CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-1255U vs Intel Core i7-1260P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1255U is a 15W mobile processor featuring a 10-core hybrid design, tailored for standard ultrabooks balancing performance and battery life.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Highly responsive for daily office tasks, with plenty of E-cores to keep background apps from slowing down the system.
Excels at multitasking, heavy office workloads, and web browsing with dozens of tabs open.
Gaming
Can run esports games like League of Legends smoothly, but struggles with modern AAA titles on integrated graphics.
Handles esports titles and older games at 1080p well, but struggles with demanding AAA titles without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good for light Docker containers, but 2 P-cores limit performance when running full Windows VMs.
Capable of running local virtual machines for development purposes, though limited by memory bandwidth.
Efficiency
Excellent power management ensures long battery life during typical office use.
The E-cores provide excellent idle and low-load efficiency, extending battery life significantly.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU
- AI workloads handled by CPU/GPU
- Uses CPU-based inference for AI workloads
- Lacks a dedicated NPU found in later Meteor Lake generations
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 96EU handles 1080p low settings for older games
- Throttles under sustained 3D loads
- Best paired with a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- Relies on Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
- Suitable for Minecraft, CS:GO, and League of Legends
- Not recommended for modern AAA gaming without discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent performance-per-watt
- Very flexible memory support
- Good single-core burst performance
- Plenty of PCIe lanes for an ultrabook chip
- Reliable Iris Xe integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Can get warm during 55W turbo bursts
- Not suitable for gaming without a discrete GPU
Pros
- Excellent multi-core performance for a 28W chip
- Hybrid architecture improves multitasking heavily
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Strong integrated graphics (96EU)
- Good sustained performance in well-cooled chassis
Cons
- 28W base TDP requires decent cooling
- No unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- Battery life is shorter than 15W U-series equivalents
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-1255U
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
Offers slightly higher clock speeds (4.8 GHz) for marginally better burst performance.
Compare head-to-headA more cost-effective alternative that offers very similar everyday performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter sustained performance if you can accommodate the 28W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Strong alternative with better integrated graphics efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-1355UAlt
The 13th Gen successor with refined efficiency and clock speeds.
Intel Core i7-1260P
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
Offers slightly higher clock speeds for marginally better performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter battery life in thinner chassis due to 15W TDP.
Compare head-to-headSimilar P-core count but lower price point in laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Excellent efficiency and integrated graphics performance.
Lower power consumption variant for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient and popular 15W processor that powers a vast majority of mid-range premium ultrabooks, offering great daily responsiveness.
Best for: Buying a standard ultrabook for school or office work where you need strong battery life and snappy daily performance.
Read the full reviewA highly capable mobile processor that brought desktop-class hybrid architecture to thin-and-light laptops, offering excellent multi-core scaling.
Best for: Purchasing a used or discounted premium ultrabook from 2022.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-1255U or Intel Core i7-1260P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-1260P 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 i7-1255U or Intel Core i7-1260P?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1260P leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-1255U and Intel Core i7-1260P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-1255U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1255U (55 W), Intel Core i7-1260P (64 W).
Do Intel Core i7-1255U and Intel Core i7-1260P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-1260P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-1255U (10 cores), Intel Core i7-1260P (12 cores).