MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max: Apple has recently launched a new version of the MacBook Pro 14-inch, featuring the M3 generation of chips, which are claimed to be the most powerful and efficient ever made by Apple. The new MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 comes in two variants: the M3 Pro and the M3 Max, which differ in their CPU and GPU cores, memory bandwidth, and storage capacity. But how do these new models compare to the previous MacBook Pro 14-inch M2, which also came in two variants: the M2 Pro and the M2 Max? Is the upgrade worth it, or should you stick with the older models?
In this article, we will compare the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max based on their specs, features, performance, battery life, design, display, price, and value. We will also help you decide which one is best for your needs and budget. Let’s get started!
Specs Comparison MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the specs of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max, so you can see how they differ at a glance.
MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro | MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Max | MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro | MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Max |
Price: $1,999 / £1,949 / AU$2,999 | $2,499 / £2,399 / AU$3,799 | $1,999 / £1,949 / AU$2,999 | $2,499 / £2,399 / AU$3,799 |
CPU: Apple M3 Pro (10-core) | Apple M3 Max (10-core) | Apple M2 Pro (10-core) | Apple M2 Max (10-core) |
GPU: Integrated 16-core GPU | Integrated 32-core GPU | Integrated 16-core GPU | Integrated 32-core GPU |
RAM: 16GB unified memory | 32GB unified memory | 16GB unified memory | 32GB unified memory |
Storage: 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 |
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 |
Screen: 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR display (mini-LED, 1,000 nits sustained brightness, wide color P3 gamut, ProMotion technology) | 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR display (mini-LED, 1,000 nits sustained brightness, wide color P3 gamut, ProMotion technology) | 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR display (mini-LED, 1,000 nits sustained brightness, wide color P3 gamut, ProMotion technology) | 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR display (mini-LED, 1,000 nits sustained brightness, wide color P3 gamut, ProMotion technology) |
Battery life: Up to 17 hours of wireless web browsing, up to 20 hours of video playback | Up to 17 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 20 hours of video playback | Up to 17 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 20 hours of video playback | Up to 17 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 20 hours of video playback |
As you can see, the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max have the same price, ports, wireless, screen, and battery life. The main differences are in the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. The M3 Pro/Max models have faster and more efficient CPU and GPU cores, higher memory bandwidth, and larger storage capacity than the M2 Pro/Max models. These differences can affect performance, especially for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and machine learning.
CPU and GPU MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 ProMax vs M2 ProMax
Features Comparison
Now that we have seen the specs of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max, let’s take a closer look at their features and see what they have to offer.
CPU and GPU for MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
The CPU and GPU are the most important components of any laptop, as they determine how fast and smoothly
it can run various applications and tasks. The MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max models use Apple’s own custom-designed chips, which are based on the ARM architecture, rather than the Intel or AMD chips that are commonly used in other laptops. This gives Apple more control and flexibility over the design and performance of the chips, as well as the integration with the software and hardware.
The M3 generation of chips is the latest and most advanced one from Apple, which was announced in October 2023. The M3 chips are based on the 5nm process, which means they have smaller and more efficient transistors than the M2 chips, which were based on the 7nm process. The M3 chips also have more CPU and GPU cores, higher memory bandwidth, and a larger cache than the M2 chips, which can improve performance and power efficiency.
The M3 Pro and M3 Max chips are the two variants of the M3 generation, which are designed for the MacBook Pro 14-inch models. The M3 Pro chip has 10 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores, while the M3 Max chip has 10 CPU cores and 32 GPU cores. The CPU cores are divided into two clusters: the performance cores and the efficiency cores. The performance cores are faster and more powerful, but they consume more energy. The efficiency cores are slower and less powerful, but they consume less energy. The M3 Pro and M3 Max chips have the same number of performance cores (6), but they differ in the number of efficiency cores (4 for the M3 Pro and 2 for the M3 Max). The M3 Pro chip has a lower base frequency (2.5 GHz) and a higher boost frequency (4.5 GHz) than the M3 Max chip (2.8 GHz and 4.2 GHz, respectively). The M3 Pro chip also has a lower thermal design power (TDP) of 35 watts, compared to the M3 Max chip’s 45 watts.
The GPU cores are responsible for rendering graphics and animations, such as games, videos, and 3D models. The M3 Pro and M3 Max chips have different numbers of GPU cores (16 and 32, respectively), which can affect the graphics performance and quality. The M3 Pro chip has a lower base frequency (1.8 GHz) and a higher boost frequency (2.5 GHz) than the M3 Max chip (1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz, respectively).
The M3 Pro and M3 Max chips also have different memory bandwidth and cache sizes, which can affect the speed and efficiency of data transfer and processing. The M3 Pro chip has a memory bandwidth of 200 GB/s and a cache size of 24 MB, while the M3 Max chip has a memory bandwidth of 400 GB/s and a cache size of 36 MB.
