Video Comparison: M2 MacBook Pro vs. M1 MacBook Pro

[imnotthewalrus]

Apple last week launched an updated version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and it is the first Mac that is equipped with an updated M2 chip. As it's using a brand new chip, we thought we'd pick up the M2 MacBook Pro and compare it to the prior-generation M1 MacBook Pro to see just what's new.

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For the video comparison, we're using the entry-level 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro with 8GB unified memory and a 256GB SSD, and comparing it to the entry-level 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro with 8GB unified memory and a 256GB SSD, so this is a direct comparison between the new machine and its predecessor.

Design wise, there are no differences because Apple kept the chassis and the internal components the same, with the update limited to the internal chips. The bezels are the same, the MacBook Pro still has a Touch Bar, and it continues to use USB-C with no MagSafe port.

The M2 chip in the MacBook Pro features an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and support for up to 24GB unified memory, while the M1 included an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, and up to 16GB unified memory. As a side note, while the base machine ships with 8GB, it's almost always a good idea to go up to at least 16GB for improved performance.

When it comes to CPU performance, the M2 beats out the M1. Though there's still an 8-core CPU, single-core Geekbench speeds clock in at up to 12 percent faster than the M1, while multi-core scores can be up to 20 percent higher. In our own testing, we saw more varied results with an eight percent improvement in single-core performance and a 12 percent improvement in multi-core performance.

As for GPU performance, the M2 is much faster than the M1 because it has two additional cores. Geekbench Metal scores were 35 percent better with the M2, and 3DMARK frame rate benchmarks saw the M2 earning 40fps while the M1 earned 29fps.

In real-world usage, video export times were about the same for a basic timeline, with improvements on the M2 when adding more effects and plugins.

There has been some controversy over the 256GB SSD in the MacBook Pro, which has been seeing slower speeds on Blackmagic disk speed tests. Apple used a single 256GB NAND flash storage chip for the M2 MacBook Pro, while the M1 model had two NAND chips likely at 128GB each. Multiple NAND chips allow for faster speeds in parallel, which means the M1 MacBook Pro's 256GB SSD is notably outperforming the M2 MacBook Pro's 256GB SSD. Note that this is an issue limited to the 256GB models, as the 512GB models are not exhibiting the same problem.

On machines with just 8GB memory, the SSD is engaged for virtual memory when needed, and a slow SSD can mean slow overall performance speeds, which is something to be aware of. We did some real-world tests transferring large files and did see faster speeds on the M2, but other performance testing by YouTube channels like Max Tech have had different results and have seen performance hits on the M2 compared to the M1.

To avoid potentially disappointing performance, it's probably best to upgrade the SSD to 512GB if you're going to get the M2 MacBook Pro, and picking up more memory is also a good idea because it can't be upgraded later. With the base model the subject of controversy, those considering the machine may also want to simply wait for the M2 MacBook Air, set to launch in July.

For our full comparison of the M1 MacBook Pro and the M2 MacBook Pro, make sure to watch our video up above. Have an M2 MacBook Pro? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Article Link: Video Comparison: M2 MacBook Pro vs. M1 MacBook Pro

Thanks Dan, for a comprehensive look at the M2 MBP. I recently “had to” pick up a M1 MBA as my 2015 MBP suddenly…died. The M1 MBA is going to meet my needs for now, but I will be looking to upgrade over the next year or two. Your videos are easy to follow and I will check in every time there are upgrades available.

 

[WilliamOne]

Great overview of real world results. Thanks for the helpful video.

 

[Moonlight]

OK, so that's a "No."

Anybody else going to vote with their wallet and send a strong message to Apple to express their outrage?

Outrage at what exactly? That their new M2 MacBook pro has a slower benchmark than the M1 but is way faster in the real world transfer speeds? Outrageous

 

[imnotthewalrus]

That's certainly a stupid assumption to make.

Now some Apple customers will learn this the hard way. I'm extremely happy about that.

Well yeah and no. Anyone in the market for a computer ”should” do their homework, but being “extremely happy about” anyone choosing the wrong tech expecting it to, naturally (I would hope) get the best version of that product and ending up with inferior results cannot be justified in my opinion.

 

[coolfactor]

I found it strange that "8GB of RAM" is considered low these days. macOS continues to run just fine in 4GB of RAM. When will 8GB no longer be enough just as 4GB isn't now?

 

[doublesupercool]

>To avoid potentially disappointing performance, it's probably best to upgrade the SSD to 512GB if you're going to get the M2 MacBook Pro, and picking up more memory is also a good idea because it can't be upgraded later.

"It's better to pay another $600 to make this acceptable"

 

[Shirasaki]

they should ask Apple about it before buying.

Which apple store staff will never tell because they are either told not tell or don’t know.

That's certainly a stupid assumption to make.

Now some Apple customers will learn this the hard way. I'm extremely happy about that.

I get it. You endorse company cheaping Out stuff and blame customer to not do enough research on what they are buying, and if anything goes wrong, Apple Is always guilt free. Then I wonder why they have Genius Bar when they could’ve done the same thing decades ago.

 

[jchap]

With the base model the subject of controversy, those considering the machine may also want to simply wait for the ‌M2‌ MacBook Air, set to launch in July.

