Apple kicked off the new year with a massive update to its Mac lineup. The company announced an updated Mac mini (you can see how the new model compares to the previous generation in our dedicated specs app), a pair of new processors, and the latest MacBook to run those chips. Pros. There’s also a new HomePod, but let’s be honest, who cares?
Unlike the first-generation M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pros, the 2023 models don’t offer the same level of performance enhancements or redesigns. So, some users will think twice before pulling the trigger on the latest models. The 2021 lineup still offers incredible power and impressive displays, so buying the cheaper previous generation now might be a better choice. This article will help those who are on the verge of buying Apple’s pro-grade laptop compare the two generations and point out their differences to decide if it is worth spending more.
Here is a list of the key changes:
-
More power. The new MacBook Pros feature Apple’s latest M2 Pro and M2 Max processors built using a “second-generation 5nm process.” These chips provide approximately 40% faster image processing in Photoshop (when compared to the M1 Pro) and 25% faster code compiling in Xcode. The M2 Max has a larger L2 cache and 30% faster graphics.
- More memory: Now you can estimate laptops with shared memory up to 96 GB.
- Upgraded ports: The HDMI port now supports multi-channel audio.
- Upgraded connectivity: MacBook Pros now support faster Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Better battery: The new processors enable an additional hour of battery life with the same capacity.
Other features, such as the chassis, keyboard, display, speakers, etc., have not changed.
2023 MacBook Pro 14 vs 2021 MacBook Pro 14 and 13
| 2023 MacBook Pro 14 | 2021 MacBook Pro 14 | 2021 MacBook Pro 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.61×12.31×8.71” 3.5lbs 1.55×31.26×22.12cm 1.6kg |
0.61×11.97×8.36” 3lbs 1.56×30.41×21.24cm 1.4kg |
|
| Display | 14.2″ Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR 3024 x 1964, 1000 / 1600 nits brightness, P3 True Tone, Promotion 120Hz |
13.3″ LED Retina 2560 x 1600, 500 nits brightness, P3 True accent |
|
| CPU |
M2 Pro: |
M1 Pro: |
M2: 8 CPU cores 10 GPU cores 16 NPU core 100GB/s memory |
|
M2 Max: 12 CPU cores Up to 38 GPU cores 16 NPU core 400GB/s memory |
M1 Max: 10 CPU cores Up to 32 GPU cores 16 NPU core 400GB/s memory |
||
| memory | 16, 32, 64, or 96 GB | 16, 32, or 64 GB | 8, 16, or 24 GB |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD | |
| Ports |
3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C |
3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 1x HDMI 1x SDXC card slot 1x High impedance audio jack 1x Mag safe |
2x Thunderbolt / USB-C 4 1x High impedance audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 |
Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 |
|
| Speakers | 6 speaker sound system with native audio 3-mic studio quality array |
Stereo speakers 3-mic studio quality array |
|
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera in the display notch | 720p FaceTime HD camera | |
| Battery | 70Wh Up to 12 hours of web 18h from Uo of Apple TV |
70Wh Up to 11 hours of web Up to 17 hours of Apple TV |
58.2Wh Up to 17 hours of web Up to 20h of Apple TV |
| Additional features | Touch ID |
Touch ID |
|
| the color | Space gray and silver | ||
| Price | $1999+ | $1299+ | |
You can buy the new MacBook Pro 14 with M2 Pro or M2 Max processors. On Amazon, Apple, and other retailers. However, previous generation models are still widely available. With solid discounts.
2023 MacBook Pro 16 vs 2021 MacBook Pro 16
| 2023 MacBook Pro 16 | 2021 MacBook Pro 16 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77” 4.7lbs 1.68 x 35.57 x 24.81 cm 2.15 kg |
|||
| Display | 16.2″ Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR, 3456 x 2234 1000/1600 nits brightness, P3, TrueTone Promotion 120Hz |
|||
| CPU |
M2 Pro: 12 core CPU 19 core GPU 16 NPU core 200GB/s memory |
M2 Max: 12 core CPU 38 core GPU 16 NPU core 400GB/s memory |
M1 Pro: 10 core CPU 16 core GPU 16 NPU core 200GB/s memory |
M1 Max: 10 core CPU 32 core GPU 16 NPU core 400GB/s memory |
| memory | 16, 32, 64, or 96GB of shared memory | 16, 32, or 64GB of shared memory | ||
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD | |||
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 1x HDMI with multi-channel audio 1x SDXC card slot 1x High impedance audio jack 1x Mag safe |
3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 1x HDMI 1x SDXC card slot 1x High impedance audio jack 1x Mag safe |
||
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | ||
| Speakers | 6-speaker sound system with native audio, 3-mic studio-quality array | |||
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | |||
| Battery | 100Wh Up to 15 hours of web Up to 22 hours of Apple TV |
100W Up to 14 hours of web until 21h of Apple TV |
||
| Additional features | Touch ID | |||
| the color | Space gray and silver | |||
| Price |
$2499+ |
|||
The 2023 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max processors is available at Amazon, Apple and other retailers. With a starting price of $2499. Like the 14-inch MacBook Pro, there is a 2021 model. Available at a discount (up to $400 off).
Users of M1 Pro or M1 Max-based MacBooks probably shouldn’t waste their money upgrading to the newer models (unless you feel like your current device is underpowered). As for users upgrading from older Intel-based MacBooks, picking up the previous M1-based generation may seem like a better deal due to the lack of significant physical and performance upgrades. However, if $200-400 isn’t all that important to you, buying the latest generation is unlikely to cause buyer’s remorse. These great (albeit expensive) laptops will provide a great experience for years to come.
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