Apple M3 vs Apple M2 vs Apple M1 series: Should You Upgrade or Not
The Apple M3 Series has launched with the usual Apple M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max processors. One important question still remains, how well do these new SoCs perform against older ones like the M2 and M1? Let's find out together.
Apple has introduced the latest iteration of its M series processors, consisting of six models. With the launch of the new M Series of processors, users will be itching to know how well these processors. That is the question we've set out to answer here. This is the Apple M3 vs Apple M2 vs Apple M1 series.
In 2021, Apple decided to strategically shift from Intel's processors to its proprietary silicon. This challenged the notion that ARM-based SoCs thus couldn't effectively power PCs and in the process completely shattered it. The previous generations, M1 and M2, demonstrated remarkable performance against competitors like Intel and AMD. Now, with the advent of the Apple M3 series, the focus is on evaluating their performance relative to their predecessors.
Apple M3 vs Apple M2 vs Apple M1
The entry-level Apple M3 series offers two variants: Apple M3 (8-core GPU) and Apple M3 (10-core GPU). According to GeekBench 6, this processor achieves a single-core score of 3,136 and a multi-core score of 11,820.
GeekBench 6
| Processors | Single-core | Multi-core |
|---|---|---|
| Processors Apple M3 | Single-core 3,136 | Multi-core 11,820 |
| Processors Apple M2 | Single-core 2,587 | Multi-core 9,632 |
| Processors Apple M1 | Single-core 2,333 | Multi-core 8,311 |
Notably, the Apple M3 outperforms the Apple M2 by 2,000 points and the Apple M1 by 3,500 points, marking a significant advancement. If you have an M1 or M2 and you're looking to upgrade to the M3, then you have the all clear. It is a complete upgrade.
Apple M3 Pro vs M2 Pro vs M1 Pro
Positioned as the midrange option, the Apple M3 Pro also features two variants with 11 CPU core and 12 CPU core configurations. The GeekBench 6 scores for the M3 Pro are a single-core score of 3,135 and a multi-core score of 14,244. While it surpasses the M1 Pro by 1,600 points, its performance is on par with the M2 Pro.
GeekBench 6
| Processors | Single-core | Multi-core |
|---|---|---|
| Processors Apple M3 Pro | Single-core 3,135 | Multi-core 14,244 |
| Processors Apple M2 Pro | Single-core 2,643 | Multi-core 14,206 |
| Processors Apple M1 Pro | Single-core 2,411 | Multi-core 12,551 |
Consequently, for users with an M2 Pro-powered PC, upgrading to the M3 Pro may not be justified, despite marginal improvements in GPU performance and battery efficiency.
Apple M3 Max vs M2 Max vs M1 Max
As the flagship processor, the Apple M3 Max boasts two variants with 14 CPU cores + 30-core GPU and 16 CPU cores + 40-core GPU. GeekBench 6 multi-core test results shows the Apple M3 Max scores around 21,327. The M3 Max is Apple's most powerful processor to date, significantly surpassing the M2 Max.
| Processors | Single-core | Multi-core |
|---|---|---|
| Processors Apple M3 Max | Single-core 3,166 | Multi-core 21,327 |
| Processors Apple M2 Max | Single-core 2,736 | Multi-core 14,500 |
| Processors Apple M1 Max | Single-core 2,376 | Multi-core 12,215 |
It is also key to Note that Apple has claimed that, unlike its predecessors, the M3 Max is optimized for gaming, marking a notable stride in performance capabilities.
Conclusion
As users contemplate upgrading their devices, the decision rests on individual needs and existing configurations. The M3 series (with the exception of the Pro) not only meets, but surpasses expectations, setting a formidable benchmark for future advancements. Apple's foray into the M3 series reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology, shaping the landscape of computing for years to come.