CPU Comparison
Core i7-1355U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1355U is a mid-premium 13th Generation Raptor Lake processor engineered for thin-and-light ultrabooks. Launched on January 4th, 2023, it features a hybrid 2+8 core layout, offering 10 cores and 12 threads. Built on Intel's 10nm process, it delivers an optimal balance of performance and power efficiency for mobile professionals. The processor boasts a base frequency of 1.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 5.0 GHz, ensuring snappy responsiveness during single-threaded tasks. It incorporates Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units, providing superior graphical performance for creative applications and casual gaming compared to lower-tier models. With a 15W base TDP and a 55W turbo power limit, it maximizes battery life during light workloads while unleashing full performance when needed. Supporting DDR5-5200 and PCIe 4.0, the 1355U ensures modern connectivity standards in highly portable form factors, making it a highly versatile chip for premium ultraportable devices.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Flawless performance for office suites, heavy browsing, and video calls.
Handles everyday office tasks and multitasking smoothly without overheating.
Gaming
Handles esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings reasonably well.
Only suitable for very light or older games. Not recommended for modern AAA gaming.
Virtualization
Can run lightweight VMs, but limited by 15W thermal envelope.
Can run basic VMs, but the 2 P-cores limit heavy virtualization performance.
Efficiency
Excellent idle power consumption and efficient multi-core scaling.
Excellent efficiency with a 15W TDP, ensuring long battery life for ultraportables.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Uses CPU and integrated GPU for AI tasks
- Supports OpenVINO for optimized inference
- Suitable for background blur and noise cancellation
- 11 TOPS NPU is suitable for background blur and noise cancellation
- Does not meet Copilot+ PC requirements
- Handles lightweight inference tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- 64 EU graphics are adequate for 2D and indie games
- Can run older AAA titles at 720p low settings
- Not designed for gaming enthusiasts
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent 15W power efficiency
- Good multitasking for everyday apps
- Quiet and cool operation
- Includes 2 LP E-cores for background tasks
- Hardware media acceleration
Cons
- Limited to 2 P-cores for heavy lifting
- Only 64 EU graphics
- 11 TOPS NPU is relatively weak
- No PCIe 5.0 support
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- Core Ultra 5 125HAlt
A better alternative if you need more CPU and graphics performance.
An even more power-efficient option for ultra-thin laptops.
Compare head-to-head- Snapdragon X PlusAlt
An ARM-based alternative offering exceptional battery life.
Our Verdict on Each
An 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 reviewA solid, efficient processor for everyday ultrabooks, offering good multitasking capabilities and decent battery life, though its NPU is modest.
Best for: Everyday ultrabook for office work and student use
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-1355U or Intel Core Ultra 5 125U?
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 is faster for gaming, Core i7-1355U or Intel Core Ultra 5 125U?
For gaming, the Core i7-1355U leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Core i7-1355U and Intel Core Ultra 5 125U.
Do Core i7-1355U and Intel Core Ultra 5 125U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1355U: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core Ultra 5 125U: Intel BGA 2049), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-1355U (10 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (12 cores).