Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The speed and battery life of the 13 - column inch M1 MacBook Pro are worth bragging about . But for some pro users , it ’s miss some features than may be worth wait for .
For years , it ’s been iPhone this , iPhone that . And for good reason . But now , the Mac — the weapons platform that drive Apple to the forefront of computing — is back in the spotlight . And for undecomposed reason .
While the Intel years were practiced for the Mac , Apple needed something to take its data processor to the next level . That something now fall in the conformation of Apple ’s own organization on a chip ( SoC ) , call the M1 . Along with macOS Big Sur ( the OS make for the M1 ) , the Mac make breakthroughs in performance and battery efficiency that were never potential with Intel silicon .
Results are expressed in Geekbench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
This review takes a spirit at the $ 1,299 13 - inch MacBook Pro , which has an Apple 8 - essence M1 . This SoC includes 8 GB of RAM and an 8 - nucleus graphics processor . The laptop also amount with a 256 GB SSD , a 13.3 - in LED - backlit display , a 58.2 - W - hour atomic number 3 - polymer battery , and a 61W USB - C index transcriber .
As the tests will show , this Mac is an astounding machine .
13-inch MacBook Pro M1: Performance benchmarks
Apple made bold claims during its “ One more affair effect ” on November 10 . The companysaidits new 13 - inch MacBook Pro ’s M1 CPU is up to 2.8 time faster than the 1.7GHz quadriceps - core Intel Core i7 in a same - sized MacBook Pro . ( This Intel Core i7 was available as a build up - to - order pick for the old $ 1,299 13 - inch MacBook Pro , a machine that total stock with a 1.4GHz quad - core Core i5 when it was released earlier this year . )
We do n’t have this specific laptop computer that Apple uses for its carrying into action comparability . But we do have three other MacBook Pro models that can help oneself us draw some conclusion as we test them against the 13 - inch MacBook Pro M1 . Specifically :
So what did we find out ? Well , we might not have been able to replicate Apple ’s 2.8 meter increase in performance , but what we did see was exciting nonetheless . Sometimes the resultant result us awestruck .
Results are expressed in Geekbench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
Results are expressed in Geekbench grudge . Higher mark / longer bars are better .
We first turn toGeekbench 5 , where the Modern M1 delivered awesome results . In the bench mark ’s Single Core test , the M1 MacBook Pro result all of the other laptops in the debris , evince an 85 percent advance over the 1.4GHz MacBook Pro ; 34 percent over the 2.0GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro ; and 40 percent over the 16 - in simulation .
It gets even better with Geekbench 5 ’s Multi - Core test , where the 8 - core M1 MacBook Pro was fast than the 16 - inch MacBook Pro with its 8 - core Core i9 chip . And the M1 laptop blew past the other 13 - column inch models we prove , post a 68 percentage improvement over the 2.0GHz quad core Core i5 MacBook Pro , and a 91 percent improvement over the 1.4GHz space essence Core i5 MacBook Pro .
Results are expressed in Geekbench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
Results are expressed in Cinebench dozens . high scores / longer legal community are good .
The impressive effect continued in ourCinebench R23testing . In multi - core testing , the M1 MacBook Pro saw advance of 54 and 87 percent over the 2.0GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro and 1.4GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro , respectively . In this psychometric test , however , the 16 - column inch 2.4GHz Core i9 actually beat the M1 MacBook Pro ( but not by much ) .
Our Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23 scores were pull together using “ Universal ” rendering on those benchmarks , which means the M1 MacBook Pro was able to function aboriginal adaptation of the trial run , taking vantage of all the optimisation built into the Apple atomic number 14 potato chip and macOS Big Sur . So , to see what carrying into action is like when running in emulation mode , we run Cinebench R20 , which only defend Intel processors natively . When this test head for the hills on an Apple - Si Mac , the automobile use Rosetta2 , an on - the - fly translating program .
Results are expressed in Cinebench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
In Cinebench R20 , we did see a hit in carrying out , but the M1 MacBook Pro was still fast than the other two 13 - in models we screen . Compared to the 2.0GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro , the M1 laptop was only 7 percent faster . The M1 MacBook Pro was still faster than the 1.4GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro , but it was beaten by the 16 - inch 2.4GHz Core i9 laptop computer .
13-inch MacBook Pro M1: Graphics performance
A portion of the M1 SoC is consecrate to an 8 - core GPU , which interchange the integrated Intel graphics in late machines . With the $ 1,299 and $ 1,499 Intel - based 13 - inch MacBook Pros , the graphics performance was satisfactory for most tasks , but you had to lower the graphics setting in involve games for get satisfactory shape rates . get ’s see if the state of affairs has ameliorate .
Results are frames per second . Higher sexual conquest / longer bars are better .
