In Late 2020, Apple introduced their very own first computer processor: the M1 chip. And many of us immediately wondered: is it really faster than Intel Core i-series processors? Namely, who would win the M1 vs. Intel Core i7 standoff? 

Apple M1 Chip

Apple claims their ARM-based M1 chip benchmark results show a superior performance if compared to Intel. Furthermore, they state that the M1 is basically the fastest processor available on the market today. And it sure sounds like it should be. M1 chip is an octa-core processor with four performance and four efficiency cores. In addition, it comes with eight-core graphics and a 16-core Neutral Engine, designed to provide up to 15 times faster machine learning performance. 

Because of the eight-core GPU, M1-based computers excel in graphics performance, beating the onboard quad-core Intel chips, traditionally installed on older Macbook Pro versions logic boards.

Intel i7 vs Apple M1: How Does the Intel Core i7 11th Generation Processor Compare? 

As a response to Apple, Intel has released their Tiger Lake 11th generation processors shortly after. But not only it has to withstand Apple’s competition now, Intel is also continuously challenged by their biggest rival, AMD processors. And their latest Ryzen 5000 family sure can question Intel chips’ superiority. 

Yet, Intel claims that their Core i7 11th generation processors can offer some serious power. The chip has been redesigned to improve performance and efficiency. In addition, the Tiger Lake chips come in pair with the Intel Xe graphics, allowing the CPU to almost double its benchmark stats.

But unlike the eight-core Apple M1 chip, the new Intel Core i7 is the quad-core CPU with eight threads. And even though Intel offers a higher base frequency, it still lags behind the M1. So, if we dismiss the software adaptation factor, M1 wins the Apple M1 chip vs intel i7 standoff in speed and overall performance.

Apple M1 Chip vs Intel i7: Reality Check

In reality, processor performance and speed largely depend on how you use your hardware. For example, content creators report that the latest Intel Core i7 11th generation processor is about 1.1-1.2 times faster than the Apple M1 in 4K files conversion. Intel Core i7 also outperforms the Apple M1 chip by a mile when using machine learning/AI programs. It can and does beat Apple in both native and non-native apps. And when it comes to gaming, well, Apple M1 simply can’t run many of the games. For example, Apex Legends, Halo MMC, and Overwatch fans report that they cannot run their favorite games on the M1-based Macbook. 

M1 vs Intel-Based Macs

There are a few key advantages of M1 chip-based Macbooks Pro 13 and Macbook Air laptops over the Intel ones. First, M1 is easier on the battery, yielding users almost twice as much battery life compared to Intel-based counterparts.

Apple 2020 M1 Macbook Pro laptops are more cost-effective: base model starts with $1299 instead of $1799 Macbook Pro 13 Intel Core i5 based model, for example. Fast performance paired with longer battery life and a lower price makes the M1-based model a no-brainer for most Apple Mac users.  

Yet, Intel CPU can accommodate more powerful internal hardware, supports more RAM and storage. So while the computers with Apple M1 chips will be the best choice for most people, it does not mean everyone can benefit from using one. For example, programmers and web developers, who rely on traditional apps, like Cisco, Microsoft 365, and Slack, are better off with the Intel-powered computer. The reason being is that most of these programs have yet to be optimized for the Apple M1 chip. 

Apple M1 vs Intel: Resale Value

As we have established earlier, M1-based Macbooks run cheaper than their Intel counterparts. So, naturally, this should mean that the resale value of the M1 Macbook is lower than the Intel one. But that is not necessarily the case, not yet anyway. It may be due to M1’s novelty and impressive benchmarks, but based on the resale data we have gathered so far, used M1 Macs are being sold for more money in most cases. Naturally, this trend echoes on our Gadget Salvation site. For example, the Apple MacBook Pro 13 with M1 chip and 256GB of storage can be resold for up to $614 on our website.* While the 2020 Intel Core i5 Apple Macbook Pro 13 gets up to $546 valuation.*

Final Thoughts

As we can see, Apple M1 appears to be a stiff competition to Intel’s latest Core i7 processor. And by standardized benchmarks, it definitely wins the Apple M1 chip vs Intel i7 rivalry. Besides, extended battery life and a lower cost make the M1 chip more appealing for most Apple fans. Yet, web programmers cannot take full advantage of the M1 chip, for example. As to resale value, M1 beats Intel yet again. But considering the chip is relatively new, it all can change still. So if you have a used Macbook for sale, we suggest you move forward sooner rather than later. 

*Priced on 08/04/21. Subject to change.