MacBook Pro M3 vs. MacBook Pro M1: Which One Should You Choose?
Comparing M3 MacBook Pro and M1 MacBook Pro Is It Worth Upgrading to Apple's Newest Laptop?
M3 MacBook Pro vs M1 MacBook Pro To upgrade or not to upgrade?
Ah, the perpetual dilemma of tech enthusiasts: should you upgrade to the latest and greatest MacBook Pro, even though you bought the previous version just a few months ago? Apple’s continuous upgrades can definitely make your head spin. Brace yourself, because the MacBook Pro M3 has arrived, and it’s tempting us all over again.
The Speedy Successor
It feels like yesterday that Apple released the MacBook Pro with M2, but they wasted no time and brought us the M3. Now, if you’re already rocking the M2, there’s not much reason to jump ship just yet. Sure, the M3 boasts better specs and a stylish new color option (Space Black for the win!), but it’s not a substantial leap. You won’t exactly regret sticking with your M2 and saving some cash.
But if you happen to own the M1 MacBook Pro, the upgrade dilemma becomes a bit more perplexing. Fear not! We’re here to help you navigate this tech maze. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or simply on the hunt for a new MacBook, we’ve got your back. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Specifications Showdown
M1 MacBook Pro | M3 MacBook Pro | |
---|---|---|
Display size | 13”, 14”, and 16” | 14” and 16” |
Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Space Gray, |
Space Black | ||
Touch Bar | Yes (13” model only) | No |
Chip | M1 chip | M3 chip |
CPU and GPU | Up to 8 core | Up to 12 core and up to 18 |
for both | core | |
Unified memory | Up to 16GB | Up to 128GB |
Storage | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 4TB SSD |
Ports | Two Thunderbolt / | Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
USB 4 ports | ports, HDMI port, SDXC | |
card slot | ||
Battery | Up to 17 hours | Up to 12 hours |
wireless web, | wireless web, up to 18 | |
up to 20 hours | hours Apple TV app movie | |
Apple TV app movie | playback | |
playback | ||
Camera | 720p FaceTime HD | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
Price | Starting at $999 | Starting at $1,599 |
You Should Buy the M1 MacBook Pro If…
1. You Need More Battery Life
Ah, the eternal struggle for longer battery life. Well, the M1 wins this round. With up to 17 hours of general use and 20 hours of streaming, it outshines the M3’s 12 and 18-hour battery life, respectively. Granted, most people have their MacBook plugged in most of the time, but in those rare moments when you’re stranded without an outlet, the M1 has your back.
2. You’re Doing Mostly Web-based Work or Don’t Need the Absolute Fastest Option
Creatives, rejoice! The MacBook Pro has become a beloved machine in the design, animation, engineering, and development fields. And guess what? The M1 can handle most demanding programs just fine, according to our trusted ENBLE Editor in Chief, Jason Hiner. Unless you’re a time-crunched professional who needs lightning-fast production speeds, the M1 will suit you perfectly fine.
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3. You Prefer a Smaller Overall Size and Touch Bar
If you’re a fan of a compact layout and the touch bar, the M1 is your best bet. Sadly, the M3 doesn’t offer a 13-inch option like its predecessors, and the touch bar has vanished from all M3 models. While opinions on the touch bar may differ, it did have its dedicated fans. Are you one of them?
You Should Buy the M3 MacBook Pro If…
1. You’re Working Outside or in Bright Environments
If you’re always basking in the sun or find yourself in super bright surroundings, the M3’s brightness will make your eyes smile. While the M1 reaches a decent 500 nits for SDR content, the M3 triples that with an impressive 1,600 nits. So, if you’re frequently exposed to the elements or bright indoor lights, the M3 is your knight in shining armor.
2. You’re Handling Intensive or Time-sensitive Tasks
When it comes to speeding through tasks, the M3 has a noticeable edge over the M1. As ENBLE’s comprehensive review shows, the M3 renders at more than twice the speed of its predecessor. For those in content creation fields where every second counts, the M3 is a worthy investment. Power users handling high-end graphics and video will feel right at home.
3. You Want a Brand-new Laptop
Finding a brand-new M1-powered MacBook is like hunting for a unicorn. Three years have passed since Apple first introduced its M1 systems. The M3, on the other hand, is ready and waiting for you at your local Apple store and various retailers. Not to mention the likely better deals as the holiday shopping season approaches. Good luck finding that pristine-condition M1 on some forgotten corner of the internet.
Explore Other Alternatives
If the MacBook Pro M1 and M3 don’t tickle your fancy, fear not! There are other options worth considering. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles that dive into alternative laptops that might just steal your heart.
And remember, in the fast-paced world of technology, there will always be new releases and upgrades. So, choose wisely, fellow tech aficionados!
Now it’s your turn to chime in! Are you team M1 or team M3? Let us know in the comments below. Happy tech hunting, everyone!