Compare the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021)
Note: new models available
In the fall of 2023, Apple launched the new MacBook Pro models with M3 chips. This MacBook Pro is even more powerful and faster than it's predecessors.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021)
- Apple M2 Pro or Apple M2 Max chip
- WiFi 6E, for an even faster connection
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen with thin bezels
- 6 times faster than the Apple MacBook Pro (2021)
- 16, 19, 30, or 38-core GPU
- HDMI supports up to 8K resolution
- Apple M1 Pro or Apple M1 Max chip
- WiFi 6
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen with thin bezels
- Fast RAM for large apps
- 14, 16, 24, or 32-core GPU
- HDMI supports up to 6K resolution
Table: comparison between the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021)
| Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M2 Pro chip or Apple M2 Max chip | Apple M1 Pro chip or Apple M1 Max chip |
| Video card | Up to 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU | Up to 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU |
| RAM | 16, 32, 64, or 96GB | 8, 16, 32, or 64GB |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB |
| Screen | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion |
| Connectors | HDMI, memory card reader, Thunderbolt, an MagSafe 3 | HDMI, memory card reader, Thunderbolt, an MagSafe 3 |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| External monitors | Up to 4 external screens up to 8K support | Up to 3 external screens up to 6K support |
Performance
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023): M2 Pro and M2 Max
With the new Apple M2 Pro and Apple M2 Max chips, Apple has the fastest chips on its own so far. The Apple M2 chips have faster RAM with a large bandwidth. As a result, you barely experience any delay while using apps. You can set the chip with up to 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, and 96GB RAM. That's what makes the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) faster than the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021). This makes the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) suitable for anyone who's looking for a fast and powerful laptop, like graphic designers.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021): M1 Pro and M1 Max
The Apple M1 Pro and Apple M1 Max chips are the previous generation of Apple chips. They're powerful and fast enough for using demanding graphic design programs and have room for more RAM. You can set the chip up to 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU, and 64GB RAM. That's what makes the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) suitable for the most demanding graphic design tasks, like Final Cut. This makes it especially interesting for creative professionals.
Speed and power
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023): up to 6 times faster
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) is up to 6 times faster than the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) with the new Apple M2 Pro and Apple M2 Max chips. Besides the chips, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) has WiFi 6E for an even faster, wireless internet connection. The 18-hour battery life of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) is longer than with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021). This battery lasts longer than any other MacBook battery. Useful, if you like to work on your MacBook for a longer time.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021): for creative professionals
You can use the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) for demanding apps and graphic design programs like Photoshop. The Apple M1 Pro and Apple M1 Max chips support up to 32-core GPU and 64GB RAM. The Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) doesn't have WiFi 6E, but WiFi 6. This is slightly slower than 6E. The battery life of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) is 17 hours. If you often work with graphic design programs, this Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) is suitable for these tasks.
Expansions
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023): support up to 8K
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) has as many connectors as the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021). These are 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 port, an HDMI connector, and a memory card reader. You can connect up to 4 monitors to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023), with a support up to 8K images.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021): enough inputs
With 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 port, HDMI connector, and a memory card reader, a bag full of converters is a thing of the past. You can connect up to 3 external screens to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) with a support up to 6K images.
Conclusion
The greatest differences are on the inside of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023). The Apple M2 Pro and Apple M2 Max chips are faster and have more graphic power. This makes the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2023) the best choice for you when you're looking for a powerful and fast laptop for demanding tasks. The Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) is suitable for creative professionals without very specific wishes.
