CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-1265U vs Core i7-1355U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1265U is a 15W mobile processor offering a balanced 10-core hybrid architecture for standard premium ultrabooks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Extremely responsive for daily tasks, with enough E-cores to handle background downloads and syncs seamlessly.
Flawless performance for office suites, heavy browsing, and video calls.
Gaming
Can handle esports titles at 1080p medium settings, but thermal limits in thin laptops will cause throttling.
Handles esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings reasonably well.
Virtualization
Capable of light VM work for development, but limited by the 2 P-cores under heavy loads.
Can run lightweight VMs, but limited by 15W thermal envelope.
Efficiency
Excellent idle efficiency and low-power state management provide all-day battery life.
Excellent idle power consumption and efficient multi-core scaling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- CPU and GPU handle AI inference
- No dedicated NPU
- Uses CPU and integrated GPU for AI tasks
- Supports OpenVINO for optimized inference
- Suitable for background blur and noise cancellation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 96EU provides decent 1080p low-setting performance
- Thermal throttling is common in thin chassis
- Not a replacement for a discrete GPU
- Capable of 60fps in games like CS:GO and League of Legends
- Struggles with modern AAA titles
- Shares system memory, so DDR5 improves frame rates
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent performance-per-watt ratio
- Supports a wide variety of memory standards
- High 4.8 GHz single-core boost
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for fast storage
- Strong Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy multi-threaded tasks
- Soldered BGA 1744 package
- Throttles quickly under sustained 55W turbo loads
- Not suitable for high-end gaming
Pros
- Strong 5.0 GHz single-core burst
- Excellent power efficiency
- Iris Xe 96EU graphics
- Modern DDR5 and PCIe 4.0 support
- Great value for ultrabook performance
Cons
- Not unlocked
- Limited to 8 PCIe lanes from CPU
- Soldered to motherboard
- Throttles under sustained multi-core loads
- Only 2 P-cores limits heavy multitasking
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-1265U
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
A slightly cheaper 15W alternative with near-identical performance.
Compare head-to-headOffers better sustained performance if you have the cooling for 28W.
Compare head-to-headBetter value for money for users who don't need maximum clock speeds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Excellent alternative with superior battery life and integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i7-1365UAlt
The 13th Gen successor with slightly better clock speeds and efficiency.
Core i7-1355U
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1365URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-1345URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-1335UAlt
A more affordable option with slightly lower clocks but similar architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Better raw multi-core performance and efficiency in the same TDP class.
- Apple M1 AirAlt
Offers unmatched fanless efficiency and battery life for basic productivity.
Newer Meteor Lake chip with better idle battery life and integrated AI.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 15W processor that delivers excellent everyday responsiveness and battery life, making it a staple for premium ultrabooks.
Best for: Purchasing a premium ultrabook where battery life and daily responsiveness are the main goals.
Read the full reviewAn excellent mobile CPU that hits the sweet spot between price and performance for everyday ultrabook users.
Best for: Buying a mid-range premium ultrabook for school or office work
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-1265U or Core i7-1355U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1355U 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 uses less power?
The Core i7-1355U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1265U (55 W), Core i7-1355U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-1265U and Core i7-1355U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1744 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.