CPU Comparison
Apple M5 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M5 is an ARM-based system-on-chip built on third-generation 3nm technology, featuring up to a 10-core CPU with four performance (super) cores and six efficiency cores, an up-to-10-core GPU with per-core Neural Accelerators, a 16-core Neural Engine, and up to 32GB of LPDDR5X unified memory.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy everyday performance with solid efficiency; ideal for office, study, and light creative work.
Snappy application launching and smooth multitasking for office workloads.
Gaming
Capable of running esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization tasks, though limited by core count.
Efficiency
3nm process and efficiency cores contribute to strong battery life in fanless devices like MacBook Air and iPad Pro.
Exceptional power efficiency thanks to LP E-Cores and disaggregated tiles.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16-core Neural Engine improves inference latency for on-device models
- GPU Neural Accelerators target AI graphics workloads like image generation
- Efficient AI execution suitable to Apple Intelligence and local LLMs within memory constraints
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Supports OpenVINO
- Reduces CPU/GPU load during video calls
Content Creation
Gaming
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing supported
- Best suited for casual to mid-tier gaming at reasonable settings
- Performance constrained by integrated GPU and thermal limits in fanless chassis
- Arc Xe-LPG 64EU handles older titles well
- Supports hardware ray tracing
- Not suitable for AAA gaming at high settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong power efficiency thanks to 3nm process
- Hybrid CPU design balances snappy responsiveness and battery life
- GPU with per-core Neural Accelerators improves AI graphics performance
- 16-core Neural Engine speeds up on-device AI and Apple Intelligence
- Unified memory up to 32GB simplifies configuration for most users
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing adds realism to supported games and apps
- Fanless-capable in MacBook Air and iPad Pro designs
Cons
- Unified memory ceiling at 32GB limits very large pro workloads
- No user-overclocking or socket-upgrade path
- Apple does not disclose clock speeds or cache sizes publicly
- Multi-core gains over M4 are incremental rather than transformative
- External GPU support is limited by Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI tasks
- Improved Arc Xe-LPG graphics
- LP E-Cores extend standby time
- Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
Cons
- Limited PCIe lanes (12)
- No PCIe Gen 5 support on this model
- Multiplier is locked
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M5
- Compare head-to-headApple M4Rival
Premium Tablet/Laptop SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Windows Laptop SoC
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Thin-and-Light Laptop CPU
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Thin-and-Light Laptop CPU
- MediaTek Dimensity 9400Rival
Premium Tablet SoC
- Alt
More CPU/GPU cores, higher memory bandwidth and capacity for demanding pro workloads.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
Maximized core counts and memory bandwidth for heavy 3D, video, and AI workloads.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core Ultra 5 135U
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
Slightly lower clocks for better battery life.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7640UAlt
Strong competitor with RDNA 3 graphics.
- Intel Core i5-1340PAlt
Older architecture but higher base wattage.
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840UAlt
Better dedicated AI engine performance.
Our Verdict on Each
The base M5 balances meaningful gains in AI graphics and efficiency with modest bumps in CPU throughput, making it a compelling upgrade for M1/M2 users especially on fanless designs like MacBook Air and iPad Pro.
Best for: Upgrading from M1/M2 MacBook Air or earlier iPad Pro, and prioritizing battery life and on-device AI in a portable device.
Read the full reviewA well-balanced thin-and-light processor offering excellent battery life, capable integrated graphics, and forward-looking NPU technology.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 135U is an excellent choice for users prioritizing portability and battery life without sacrificing everyday responsiveness. If you are in the market for a thin-and-light laptop for productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, this processor offers a compelling balance. The inclusion of an NPU ensures future-proofing for upcoming Windows AI features. However, if your workflow involves heavy sustained multi-threaded rendering or high-end gaming, you should look for laptops equipped with higher-wattage H-series processors or dedicated GPUs. For the everyday professional and student, the 135U provides more than enough performance while ensuring all-day battery life.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M5 or Intel Core Ultra 5 135U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M5 comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 M5 or Intel Core Ultra 5 135U?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135U leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Apple M5 and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core Ultra 5 135U (15 W).
Do Apple M5 and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M5: BGA (SoC), Intel Core Ultra 5 135U: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 135U has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M5 (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135U (12 cores).