Apple M1 vs Apple M2 10 Core
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M1 leads Apple M2 10 Core overall by 8 points (56 vs 48 out of 100).
- Apple M1 stands out on Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 25 W, Core Specifications Maximum Power Consumption: 45 W, Core Specifications L2 Cache: 6,144 MB.
Apple M1 leads overall
Apple M1
56
Apple M2 10 Core
48
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 25 W
- Core Specifications Maximum Power Consumption: 45 W
- Core Specifications L2 Cache: 6,144 MB
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M1
The Apple M1 is a System on a Chip (SoC) created by Apple Inc. primarily intended for use in their suite of Macintosh computers and iPad Pro tablets. This chip provided a powerful, integrated alternative to traditional CPUs, making it suitable for users who require strong performance while maintaining portability and efficiency.
Best for Creative professionalsBest for General productivity and multi-tasking
Pros
- Offers high performance relative to its power consumption, which is ideal for demanding computing tasks.
- Integration of multiple components (CPU, GPU, NPU, memory) onto a single die improves system efficiency and speed.
- The architecture supports the usage across various Apple devices, from minimalist desktops to powerful laptops.
Cons
- It is an older generation chip compared to newer product lines (M1 Pro/Max), potentially limiting future hardware upgrade paths for certain users.
- While highly functional, some advanced use cases may require more specialized or higher-core count chips available in later iterations.
Apple M2 10 Core
The Apple M2 is a System-on-a-chip designed by Apple for use across its range of computers and tablets. This chip uses the ARM architecture and features an integrated CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. It targets users needing efficient, powerful processing power in a modern, unified computing environment.
Best for General productivityBest for Casual content creationBest for Efficient daily computing
Pros
- The architecture provides dedicated hardware support for neural network tasks, improving machine learning performance and efficiency (Source 1).
- It uses LPDDR5 memory integrated with the SoC, allowing all components to share high-speed memory efficiently (Source 1).
- The chip features a hybrid core design incorporating both high-performance and energy-efficient CPU cores for balanced power usage (Source 1).
Cons
- This specific chip variant does not support the advanced connectivity standards of higher-end M2 Pro or M2 Max models (Source 1).
- It is part of a generational lineup that has since been succeeded by newer processor generations (Source 1).
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.
Apple M1
Apple M2 10 Core
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M110,500
Apple M2 10 Core15,426
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side