Apple M4 Max leads Apple M2 10 Core overall by 12 points (60 vs 48 out of 100).
Apple M4 Max stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 12, Core Specifications Threads: 12, Core Specifications Base Frequency: 2.6 GHz.
Apple M4 Max leads overall
Apple M4 Max
60
Apple M2 10 Core
48
Why it stands out
Core Specifications Cores: 12
Core Specifications Threads: 12
Core Specifications Base Frequency: 2.6 GHz
Strengths Profile
Bigger shape = stronger. Whoever reaches further wins that category.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M4 Max
The Apple M4 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed for intensive computing tasks. It features an advanced architecture with up to 16 performance cores and a powerful graphics section, backed by substantial unified memory capacity. This chip is intended for demanding users, such as videographers, 3D artists, and developers who require maximum computational headroom.
Best for Professional Content CreationBest for High-End DevelopmentBest for Computational Engineering
Pros
Exceptional memory bandwidth is available in configurations supporting up to 128GB of unified memory (Source 1)
The comprehensive processing units include substantial GPU cores (up to 40) alongside a powerful Neural Processing Unit for accelerated AI tasks (Source 1)
Offers some of the most advanced single-core performance available in consumer silicon, targeting high benchmark scores (Source 1)
Designed with efficiencies that yield significant generational improvements in both CPU and GPU performance over previous series (Source 1)
Cons
The chip's complexity suggests a higher power draw requirement compared to lower-tier variants, indicated by its reported TDP (Source 1)
Performance is highly dependent on the specific configuration chosen, especially regarding memory bandwidth and core count (Source 1)
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).
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Core Specifications
Feature
Apple M4 Max
Apple M2 10 Core
Cores
12
10
Threads
12
10
Base Frequency
2.6 GHz
2.42 GHz
Base Power Consumption
50 W
20 W
Maximum Frequency
3.5 GHz
3.48 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption
80 W
20 W
L1 Cache
256 KB
2,048 KB
L2 Cache
8,192 MB
20 MB
L3 Cache
0 MB
8 MB
Lithography Process
3 nm
5 nm
Is unlocked
No
No
Integrated Graphics
Feature
Apple M4 Max
Apple M2 10 Core
Model
N/A
Benchmark
Feature
Apple M4 Max
Apple M2 10 Core
PassMark CPU Mark
22,000
15,426
Specification Note
Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.