M1 Vs. M2 Chip: Apple has been stagnant in production, branding, and so on for a long time. Then, the M2 happened, causing a turnaround for the whole brand. Before the M1, Apple only used Intel for MacBook and Desktop Mac’s processing power. Apple announced its next plan, the M2 chip, in the WWDC ‘22. M1 vs. M1 chip; what is the catch?
M1 and M2 chips have similar 8-core CPUs, 4-performance, and 4-efficiency cores. However, while M1 has an 8-core graphics card, the M2 chip has a 10-core one. There are also differences in their unified memory, as the Mi chip has up to 16GB while the M2 has a whooping 24GB.
The MI chip features LPDDR4, while the M2 features LPDDR5. The M2 chip also offers more bandwidth than the M1 chip, while M1 offers 68.25 GB/s. M2 chip offers 100GB/s. The M2 and M1 chips have a 16-core neural engine; however, while it is 15.8 Tops for the M2, it is only 11 Tops for M1. There is still much to be discussed about the two chips; read to the end.
CPU
While checking the Central Processing Unit of both M1 and M2 chips, apple provides some helpful information. The M1 chip relied on the Apple A14 Bionic, a standard CPU in 2020 iPhone 12 versions. Typically, the M2 chip relied on the second generation 5nm architecture, the Apple A15 Bionic.
The processor found in the M2 chip is the one used for the iPhone 13 series. In a publication, Apple claimed that the M2’s chip performance is 18% better and more efficient even at the same power consumption that the M1 chip. The real gist is that although both M1 and M2 are based on the 5nm processor, the M2 has more transistors than its predecessor.
Apple’s M2 chip has 20 billion transistors, 4 billion more than what the M1 chip has. The advantage of more transistors for the M2 chip is better overall performance, power efficiency, and other great benefits. The advantage did not end there, as the M2 accommodates more unified memory (RAM) than the M1 chip.
Interestingly, the M1 chip accommodates a whopping 16GB of RAM, while M2 took it a level higher with its 24GB RAM. The M2 chip 24GB RAM is a record breaker because a non-user upgradeable Mac has never been produced with that amount of RAM. Typically, the upgrade goes from 8GB to 16GB, then 32GB; there has never been a provision for 24GB until the M2.
MI vs. M2 chip – GPU
When it comes to graphics processor performance, Apple decided to squeeze some more benefits into the M2 chip. The M2 chip features a 10-core graphics processor, while M1 has an 8-core GPU before the advent of M1 PRO, M1 MAX, and M1 Ultra. What this means for the M2 chip is better image and 3D graphics processing.
Regarding image rendering and 3D graphics generation, the N2 chip is now 25% better than the M1 chip, even at the same power consumption. At full capacity and normal performance level, the M2 will provide a 35% GPU performance more than the M1 chip. According to Apple, the M2 10-core GPU can provide 3.6 teraflops of graphics performance.
The M2 graphics advantage is a significant upgrade compared to the M1 chip, which can only provide 2.6 teraflops of graphics performance. This is good news for users because now your GPU can edit raw images and let you play graphics-intensive games easily without slowing down or poor graphics.
Regarding hardware engines, M1 and M2 chips use “hardware accelerated H.264 and HEVC” media engines. Also, M1 and M2 chips are built with engines to encrypt and decrypt videos. However, M2 chips are superior when it comes to “additional” abilities. Apple M2 chip features hardware-accelerated media engines for ProRes and ProRes RAW.
The feature mentioned above also involves an engine to decrypt and encrypt ProRes files, an engine not available on M1 chips.
M1 Vs. M2 – Which Is Better?
All things being equal and considering all the technical jargon being used; it is easy to realize that the M2 chip is better and offers more benefits than the Apple M1 chipset. There is no significant revolutionary improvement when comparing Intel with the Apple M1 chip. However, in case you are considering upgrading, there are several enhancements and additions that can influence your decision.
After the production of the 2022 M2 MacBook Air, some limitations surfaced. First, Apple replaced the SSD architecture with a base model MacBook Air. Also, the Apple M2 features single-channel storage instead of the double-channel found on the M1 chip. In addition, some legit reviews have shown that the overall performance of M2 is slower compared to M1.
However, you can sort out the issue by upgrading your storage to 512GB M2 MacBook Air; however, this solution will cause another problem. This is because the price of the latest model is high, and adding more storage creates some similarities with the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which has a higher overall performance through the M1 Pro.
Conclusion
Generally, M2 comfortably wins in comparison with M1; when it comes to actual use, you will notice that the difference in performance between the two chips is not that noticeable. The additional abilities of the M2 are transformative and will ensure an up-to-date experience, especially for users familiar with Intel-based machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are The Specs Of The M1 Chip?
The Apple M1 chip is based on the second-generation 5nm architecture with 16 billion transistors. The M1 chip also has an 8-core processor with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. The M1 chip features an 8-core graphics card and 16GB unified memory (RAM).
2. What Are The Specs Of The M2 Chip?
Apple M2 chip is built on the second generation 5nm node with 20 billion transistors. It also features an 8-core central processing unit with 4-performance cores and 4-efficiency cores. When it comes to the graphics processor, the M2 has a 10-core GPU. finally, the M2 chip has 24Gb unified memory(RAM).
3. Are There Differences In The Performance Of M2 And M1 Chips?
According to Apple, the M2 chip is 18% faster when it comes to the performance of the central processing unit. Regarding the graphics card, the M2 chip has 35% superiority over the M1 chip in terms of performance. According to the users, however, there is only 10% superiority in performance regarding CPU performance.
4. Are There Differences In Display?
Apple M1 chip has an outstanding display, but the M2 comes with a significant improvement. While the M1 uses a Retinal display, a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 pixel monitor, the M2 chip has a Super Retina display, a 13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 pixel panel; hence a superior display.
5. Which Should I Get Between M1 And M2 Chips?
The one you choose between the two Apple chips depends on your needs and preference. However, mote that M2 offers more benefits and is the latest version.
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