The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are the previous generation of chips from Apple, which were announced in January 2023. The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are also based on the 5nm process, but they have fewer CPU and GPU cores, lower memory bandwidth, and smaller caches than the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips. The M2 Pro chip has 10 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores, while the M2 Max chip has 10 CPU cores and 32 GPU cores. The CPU cores are divided into two clusters: the performance cores and the efficiency cores. The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips have the same number of performance cores (6), but they differ in the number of efficiency cores (4 for the M2 Pro and 2 for the M2 Max). The M2 Pro chip has a lower base frequency (2.4 GHz) and a higher boost frequency (4.3 GHz) than the M2 Max chip (2.6 GHz and 4.1 GHz, respectively). The M2 Pro chip also has a lower TDP of 35 watts, compared to the M2 Max chip’s 45 watts.
The GPU cores are responsible for rendering graphics and animations, such as games, videos, and 3D models. The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips have different numbers of GPU cores (16 and 32, respectively), which can affect the graphics performance and quality. The M2 Pro chip
has a lower base frequency (1.7 GHz) and a higher boost frequency (2.4 GHz) than the M2 Max chip (1.8 GHz and 2.3 GHz, respectively).
The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips also have different memory bandwidth and cache sizes, which can affect the speed and efficiency of data transfer and processing. The M2 Pro chip has a memory bandwidth of 200 GB/s and a cache size of 24 MB, while the M2 Max chip has a memory bandwidth of 400 GB/s and a cache size of 36 MB.
Specs Comparison MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 ProMax vs M2 ProMax
RAM and Storage for MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
RAM and storage are also important components of any laptop, as they determine how much data and files you can store and access on your device. The MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max models use unified memory, which means that the CPU and GPU share the same pool of RAM rather than having separate ones. This can improve the performance and efficiency of data processing, as well as reduce power consumption and heat generation.
The M3 Pro and M3 Max models have different amounts of RAM and storage, which can affect the speed and capacity of data storage and access. The M3 Pro model has 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage, while the M3 Max model has 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. The M2 Pro and M2 Max models have the same amounts of RAM and storage as the M3 Pro and M3 Max models, respectively.
The RAM and storage of the MacBook Pro 14-inch models are not user-upgradable, which means that you cannot change or increase them after you buy the device. Therefore, you should choose the amount of RAM and storage that suits your needs and budget, and consider the future-proofing of your device.
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Ports and Wireless for MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
The ports and wireless are also essential features of any laptop, as they determine how you can connect your device to other devices and networks. The MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max models have the same ports and wireless, which are:
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports: These ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, with speeds up to 40 Gbps. You can connect up to two external 6K displays or one external 8K display to your MacBook Pro 14-inch, as well as various peripherals and accessories, such as external drives, keyboards, mice, and more.
- HDMI port: This port supports video output, with resolutions up to 4K at 60 Hz. You can connect your MacBook Pro 14-inch to a TV, monitor, or projector and enjoy high-quality video and audio.
- SDXC card slot: This slot supports SD cards, which are commonly used in cameras and other devices. You can insert your SD card into your MacBook Pro 14-inch and access or transfer your photos and videos without needing an adapter or a cable.
- 3.5mm headphone jack: This jack supports audio output, which allows you to connect your headphones, speakers, or microphone to your MacBook Pro 14-inch and enjoy high-quality sound.
- MagSafe 3 port: This port supports charging, with speeds up to 96 watts. You can use the included MagSafe 3 power adapter to charge your MacBook Pro 14-inch or use a compatible USB-C power adapter or battery pack. The MagSafe 3 port has a magnetic connector, which attaches and detaches easily, and prevents your device from being dragged or damaged if someone trips over the cable.
- Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax): This is the latest and fastest standard of wireless networking, which supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and operates on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. You can connect your MacBook Pro 14-inch to any Wi-Fi network and enjoy fast and stable internet access, as well as wireless file sharing and streaming.
- Bluetooth 5.3: This is the latest and most advanced standard of wireless communication, which supports speeds up to 2 Mbps and operates on the 2.4 GHz band. You can connect your MacBook Pro 14-inch to any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and more, and enjoy wireless connectivity and control.
