M1 vs M2 Chip vs The Newest M3 Chip Buying Guide 2024

With the introduction of the M3 chip in 2023, Apple provided a game changer for computer processing needs, which has elevated industry standards. However, if you are unsure of the differences in the M1 vs M2 chip vs the new M3, this article aims to provide clarity and differentiation. While M3 sets you up for maximum power for cutting edge graphics and visuals, M1 and M2 are still viable processors for those with lighter tech needs in a MacBook or iMac computer.

This buying guide discusses the features and functionality of the M1 vs M2 chip, as well as the newest M3 chips, so you can determine whether you need the power and longevity of the M3 or if the M1 or M2 might be best for your needs. Utilising a 5nm node, the M2 is only approximately 15% slower than the M3, a difference that mainly comes into play when working on long videos or complex imaging and 3D rendering with large files.

The Difference Between the M1 and M2 Chip – And what the M3 Chip Brings to the Table

As the very first silicon chip produced by Apple, the M1, released in 2020, put new computers way ahead of older models without the M1 chips when it comes to battery life, processing power, graphics performance, and memory.  

The M2 chip, released in 2022, featured several upgrades. It included even more transistors than the M1, making it quicker to process data and allowing it to run certain heavy-duty applications more smoothly. This is especially important for video editors, as the M2 chip has better support for ProRes and ProRes RAW files.

Finally, the newest M3 chip was released in late 2023. As opposed to the 5nm process that is used by both the M1 and M2 chips, the M3 is a 3nm chip, meaning its transistors are even smaller. This leads to even higher and faster performance while maintaining a long battery life. Let’s break it down in a table below to find out what all this means and which chip is best for which tasks:

Rating Criteria

While there is pressure to consistently upgrade computers and devices, M1 and M2 processors are not lacking in capability. If you do word processing, web browsing, and light image editing, an Apple machine with an M1 processor will still provide lightning fast receptivity. However, for heavier tasks like video editing and high resolution image retouching, the M3 improves your machine’s ability to render files quickly.

Best Overall Chip: M3

Why it's the best Apple chip:

The M3 is noteworthy for its long term value. The M3 offers processing power beyond the current availability and will remain relevant for the ensuing decades. As long as you are satisfied with your M3, it will serve you.

Key Features:

• 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores.

• Configurable to 8-core GPU and 10-core GPU.

• Hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

• 16-core Neural Engine.

• 100GB/s memory bandwidth.

• Media Engine. Hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW. Video decode engine.

Average Price of new: £1400.00

Verified Refurbished price on Back Market from *£900

Who it's for:

Ideal for those who want a powerful MacBook or iMac suitable for large files and robust workloads.

Pros:

With the M3, users will appreciate fast processing and swift rendering for large files. As the M3 has been redesigned and reduced to a 3nm node size, with smaller being better in terms of chips, compared to the M1 and M2’s 5nm node, the M3 is Apple’s basis for future processing generations. Beyond that, Apple does not have a reputation for the best gaming machines. The M3 is actually suitable for gaming and places Apple in the gaming arena.

Cons:

The main disadvantage of the M3 is its higher price than the M1 and M2, but if you need its power, it is the way to go.

Best Apple Chip Value for the Price: M2

Why it's the best Apple Chip for affordability:

The Apple M2 is suitable for those who are working with larger files. However, if you are not creating cutting edge graphics, it is only 15% slower than the M3. You still have plenty of bandwidth to perform tasks that are heavier than word processing or web browsing.

Key Features:

• 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores.

• 10-core GPU.

• 16-core Neural Engine.

• 100GB/s memory bandwidth.

Average Price of new: £960.00

Verified Refurbished price on Back Market from *£750

Who it's for:

Great for cost-conscious users who plan to work on their MacBook or iMac regularly, with some image or video processing.

Pros:

If you do some graphics or video editing work, the M2 is a great option, as it can be less costly than the M3. Users still receive good performance that is only 15% slower than the M3, making it a close second. With the M2 Pro or a M2 maximum powered laptop, the efficiency is similar to the M3, nullifying the need for an urgent upgrade.

Cons:

As with all Apple products, the M2 will eventually become obsolete. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, the M3 is the basis for future processor generations.

Best Apple Chip for Basic Users: M1

Why it's the best Apple Chip for Basic Users:

For those who know that they will be using their MacBook or iMac for light tasks, including web browsing or word processing, the M1 offers a great solution. The M1 is highly suitable for basic office and administrative work or for student work, including tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, and other non-graphics or photo/video-editing applications.

Key Features:

• Battery and Power1 Up to 17 hours wireless

• Memory. 8GB

• Storage 256GB SSD

Average price of new: £550.00

Verified Refurbished price on Back Market from *£480

Who it's for:

Ideal for those who need a basic but reliable computer for light tasks, such as students or office/administrative workers.

