MacBook Pro 2023 VS MacBook Pro 2021 (14 and 16 inches): comparison and differences

The main differences

Better processors

2023 MacBook Pros can be configured with two chips to choose from: M2 Pro or M2 Max. These generations succeed the M1 Pro and M1 Max models of the 2021 MacBook Pro and are logically more efficient. The M2 Pro benefits from a fifth more transistors than the M1 Pro, for example. The CPU is announced to be 20% faster with two new versions, and 30% faster for the graphics card.

If we look at the first one criteria, the numbers confirm Apple’s statements. With Geekbench 5, the MacBook Pro M2 Max thus scores an unequivocal 1,981 points compared to the M1 Max’s 1,644 points.

More RAM

It should be noted that Apple also integrates RAM into the printed circuit of its motherboards. It is not possible to add a bar after selecting Mac. The amount of RAM in the 2021 MacBook Pro did not exceed 64 GB, which was still very respectable. With the 2023 MacBook Pro, users can now opt for 96GB of RAM. However, this is only possible with the M2 Max chip.

Increased autonomy

With that, Apple has improved the endurance of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2023. each gets an extra hour of battery life Compared to the 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro. To find out, you will need to perform the same testing procedure as the manufacturer: so the results may vary significantly for you. For example, we know that loud speakers use more energy than when you plug in wireless headphones. But the 2023 MacBook Pros don’t consume more power, perhaps because their processors are optimized for it.

MacBook Pro 2023 © Apple

Since the battery is a wearable component, you will need to replace it one day. The price is €229 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2021, but €289 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2023. The price difference is the same between the 14-inch editions.

2023 MacBook Pros are heavier

It’s a detail, but it could be important down the road: 2023 MacBook Pros add a few tens of gramss scale compared to the MacBook Pro 2021. The exact mass depends on the selected processor.

MacBook Pro 2023 © Apple

On the new side of sockets and connections

With the 2023 MacBook Pro, whether it’s 14-inch or 16-inch, you’ll benefit from the 2.1 generation of the HDMI standard. It supports Dolby multi-channel audio, which the MacBook Pro 2021 version 2.0 doesn’t even have. The same card also supports resolution. 8TH KILOMETER With, but not limited to, 2023 MacBook Pro 4K On 2021 MacBook Pros.

With that, know this MacBook Pro 2021’s Bluetooth consumes less energy As for Wi-Fi, unlike the 2023 MacBook Pro, it moves to the 6E standard on the 2021 MacBook Pro with improved performance on the speed side.

Price comparison

2023 MacBook Pros are unfortunately more expensive It’s lower than the 2021 MacBook Pro. The base price starts at €2,399 for the 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro, and €2,249 for the 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro. As for the 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro, we find it at €2.99. The euro predecessor is sometimes listed below 2,500 euros. That’s also the strength of the 2021 MacBook Pros: Refurbished stores are showing them off at much cheaper prices than the base price because they’re no longer available at the Apple Store.

MacBook Pro 2021 © Apple

What doesn’t change

Same screen, feature for feature

We don’t change the winning team as someone else says. It kept the same screen as Apple notch 2023 for MacBook Pros. As for the 2021 MacBook Pros, that’s why we have two sizes here, 14 inches and 16 inches, and fairly small borders around the plate. Contrasts are striking, colors are vibrant, and brightness is up to the level expected for a high-end laptop. In full daylight, no problem.

As a bonus, the ProMotion refresh rate one hundred and twenty frames per second allowing you to play or edit videos without any fear of slowdown.

MacBook Pro 2023 © Apple

Design: we take the same thing and start again

2023 MacBook Pros made of aluminum the same to the 2021 MacBook Pro in addition to the crowd as seen above. Various ports are mounted on the left and right edges of the device, which avoids having to bend over to get to the back like the Mac mini M2. Another positive point: the size of the trackpad, which is particularly impressive. You can switch from one side of the interface to the other without releasing your finger, which is a real plus for editing images.

The 2023 and 2021 MacBook Pros are available in only two colors: silver or space gray.

Memory: MacBook Pro 2023 VS MacBook Pro 2021

The 2023 MacBook Pros come with several internal storage capacities to choose from. The main, most profitable option a SSD 512 GB. It is possible to double the storage up to 1 TB or choose 2 TB, 4 TB or even 8 TB. The 2021 MacBook Pros offer the same hard drive configurations.

MacBook Pro M2 Pro © Apple

Keyboard and biometrics

There are no major differences between the MacBook Pro 2023 and the MacBook Pro 2021 on the keyboard side. You choose the language at the time of purchase, knowing that the Touch Bar is still not coming back, as some patents suggest. Unfortunately, Apple has also decided not to offer Face ID biometric unlocking either.. Instead, you’ll always have to rely on the Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the top right of the letter keys.

Camera and sound

The 2023 MacBook Pro and 2021 MacBook Pro all have the same front-facing sensor. 1080p. There are also microphones for calls, and speakers are located to the right and left of the keyboard. We know them as surprisingly clear bass for laptops; they are also the best in the market for us.

MacBook Pro 2021 © Apple

MacBook Pro 2023 VS MacBook Pro 2021: charger and ports kept

When the European Union started banning special chargers for iPhones, you’d think it was standard MagSafe It was also under threat on the Mac. But the magnetic plug is still available on the 2023 MacBook Pro, which has returned with the 2021 MacBook Pro. With the undeniable advantage of not damaging your ports when an unfortunate passerby snaps your cable with a flick of their foot.

On the sides, you’ll also find an HDMI plug for connecting an external monitor and its integrated speaker. Studio Screen is the ideal model for this. There are USB-C ports on the side, as well as an SD card slot, but no Ethernet port. Unfortunately, this could have been a nice upgrade for the 2023 MacBook Pros…

MacBook Pro 2021 © Apple

Our opinion: to buy or not to buy?

We have come to the end of our comparison. you would understand the differences are small Between MacBook Pro 2021 and MacBook Pro 2023. Only the most fussy, in other words, those looking for a flawless machine, will choose new models for a more powerful chip or faster connection. And that’s a good thing: Apple is targeting exactly this audience with its 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro ranges. What justifies it huge price increase ? We leave you alone to be the judge.