M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5: Comparing Key Specs, Features & More

Are you considering upgrading to a high-end CPU but can’t decide between the sleek M4 and the dependable Intel Core Ultra 5 processors? Well, you’ve come to the right spot! In this in-depth comparison, we’ll, in fact, break down the key specs, features, and performance differences between these two amazing processors. Furthermore, we’ll compare M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 and, ultimately, guide you in finding out which of these contenders is just right for you.

M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5: Comparing Key Features

The busy tech’s M4 chip and Intel’s Core Ultra 5 processor really shine with their special features and abilities. Firstly, let’s dive into what makes these two heavyweights different from each other.

• Price and Value Comparison

Apple M4:

• Price: You’re looking at around $382 for devices like the iPad Pro 13″ with 256GB of storage.
• Value: The M4 packs a punch with high performance and advanced graphics capabilities. While simultaneously it keeps power consumption efficient. It’s tailored for creative and professional users, making it a fantastic choice if you’re after top-tier performance in a portable device.

Intel Core Ultra 5

• Price: This one comes in at approximately $144 for laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5, featuring 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
• Value: The Ultra 5 offers solid performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and AI/machine learning applications. Moreover, it strikes a great balance between performance and cost, perfect for those who want good value without breaking the bank.

• Architecture and Design

M4 Chip

• Process Technology: Built using second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the M4 chip boasts 28 billion transistors. This design not only enhances power efficiency but also keeps things sleek, making it a perfect fit for the new iPad Pro.
• Architecture: The M4 is a system-on-a-chip (SoC), integrating a new CPU and GPU architecture that’s all about performance-per-watt efficiency.

Intel Core Ultra 5

• Process Technology: In contrast, the Ultra 5 is crafted with Intel’s 4 lithography, sporting 14 cores split between performance and efficient cores.
• Architecture: This processor uses a hybrid architecture, combining 4 performance cores and 10 efficient cores to optimize for both heavy tasks and energy efficiency.

• Performance
  

M4 Chip

• CPU Performance: Featuring a 10-core CPU, the M4 is up to 1.5 times faster than its predecessor, the M2. It’s designed to handle demanding applications like music production and video editing with ease.
• GPU Capabilities: The new 10-core GPU comes with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, giving a significant boost to gaming and graphics performance. Plus, it includes Dynamic Caching for optimizing memory usage in real-time.

Intel Core Ultra 5

• CPU Performance: With a max turbo frequency of 4.5 GHz and 18 threads, the Ultra 5 shines in multi-threaded applications. It’s built to tackle demanding tasks like video rendering and gaming without breaking a sweat.
• GPU Capabilities: It features integrated Intel Arc graphics that support hardware-accelerated ray tracing with a dynamic frequency of 2.2 GHz, ensuring smooth performance for graphics-heavy applications.

• Graphics Performance

Apple M4

• Integrated GPU: The M4’s 10-core GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading.
• Performance: It’s designed for high performance in both professional and personal applications, delivering smooth experiences for video editing, 3D rendering, and modern gaming.
• Efficiency: Thanks to the 3nm process, it offers outstanding power efficiency, which translates to long battery life for portable devices like the iPad Pro.

Intel Core Ultra 5

• Integrated GPU: Equipped with Intel Iris Xe Graphics and 112 execution units (EUs), it’s decent for everyday use.
• Performance: It handles everyday tasks and light gaming quite well. However, if you’re a serious gamer, you might find it lacking for high-end gaming or intensive graphics work.
• Efficiency: Built on a 7nm process, it delivers good power efficiency but doesn’t quite match the M4’s performance-per-watt.

• AI and Machine Learning

M4 Chip

• Neural Engine: The M4 boasts Apple’s fastest Neural Engine, capable of processing 38 trillion operations per second. This makes it a powerhouse for AI tasks, like real-time audio captions and video subject isolation.
• Machine Learning Accelerators: The next-gen ML accelerators in the CPU further enhance its AI capabilities, making it a top choice for creative pros.

