performance per watt enables long battery life and quiet operation under sustained loads.
Excellent power management ensures long battery life during typical office use.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine accelerates on-device ML tasks in apps and frameworks.
- Apple advertises 11 TOPS INT8 for M1-series Neural Engines.
- CPU and GPU also contribute to ML workloads via optimized libraries.
- No NPU
- AI workloads handled by CPU/GPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated GPU provides playable performance in many games but is not comparable to midrange dedicated GPUs.
- Limited macOS game catalog impacts practical gaming utility.
- Apple Silicon adoption improves performance in supported titles over time.
- Iris Xe 96EU handles 1080p low settings for older games
- Throttles under sustained 3D loads
- Best paired with a discrete GPU for serious gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong multi-core CPU and GPU performance in a power-efficient design.
- Excellent battery life for a pro laptop.
- Up to 32GB unified memory with high bandwidth.
- Integrated media engines with ProRes accelerators for video workflows.
- Thunderbolt 4/USB4 built into the SoC.
Cons
- RAM is not upgradable; unified memory is fixed at purchase.
- Gaming performance lags behind midrange dedicated GPUs.
- No official socket or user-configurable PCIe lanes.
- Apple does not publish TDP or official clock specifications.
- macOS-only for direct use; no boot-to-Windows support on Apple Silicon.
Pros
- Excellent performance-per-watt
- Very flexible memory support
- Good single-core burst performance
- Plenty of PCIe lanes for an ultrabook chip
- Reliable Iris Xe integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Can get warm during 55W turbo bursts
- Not suitable for gaming without a discrete GPU
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M1 Pro
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-performance laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700HRival
High-performance laptop
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
High-performance laptop
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HXRival
High-performance laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11980HKRival
Enthusiast laptop
- Alt
Newer generation with higher performance and improved efficiency in the same MacBook Pro form factors.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
More GPU cores and memory bandwidth for GPU-heavy workloads.
Compare head-to-head x86 compatibility for Windows-centric workflows.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSAlt
Strong x86 efficiency and integrated graphics for Windows laptops.
- Alt
Newer architecture with updated CPU and GPU for non-Pro users.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-1255U
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
Offers slightly higher clock speeds (4.8 GHz) for marginally better burst performance.
Compare head-to-headA more cost-effective alternative that offers very similar everyday performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter sustained performance if you can accommodate the 28W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Strong alternative with better integrated graphics efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-1355UAlt
The 13th Gen successor with refined efficiency and clock speeds.
Our Verdict on Each
M1 Pro delivers outstanding performance per watt and strong multi-core throughput for pro workloads, with highly efficient operation and excellent battery life, making it a compelling choice for creators who do not need x86.
Best for: Creator or developer needing sustained performance and battery life in a MacBook Pro (14 or 16, 2021) who can work within macOS.
Read the full reviewA highly efficient and popular 15W processor that powers a vast majority of mid-range premium ultrabooks, offering great daily responsiveness.
Best for: Buying a standard ultrabook for school or office work where you need strong battery life and snappy daily performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 Pro or Intel Core i7-1255U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M1 Pro comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Apple M1 Pro or Intel Core i7-1255U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1255U leads with a gaming performance score of 64/100 among Apple M1 Pro and Intel Core i7-1255U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-1255U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1255U (55 W).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-1255U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-1255U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.