CPU Comparison

Intel Core Ultra 5 115U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U is a highly efficient mobile processor engineered for everyday computing in ultra-thin form factors. Built on the Meteor Lake architecture, it features 8 cores and 10 threads, arranged as 2 Performance cores, 4 Efficient cores, and 2 Low-Power Efficient cores. This specific core layout is tailored for users whose workloads consist primarily of web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. The processor operates at a base clock of 1.5 GHz and can boost up to 4.2 GHz, providing adequate burst performance for demanding tasks. Its integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics, featuring 48 Execution Units, offer smooth multimedia playback and support for multiple high-resolution displays. The inclusion of a dedicated NPU with 11 TOPS ensures that AI workloads are handled efficiently, preserving battery life for everyday productivity.

Intel · Core Ultra 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
8C / 10T4.2 GHz15 W
7.8
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core Ultra 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 135U
12C / 14T4.4 GHz15 W
8.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake)
Ultra 5 (Meteor Lake)
Launched
2023
2023
Status
Active
Active
Codename
Meteor Lake
Meteor Lake
Series
Core Ultra 5
Core Ultra 5
Family
Meteor Lake
Meteor Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i5-1334U
Intel Core i5-1335U
Successor
Pending
Pending

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
8
12
Threads
10
14
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
1.6 GHz
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz
4.4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
10 MB
12 MB
TDP
15 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Meteor Lake
Meteor Lake
Process Node
7 nm (Intel 4 Compute Tile)
7 nm (Intel 4 Compute Tile)
Memory
Memory Type
DDR5 / LPDDR5X
DDR5 / LPDDR5X
Memory Speed
DDR5-5600 / LPDDR5X-7467
DDR5-5600 / LPDDR5X-7467
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
96 GB
96 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 2049
Intel BGA 2049
PCIe Version
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes
12
12
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core Ultra 5 115U80

Snappy for office apps and web browsing.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135UBest85

Snappy application launching and smooth multitasking for office workloads.

Gaming

Intel Core Ultra 5 115U50

Only suitable for very old or lightweight 2D games.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135UBest75

Capable of running esports titles and older games at 1080p medium settings.

Virtualization

Intel Core Ultra 5 115U40

Not recommended due to low core count.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135UBest70

Can handle light virtualization tasks, though limited by core count.

Efficiency

Intel Core Ultra 5 115UBest96

Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U95

Exceptional power efficiency thanks to LP E-Cores and disaggregated tiles.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core Ultra 5 115UGood
  • 11 TOPS NPU included
  • Good for background blur and noise cancellation
  • Not for heavy AI generation
Intel Core Ultra 5 135UGood
  • 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
  • Supports OpenVINO
  • Reduces CPU/GPU load during video calls

Content Creation

Intel Core Ultra 5 115UFair
Basic Photo EditingDocument CreationWeb Design
Intel Core Ultra 5 135UGood
Adobe PhotoshopLightroomPremiere Pro (1080p)OBS Streaming

Gaming

Intel Core Ultra 5 115ULow
  • 48EU graphics is entry-level
  • Fine for browser games
  • Not suitable for modern 3D titles
Intel Core Ultra 5 135UModerate
  • Arc Xe-LPG 64EU handles older titles well
  • Supports hardware ray tracing
  • Not suitable for AAA gaming at high settings

Industry Impact

Gaming
None
Low
Workstations
Low
Low
Content Creation
Low
Moderate
Virtualization
Low
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
Excellent
Video Streaming
Excellent
Light Photo Editing
Fair
Casual Gaming
Fair
Good
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Photo Editing
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core Ultra 5 115U

Pros

  • Excellent power efficiency
  • Integrated NPU for AI tasks
  • Good burst performance for daily tasks
  • Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
  • Affordable entry to Core Ultra

Cons

  • Low core count limits multitasking
  • Only 48EU graphics
  • No PCIe Gen 5 support
  • Locked multiplier
Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

Pros

  • Excellent power efficiency
  • Integrated NPU for AI tasks
  • Improved Arc Xe-LPG graphics
  • LP E-Cores extend standby time
  • Supports fast LPDDR5X memory

Cons

  • Limited PCIe lanes (12)
  • No PCIe Gen 5 support on this model
  • Multiplier is locked
  • Soldered to motherboard (BGA)

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core Ultra 5 115U

Intel Core Ultra 5 135U

  • AMD Ryzen 5 8640U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 7 7840U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core Ultra 7 155U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Apple M3

    Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Slightly lower clocks for better battery life.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7640U
    Alt

    Strong competitor with RDNA 3 graphics.

  • Intel Core i5-1340P
    Alt

    Older architecture but higher base wattage.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 8840U
    Alt

    Better dedicated AI engine performance.

Our Verdict on Each

A solid entry-level Meteor Lake chip that delivers great battery life and AI features for basic daily tasks.

Best for: The Core Ultra 5 115U is the ideal processor for students, office workers, and casual users who prioritize battery life and affordability. If your daily routine involves document editing, web conferencing, and streaming video, this CPU will handle these tasks effortlessly while providing excellent battery longevity. The integrated NPU adds value by preparing your device for future Windows AI features. However, this is not the processor for video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming; its reduced core count and 48EU graphics are not designed for heavy workloads. If you occasionally dabble in photo editing or light gaming, consider stepping up to the 135U. For purely administrative and educational tasks, the 115U offers outstanding value and efficiency.

Read the full review

A well-balanced thin-and-light processor offering excellent battery life, capable integrated graphics, and forward-looking NPU technology.

Best for: The Core Ultra 5 135U is an excellent choice for users prioritizing portability and battery life without sacrificing everyday responsiveness. If you are in the market for a thin-and-light laptop for productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, this processor offers a compelling balance. The inclusion of an NPU ensures future-proofing for upcoming Windows AI features. However, if your workflow involves heavy sustained multi-threaded rendering or high-end gaming, you should look for laptops equipped with higher-wattage H-series processors or dedicated GPUs. For the everyday professional and student, the 135U provides more than enough performance while ensuring all-day battery life.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 5 115U or Intel Core Ultra 5 135U?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135U comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 Ultra 5 115U or Intel Core Ultra 5 135U?

For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135U leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core Ultra 5 115U and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U.

Do Intel Core Ultra 5 115U and Intel Core Ultra 5 135U use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2049 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core Ultra 5 135U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (8 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 135U (12 cores).