Apple M1 Ultra 20 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 M1 Ultra 20 Core is the better pick — it scores 58/100 to the Apple M4 (8 Core)'s 44, leading on Integrated Graphics and Benchmark. Choose the Apple M4 (8 Core) instead if core specifications matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core leads overall

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

Apple M4 (8 Core)

Why it stands out

Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 41,396 (100% more)
Core Specifications Cores: 20
Core Specifications Threads: 20

Winner by category for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core vs Apple M4 (8 Core)
Category	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Winner
Core Specifications	32	54	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Integrated Graphics	50	34	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Benchmark	78	40	Apple M1 Ultra 20 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 Ultra 20 Core

The Apple M1 Ultra is an extremely powerful System-on-a-Chip designed for high-end, professional workstations. It combines two independently connected M1 Max units via the 'UltraFusion' interconnect to significantly increase computational throughput. This processor is suited for users who require maximum performance for intensive creative and scientific workloads.

Best for Professional video editingBest for 3D Rendering/VFXBest for Computational modeling

Pros

High core count structure, featuring a total of 20 CPU cores and dedicated high-bandwidth interconnectivity (Source 1)
Significant memory capacity options are available, supporting up to 128 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (Source 1)
Achieves exceptional performance by combining two M1 Max units, effectively doubling peak capabilities (Source 1)

Cons

The high resource requirements make it unsuitable for most general-purpose computing tasks
It is a discontinued processor, limiting modern upgrade paths and support options (Source 1)

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

Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

Check Price on Amazon

Apple M4 (8 Core)

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core41,396

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 Ultra 20 Core	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Cores	20	8
Threads	20	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 Ultra 20 Core	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core	Apple M4 (8 Core)
PassMark CPU Mark	41,396100% 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 Ultra 20 Core vs Apple M4 (8 Core) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core rates higher at 72/100 versus 55/100 for Apple M4 (8 Core) — a 17-point lead. Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple M1 Ultra 20 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 72/100 for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core and 55/100 for Apple M4 (8 Core).

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core (72/100) edges out Apple M4 (8 Core) (55/100). But if Apple M4 (8 Core) is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.