Laptops often can carry out several more intensive tasks than smartphones. Even though they both access the same applications and platforms, the features the laptop version of an application can give are on a different scale from that of a smartphone.
The difference in scale and intensity of operations between laptops and smart devices is due to the processors they run on. These processors often have multiple cores, each with high-frequency rates. In addition, they often have higher rated complementary parts, like better Graphics Processing Units and upgraded storage media.
The fastest processors in modern laptop models include:
1. Apple M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max
Apple Inc. started creating its brand of processors in 2020, beginning with the M1. This was in a bid to face out the Intel processors they always included in their MacBook series before.
The M1 series launched a breakthrough in the industry for Apple. Apple’s engineers incorporated it into the Apple MacBook Air, released in 2020. Subsequently, the superior M1 Pro and M1 Max processors were released in the Apple MacBook Pro 14 and 16.
The Apple M1 series processors are unique among many top-rated processors. Most top-rated processors provide quality performance at the expense of extended battery life. The M1 series enable the laptops they come with to run at least 14 hours non-stop while delivering amazing speed and superb graphics.
The M1 processors came on top in various third-party tests conducted to test their performances against competition like Intel. The processor enables quicker quality graphic conversion. Also, even though it was built based on novel ARM architecture, it managed to run several applications without compromising performance. This was due to its Rosetta 2 translation layer.
More software developers are optimizing their programs to support ARM processors now, so the M1 processors will soon be able to run more apps without the need for a translation.
The major demerit of M1 processors is the cost of Apple laptops. Also, replacing the processors is not easy, as they only come with Macbooks. They are also not compatible with most hardware on the market, making it hard to get extra devices.
2. Intel cores (11th Generation)
Intel cores have been the leading processors in laptop CPUs for almost two decades. For years, the advancements in Intel’s technology have left their competition in the dust.
The Intel i9 cores currently present one of the best processing performances in the world. They are second only to the latest Apple M1 core series, tested to effectively balance great performance with long battery life.
Intel is especially versatile; the average Windows laptop comes with Intel cores, making it the most used CPU. This helps users when they need to get a replacement or additional gadgets for their laptops. They often don’t need to worry about compatibility, as most hardware devices have been consistently designed to work well with Intel cores.
While Intel cores might not be on the same level as Apple M1 cores, users tend to buy them because of the cost implications. Apple products typically come at premium prices; for example, the least MacBook you can get with an Apple M1 processor is about $1000, and your options for RAM and storage are quite limited. In contrast, some Windows laptops would go for the same price and give you more storage expansion and graphics enhancement options.
Apart from Apple and Intel, the Ryzen processor is also gaining popularity in the market among Chromebooks and Windows users. It gives great performances but with lesser battery life than both the M1 series and Intel cores.