Should I upgrade from MBP M1 13 to MBP 14 M1 Pro?

[DFZD]

I've a Macbook Pro M1 that I purchased in January 2021. It's a 8GB/256GB unit but I wanted the
16GB model but it had to be custom built and the process takes a lot of time in my region, also the buying
experience isn't as smooth as on Amazon.

I have an LG Ultrafine 4K monitor with the charging via USB C capability as well so I don't really need to
upgrade the laptop for a better display, although it would be nice to have a 120hz display.

I mainly use the laptop for mobile and web development and use VS Code and Panic Nova for it, and some Xcode.

My current laptop is sufficient for these tasks I think but when I ordered it I wanted to order the 16gb/512gb 4 port model but that was only available with Intel i5, and that seemed obsolete even back then.

Now the 16GB/512GB, 4 port models have release, they are slightly expensive than last year ones but also offer a lot more. I don't really need the extra ports either, because the only accessories I use are Logitech K380 Keyboard and the Pebble mouse, both connect via Bluetooth. Sometimes I connect my iPad Pro and iPhone, both connect using the vacant USB-C port.

So my question really is if it would make sense to upgrade it mainly for more RAM and a better CPU.

Is the M1 Pro 8 Core faster than the plain old M1, and if yes by how much? If it's just more graphic cores, I've absolutely no use for them. I would then like to wait for a M2 model of base Macbook Pro, if it's not shelved. I don't like the Air line as it no longer has fans.

Please suggest, and sorry for the long post.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Is it faster, yes. Do you need to upgrade, no. It is easy to get caught up in the hype, but your computer is less than a year old and will be good for a long while.

 

[velocityg4]

If you have no complaints about the speed and aren’t currently limited in your uses. Upgrading wouldn’t make much sense.

 

[Saturnine]

<snip>

My current laptop is sufficient for these tasks… <snip> I don't really need the extra ports either… <snip>

I’m gonna say nope.

 

[rehkram]

Sure, if you can afford it. Send me your "old" one, I'll give it a good home.

 

[fel10]

If you have the money, why not? Do what makes you happy. Life is short.

 

[DFZD]

Is it faster, yes. Do you need to upgrade, no. It is easy to get caught up in the hype, but your computer is less than a year old and will be good for a long while.

I actually upgraded from a 11.6" Macbook Air i5 with 4GB/128GB configuration, that I used for 5 years. So this M1 was already a huge step up.

Thanks man for your suggestion. I think I will hold for some time before upgrading.

 

[matram]

I think the key reasons for upgrade would be that you need a better screen, multiple external displays, more memory or GPU performance. Neither seems to be the case for you. Maybe wait for the next M2 Air instead.

 

[DFZD]

I think the key reasons for upgrade would be that you need a better screen, multiple external displays, more memory or GPU performance. Neither seems to be the case for you. Maybe wait for the next M2 Air instead.

I also have use for Pixelmator Pro and FCP every now and then, and don't want to be stuck with a fanless device that is somehow limiting for certain heavy load tasks. Although Air does have it's own advantages, and the form factor suits me very well.

 

[matram]

I also have use for Pixelmator Pro and FCP every now and then, and don't want to be stuck with a fanless device that is somehow limiting for certain heavy load tasks. Although Air does have it's own advantages, and the form factor suits me very well.

A vaild point.

it seem the 13” Pro can go for 5 minutes or more without the fans spinning up. In an interview with Apple management they challenged iJustin to get the fans to start on the new pro models.

So, yes throttling may be a differentiator between products. It seems Apple is now designing for more thermal headroom. I guess we will need tests to understand better,

 

[DFZD]

Quick update guys - I ended up buying the Macbook Pro 14 base model. Found a buyer for M1 and also got a $150 off deal on the new Macbook.

Took the leap, see you guys on the other side.