Apple M1 Max 10 Core vs Apple M4 (8 Core)

Updated Jun 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple M4 (8 Core) is the better pick — it scores 49/100 to the Apple M1 Max 10 Core's 44, leading on Core Specifications and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple M1 Max 10 Core instead if benchmark matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M4 (8 Core) leads overall

Apple M4 (8 Core)

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm (40% less)

Winner by category for Apple M1 Max 10 Core vs Apple M4 (8 Core)
Category	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Winner
Core Specifications	56	29	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Integrated Graphics	53	0	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Benchmark	47	51	Apple M1 Max 10 Core

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

The Apple M1 Max processor is a high-performance, professional-grade chip designed for powerful computing tasks. Its architecture separates general computation from advanced graphical and media workloads. This CPU/GPU combination suits users who require peak efficiency and raw power for demanding applications.

Best for Video EditingBest for 3D RenderingBest for Professional Design/Development

Pros

Features a robust core structure combining multiple high-performance and energy-efficient CPU cores
Offers extensive memory capacity up to 64GB using LPDDR5 technology
Provides highly scalable GPU acceleration due to its multi-core design (up to 32 cores)
Designed with high transistor counts (57 billion) for complex and demanding tasks (Source 1)

Cons

The chip is designed for mobile/desktop integration, potentially limiting some standalone upgrade options
Requires modern operating systems to fully utilize its advanced ARM architecture capabilities
Is positioned at a higher end of Apple's silicon product line

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.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M1 Max 10 Core

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Apple M4 (8 Core)

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M1 Max 10 Core22,155

Apple M4 (8 Core)20,702

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Cores	10	8
Threads	10	8
Base Frequency	N/A	N/A
Base Power Consumption	N/A	N/A
Maximum Frequency	N/A	N/A
Maximum Power Consumption	N/A	N/A
L1 Cache	N/A	N/A
L2 Cache	N/A	N/A
L3 Cache	N/A	N/A
Lithography Process	5 nm	3 nm40% less
Is unlocked	No	No

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Model	N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Apple M4 (8 Core)
PassMark CPU Mark	22,1557% more	20,702

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M1 Max 10 Core vs Apple M4 (8 Core) comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M1 Max 10 Core scores 55/100 and Apple M4 (8 Core) scores 55/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple M1 Max 10 Core and Apple M4 (8 Core) are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 55/100 for Apple M1 Max 10 Core and 55/100 for Apple M4 (8 Core).

It's close — Apple M1 Max 10 Core (55/100) and Apple M4 (8 Core) (55/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.