Pros:

The M1 offers the excellent performance, reliability, and durability for which Macs are known. Though Apple has advanced their processing roster, the M1 will still provide a reliable machine for basic tasks for years to come.

Cons:

The main con of the M1 is that it is significantly slower than the M3. This does not make a difference for tasks like web browsing, spreadsheets, and word processing. However, it is not ideal for graphic-intensive tasks like video editing, or 3D rendering.

M1 vs M2 chip vs M3 Pricing

When determining which machine with which processor is best for your computer needs, price is an important factor. Here are some things to consider:

1. While the M3 is the most powerful chip available from Apple at this time, the price range for various M1 and M2 Apple computers is within a similar range. 

2. The lowest price for a refurbished M3 is *£990, while they can range up to £1,399 - £1,699.

3. Refurbished M2s can be found starting from the *£700 - £2,000 range and up, depending on their storage configurations, while new M2 machines start at around £780.

4. Refurbished models with M1 processors can be found for under *£500, but it’s important to understand if a great value on an Apple machine is going to suit your needs.

When investing in a new desktop or laptop machine, refurbished MacBooks can provide an excellent opportunity for savings. However, how you plan to use your machine makes a difference. Consistent high resolution image editing or video editing run better on a more powerful processor, like the M2 or M3, while the M1 is suitable for lighter daily tasks.

MacBook M1 vs M2 vs M3 Buying Tips

When evaluating which Apple computer to purchase, refurbished models offer a great savings. Refurbished computers offer a substantial discount that can amount to hundreds in savings, along with a smaller carbon footprint. Back Market, a reputable refurbished electronics retailer, performs a quality check on all merchandise, plus all models come with a 1-year warranty. 

In addition, Back Market is a great option for students that are going back to school for the new term. Beyond Back Market’s initial savings, they offer a special student discount on all purchases of £250 or more. All you have to do is sign up, fill out the student form (it only takes 2 seconds!), and get your code for £20 off of any product on Back Market.

1. Evaluate your usage: Is your creative output suffering from your machine’s lack of processing capability? Do you simply need a standard MacBook for general tasks? These factors make a difference in whether you should choose the M1 vs M2 chip or the newest M3 chip.

2. Review your budget: Apple computers can vary widely in price. Evaluate how much you can spend, and then peruse prices for new and refurbished models.

3. Research: Certain times of the year, such as Black Friday, can provide additional discounts on electronics, while knowing which models are releasing when can help you determine when to shop.

4. Compare the models: If you are uncertain about buying an Apple Mac online, check out our guides on how to select a MacBook. Take notes about what you like or dislike. This can help you narrow down the options when shopping online.

Additional Considerations When Choosing between MacBooks with M1 vs M2 vs M3

When choosing between M1 vs M2 vs M3 chips for your needs, you may also want to take some other factors into consideration.

Upgrades

As far as working with graphics, videos, high-resolution images and other visual tasks, the M1, M2, and M3 are all structured around eight GPU cores. If you want later, you can upgrade your Mac to elevated specifications, such as a 10 core GPU, which can improve the performance of your M2 for tasks like speed and battery life. This can be done for the M1, but it is more advisable for the M2.

This is a consideration if you do image-heavy work, like 3D rendering or video editing. More GPU cores will help streamline and improve rendering times. These upgrades are important to consider when choosing, for example, a MacBook Air M1 vs M2 vs M3.

Warranty and Customer Support

If you purchase an Apple certified refurbished MacBook or iMac, they typically include a one-year warranty. This offers great peace of mind along with the savings that refurbished models provide.

Apple also offers AppleCare+, in which Mac users can purchase protection for their device on an annual or multi-year basis. Beyond that, Back Market offers BackUp, a subscription-based protection plan that is available for 12 or 24 months of accidental breakage or liquid damage. It includes two repairs or one replacement per year, with 24-hour claim approval and repairs processed in three days time when mailed in.

Conclusion: The Best Apple Processor – M1 vs M2 chip and the new M3

Overall, understanding which processor to choose as well as the difference between the M1 and M2 chip involves evaluating your daily work flows, anticipated future tasks, and your budget for investing in Macs over the ensuing years. M1 vs M2 chips as well as the M3 all offer quality performance with substantial longevity.

If you are looking for a trustworthy computer, you cannot go wrong with Apple’s stellar offering of laptops and desktops. Deciding between M1 vs M2 chips and the M3 is a matter of customization to your specific needs. Once you have determined the ideal chip for your MacBook or iMac, there are many resources available to support your purchase. Refurbished electronics are a great way to reduce e-waste while benefiting your pocket. The consistent good reviews of MacBooks with M1 vs M2 and the M3 along with Apple’s available customer support programs offer reassurance of your purchase. 

Utilising this buying guide and evaluating your plans and needs can help you make an informed decision about which Apple Processor is best.