CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1235U vs Core i7-620LM
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.
Struggles with modern web and software.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
No modern gaming capabilities.
Virtualization
Can run a light VM, but core count is low for heavy dev work.
Lacks power for modern VMs.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency, allowing for all-day battery life in ultrabooks.
Good for 2010, obsolete now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Handles background blur and basic audio enhancement.
- Not suited for AI development or inference.
- No AI capabilities.
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.
- Ironlake graphics are too weak 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
- Good performance-per-watt for 2010
- Higher base clock than ULV models
- Included AES-NI
- Good battery life for thin-and-lights
Cons
- Extremely outdated
- Weak integrated graphics
- Soldered to motherboard
- Cannot handle modern web
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 i7-620LM
- Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600Rival
Mobile Low Power
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-430MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-640LMRival
Mobile Low Power
- AMD Phenom II P920Rival
Mobile
Modern low-power alternative.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Modern efficient mobile chip.
- Intel Core i7-2620MAlt
Sandy Bridge successor.
- Intel N100Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Alt
Modern ARM comparison.
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 solid low-power mobile CPU for 2010, but entirely obsolete for modern computing tasks.
Best for: Legacy system repair
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1235U or Core i7-620LM?
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 Core i7-620LM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1235U leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i5-1235U and Core i7-620LM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1235U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1235U (15 W), Core i7-620LM (25 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1235U and Core i7-620LM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1235U: Intel BGA 1744, Core i7-620LM: BGA 1288), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-1235U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores), Core i7-620LM (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-620LM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-620LM (1,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.