CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1235U vs Core i5-1245U
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.
Excellent for office apps, heavy browsing, and light coding.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
Good for casual and older titles at 1080p low settings.
Virtualization
Can run a light VM, but core count is low for heavy dev work.
Can handle light VMs, but memory bandwidth is a limit.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency, allowing for all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Dynamic power management ensures excellent battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Handles background blur and basic audio enhancement.
- Not suited for AI development or inference.
- Intel GNA 3.0 for background AI tasks
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.
- Can run eSports titles at 60fps
- Shares system memory, so RAM speed affects FPS
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
- Excellent balance of performance and 15W power draw
- 10 cores for heavy multitasking
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Strong single-core performance for an ultrabook chip
- Good integrated graphics
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy gaming
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
- Can run warm under sustained all-core loads
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
Core i5-1245U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5825URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
Better graphics and slightly higher clocks for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-headMore P-cores for better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
Lower TDP variant for ultimate portability.
Budget alternative for basic office 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 U-series processor that hits the sweet spot for everyday productivity and portable computing.
Best for: Mainstream thin-and-light laptops
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1235U or Core i5-1245U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-1245U comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. 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 Core i5-1245U?
For gaming, the Core i5-1245U leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1235U and Core i5-1245U.
Do Intel Core i5-1235U and Core i5-1245U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-1245U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-1245U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.