Intel Core Ultra 5

• AI Features: The Ultra 5 comes with Intel’s Deep Learning Boost technology and supports various AI software frameworks like OpenVINO and ONNX. However, it doesn’t quite measure up to the M4 in terms of AI capabilities, especially for mobile applications.
• Deep Learning Boost: It supports Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost), which significantly enhances AI inference performance.

• Power Efficiency

Apple M4

• Efficiency cores: The M4 comes with efficiency cores that run at lower clock speeds, using less power while still keeping up performance.
• Performance per Watt: Apple says that the M4 offers the same performance as the M2 but only uses half the power.

Intel Core Ultra 5

• Efficient cores: The Ultra 5 includes efficient cores that help cut down power use during lighter tasks.
• Base and Turbo Frequencies: The Ultra 5 has a base power of 28W and can go up to a maximum turbo power of 115W, striking a balance between performance and power use.

• Best Suited Workloads and Applications

Apple M4

• Creative Work: Perfect for applications like Final Cut Pro for iPad, Logic Pro for iPad, Procreate, and Ferrite Recording Studio, making it a dream for creative professionals.
• Gaming: High-end games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Civilization VI really benefit from the M4’s advanced graphics capabilities, offering an immersive gaming experience.
• Multitasking: With its increased core count and efficient cores, it’s excellent for multitasking, allowing users to juggle multiple demanding applications simultaneously without a hitch.

Intel Core Ultra 5

• Everyday Computing: This is ideal for web browsing, office applications, and media consumption, making it a great fit for casual users.
• Light Gaming: Next, it’s capable of handling casual gaming but might not cut it for more demanding titles.
• AI and Machine Learning: Supports frameworks like OpenVINO, WindowsML, DirectML, and ONNX RT, catering to users engaged in machine learning tasks.
  

Side-by-Side Specs: Apple M4 vs. Intel Core Ultra 5

Check out this table down below that lays out the main specs and features of the Apple M4 chip and the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor. In addition, it provides a clear comparison to help you understand their differences:

Apple M4 VS Intel Core Ultra 5: Which Should You Choose?

Basically, whether you pick the Apple M4 or the Intel Core Ultra 5 really boils down to your needs.

Opt for Apple M4 If:

• Creative Professionals: First and foremost, it’s a fantastic choice for video editing, graphic design, and other resource-heavy creative applications.
• High-End Gaming: Moreover, it offers excellent performance for modern games with advanced graphics features.
• Efficiency: Additionally, you’ll enjoy superior power efficiency, leading to better battery life in portable devices.
  Integrated Ecosystem: Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with other Apple products and services.

Choose Intel Core Ultra 5 If:

• Everyday Computing: In contrast, it’s great for tasks like browsing, office work, and streaming media.
• Budget-Friendly: Specifically, if you’re after good performance without splurging, the Ultra 5 offers solid value.
• Decent Gaming: Finally, it’s capable of light gaming and handles casual applications well, making it suitable for general users.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, M4 VS Intel Core Ultra 5 Battle: if you’re after performance, efficiency, and cutting-edge features, the M4 is likely your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an affordable and solid performer for everyday tasks, the Intel Core Ultra 5 is a great choice. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal needs, preferences, and budget.

FAQ

1. Which processor offers better integrated graphics, the M4 or Intel Core Ultra 5?

The M4 clearly performs better when it comes to graphics. Thus, you don’t need an extra GPU for gaming if you have M4.  That being said, you can play casual games and perform everyday tasks with Intel Core Ultra 5. 

2. Which processor supports more RAM: M4 or Intel Core Ultra 5?

In comparison, the Intel Core Ultra 5 usually supports bigger RAM amounts, making it better for memory-hungry applications compared to the M4.

3. Are there any specific software optimizations for M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5?

Yes, software optimizations differ for both. For instance, many apps or programs are designed for Intel setups only, giving the Intel Core Ultra 5 a compatibility advantage. On the other hand, certain softwares are specifically made for the M4’s setup.