Difference Between Apple M3 vs Intel 13th Gen

Published: 01/10/2025

When choosing a powerful processor for a laptop or PC, two names stand out today — Apple’s M3 chip and Intel’s 13th Gen i7 processors. People often search for m3 chip vs intel i7 or m3 vs i7 to know which one performs better for their needs. Both are built for speed, multitasking, and performance, but they use different designs and technologies. In this article, we’ll explore the main differences between Apple M3 and Intel 13th Gen i7, so you can decide which one suits you best.

Table of Content

Comparison Table: Apple M3 vs Intel i7 (13th Gen)
Conclusion
FAQs

Let’s dive into the article,

Comparison Table: Apple M3 vs Intel i7 (13th Gen)

This table highlights the main differences people often search under m3 chip vs intel i7 or m3 vs i7. Apple M3 focuses on efficiency, battery life, and creative apps, while Intel i7 shines in gaming, multitasking, and wider compatibility.

Feature	Apple M3 Chip	Intel 13th Gen i7
Architecture	3nm, ARM-based	Intel 7 (10nm), x86-based
Performance	Excellent single-core & GPU performance	Strong multi-core, great for multitasking
Power Efficiency	Very high (15–20 hrs battery life)	Moderate (6–8 hrs battery life)
Graphics	Built-in GPU with ray tracing	Integrated Iris Xe (needs dedicated GPU for gaming)
Best For	Creative work, macOS apps, portability	Gaming, Windows apps, heavy workloads
Ecosystem	Works only in Apple ecosystem	Works with wide range of Windows/Linux systems
Price Range	Premium (MacBook Air/Pro, iMac)	Wide range (mid-budget to high-end PCs/laptops)

1. Architecture & Technology

Apple’s M3 is built on 3nm technology, which is the latest in chip manufacturing. Intel’s 13th Gen i7, like the i7-13700K, is built on Intel 7 process (10nm).

Apple M3: ARM-based chip, designed for efficiency and long battery life.
Intel 13th Gen i7: x86-based chip, designed for raw performance and higher compatibility.

This is why when people compare core m3 vs i7, they’re actually comparing two completely different chip designs.

2. Performance

Performance is the most discussed point in m3 chip vs intel i7.

Apple M3: Optimized for macOS, it delivers fast single-core performance and great GPU power for graphics tasks. Best for creative professionals using Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, etc.
Intel 13th Gen i7: Known for multi-core performance, better for gaming, Windows-based applications, and heavy multitasking like video editing and 3D rendering.

So, in pure gaming and Windows software, Intel takes the lead. But in power efficiency and creative apps, Apple M3 performs surprisingly strong.

3. Power Efficiency & Battery Life

Here’s where Apple’s M3 shines.

Apple M3 laptops like MacBook Air or MacBook Pro can last 15–20 hours on a single charge.
Intel i7 laptops usually last 6–8 hours, depending on workload, because they consume more power.

If battery life is your top priority, m3 vs i7 results show Apple M3 is the winner.

4. Graphics Performance

Apple M3 comes with a built-in next-gen GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Intel i7 processors usually rely on integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics or need a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA/AMD) for better gaming.

Apple M3 GPU → Great for creative apps and light gaming.
Intel i7 + dedicated GPU → Better for high-end gaming and 3D work.

5. Compatibility & Ecosystem

Apple M3 works only with macOS devices (MacBook, iMac). It doesn’t run Windows natively unless through virtualization.
Intel i7 works on a wide range of Windows laptops, desktops, and supports thousands of applications and games.

If you’re into the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac) → M3 makes more sense. If you need flexibility and gaming → Intel i7 is better.

6. Price & Availability

Apple M3 devices (MacBook Air/Pro) are expensive but include everything in one chip (CPU + GPU + AI features).
Intel 13th Gen i7 laptops/PCs come in a wide price range, from mid-budget laptops to high-end gaming rigs.

So in terms of value for money, Intel i7 gives more options.

Conclusion

When we look at the difference between Apple M3 vs Intel 13th Gen i7, the answer depends on your usage.

Choose Apple M3 if you want long battery life, a lightweight laptop, and optimized performance for creative apps.
Choose Intel 13th Gen i7 if you need gaming, heavy multitasking, Windows compatibility, and more customization.

In short:

For professionals and students in Apple’s ecosystem → M3 is best.
For gamers and power users on Windows → Intel i7 is unbeatable.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked question about Difference Between Apple M3 vs Intel 13th Gen

What is better, M3 or Intel?

Apple M3 is better for battery life and macOS apps, while Intel (13th Gen) is better for gaming and Windows multitasking.

Is Apple M3 better than Intel i7 1360P?

Yes, Apple M3 generally beats Intel i7-1360P in performance efficiency and battery life, especially in creative tasks.

Is Apple M3 better than Intel i5 13500H?

Apple M3 is more power-efficient, but Intel i5-13500H has stronger multi-core performance, better for gaming and heavy workloads.

Which Intel processor is equal to M3?

Apple M3’s performance is roughly equal to Intel i7-1360P (mobile) in everyday tasks, but with much better efficiency.