Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i7 12650H
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i7 12650H overall by 16 points (49 vs 33 out of 100).
- Apple M4 (8 Core) stands out on Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm.
Apple M4 (8 Core) leads overall
Apple M4 (8 Core)
49
Intel Core i7 12650H
33
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M4 (8 Core)
The Apple M4 is a specialized System-on-a-chip designed by Apple, forming the core processing unit for high-end devices, including modern iMacs and MacBook models. Featuring an advanced architecture that integrates CPU, GPU, and NPU components, it is primarily intended for professionals requiring strong performance in demanding creative and computational tasks.
Best for Professional Content CreationBest for AI/Machine Learning WorkloadsBest for High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Pros
- Incorporates an advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a notable capability to accelerate AI workloads, compared to previous generations of the chip.
- Supports hardware acceleration for modern functions like AV1 decoding, mesh shading, and ray tracing within its GPU architecture.
- Employs high-speed LPDDR5X unified memory, offering substantial bandwidth to support multiprocessing applications.
- The M4 series is built on a highly dense manufacturing process (3 nm), enabling the integration of numerous cores over 28 billion transistors.
Cons
- Specific core configurations (CPU/GPU counts) vary greatly across its Pro and Max variants, which requires careful selection for targeted performance needs.
- Memory bandwidth capacity is highly dependent on the specific model variant utilized, ranging from lower base limits to exceptionally high capacities.
Intel Core i7 12650H
The Intel Core i7 12650H is a high-performance mobile CPU built on the Alder Lake architecture. It is designed for demanding laptops and workstations that require a significant balance of multiple cores and sustained computational power. Users needing robust performance in content creation, engineering, or intense multitasking will find this processor highly suitable.
Best for Content CreationBest for ProductivityBest for Multitasking
Pros
- Leverages 12th generation technology (Alder Lake), indicating modern architectural improvements over previous generations.
- Combines a mix of Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficiency-cores (E-cores) for optimal multi-tasking balance.
- High processing capacity is suitable for demanding tasks like video editing or software development.
Cons
- As an H-series mobile chip, it indicates a design focused on performance rather than best-in-class energy efficiency.
- Performance will be dependent on the thermal management and cooling capabilities of the host laptop model.
Value for Money
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Apple M4 (8 Core)
Intel Core i7 12650H
Review Videos
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side