MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023): A Powerful and Portable Laptop with M2 Pro and M2 Max Chips
Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3) model, featuring the latest M3 generation of chips. This begs the question: how does the new model compare to its predecessor, the M2 MacBook Pro 14-inch? With less than a year since the launch of the M2 model, is there enough of a performance upgrade to justify the new release? We compare the two laptops to find out.
Specs Comparison:
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at the key specifications of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2) and MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3):
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2) vs MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3): Base Specs
MacBook Pro M2 Pro MacBook Pro M3
Price: $1,999 / £2,149 / AU$3,199 $1,599 / £1,699 / AU$2,699
CPU: Apple M2 Pro (10-core) Apple M3 (8-core)
Graphics: Integrated 16-core GPU Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM: 16GB unified memory 8GB unified memory
Screen: 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR display (mini-LED, 1,000 nits sustained brightness, wide color P3 gamut, ProMotion technology)
Storage: 512GB SSD 512GB SSD
Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD webcam
Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6kg) 3.4 lbs (1.55kg)
Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches (313 x 221 x 16mm)
Price and Availability:
One noticeable difference between the two MacBook Pro 14-inch models is the launch price. While Apple claims to have significantly reduced the price of the M3 model, it’s not quite as generous as it seems. The M2 Pro model, which launched in January 2023, had a starting price of $1,999 / £2,149 / AU$3,199, identical to the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1-era chips. On the other hand, the M3 model starts at $1,599 / £1,699 / AU$2,699, making it noticeably cheaper.
However, it’s important to note that the base model of the M3 MacBook Pro 14-inch comes with different specifications compared to the M2 Pro model. The M3 chip has an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, while the M2 Pro chip offers a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. The M3 model also comes with 8GB of unified memory, half of what the M2 Pro model offers. Additionally, the M3 model has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M2 Pro model and higher M3 Pro and M3 Max models offer three Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Design and Display:
When it comes to design and display, the two MacBook Pros are very similar. Both feature a stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a 3024 x 1964 resolution, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, one billion colors, and support for the P3 wide color gamut. They also both include ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, providing a fluid and responsive experience. Apple has introduced a Space Black color option for the M3 Pro and M3 Max models, which features an anodization seal to reduce fingerprints. However, the base M3 model only comes in silver or space gray, similar to the M2 Pro model.
Specs and Performance:
As of now, we have not had the chance to fully review the new MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3) model. However, based on the specifications and performance claims from Apple, we can make some initial comparisons. The M3 chip features an 8-core CPU architecture, similar to the M2 chip, but it benefits from a smaller and more efficient 3nm design, compared to the M2’s 5nm design. This allows for a 25% increase in transistor density, resulting in a more compact chip.
Conclusion:
While it’s difficult to make a final judgment without comprehensive testing, it appears that the new MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3) model offers some improvements over its predecessor. However, it’s important to carefully consider the differences in specifications between the base M3 model and the M2 Pro model. The M3 Pro model, with its higher core count and additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, may offer better value for those seeking top performance.
As always, we recommend waiting for independent reviews and benchmarks to get a complete understanding of the new MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3) model’s capabilities. We will update this article as soon as we have thoroughly tested and reviewed the latest model.
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