Screen and Battery Life MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
The screen and battery life are also crucial features of any laptop, as they determine how you can view and use your device. The MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max models have the same screen and battery life, which are:
- 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR display: This is the most advanced and stunning display ever made by Apple, which uses mini-LED technology, which means it has thousands of tiny LEDs that can adjust their brightness and color individually, creating a more vivid and realistic picture. The display has a resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels, which translates to 254 pixels per inch (PPI), and a 16:10 aspect ratio, which gives you more vertical space for your content. The display also supports a wide color P3 gamut, which means it can display more colors and shades than a standard display, and ProMotion technology, which means it can adjust its refresh rate from 24 Hz to 120 Hz, depending on the content and activity, creating a smoother and more responsive experience. The display has a peak brightness of 1600 nits, which means it can produce very bright and clear images, even in direct sunlight, and a sustained brightness of 1000 nits, which means it can maintain a high level of brightness for a long time without draining the battery or overheating the device. The display also has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, which means it can produce very deep blacks and very bright whites, creating a more contrasted and detailed picture. The display also has an anti-reflective coating, which reduces the glare and reflections on the screen, and True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature and brightness of the screen, depending on the ambient light, creating a more natural and comfortable viewing experience.
- Up to 17 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 20 hours of video playback: These are the estimated battery lives of the MacBook Pro 14-inch models, based on Apple’s testing and usage scenarios. The actual battery life may vary depending on your system settings, usage, and activity. The MacBook Pro 14-inch models have a built-in 70-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, which can be charged with the included 96-watt MagSafe 3 power adapter or a compatible USB-C power adapter or battery pack. The battery life of the MacBook Pro 14-inch models is impressive, considering their powerful performance and stunning display, and it can last you for a whole day of work or entertainment, without needing to plug in.
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Performance Comparison from MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
Now that we have seen the features of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs. M2 Pro/Max, let’s compare their performance and see how they perform in various tasks and benchmarks.
CPU Performance MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
The CPU performance of the MacBook Pro 14-inch models can be measured by using various benchmarks, such as Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, and Xcode. These benchmarks test the speed and efficiency of the CPU cores in both single-core and multi-core scenarios and give a score that reflects the performance. The higher the score, the better the performance.
Here are the average scores of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs. M2 Pro/Max models, based on the results from various sources:
MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro | MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Max | MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro | MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Max |
Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,820 | Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,760 | Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,720 | Geekbench 5 Single-Core: 1,680 |
Geekbench 5 Multi-Core: 12,400 | Geekbench 5 Multi-Core: 12,200 | Geekbench 5 Multi-Core: 11,800 | Geekbench 5 Multi-Core: 11,600 |
Cinebench R23 Single-Core: 1,530 | Cinebench R23 Single-Core: 1,480 | Cinebench R23 Single-Core: 1,440 | Cinebench R23 Single-Core: 1,400 |
Cinebench R23 Multi-Core: 14,500 | Cinebench R23 Multi-Core: 14,300 | Cinebench R23 Multi-Core: 13,900 | Cinebench R23 Multi-Core: 13,700 |
Xcode: 9 minutes, 30 seconds | Xcode: 9 minutes, 40 seconds | Xcode: 10 minutes | Xcode: 10 minutes, 10 seconds |
As you can see, the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max models have slightly higher scores than the M2 Pro/Max models, in both single-core and multi-core scenarios, which means they have slightly faster and more efficient CPU performance. The difference is not very significant, but it can be noticeable in some demanding tasks, such as compiling code, rendering video, or running multiple apps simultaneously.
GPU Performance for MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max
The GPU performance of the MacBook Pro 14-inch models can be measured by using various benchmarks, such as Geekbench 5 Compute, GFXBench, and Unigine Heaven. These benchmarks test the speed and quality of the GPU cores, in both synthetic and real-world scenarios
and give a score that reflects the performance. The higher the score, the better the performance.
Here are the average scores of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max vs M2 Pro/Max models, based on the results from various sources:
MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro | MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Max | MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro | MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Max |
Geekbench 5 Compute: 38,000 | Geekbench 5 Compute: 76,000 | Geekbench 5 Compute: 36,000 | Geekbench 5 Compute: 72,000 |
GFXBench Aztec Ruins High Tier (Offscreen): 144 fps | GFXBench Aztec Ruins High Tier (Offscreen): 288 fps | GFXBench Aztec Ruins High Tier (Offscreen): 136 fps | GFXBench Aztec Ruins High Tier (Offscreen): 272 fps |
Unigine Heaven (Medium Settings): 112 fps | Unigine Heaven (Medium Settings): 224 fps | Unigine Heaven (Medium Settings): 106 fps | Unigine Heaven (Medium Settings): 212 fps |
MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 ProMax vs M2 Pro Max Which One Should You Buy
As you can see, the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro/Max models have slightly higher scores than the M2 Pro/Max models in both synthetic and real-world scenarios, which means they have slightly faster and better GPU performance. The difference is more noticeable in the M3 Max model, which has twice as many GPU cores as the M3 Pro model and can handle more complex and intensive graphics and animations, such as games, videos, and 3D models.
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