Apple Silicon's new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max models power the newest MacBook Pro notebooks. Along with having better and more efficient CPUs and GPUs, these MacBook Pro models also feature brighter screens, longer-lasting batteries, and a new Space Black finish. They can accommodate up to 128GB of memory. Check out the detailed comparison of the new and improved features between the M3 and M2 MacBook Pro lineup by reading on.
Laptops: 13’’M2 MacBook Pro vs. 14’’M3 MacBook Pro
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|
13’’M2 MacBook Pro |
14’’M3 MacBook Pro |
|
CPU |
8-core |
8-core |
|
GPU |
10-core |
10-core |
|
Unified Memory |
Up to 24GB |
Up to 24GB |
|
Storage |
Up to 2TB |
Up to 2TB |
|
Display |
33.74cm Retina Display |
35.97cm Liquid Retina XDR Display |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 20 hours |
Up to 22 hours |
Laptops: 14’’M2 Pro/MAX MacBook vs. 14’’M3 Pro/MAX MacBook
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|
14’’M2 Pro/MAX MacBook |
14’’M3 Pro/MAX MacBook |
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CPU |
12-core |
16-core |
|
GPU |
38-core |
40-core |
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Unified Memory |
Up to 96GB |
Up to 128GB |
|
Storage |
Up to 8TB |
Up to 8TB |
|
Display |
35.97cm Liquid Retina XDR Display |
35.97cm Liquid Retina XDR Display |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 18 hours |
Up to 18 hours |
Laptops: 16’’M2 Pro/MAX MacBook vs. 16’’M3 Pro/MAX MacBook
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16’’M2 Pro/MAX MacBook |
16’’M3 Pro/MAX MacBook |
|
CPU |
12-core |
16-core |
|
GPU |
38-core |
40-core |
|
Unified Memory |
Up to 96GB |
Up to 128GB |
|
Storage |
Up to 8TB |
Up to 8TB |
|
Display |
41.05cm Liquid Retina XDR Display |
41.05cm Liquid Retina XDR Display |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 22 hours |
Up to 22 hours |
According to Apple, the M3 chip efficiency cores outperform the M2 family by up to 30% and the M1 family by up to 50%.
The M3 family outperforms the M2 and M1 families by 15 and 30%, respectively, in terms of performance cores.
Moreover, Apple claims that M3 rendering is up to 2.5 times faster than M1 and up to 1.8 times faster than M2.
Additionally, with hardware-accelerated mesh shading, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and dynamic caching, Apple claims that the M3 chips represent the "Largest leap forward in graphics architecture."
Whether real-world testing matches Apple's numbers or not will have to wait and see, but the new M3 chips seem to represent yet another significant performance and capability boost.
Display:
The M2 Pro/Max MacBook Pro laptops had the same Liquid Retina XDR Display, ProMotion with refresh rates up to 120Hz, higher resolution/pixel per inch density, and thinner bezels as the 2021 M1 Pro/Max models.
One major upgrade has been added to the M3 MacBook Pro models: a 20% brighter screen that can display SDR content at up to 600 nits. For consistent brightness, Apple highlights that match the Studio Display.
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|
14’’M3 MacBook Pro |
16’’M3 MacBook Pro |
|
Actual Screen Size |
14.2’’ |
16.2’’ |
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Resolution |
3024 x 1964 |
3456 x 2234 |
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Aspect Ratio |
16:10 + notch |
16:10 + notch |
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Brightness |
1000 sustained, up to 1600 peak HDR;SDR 600 |
1000 sustained, up to 1600 peak HDR;SDR 600 |
|
Liquid Retina XDR Display |
Yes |
Yes |
|
ProMotion (Up to 120Hz) |
Yes |
Yes |
Similar to the 2021 models, the most recent MacBook Pros have a notch for the 1080p FaceTime camera in the top centre of the display.
Similar to the M2 (and M1) models, the most recent MacBook Pros have a 1080p FaceTime camera notch located in the upper centre of the display.
Sadly, Face ID is still not compatible with M3 MacBook Pro computers.
Apple MacBook Pro I/O:
The ports on the M3 Pro and Max MacBook Pro laptops are identical to those on the M2 Pro and Max MacBook Pro.
This comprises a MagSafe, an SDXC card reader, and an HDMI port. Three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C 4 ports are also present.
The right Thunderbolt 4 port has been removed from the M3 MacBook Pro, so it is one less than the original model.
Colours, size, and weight:
Physical dimensions are the same between the M3 and M2 MacBook Pro laptops. But new this time around for the M3 Pro and Max models is a new Space Black colour available alongside Silver.
Leaving the new colour for the high-end, the M3 MacBook Pro is only available in Space Grey and Silver.
The complete breakdown of colours, sizes, and weight is as follows:
|
|
14’’M3 MacBook Pro |
16’’M3 MacBook Pro |
|
Weight |
M3: 3.4 pounds (1.55 kg) M3 Pro: 3.5 pounds (1.61 kg) M3 Max: 3.6 pounds (1.62 kg) |
M3 Pro: 4.7 pounds (2.14 kg) M3 Max: 4.8 pounds (2.16 kg) |
|
Thickness |
0.61 inches (1.55 cm) |
0.66 inches (1.68 cm) |
|
Width |
12.31 inches (31.26 cm) |
14.01 inches (35.57 cm) |
|
Depth |
8.71 inches (22.12 cm) |
9.77 inches (24.1 cm) |
|
Display Size |
14.2 inches |
16.2 inches |
|
Color |
Silver or Space Gray for M3,Space Black or Silver for M3 Pro and M3 Max |
Silver or Space Gray for M3,Space Black or Silver for M3 Pro and M3 Max |
Battery life:
- A single charge can now support 22 hours of video playback on the new 16-inch M3 Pro and Max MacBook Pro laptops (compared to 21 hours with the M2 Pro/Max).
- Compared to the M2 Pro or Max MacBook Pro's 17 hours of video playback, the new 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro offers 22 hours on a single charge.
- From 17 hours with the M2 Pro or Max MacBook Pro, to 18 hours with the new 14-inch M3 Pro and Max MacBook Pro, you can watch videos on a single charge.
- Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes is still possible with the new MacBook Pro models (using a 96 W brick for 14-inch models and a 140 W brick for 16-inch models).
- Here are additional details regarding the new MacBook Pro laptop battery life:
|
|
14’’M3 MacBook Pro |
14’’M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro |
16’’M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro |
|
Wireless web battery |
15 hours |
12 hours |
15 hours |
|
Video playback |
22 hours |
18 hours |
22 hours |
|
Included power adapter |
70W or 96W |
70W or 96W |
140W |
Conclusion: M3 MacBook Pro vs. M2:
Motives for purchasing:
The upgrade might be worthwhile if you're a professional—or aspiring professional—who requires the newest and greatest products from Apple. In addition, those switching from Intel MacBooks to the M3 MacBook Pro models will find these machines to be very impressive.
Motives for passing:
However, if you already own an M2 Pro or Max MacBook Pro and your workflow doesn't demand the fastest possible performance, it might be best to stick with what you have or get a MacBook Air.
Selecting the specs:
If you're not sure which M3 MacBook Pro specifications to choose, the 14- and 16-inch models of the M3 Pro and M3 Max come with the same 11, 12, 14, or 16-core processor. The primary distinction in price is the enhanced GPU capability, which includes a more potent media engine and enhanced support for external displays thanks to the M3 Max chip.
Going with 36GB or more of unified memory will probably be worth the upgrade if you have medium to heavy workflows and/or intend to keep your new MacBook Pro for several years (or longer).
You Can Find the new MacBook Pro At QuickTech.in.