MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series)
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MacBook Pro (M3 series)
Starting at
£1,395.68£1,868.90 new
MacBook Pro (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,950.44What's the difference between the MacBook Pro (M3 series) and MacBook Pro (M5 series)?
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M3 series) starts at £1395.68, £554.76 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series). The MacBook Pro (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a lighter build: 1500 g vs 1550 g.
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) specs
The MacBook Pro M3 series and M5 series share many core features such as macOS compatibility, identical screen resolution, and storage options. The M5 series stands out with double the RAM at 16 GB, making it well suited for users who run multiple demanding apps or work with larger files. The M5 also adds an IPS screen for improved viewing angles and includes an extra Thunderbolt 4 port, which benefits those needing more connectivity. Meanwhile, the M3 series offers a slightly higher peak screen brightness and a high-fidelity speaker system designed for immersive sound. The choice depends on whether you prioritise more memory and connectivity or enhanced screen brightness and audio detail.
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) price
Colour
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability and software support are key for long-term use.
Operating System Support
Both the MacBook Pro M3 series and M5 series run macOS and support the maximum operating system version macOS Tahoe.
Repairability
This score suggests you can expect similar ease when replacing parts or troubleshooting hardware issues.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) performance
Performance differences focus mainly on memory capacity, which influences how the devices handle multitasking and demanding applications. Storage and graphics remain consistent between the two.
RAM Capacity
The MacBook Pro M3 series comes with 8 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday use and general multitasking. The M5 series doubles that to 16 GB, making it a better fit for users who run heavier workloads, keep many apps open, or work with larger files.
Storage and Graphics
Both models include 512 GB SSD storage as standard, with options up to 2 TB available. The 10-core GPU and Apple processor brand are the same in each, so graphics and processing power should perform similarly for tasks within their shared specifications.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) screen
Screen quality is important for visual tasks and media consumption. Both MacBook Pros share many features, but the M5 series adds IPS technology, which impacts viewing angles and colour consistency.
Screen Technology
The MacBook Pro M5 series features an IPS screen, enhancing colour accuracy and maintaining image quality when viewed from different angles. The M3 series does not specify IPS, which may suit users focused on direct frontal viewing.
Brightness Levels
The M3 series offers up to 1000 nits sustained full-screen brightness and a peak of 1600 nits. The M5 series provides 1000 nits brightness, which supports clear and bright visuals under most conditions. Users requiring the highest peak brightness might prefer the M3.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) camera
Audio and video features contribute to communication and media enjoyment. Both models have similar front cameras and speaker setups with subtle differences in speaker description.
Front Camera
Both MacBook Pro models include a 1080p front camera, ensuring clear video calls and recordings.
Speakers
The M3 series boasts a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, suggesting a focus on rich, immersive audio. The M5 series includes six speakers, which also provide quality sound but with less detail on specific audio features.
Front camera definition
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) size and design
Other features impact connectivity, convenience, and daily use. Differences in port types and card slot support may influence which model fits your setup best.
Ports and Connectivity
The MacBook Pro M5 series includes three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, adding an extra high-speed connection compared to two on the M3 series. Both models have three USB-C ports and support MagSafe 3 chargers. Bluetooth version 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax are consistent on both devices.
Card Slots
The M3 series supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, offering flexibility for a range of Secure Digital storage formats. The M5 series supports SDXC cards, which caters to larger capacity cards.
Weight
The MacBook Pro M3 weighs 1500 g while the M5 is slightly heavier at 1550 g. This small difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Pro (M3 series) or MacBook Pro (M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (M3 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £1395.68, £554.76 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (1500 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want the newer model (2025)
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) FAQs
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a lighter build: 1500 g vs 1550 g.
The MacBook Pro (M3 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £1395.68 compared with £1950.44 for the MacBook Pro (M5 series).
The MacBook Pro (M5 series) adds more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB). Refurbished, it costs £554.76 more (from £1950.44 vs £1395.68).
Both come in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB refurbished.