Mac game with native code for Apple atomic number 14 are n’t usable yet ( unless you admit iPhone and iPads ) . But we were curious to see what sort of carrying out we would get with a brace of Mac game that habituate code written for Intel C.P.U. . We ranRise of the Tomb RaiderandCivilization VI , and came away impressed . With either low or high caliber configurations , the M1 MacBook Pro drastically improves upon the graphics speed of the other 13 - inch laptops in our examination .
Results are expressed in Cinebench scores. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
So what aboutnativegraphics performance ? Lacking any optimize games , we used the Compute benchmark in Geekbench 5 . And with eitherOpenCLorMetal , the M1 MacBook Pro provides the graphic boost that users of lower - price Macs have been yearning for .
Results are expressed in Geekbench scores . high results / long Browning automatic rifle are good .
It alsofeelssignificantly faster
Of naturally , bench mark are n’t the only fashion to gauge performance . There ’s also the palpable look when you ’re using a estimator . Now , when you ’ve been reviewing Macs for as long as we have , pay back afeelfor velocity improvements is difficult . Usually , we ’re dealing with a 10 to 15 overall pct speed improvement yr over class , and that ’s difficult to judge outside of benchmarks .
But this was n’t the causa with the M1 MacBook Pro . Everything on the computer has a crisp snap to it , including app introduction , and windows gap and completion . In Safari , the upper is even more noticeable , with faster loading webpages and smoother scrolling . When Apple ’s Craig Federighidemonstratedinstant wake during the “ One more matter ” event , it show me how I ’ve simply accept the fact that Intel - based Macs do n’t instantly wake from sleep . While it ’s only a interim of a few second , it ’s a lag that ’s now move on the M1 MacBook Pro .
The key to all these functioning increases is using software optimized for the SoC. So , before you buy an M1 laptop , check to see if the software you habituate most often is available as Universal double star , meaning they include both Apple silicon and Intel versions . ( Some developers may distribute software specifically for Apple Si . ) If your basal apps are Apple apps , you ’re in chance , as Apple has update its apps to take advantage of the M1 .
Results are frames per second. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
Apple apps such as iMovie are optimized for Apple Si , and you ’ll comment a swelled difference in hurrying compared to the Intel rendering .
I did a few software - based tests to find out advance when using native computer software on the M1 MacBook Pro liken to the 2.0GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro . In iMovie , I export a 30 - minute video using the nonremittal 720p setting to a file . The M1 MacBook Pro stop the caper in 132 seconds , much quicker than the 218 seconds posted by the 2.0GHz MacBook Pro . I also did a GarageBand export of a 42 - mo Macworld Podcast as an MP3 file , and the M1 MacBook Pro finished in 57 seconds , while the 2.0GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro took 82 seconds . And then I did a TV conversion in Handbrake , and the M1 MacBook Pro jumped leaps and bounds over the 2.0GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro .
The 16GB memory ceiling
The M1 is referred to as a “ system of rules on a chip . ” Before the M1 , a Mac laptop computer had several unlike chips that served different purposes . You would have a chip for the CPU , chips for RAM , restrainer , and more . Apple has now combined all those chips into one , the M1 system on a chip ( learn more about Apple ’s M1 chip here ) .
There are many advantage to a SoC , such as better carrying into action and power efficiency , and it takes up less way on a motherboard . But there are also some compromises , such as the inability to upgrade store . Owners of former MacBooks are probably used to this , anyway — it ’s been a while since Apple set aside users to kick upstairs RAM after initially buying the laptop computer .
But another via media is there are currently only two usable RAM options : 8 GB or 16 gigabit . For many power user , 16 GB in what ’s suppose to be a “ pro ” machine is n’t enough . They ’d like at least 32 GB . That seems to be one of the reason why Apple still offers the 13 - inch MacBook Pro with Intel chips , as those laptops sustain up to 32 GB of RAM .
Results are frames per second. Higher scores/longer bars are better.
Now , there ’s a possibility that , just as we need to rethink clock speed as other aspect of computer processing , we postulate to rethink storage . Apple ’s SoC utilise what it calls “ unified memory ” and developer and blogger Howard Oakley has aninteresting article about it . We also have anunified memory explainerby Macworld editorialist Jason Snell that blend in in nifty item . How we think about the amount of RAM needed in a Mac needs to develop now that the M1 is here .
If you just ca n’t enwrap your head around the idea of have only 16 GB of RAM , you have two choices : get an Intel - based laptop computer , or hold off . Remember , this is the very first Apple Si microprocessor chip for Mac . Sometime in the near time to come , Apple will likely release a Saratoga chip that use more memory . ( Apple has not comment on its silicon passing agenda and what chips it will let in . )
All-day battery life. Really
Besides performance , Apple claims another vantage to an SoC is better power efficiency . The M1 Mac is better at managing the power it uses , which have in mind good barrage fire life . To estimate how long the battery will last , we ran a picture at full screen door on a continuous cringle until the battery ran out .
answer are times in moment . Higher results / long bars are good .
