CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Intel Core i5-5257U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile processor launched in September 2020. Built on the 10nm SuperFIN process, it utilizes the Willow Cove microarchitecture. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, it operates at a 15W TDP with a base clock of 1.5 GHz and a turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz. It features the highly capable Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units, bringing significant gaming and media improvements to the ultrabook segment.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance for everyday office tasks and multitasking.
Higher base clock and 28W TDP deliver better sustained performance than 15W variants, but dual-core design still limits multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Iris 6100 was the best integrated GPU in the Broadwell-U lineup, handling older games at 720p-1080p low settings reasonably well for 2015.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Slightly better than 15W variants but still fundamentally limited by dual-core design.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
The 28W TDP reduces efficiency compared to 15W variants, requiring active cooling and reducing battery life in thin laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- No AI acceleration hardware
- GPU compute insufficient for modern AI workloads
- Not applicable for this processor generation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU allows for smooth e-sports gaming.
- Performance scales heavily with dual-channel memory.
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming at high settings.
- Iris 6100 with 48 EUs was the best Broadwell-U GPU option
- Titles like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends run at 1080p medium at 30-60 FPS
- eDRAM cache significantly helps GPU performance
- Modern games remain unplayable even at lowest settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single-core performance
- Massive leap in integrated graphics (Iris Xe 80EU)
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR4X-4267 memory
- Includes PCIe 4.0 for fast storage
Cons
- Limited to 4 cores
- Integrated graphics still weaker than entry-level discrete GPUs
- Soldered onto the motherboard (BGA package)
- Replaced quickly by 12th Gen P-series and U-series
Pros
- Best integrated GPU in Broadwell-U i5 lineup with Iris 6100
- 128MB eDRAM benefits both CPU and GPU workloads
- 2.7 GHz base clock is strong for a 2015 dual-core
- Good for Retina display driving and 4K output
- Configurable TDP for OEM flexibility
Cons
- 28W TDP limits use to larger ultrabook designs
- Only 2 physical cores with dual-core limitation
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Active cooling required in all implementations
- End-of-life with no security updates
- Not Windows 11 compatible
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1135G7
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1035G1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Provides better multi-core performance with 6 cores.
Budget alternative with 2 cores for basic office tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent 8-core alternative for heavy multitasking.
Newer 12th gen alternative with more cores and better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-5257U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-5557URival
Mobile Premium Ultrabook
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5250URival
Mobile Ultrabook
- AMD A12-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i5-6267UAlt
Skylake successor with Iris 550 and DDR4 support in the same 28W envelope.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Four cores with Iris Plus 655 for much better multi-threaded and GPU performance.
- Alt
If buying a used MacBook, the M1 MacBook Air offers dramatically better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 4600UAlt
Six cores with Vega graphics in a 15W envelope, far outperforming this chip in every metric.
Iris Xe graphics and four cores on 10nm for a modern thin-and-light experience.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A breakthrough mobile chip that brought console-like integrated graphics to thin-and-light laptops, though limited to 4 cores.
Best for: Buying a mid-range ultrabook for everyday use and light gaming.
Read the full reviewThe Iris 6100 graphics made this the most capable dual-core Broadwell-U for GPU workloads, but the 28W TDP limited it to larger ultrabook designs and it remains outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Buying a used MacBook Pro 13-inch 2015 for under $150 for basic use with a Retina display
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i5-5257U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i5-5257U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i5-5257U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1135G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (15 W), Intel Core i5-5257U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i5-5257U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i5-5257U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-1135G7 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores), Intel Core i5-5257U (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-5257U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (0), Intel Core i5-5257U (2,950). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.