First a small definition: Apple Silicon is a brand that the company of the same name created on the occasion of WWDC 2020 to qualify the self-built SiP (System in Package) of its computers. Previously, Mac motherboards were made by Intel. But Cupertino went with the design to drive gross margins and beat the competition proprietary components. These integrate RAM, Secure Enclave, processor and GPU on the same printed circuit board.
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2021/2022 MacBook Pros
In addition to laptops, several desktop computers are equipped with this solution, such as the 24-inch iMac.
List of Apple Silicon MacBooks
- MacBook Air M1 (2020)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020)
- 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021)
- 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)
differences between screens
First, let’s compare the screens, the main source of interaction for the user. The first difference between them is the size that MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M1 (2020) are limited to 13.3 inches where the 2022 MacBook Pros offer 14.2″ and 16.2″. The resolution is also better on the larger models: 3,024 x 1,964 pixels on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 3,456 x 2,234 pixels on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but a mere 2K on the smaller ones.
MacBook Air M1 © iPhon.fr
As for the brightness, we see the same phenomenon: the MacBook Pro 13″ and the MacBook Air M1 are quite limited and it quickly becomes difficult to use them in direct sunlight. Apple therefore speaks of 500 or 400 nits. That’s almost three times less than the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro, which can display a ProMotion refresh rate 120Hz.
To finish the comparison of the screens, you also know that the panels of the MacBook Apple silicon do not have the same technology. So if the MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro 13e are happy with an IPS LED backlight, the MacBook Pro 2022 performs better and takes over Mini LED. The result: deeper blacks, perfect for film or graphics.
MacBook Pro M1 © iPhon.fr
Note: The 13″ MacBook Pro also offers the touch barbut having since abandoned it, we believe it is not an unrelenting advantage.
Comparative classification MacBook Apple silicon (screen):
performance comparison
With the Apple Silicon MacBook Pros you have the choice between three different chip families. In order to compare them, it is important to consider several criteria. The first is sheer computing power, embodied by the number of cores present in the CPU, which allows multiple apps to run simultaneously (photo, code, etc.). The second is the management of the video stream, this time measurable by the technical characteristics of the GPU. We have those too NeuralEngine : The more robust it is, the more efficient machine learning will be.
So that a lot of streaks of random access memory higher drastically improves the execution speed of apps, especially when working on large files: music, AR, etc. Finally, we have memory bandwidth, which is responsible for opening these documents as quickly as possible. Let’s see how these numbers relate to Apple silicon chips:
M1 chip
- for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13″
- 8-core CPU
- 7 or 8 core GPU
- RAM: 8 or 16 GB
- Neural Engine with 16 cores
M1 Pro chip
- for MacBook Pro 14″ or MacBook Pro 16″
- 8 or 10 core CPU for the 14″ MacBook Pro / 10 core CPU for the 16″ MacBook Pro
- 14 or 16 core GPU for the 14″ MacBook Pro / 16, 24 or 32 core GPU for the 16″ MacBook Pro
- RAM: 16 or 32 GB
- Neural Engine with 16 cores
M1 Max chip
- for MacBook Pro 14″ or MacBook Pro 16″
- 10 core CPU
- GPU with 24 or 32 cores
- RAM: 32 or 64 GB
- Neural Engine with 16 cores
You guessed it, if you choose a MacBook Pro, you’ll have more speed. However, as the test by our colleagues from Presse-citron.net showed, the MacBook Air M1 already performs very well for office automation or classic tasks. However, if you’re more into gaming or editing, you’re better off opting for a 2022 MacBook Pro. The potential 64GB of RAM really makes a difference on a day-to-day basis, especially with software like Premiere Pro or Logic.
2021/2022 MacBook Pros
Comparison ranking MacBook Apple Silicon (performance):
MacBook Air M1 © iPhon.fr
design
While it’s rarely the detail we consult when comparing such powerful computers, the design of the MacBook Apple Silicon can be considered for the purist or nomad. There are actually real differences between the four devices, starting with the color : Space Gray or Silver for each model, but Gold is only available for the MacBook Air M1.
