CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1125G4 vs Intel Core i3-1215U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1125G4 is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile processor utilizing the 10nm Willow Cove architecture and Iris Xe-LP G4 graphics, offering a strong balance of efficiency and multitasking for mainstream thin-and-light laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Four cores handle office suites, video conferencing, and moderate multitasking with ease.
Handles standard office applications and web browsing smoothly. Heavier multitasking with many browser tabs and applications can show some slowdown.
Gaming
The Iris Xe GPU can handle e-sports titles like League of Legends and CS:GO at 1080p low, but it is not meant for modern AAA gaming.
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Virtualization
Can run a single lightweight virtual machine or Docker containers, but 8 threads limit heavy virtualization.
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency when paired with LPDDR4X memory, allowing for long battery life in ultrabooks.
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU
- DLBoost provides some AI inference acceleration but is largely superseded by modern standards
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- 2 P-cores provide limited CPU inference capability
- Not suitable for AI or ML development workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Playable frame rates in older e-sports titles at 1080p low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA games
- Performance varies heavily based on laptop cooling and cTDP settings
- Not designed for gaming workloads
- UHD 64EU can manage 2D games and very basic 3D
- Modern AAA titles will not run at playable frame rates
- Older eSports titles at lowest settings may be marginally playable
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 4 cores and 8 threads provide solid multitasking capability
- Iris Xe-LP graphics are highly capable for integrated silicon
- Configurable TDP allows balance between battery life and performance
- Supports both DDR4 and power-efficient LPDDR4X
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast storage
Cons
- Now end-of-life and superseded by 12th-gen parts
- Single-thread performance is lower than newer Alder Lake chips
- No hybrid core architecture like subsequent generations
- 28 W PL2 is relatively low for sustained performance bursts
- Only 8 threads limit heavy professional workloads
Pros
- Hybrid architecture brings efficiency gains to the i3 tier
- 2 P-cores provide responsive single-threaded performance
- 4 E-cores handle background tasks without waking P-cores
- Broad memory compatibility for OEM flexibility
- 15W TDP enables excellent battery life
- 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes for fast storage
Cons
- Only 8 threads limit heavy multitasking
- 15W base power constrains sustained performance
- E-cores lack Hyper-Threading
- UHD 64EU integrated graphics are weak for 3D workloads
- BGA package means no CPU upgrade path
- E-core L2 cache is 2MB per module (less than Raptor Lake's 4MB)
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-1125G4
- AMD Ryzen 3 5400URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Premium Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Premium Laptop
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2Rival
Always Connected PC
The direct 12th-gen successor featuring hybrid P-cores and E-cores for much better multi-threaded performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
An 8-core option for users needing maximum battery life and multi-core performance in a thin laptop.
Intel Core i3-1215U
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mainstream Mobile
- Apple M1 (base)Rival
Premium Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mid-Range Mobile
Raptor Cove P-cores offer better IPC and higher boost clocks for similar power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Zen 3 architecture provides competitive efficiency for basic computing tasks.
- Apple M1 (base MacBook Air)Alt
Dramatically better performance per watt and battery life at a higher price point.
Our Verdict on Each
The i3-1125G4 was an excellent mainstream mobile processor in 2021, bringing 4 cores and 8 threads to the i3 laptop tier alongside a significant iGPU upgrade, though it has since been surpassed by 12th-gen parts.
Best for: You should only consider buying a laptop with the i3-1125G4 today if it is being offered at a significant, heavily discounted clearance price. At launch, it was a fantastic chip for students and office workers, offering enough power for daily tasks and capable integrated graphics. However, as an end-of-life product, paying standard retail pricing for it is unwise. The newer 12th-generation i3-1215U offers hybrid P-cores and E-cores for similar money, providing much better performance and longevity. If you find a used 1125G4 laptop incredibly cheap, it remains a perfectly viable machine for web browsing and document editing.
Read the full reviewA competent entry-level hybrid mobile chip that introduced the P+E architecture to the i3 laptop segment. Adequate for everyday tasks, though the 8-thread ceiling and 15W power limit constrain heavier workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a budget to mid-range laptop in 2022-2023 for everyday tasks, schoolwork, and office use where battery life matters more than raw performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1125G4 or Intel Core i3-1215U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 comes out ahead with a score of 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, Intel Core i3-1125G4 or Intel Core i3-1215U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i3-1125G4 and Intel Core i3-1215U.
Do Intel Core i3-1125G4 and Intel Core i3-1215U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1125G4: BGA 1449, Intel Core i3-1215U: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (4 cores), Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1125G4 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.