CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1235U vs Intel Core i5-1240U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1235U is a low-power mobile processor from the 12th Generation Alder Lake-U family, launched in February 2022.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and heavy browser tabs effortlessly.
Handles office tasks and browser tabs well, though burst limits are low.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
Only suitable for 2D or very old 3D games at low resolutions.
Virtualization
Can run a light VM, but core count is low for heavy dev work.
Can run a light VM, but heavily constrained by the 9W power limit.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency, allowing for all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Exceptional efficiency, allowing for multi-day battery life in small batteries.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Handles background blur and basic audio enhancement.
- Not suited for AI development or inference.
- Handles basic background blur.
- Not suited for any demanding AI workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU is sufficient for hardware video decoding.
- Not recommended for 3D gaming.
- Can handle Minecraft or CS:GO at low settings.
- iGPU is capped at 900 MHz to save power.
- Best for hardware video decoding and simple 2D games.
- Not suitable for 3D gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency (15W base TDP)
- 10 cores provide great multitasking
- Supports fast LPDDR5 memory
- Good single-core burst performance
- Hardware AV1 decoding
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy workloads
- Basic integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to the motherboard
Pros
- Exceptional 9W power efficiency
- Allows for silent, fanless designs
- 10 cores for great everyday multitasking
- Supports LPDDR5 memory
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Very low boost power limit (29W)
- iGPU clocked very low (900 MHz)
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
- Soldered to the motherboard
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1235U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5825URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
Even lower power (9W) for longer battery life in thinner designs.
Compare head-to-headBetter sustained performance if you need more multi-core power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 6600UAlt
Better integrated graphics for light gaming.
- Alt
Superior efficiency and battery life in the Apple ecosystem.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-1240U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5425URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-1215URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1250URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
Higher base power (15W) for slightly better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Industry-leading efficiency and performance for fanless designs.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 6600UAlt
Better iGPU and higher power for standard thin-and-lights.
More threads and higher clocks if you need slightly more power.
Compare head-to-headBudget alternative for basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 15W processor that brings 10-core hybrid architecture to mainstream laptops, offering excellent battery life and solid daily performance.
Best for: Buying a thin-and-light laptop for school, office work, or general everyday use.
Read the full reviewA highly efficient 9W processor that balances 10-core multitasking with extreme battery life, perfect for the most portable form factors.
Best for: Buying an ultra-thin 2-in-1 convertible or a fanless tablet for note-taking and travel.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1235U or Intel Core i5-1240U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1235U comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i5-1235U or Intel Core i5-1240U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1235U leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-1235U and Intel Core i5-1240U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1240U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1235U (15 W), Intel Core i5-1240U (9 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1235U and Intel Core i5-1240U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1235U: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core i5-1240U: Intel BGA 1781), so each needs a compatible motherboard.