Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M4 (8 Core)

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

For most buyers the Apple M5 Pro is the better pick — it scores 67/100 to the Apple M4 (8 Core)'s 38, leading on Core Specifications and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple M4 (8 Core) instead if you want to spend less.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M5 Pro leads overall

Apple M5 Pro

Apple M4 (8 Core)

Why it stands out

Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 57,244 (177% more)
Core Specifications Cores: 18
Core Specifications Threads: 18

Winner by category for Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M4 (8 Core)
Category	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M4 (8 Core)	Winner
Core Specifications	46	40	Apple M5 Pro
Integrated Graphics	42	37	Apple M5 Pro
Benchmark	91	38	Apple M5 Pro

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M5 Pro

The Apple M5 is a system-on-chip designed for Apple's high-end tablet line, featured in the eighth-generation iPad Pro. It comes in 9-core or 10-core CPU configurations combined with a 10-core GPU, targeting users who require intensive mobile performance for software development, creative tasks, and machine learning.

Best for Graphics-heavy mobile workflows utilizing hardware-accelerated ray tracingBest for On-device machine learning tasks leveraging the integrated 16-core Neural Engine

Pros

Delivers up to 45% faster graphics performance over the previous M4 generation
Enhanced memory bandwidth reaching 153 GB/s alongside fast LPDDR5X RAM
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing support on the 10-core GPU
Updated wireless capabilities including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support

Cons

Peak hardware configurations with 10 CPU cores and 16 GB of RAM are reserved for higher 1 TB and 2 TB storage tiers

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 M5 Pro

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Apple M4 (8 Core)

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M5 Pro57,244

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.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Cores	18	8
Threads	18	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	3 nm	3 nm
Is unlocked	No	No

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M4 (8 Core)
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M4 (8 Core)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,244177% 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 M5 Pro vs Apple M4 (8 Core) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M5 Pro rates higher at 79/100 versus 55/100 for Apple M4 (8 Core) — a 24-point lead. Apple M5 Pro 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 M5 Pro 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 79/100 for Apple M5 Pro and 55/100 for Apple M4 (8 Core).

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M5 Pro (79/100) 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.