Home
Trade-in

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series)

Shop MacBook
  • 24-month warranty
  • Free standard delivery on orders over £50
  • 14-day returns
  • Excellent customer support

MacBook Pro (M2 series)

Starting at

£724.85£1,349.00 new
See options

MacBook Pro (M3 series)

Starting at

£1,395.68£1,868.90 new
See options
(244 reviews)

What's the difference between the MacBook Pro (M2 series) and MacBook Pro (M3 series)?

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M2 series) starts at £724.85, £670.83 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series).

Refurbished from

£724.85£1395.68

RAM

32 GB8 GB

Screen size

16 inch14 inch

Weight

2150 g1500 g
  • The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 8 GB.
  • The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 14 inch.
  • The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a lighter build: 1500 g vs 2150 g.

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) specs

The MacBook Pro M2 series and M3 series both run the same macOS version and share similar display brightness and audio features. The M2 series suits users who need larger screen space with its 16 inch display and higher resolution, along with more powerful graphics and greater RAM and storage options. The M3 series offers a lighter, more compact 14 inch design with fewer ports and lower RAM and storage, which fits users who prefer portability and simpler everyday tasks.

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) price

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) battery life and software updates

Durability covers how long the devices stay supported and how easy they are to repair.

Software Support

This means each device remains compatible with the same current software features and security updates, so you can expect a similar experience over time.

Repairability

This suggests that both devices are designed with ease of repair in mind, which could help with potential maintenance or part replacements in the future.

Maximum operating system supported

macOS TahoemacOS Tahoe

Year of release

20232023

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) performance

Performance differences focus on graphics, memory, and storage. The M2 series offers higher RAM and storage capacity options alongside a more powerful GPU, suiting users with demanding workflows. The M3 series provides a core set of features fitting everyday use with efficient performance.

Graphics

The MacBook Pro M2 series features a 38-core GPU, ideal for users needing substantial graphics power for tasks like video editing or 3D work. The M3 series has a 10-core GPU which supports smooth graphics for general use and lighter creative projects.

Memory

With 32 GB of RAM, the M2 series keeps many applications and large files active simultaneously, benefiting professionals running complex software. The M3 series comes with 8 GB of RAM, which is well suited for everyday apps and multitasking at a standard level.

Storage Capacity

The M2 series offers up to 8 TB of SSD storage including 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, and 8 TB options. This range supports users who handle extensive files or require large local storage. The M3 series stocks 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB SSD options, which cover typical storage needs for most users.

Graphic card

38-core GPU10-core GPU

Macbook architecture

64-bits64-bits

Processor brand

AppleApple

Processor speed ghz

3.54 GHzN/A

RAM

32 GB8 GB

Storage type

SSDSSD

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) screen

Screen quality differences affect how much you see and the size of the display. Both MacBook Pros offer the same high brightness and Liquid Retina XDR display technology with True Tone, but differ in screen size and resolution.

Screen Size

The MacBook Pro M2 series has a 16 inch display, providing more room for multitasking, detailed work, and immersive video. The M3 series has a smaller 14 inch screen which makes the device more compact and easier to carry.

Resolution

The M2 series features a higher resolution of 3456 x 2234 pixels, delivering sharper images and more screen real estate. The M3 series resolution is 3024 x 1964 pixels, which still provides clear visuals but with slightly fewer pixels overall.

Ips

NoNo

Resolution

3456 x 22343024 x 1964

Retina

YesYes

Screen brightness

Up to 1000 nits sustained (full-screen) brightness / 1600 nits peak brightnessUp to 1000 nits sustained (full-screen) brightness / 1600 nits peak brightness

Screen size

16 inch14 inch

Screen type

Liquid Retina XDR displayLiquid Retina XDR display

True tone

YesYes

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) camera

Audiovisual features focus on camera and sound quality. Both MacBook Pro models provide the same specifications here, ensuring consistent experience for video calls and audio playback.

Front Camera

Both the M2 and M3 series come with a 1080p front camera. This resolution supports clear video calls and conferencing.

Speakers

Each MacBook Pro is equipped with a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers. This setup delivers rich and immersive audio whether you are watching media or on calls.

Front camera definition

1080p1080p

Speakers

High-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofersHigh-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) size and design

The miscellaneous section covers physical dimensions, ports, and connectivity, which affect portability and how you connect accessories. The M3 series is lighter and smaller, while the M2 series offers more Thunderbolt ports and a slightly larger form.

Size and Weight

The MacBook Pro M3 series is lighter at 1500 g and more compact with dimensions of 31.26 cm width, 22.12 cm depth, and 1.55 cm height. The M2 series weighs 2150 g and measures 35.57 cm wide, 24.81 cm deep, and 1.68 cm high, making it larger and heavier, which suits users prioritising screen size over portability.

USB-C Thunderbolt Ports

The M2 series offers three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, which allows more simultaneous connections to external devices such as monitors or storage. The M3 series includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which covers typical peripheral needs but with one fewer port.

Other Features

Both devices support MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging, include an SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, have Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, a headphone jack, and a Touch-enabled screen without a Touch Bar. Both also feature a 16-core Neural Engine and support Promotion technology.

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3

Card slot

SD (Secure Digital) / SDHC / SDXCSD (Secure Digital) / SDHC / SDXC

Charger compatibility

MagSafe 3 / USB-CMagSafe 3 / USB-C

Depth

24.81 cm22.12 cm

Display

Standard displayStandard display

Hdmi output

YesYes

Height

1.68 cm1.55 cm

Jack plug

YesYes

Keyboard language type

QWERTY - EnglishQWERTY - English

Neural engine

16-core16-core

Promotion

YesYes

Release date

Early 2023Late 2023

Touch

YesYes

Touch bar

NoNo

Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports

32

Usbc port

N/A3

Weight

2150 g1500 g

Width

35.57 cm31.26 cm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 6 802.11axWi-Fi 6 802.11ax

MacBook Pro (M2 series) or MacBook Pro (M3 series): which should you buy?

Buy the MacBook Pro (M2 series) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £724.85, £670.83 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series)
  • you want more RAM (32 GB vs 8 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (16 inch vs 14 inch)

Buy the MacBook Pro (M3 series) if

  • you want a lighter build (1500 g vs 2150 g)

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) FAQs

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 14 inch.

The MacBook Pro (M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £724.85 compared with £1395.68 for the MacBook Pro (M3 series).

Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M2 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 8TB, and the MacBook Pro (M3 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.

Add device
Add device
Add device
Add device