CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4250U vs Intel Core i5-4288U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4250U is a specialized dual-core mobile processor released in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) family. While it shares the same 15-watt TDP and dual-core, four-thread configuration as other U-series chips, it distinguishes itself by integrating Intel HD Graphics 5000 instead of the standard HD 4400. This graphics upgrade features 40 execution units, double the amount found in the 4400, making it highly capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks for its form factor. Operating at a base clock of 1.3 GHz with a turbo boost up to 2.6 GHz, it was optimized for systems that required better graphical output without sacrificing battery life. This specific chip was heavily favored by Apple for its 2013 MacBook Air lineup, where its efficient power consumption and enhanced integrated graphics provided an excellent balance of performance and longevity for on-the-go users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
CPU performance is low.
Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.
Gaming
Better than standard U-series due to HD 5000.
Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
Basic VM support.
Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.
Efficiency
Excellent battery life.
The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can run old games better than HD 4400.
- HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today
- Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12_1
- Suitable only for retro or extremely light gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- HD 5000 graphics were class-leading
- Great battery life
- Perfect for 2013 MacBook Air
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Soldered to motherboard
- No modern OS support
- Low base clock
Pros
- Good integrated graphics for its era
- 28W TDP offers better sustained performance than 15W chips
- Supports Hyper-Threading
- Solid single-thread performance for basic tasks
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- End-of-life and unsupported by modern OS standards
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Limited to DDR3 memory
- Weak by modern mobile standards
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4250U
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4650URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4610YRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4260UAlt
Slightly faster version for MacBooks.
- Intel Core i5-8210YAlt
Modern MacBook Air alternative.
- Alt
Lightyears ahead in performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Cheap modern Windows alternative.
Intel Core i5-4288U
- AMD A10-5757MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4650URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5357MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen mobile chip with 4 cores that can be found in cheap used laptops.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
A budget modern mobile alternative with better Vega graphics.
A modern dual-core that massively outperforms this chip in single and multi-core.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
If looking at older MacBooks, the M1 offers a revolutionary leap in performance and battery.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
A modern hexa-core mobile chip offering immense value in the used market.
Our Verdict on Each
Superior integrated graphics for its era, but the CPU component is now obsolete.
Best for: Used 2013 MacBook Air for basic typing
Read the full reviewA capable processor for its time that brought console-class integrated graphics to thin laptops, though it is heavily outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap, used laptop strictly for basic web browsing or as a typewriter.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4250U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4288U comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i5-4250U or Intel Core i5-4288U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4288U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-4250U and Intel Core i5-4288U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4250U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4250U (15 W), Intel Core i5-4288U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4250U and Intel Core i5-4288U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4250U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4250U (2,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.