Apple M2 (8-core) vs Apple M3 Pro (12-core)
44Single-core64.4
24.7Multi-core43.5
77.1Efficiency100
26.5Platform39.7
0 spec wins — Apple M2 (8-core)12 spec wins — Apple M3 Pro (12-core)
InnoReviews verdict
Apple M3 Pro (12-core) wins this laptop processor face-off, 58.1 to 39.1, pulling ahead mainly in efficiency (+23) and Single-core (+20). Apple M2 (8-core) still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Apple M2 (8-core)
No decisive spec advantages — this side competes on price and preference.
Reasons to pick the Apple M3 Pro (12-core)
- Stronger Single-core score: 64 vs 44
- Stronger Multi-core score: 44 vs 25
- Stronger efficiency score: 100 vs 77
- Stronger platform score: 40 vs 27
- 70% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 14,800 vs 8,700
General
| Spec | Apple M2 (8-core) | Apple M3 Pro (12-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023 |
| Process | 5 nm | 3 nm+40% |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Apple M2 (8-core) | Apple M3 Pro (12-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 12+50% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Threads | 8 | 12+50% |
| Boost clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.1 GHz+16% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Apple M2 (8-core) | Apple M3 Pro (12-core) |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Apple 10-core GPU | Apple 18-core GPU |
Memory
| Spec | Apple M2 (8-core) | Apple M3 Pro (12-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | LPDDR5-6400 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 24 GB | 36 GB+50% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Apple M2 (8-core) | Apple M3 Pro (12-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,600 | 3,100+19% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 9,750 | 15,300+57% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,580 | 1,930+22% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700 | 14,800+70% |
Related comparisons
Apple M2 (8-core)vs Intel Core i7-1360PVSApple M2 (8-core)vs Apple M1 Pro (10-core)VSApple M2 (8-core)vs Apple M1 (8-core)VSApple M2 (8-core)vs Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100VSApple M3 Pro (12-core)vs Intel Core i9-13980HXVSApple M3 Pro (12-core)vs AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSVSApple M3 Pro (12-core)vs AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSVSApple M3 Pro (12-core)vs AMD Ryzen 7 7840HSVS