A very subtle way of saying, "Save your money and wait for the M2 MacBook Air."

We'll see how the fanless design of the MacBook Air fares against the M2 MacBook Pro 13", even despite the SSD speed issues reported with the base model of the M2 MacBook Pro 13".

 

[ddtmm]

The SSD storage itself isn't part of the M1 or M2 SoC. It resides outside.

It's the same with RAM which isn't part of the M1 or M2 SoC either.

Wrong. The unified memory is on the SoC. That’s part of what gives them the performance they are able to achieve.

Read this Apple reference.

 

[Sammy in SoCal]

I found someone selling an m1 MacBook Pro 13in, factory sealed, never opened. It has 16GB of ram and 1TB of storage. Trying to buy it for 1400 OTD. Worth it?

 

[jav6454]

I’m guessing the 256GB M2 Air will have the same SSD setup as the M2 Pro.

Quite likely given the current debacle on the MBP

 

[Mr. Dee]

How much more can you beat a dead horse?

 

[SFjohn]

Can someone please do a video of non base level machines?

 

[grovian]

Typical "cleaning the house" move aimed at early adopters who just have to have the M2.

 

[lazyrighteye]

So much outrage.

Anybody here voting with their wallet to send Apple a message?

Or is it just forum faux outrage?

Can’t speak for others but I’m neither outraged nor buying the M2 MBP. Have my sites set on that M2 MBA and reeeeally hoping for a 15” version at some point.

There is a lot worthy of outrage. SSD performance hardly seems like one.

 

[BobSc]

Maybe Apple should attach a yellow triangle with exclamation mark ⚠️ to the Macbook Pro base model packaging?

To warn users they're not getting what they were anticipating a pro level device should be?

Excellent idea.

 

[Wildkraut]

My condolences to the buyers for grabbing the  with 🐛. You could also just have 🔥 your 💵, leads to the same thing.

 

[Wildkraut]

The SSD storage itself isn't part of the M1 or M2 SoC. It resides outside.

It's the same with RAM which isn't part of the M1 or M2 SoC either.

Are you just saying that Stage Manager could work on iPad2020? 😬

 

[MBPM1]

How much more can you beat a dead horse?

In the photography world, they are called pixel peepers.

 

[phrehdd]

Just looking for some input. My scenario is I have an M1 Mini and it is 512/16. Presently I am using "Memory Diag" software and my system is sitting at 4.6 % free memory. Things still work reasonably well with Safari taking up a lot of RAM and 4 other apps open and rather static. The catch is when I open Affinity Photo and start to work in it, the RAM goes down to a fact available. The task fails to work until I "recycle memory." Rather sad that 512/16 can so easily have issues. As for the laptops, any thoughts if the 24 gigs of RAM would be a likely superior candidate given my present M1 Mini situation (speaking of purchase of laptop).

 

[bmot]

It is possible that Apple will sell an updated version of this MacBook with two RAM modules at a later time.

 

[Kuroko]

I think the people complaining about “outrage” are more outraged than the people complaining about the lack of speed due to the RAM change in these, lol.

I want to buy a base level M2 Air, but will be bummed if it has the same thing going on. For me, I generally expect these things to move linearly toward “better and faster.” So this is like a couple steps forward and a step back. Kind of like how some people were bummed about the chunkiness of the new 14” and 16”. Or the lack of ports in prior models. I wouldn’t say that I’m “outraged” but I would say that I’ll probably pass on it if testing shows it’s slower than the M1 air in a lot of situations. It just kind of sucks the wind out of my sails.

 

[cupcakes2000]

It is possible that Apple will sell an updated version of this MacBook with two RAM modules at a later time.

I think the people complaining about “outrage” are more outraged than the people complaining about the lack of speed due to the RAM change in these, lol.

I want to buy a base level M2 Air, but will be bummed if it has the same thing going on. For me, I generally expect these things to move linearly toward “better and faster.” So this is like a couple steps forward and a step back. Kind of like how some people were bummed about the chunkiness of the new 14” and 16”. Or the lack of ports in prior models. I wouldn’t say that I’m “outraged” but I would say that I’ll probably pass on it if testing shows it’s slower than the M1 air in a lot of situations. It just kind of sucks the wind out of my sails.

There is no ram change. It’s not ram that the complaints are referring too.

 

[Freeangel1]

The Alder Lake 12th Gen 16 core Chip still kicks Apple Silicon in the Butt

And the upcoming Raptor Lake 13th Gen 24 core chip released this October is gonna WASTE Apple Silicon even worse

So its best to build a Ventura Hackintosh based on these chips over Apple Silicon.

The Graphics cards will outperform Apples GPU cores on a chip too

 

[Sammy in SoCal]

The Alder Lake 12th Gen 16 core Chip still kicks Apple Silicon in the Butt

And the upcoming Raptor Lake 13th Gen 24 core chip released this October is gonna WASTE Apple Silicon even worse

So its best to build a Ventura Hackintosh based on these chips over Apple Silicon.

The Graphics cards will outperform Apples GPU cores on a chip too

Right. But the point is moot if the laptop doesn’t integrate with your other apple devices.