CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1215U vs Intel Core i3-1220P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1215U is a 6-core (2P+4E), 8-thread mobile processor built on the Alder Lake-U architecture, featuring UHD Graphics 64EU and a 15W base TDP for mainstream thin-and-light laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles standard office applications and web browsing smoothly. Heavier multitasking with many browser tabs and applications can show some slowdown.
The 8 E-cores handle background multitasking exceptionally well, making the system feel responsive during heavy multi-tab browsing.
Gaming
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
The Iris Xe 64EU graphics can handle older or lightweight games at low settings, but this is not a gaming processor.
Virtualization
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
The high E-core count provides decent throughput for containerized or VM workloads, though P-core limited tasks will be slower.
Efficiency
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
Excellent power efficiency for a 10-core chip. The 28 W base power and E-core dominance allow for long battery life in thin laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- 2 P-cores provide limited CPU inference capability
- Not suitable for AI or ML development workloads
- No dedicated NPU
- 10 cores provide some CPU inference capability but it is not optimized for AI
- Not recommended for AI development or training
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- Iris Xe 64EU is vastly superior to UHD Graphics 730 but still not a gaming GPU
- Can play esports titles like League of Legends and CS2 at 1080p low
- Modern AAA games will require low settings and may still struggle
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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)
Pros
- Excellent multi-tasking capability thanks to 8 E-cores
- Low 28 W power draw enables good battery life in thin laptops
- Iris Xe 64EU graphics are significantly better than desktop i3 iGPU
- 10 cores provide strong multi-threaded specs for the price tier
- Handles everyday web and office tasks with ease
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores severely limit single-threaded and active workload performance
- E-cores cannot match P-core performance in demanding applications
- 28 W base power limits sustained performance in thermally constrained chassis
- Not suitable for serious content creation or heavy productivity
- E-core heavy design can cause inconsistent performance in poorly threaded applications
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i3-1220P
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Zen 3+ Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
High-Core Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mainstream U-Series
Adds 2 more P-cores (4P+8E) for dramatically better active workload performance at a slight price premium.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewThe i3-1220P maximizes core count on a budget by using 8 E-cores, delivering excellent multitasking for thin-and-light laptops but falling short in single-threaded tasks compared to processors with more P-cores.
Best for: The i3-1220P is not a standalone purchase but a component integrated into laptops. When shopping for a thin-and-light laptop in 2022-2023, a machine with the 1220P offers a good balance of everyday performance and battery life for web browsing, office work, and media consumption. However, be aware that the 2 P-cores will limit performance in CPU-intensive applications like video editing or heavy compiling. If your laptop budget allows, stepping up to an i5-1240P or i5-12500P provides 4 P-cores and significantly better sustained performance for a modest price increase.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1215U or Intel Core i3-1220P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1220P comes out ahead with a score of 6.8/10. 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 i3-1215U or Intel Core i3-1220P?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1220P leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i3-1215U and Intel Core i3-1220P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-1215U (15 W), Intel Core i3-1220P (28 W).
Do Intel Core i3-1215U and Intel Core i3-1220P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1220P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores), Intel Core i3-1220P (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1220P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-1220P (11,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.