CPU Comparison
Core 5 220H vs Core 7 150U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 5 220H is a 12-core mobile processor featuring a hybrid architecture of 4 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores, designed to deliver balanced multitasking and entry-level creator capabilities in thin-and-light laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 12-core design excels at keeping multiple applications responsive simultaneously.
Handles office suites and web applications with ease,得益于 the efficient core layout.
Gaming
Can handle older esports titles and lightweight games smoothly at 1080p using the integrated Iris Xe graphics, but struggles with modern AAA releases.
Virtualization
Sufficient for running a couple of light virtual machines or containers for development testing.
Efficiency
The 10nm process handles idle and light loads well, though the 115W PL2 limit generates heat under sustained multi-core loads.
Very competitive power efficiency within the 15W TDP limit.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks a dedicated NPU for AI offloading
- AI workloads run entirely on the CPU or integrated GPU
- Suitable only for basic local inference tasks
- Lacks a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
- Relies on CPU and GPU for AI inference tasks.
- Gaussian NPU acceleration is not present on this silicon.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies entirely on Intel Iris Xe 80EU integrated graphics
- Playable frame rates in titles like League of Legends and CS2
- Not intended for high-fidelity modern gaming without a discrete GPU
- Iris Xe graphics are suitable for esports titles like League of Legends.
- AAA titles will require low settings and 720p resolution.
- Performance heavily dependent on dual-channel memory configuration.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 12 cores provide excellent multitasking capability
- Strong integrated Iris Xe 80EU graphics
- Support for fast LPDDR5 memory
- PCIe Gen 5.0 readiness for future storage
- Good balance of base and boost frequencies
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated NPU for AI tasks
- 10nm process is less efficient than newer competitors
- Relies on OEMs for adequate cooling to sustain PL2
- Integrated graphics are insufficient for modern AAA gaming
- Locked multiplier limits tuning
Pros
- Excellent efficiency for battery life
- Strong single-core burst performance
- 10 cores provide smooth multitasking
- Support for fast DDR5/LPDDR5 memory
- Mature and reliable Intel 7 process node
Cons
- No dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
- Integrated graphics are limited compared to modern Arc iGPUs
- Performance heavily throttles under sustained loads
- BGA socket means it cannot be upgraded
- Multimedia performance lags behind H-series chips
Competitors & Alternatives
Core 5 220H
- AMD Ryzen 5 8540HSRival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730HSRival
Performance Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Efficiency Mobile
Better battery life for purely office-focused laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 8540UAlt
Superior power efficiency and built-in NPU for AI features.
Newer architecture with dedicated NPU and better integrated Arc graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Core 7 150U
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HRival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
Lower cost option for basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7640UAlt
Better integrated graphics for casual gaming.
Includes NPU and Arc graphics for modern AI workloads.
Compare head-to-head- Apple MacBook Air M3Alt
Superior battery life and efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-1355UAlt
Nearly identical performance at a potentially lower price.
Our Verdict on Each
The Core 5 220H provides a solid step up from basic processors by offering 12 cores and Iris Xe graphics, making it a practical choice for users who need more headroom than a standard U-series chip but do not require extreme gaming performance.
Best for: Purchasing a mid-range laptop for school, office work, and light creative hobbies
Read the full reviewA solid incremental update over previous generations, offering excellent multi-core efficiency for a 15W chip, though it lacks the AI capabilities of the newer Core Ultra series.
Best for: Buying a thin-and-light laptop for work or study in 2024.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core 5 220H or Core 7 150U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core 7 150U comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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, Core 5 220H or Core 7 150U?
For gaming, the Core 5 220H leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Core 5 220H and Core 7 150U.
Which uses less power?
The Core 7 150U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core 5 220H (45 W), Core 7 150U (15 W).
Do Core 5 220H and Core 7 150U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Core 5 220H has the most cores. Core counts: Core 5 220H (12 cores), Core 7 150U (10 cores).