Apple M1 vs Apple M2 Pro 12 Core
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M1 and Apple M2 Pro 12 Core are closely matched overall (within 3 points).
- Apple M1 stands out on Core Specifications Maximum Power Consumption: 45 W, Core Specifications L2 Cache: 6,144 MB.
- Apple M2 Pro 12 Core counters with Core Specifications Cores: 12, Core Specifications Threads: 12, Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.5 GHz.
Apple M1 and Apple M2 Pro 12 Core are closely matched
Apple M1
56
Apple M2 Pro 12 Core
53
Where Apple M1 stands out
- Core Specifications Maximum Power Consumption: 45 W
- Core Specifications L2 Cache: 6,144 MB
Where Apple M2 Pro 12 Core stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 12
- Core Specifications Threads: 12
- Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.5 GHz
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 Pro 12 Core
The Apple M2 Pro is a powerful system-on-a-chip designed for professionals who require extensive creative and computing capabilities. It uses Apple's custom architecture, offering a significant boost in performance over previous generations of Macs. This chip powers devices intended for demanding tasks such as complex video editing, graphic design, and software development.
Best for Professional video editingBest for High-resolution graphic designBest for Software development
Pros
- It provides a strong balance of processing power through its specific core count of 8 performance and 4 efficiency cores (unbinned model) (Source 1)
- Users benefit from high bandwidth memory with LPDDR5, providing fast data transfer across all components (Source 1)
- The integrated GPU is designed for enhanced graphics performance, suitable for demanding visual workloads (Source 1)
- It supports advanced connectivity features including Thunderbolt 4 (Source 1)
Cons
- Its existence within a tiered system means that even its professional versions are surpassed by the M2 Max and M2 Ultra options in workstation contexts (Source 1)
- Performance scaling is tied to specific chassis models, meaning users must select hardware based on required memory bandwidth (Source 1)
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
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Apple M1
Apple M2 Pro 12 Core
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M110,500
Apple M2 Pro 12 Core26,457
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side