AMD A4-1250
AMD A4-1250: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks. Full Review
April 2025
The AMD A4-1250 processor, released in 2013, can still be found in used and some new budget laptops. Despite its modest specifications, it remains relevant for a narrow range of tasks. Let's explore who this chip is suitable for in 2025 and what to pay attention to when choosing a device with it.
Architecture and Technology Process: Limited Capabilities for Simple Tasks
Codename: Temash
Technology Process: 28 nm
Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 2 threads
Frequencies: Base — 1.0 GHz, maximum in turbo mode — 1.4 GHz
Integrated Graphics: Radeon HD 8210 (128 shader processors, frequency up to 500 MHz)
The AMD A4-1250 is built on the Jaguar microarchitecture, which was originally designed for mobile devices and budget PCs. The chip belongs to the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) line, combining CPU and GPU on a single die.
Architecture Features:
- Jaguar: Optimized for low power consumption but lags behind modern Zen cores in IPC (instructions per clock).
- iGPU Radeon HD 8210: Supports DirectX 11.1 and resolutions up to 4K, but due to weak computing power, it is suitable only for basic graphics.
Power Consumption and TDP: The Main Advantage
TDP: 8 W
The low thermal design power allows the A4-1250 to be used in ultra-thin laptops and devices without active cooling. This is an ideal choice for compact gadgets where silence and minimal heat are essential.
Practical Example: The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 10 with this processor operates without a fan, making it completely silent.
Performance: What Can It Handle?
Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: 111 points
- Multi-Core: 188 points
In comparison, a modern budget processor like the Intel Celeron N5100 scores around 700 points in the single-thread test. The A4-1250 even falls short compared to many smartphones in 2025.
Usage Scenarios:
1. Office Tasks:
- Working with documents (Word, Excel), browsing with 5-7 tabs.
- Slowdowns may occur when opening heavy PDFs or online presentations.
2. Multimedia:
- Playing 1080p videos through YouTube or local files.
- 4K video experiences stuttering even in VLC.
3. Gaming:
- Only older games: Half-Life 2 (30-40 FPS on low settings), Minecraft (without shaders).
- Modern titles like Fortnite or Genshin Impact will not run.
Turbo Core Mode:
Under load on a single core, the frequency rises to 1.4 GHz, but the performance boost is nearly imperceptible. In multi-threaded tasks, turbo mode does not activate.
Usage Scenarios: Who is the A4-1250 Suitable For?
- Students and Pupils: For studying, working with texts, and using Zoom.
- Elderly Users: Viewing photos, chatting on Skype.
- Secondary Device: As a portable laptop for travel.
Not Suitable For:
- Freelancers working in Photoshop or Figma.
- Gamers and enthusiasts.
Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours in Ideal Conditions
Thanks to its 8W TDP, laptops with the A4-1250 are equipped with batteries rated at 30-40 Wh, providing 6-8 hours of operation under:
- 50% screen brightness.
- Watching videos over Wi-Fi.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- AMD PowerNow!: Dynamically adjusts frequency and voltage.
- Disabling unused cores.
Tip: For maximum battery life, choose models with an IPS screen and SSD (e.g., HP Stream 11).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon Silver 3050e (2020):
- 2 cores, 2 threads, TDP 6 W.
- Geekbench 6: Single-Core — 450, Multi-Core — 750.
- Price of laptops: starting from $250.
Intel Celeron N4020 (2019):
- 2 cores, 2 threads, TDP 6 W.
- Geekbench 6: Single-Core — 550, Multi-Core — 900.
Conclusion: The A4-1250 falls behind even budget chips from 2019-2020. Its advantage lies in the extremely low cost of devices (new laptops starting at $200).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price.
- Minimal heating.
- 4K output support (for presentations).
Cons:
- Weak performance.
- No support for modern standards like Wi-Fi 6 or USB-C.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
Device Type:
- Ultrabooks: For example, ASUS VivoBook L203MA (11.6", 2 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC, $220).
- Convertibles: Dell Inspiron 11 3185 (touchscreen, 4 GB RAM).
What to Pay Attention To:
1. RAM Size: At least 4 GB (2 GB is insufficient even for Windows 10).
2. Storage: Choose models with SSD (64 GB and up).
3. Screen: IPS matrix with a resolution of 1366×768.
Important: Avoid versions with HDDs — they will slow down the already weak processor.
Final Conclusion
The AMD A4-1250 is a processor for undemanding users who need:
- An inexpensive device for surfing and working with documents.
- A laptop with long battery life and quiet operation.
Key Benefits:
- Prices for new devices starting at $200.
- Compact size (screen size of 11-13").
Alternatives: If the budget allows $300-400, consider laptops based on the Intel Celeron N5100 or AMD Athlon Silver 3050e — they will offer 3-4 times higher performance while maintaining similar battery life.
In 2025, the A4-1250 remains a niche solution, but for certain scenarios, it is still justified. The key is to clearly understand its limitations.