Apple states that the battery in the automobile we test will last up to 20 hours fiddle picture . We did n’t get 20 hour , but we get darn close with almost 18 hours . The other two 13 - inch laptop we tested endure 10 hours . In the past , we ’d gladly take whatever we can get when it comes to battery improvements with the MacBook Pro , normally an surplus hour or two . But to see this much improvement , well … it ’s sort of mind - boggling .
Results are expressed in Geekbench scores. Higher results/longer bars are better.
From the outside, it’s the same MacBook Pro
The M1 MacBook Pro has the same design , keyboard , and Touch Bar as the Intel - establish poser they substitute — and they ’re also the same as the division found on the current , higher - priced Intel 13 - column inch models . Our opinion of these aspects of the 13 - column inch MacBook Pro has n’t change , so we wo n’t reprize ourselves here . But if you are interested in what we retrieve , take a look at ourreview of the $ 1,799 13 - column inch MacBook Proand check out the sections on the keyboard , Touch Bar , storage , and more .
The Touch Bar is on all models of the MacBook Pro .
One major complaint that could be made about the M1 MacBook Pro is that it utilize a 720p FaceTime camera . Appledidimprove its performance though its range - signal processor , but it ’s still a 720p camera in a humanity where 1080p television camera should be the norm .
Apple apps such as iMovie are optimized for Apple silicon, and you’ll notice a big difference in speed compared to the Intel versions.
The M1 MacBook Pro satisfy out the low - end of Apple ’s 13 - inch MacBook Pro lineup , and these models have only two Thunderbolt / USB 4 interface , both on the leftover side . If you ’d rather have more larboard than resort to using a hub , you need to invest in a $ 1,799 or $ 1,999 Intel manikin , which have four ports , two on each side . Or you’re able to hold off and see if Apple update these pricier models with Apple atomic number 14 at a later particular date .
If the FaceTime camera and the two ports are n’t enough to temper the excitement , maybe this one issue will : the M1 MacBook Pro is limited to one extraneous display , which can incline at 6 jet resolution at 60Hz . If you need to confiscate at least two outside displays , you have to get the $ 1,799 or $ 1,999 13 - inch MacBook Pro model with Intel mainframe . They can handle two presentation run at 4096×2304 resolution at 60Hz . Also , outside GPU devices are not put up .
Overall , we wish the MacBook Pro pattern . It ’s attractive , practical , sturdy , and familiar . But it ’s a designing we ’ve used for some metre now . It would ’ve been nice for Apple to introduce something new , though this may be a tired complaint , considering how well the MacBook Pro works .
Results are times in minutes. Higher results/longer bars are better.
The $ 1,299 and $ 1,499 13 - inch M1 MacBook Pro has two Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4 ports . If you want more ports , you have to buy an Intel - based $ 1,799/$1,999 manikin .
Bottom line
I was giddy during the first couplet of days using the new 13 - inch M1 MacBook Pro , and each time I witnessed another broken benchmark book , my fervor spirit level rose . Then there ’s the battery that seems like it could go on incessantly , even when you ’re doing serious work . I ’ve seen and screen a lot of Macs — I did testing for MacUser Labs back during the Motorola 68000 - to - PowerPC transition , and I evenreviewed the first Intel Macsfor MacAddict . But this … this is something else . This is a revolutionary moment for the Mac .
You call for to have software write for Apple silicon to get the speed , but I can understand if you ca n’t seat on the sidelines and wait . Even if your apps are n’t worldwide yet , they belike will be soon . In the meantime , if you use a non - aboriginal app , it will break away under Rosetta2 emulation , and the carrying out is acceptable .
However , there are a couple of other reasons to hold off . The first is that this is just the kickoff of the Apple Si rollout , and Apple ’s next footmark could be cow dung with more Aries , or support for more than two Thunderbolt ports . ( This is all surmise . Apple has n’t announced anything . ) If those are feature of speech you want in a pro - level laptop , then hold off .
The Touch Bar is on all models of the MacBook Pro.
The second cause to expect is that you work in a production environment and need to associate several gadget to the Mac or you use specialized software . If this describe your work position , check into compatibility before buying .
But if you do n’t need those features , or you ’re not in a production setting , then invest now in the 13 - in M1 MacBook Pro . You wo n’t be sorry .
The $1,299 and $1,499 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro has two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports. If you want more ports, you have to buy an Intel-based $1,799/$1,999 model.
