With only 8GB to 16GB of RAM and an integrated GPU as part of the Apple Silicon SoC
many people were suprised by how well the new ARM based Macs perform.
Here is one of the best direct comparison reviews so far illustrating the M1 performance:
Max Tech compared the Apple Silicon M1 Mac mini 16GB
to an Intel based Mac mini with i7 CPU, 64GB (!) and an eGPU w/ AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
using a fairly comprehensive range of real-world workloads.