Also good to know: The 14″ MacBook Pro and the 16″ MacBook Pro are the only ones with an Apple silicon chip and notch. That dark area in the middle of the top edge of the panel cuts out the camera and also guarantees a much better size/screen ratio. As a result, the 14″ MacBook Pro is barely larger than the 13″ MacBook Pro: 31.26 cm wide and 22.12 cm deep compared to 30.41 cm wide and 21.24 cm deep on the predecessor.
MacBook Pro 2022 © iPhon.fr
The weight also changes depending on the selected Apple Silicon MacBook. Comparing each edition on the scales, we find, without much surprise, that the MacBook Pro 16″ is the heaviest at over 2kg on the counter, while the MacBook Air doesn’t exceed 1.3kg. It is therefore much more suitable for Travel. But the 14″ MacBook Pro is now thinner: only 1.55 cm thick.
So no ranking here: it’s tiered according to everyone’s needs (office and convenience for the big MacBook Pro 2022, or portability and practicality for the MacBook M1).
MacBook Pro M1 © iPhon.fr
What storage options for MacBooks?
In contrast to models with an Intel chip, Apple Silicon MacBooks prevent an increase in storage capacity. However, you can expand the basic storage space offered with an external hard drive or package iCloudfor a fee.
Also note that the options are 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB for all Apple Silicon MacBooks. On the other hand, the MacBook Air M1 and the 13″ MacBook Pro also offer a 256 GB SSD. Another difference: With the 14″ MacBook Pro and 16″ MacBook Pro, we are also entitled to a configuration with 4 TB or 8 TB .. but showed no difference in speed when reading or writing.
Comparison ranking MacBook Apple Silicon (memory):
MacBook Pro 2022 © iPhon.fr
Battery life: Apple silicon comparison
Unfortunately, Apple Silicon’s new MacBook generation isn’t necessarily the most durable. In fact, when we compare the battery of the MacBook Pro 14″ with that of the MacBook Pro 13″ – the best – and with that of the MacBook Air M1, we see that the largest model lasts less. We even saw it fully discharge before the end of the day. Also, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is the same, albeit slightly better.
Comparison ranking MacBook Apple silicon (autonomy):
2021/2022 MacBook Pros
camera
MacBook Pro 16″ © Apple
The Apple Silicon MacBooks with the best-performing camera for vision calls are the 2022 MacBook Pro. In fact, these claim HD definition in 1080p while the MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro 13″ settle for definition 720p. And with FaceTime you can clearly see the difference: faces are much sharper and of higher quality.
Comparison ranking MacBook Apple Silicon (Webcam):
Connectivity: MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro
If we compare the sides of each Apple Silicon MacBook, we can see that the 14″ MacBook Pro and the 16″ MacBook Pro have more power outlets. So unlike the 13″ MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air M1, which only have one connector USB-C, here there are three. These are Thunderbolt 4 compatible.
MacBook Pro 2022 © Apple
The 16″ MacBook Pro and 14″ MacBook Pro also have an HDMI port and a SDXC card reader. This connector is a real differentiator if you have a portable camera or Tascam type audio recorder.
Comparative classification MacBook Apple silicon (connectors):
Our conclusion
A single catchphrase to end this comparison: The most powerful Apple Silicon MacBooks are the latest. In fact, the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are only available for the MacBook Pro 14″ and MacBook Pro 16″, which also have the great advantages of their larger screen and SD card slot. However, some differences put these results into perspective, such as the reduced autonomy of these models (thanks to the 120 Hz) or their prominent notch. The price is also very high at 2,249 euros for the 14″ MacBook Pro and 2,749 euros for the 16″ MacBook Pro.
The MacBook Air M1 and the 13″ MacBook Pro, on the other hand, know how to show off their differences brilliantly. Indeed they are more affordable (from 1,129 euros or 1,449 euros) and compact.
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Bonus: The MacBook Air M1 gets a better score of repairability (6/10) than the 13-inch MacBook Pro (5.5/10), but underperforms the 16-inch MacBook Pro (6.4/10).
MacBook Air 2020 M1 256 GB at the best price Base price: €1,129
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Macbook Air M1
€1,129
