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Apple Silicon MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published November 16, 2023
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What are all the differences between the "2023" 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro "M2 Pro/M2 Max" models? Which is best for me?
Please note that the "2023 M2 Pro/Max" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models all have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated subsequently and still can be quite helpful to anyone buying or selling one of these notebooks on the used market.
There are three standard 14" "2023" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "M2 Pro" 10 CPU/16 GPU 14", "M2 Pro" 12 CPU/19 GPU 14", and "M2 Max" 12 CPU/30 GPU 14" -- and two standard 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "M2 Pro" 12 CPU/19 GPU 16" and "M2 Max" 12 CPU/38 GPU 16".
As organized by EveryMac.com, there also are two distinctly different configure-to-order options -- one of each size -- the MacBook Pro "M2 Max" 12 CPU/38 GPU 14" and "M2 Max" 12 CPU/30 GPU 16", respectively.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (2023 14" and 16" MacBook Pro Models)
With a quick look at the 14" and 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models, it is immediately obvious that the 16" models are physically larger and have larger displays, and this is the most notable difference, but there are some other smaller differences that are worthwhile to understand, too.
External Differences
The 14" and 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models use "sealed" aluminum and glass cases offered in a choice of silver or a darker "Space Gray" color. Of course, the 16" models are larger and are more than a pound heavier (4.7 pounds compared to 3.5 pounds for the smaller notebooks).
Both models have an all black, backlit keyboard set in a black background with "traditional" function keys as well as a "Touch ID" for login.
Both the 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models have LED-backlit "Liquid Retina XDR" displays -- 14.2" (3024x1964) and 16.2" (3456x2234), respectively. Both displays are 254 ppi, provide up to 500 nits of brightness for SDR content, up to 1000 nits of sustained full-screen brightness, 1600 nits peak brightness displaying HDR content, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, as well as support for 1 billion colors, Wide color (P3), True Tone, and ProMotion (for adaptive refresh rates).
Both models likewise include the same 1080p webcam in a "notch" at the upper portion of the display, "Studio-quality three-mic array with high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming," "high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers," and big "Force Touch" trackpads.
Connectivity Differences
The 14" and 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models have identical connectivity -- three Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C connector), one HDMI 2.1 port, a 3.5" analog headphone jack "with advanced support for high-impedance headphones," an SDXC-capable SD card slot, and a magnet-equipped "MagSafe 3" power connector.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (MagSafe 3 Connector)
Display Support & Power Differences
Although the physical connectivity of the 14" and 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models is the same, there are some significant display support and power differences. These are differentiated by processor type rather than display size, though.
Notebooks with M2 Pro processors support full native resolution on the interior display in addition to a maximum of:
- Up to two external displays up to 6016x3384 (6K) at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt
- One external display up to 6016x3384 (6K) resolution at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 144 Hz over HDMI (2.1)
- One external display up to 7680x4320 (8K) at 60 Hz
- One external display up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 240 Hz over HDMI
Notebooks with M2 Max processors, on the other hand, support full native resolution on the interior display, as well as a maximum of:
- Up to three external displays up to 6016x3384 (6K) resolution at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display with up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 144 Hz over HDMI (2.1)
- Up to two external displays up to 6016x3384 (6K) resolution at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt and one external display up to 7680x4320 (8K) resolution at 60 Hz
- One external display up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution at 240 Hz over HDMI
By default, in a particularly miserly point of differentiation, the entry-level MacBook Pro "M2 Pro" 10 CPU/16 GPU 14" ships with a 67W USB-C power adapter that is not capable of fast charging to 50% of capacity in 30 minutes. All other 14" models ship with a 96W USB-C power adapter that is capable of fast charging and the 16" models all ship with a 140W USB-C power adapter that likewise is capable of fast charging.
When equipped with a 96W USB-C power adapter, the 14" models can fast charge via Thunderbolt or MagSafe 3. The 16" models, on the other hand, only can fast charge via MagSafe 3.
Identification Differences
It is easy to confuse the 14" and 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models with earlier notebooks. It is not possible to differentiate between models with different processors within each line by appearance alone, either.
At the moment, the A2779 and A2780 Model Numbers -- used by the 14" and 16" models, respectively, are sufficient to identify these models, but these identifiers may be used by future models. Accordingly, Model Identifiers, in software, are the best identifier to use for long-term identification.
Just as the site has done for decades, EveryMac.com diligently has hand documented all of these details from the hardware itself for your convenience:
MacBook Pro Model |
Model No |
Model ID |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can identify these notebooks by other information, too.
Internal Differences
Although there are differences between specific interior parts, the 14" and 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models have the same performance-related components with Apple designed "M2 Pro" or "M2 Max" processors and onboard RAM and storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase.
The 14" models have integrated 70-watt-hour batteries that provide as much as 18 hours of runtime whereas the 16" models have integrated 100-watt-hour batteries that provide as much as 22 hours of runtime.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the 14" and "16" "2023" MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details:
 14" 2023 |
 16" 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Display Size: | 14.2" | 16.2" |
| Resolution: | 3024x1964 | 3456x2234 |
| Architecture: | M2 Pro/M2 Max | M2 Pro/M2 Max |
| Processor Cores: | 10-12 | 12 |
| Graphics Cores: | 16-38 | 19-38 |
| Standard RAM: | 16/32 GB* | 16 GB/32 GB* |
| Maximum RAM: | 32/64/96 GB* | 32/64/96 GB* |
| Standard Storage: | 512 GB, 1 TB | 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Maximum Storage: | 8 TB† | 8 TB† |
| Battery W Hrs: | 70 W Hr | 100 W Hr |
| Battery Life: | 18 Hours | 22 Hours |
| Fast Charge: | No/Yes‡ | Yes |
| TB Fast Charge: | Yes‡ | No |
| Height (In): | 0.61 | 0.66 |
| Width (In): | 12.31 | 14.01 |
| Depth (In): | 8.71 | 9.77 |
| Weight: | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) | 4.7 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Model Number: | A2779 | A2780 |
| Model Identifier: | Mac14,9 Mac14,5 |
Mac14,10 Mac14,6 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1999 US$2499 US$3099 |
US$2499 US$2699 US$3499 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$2599 C$3299 C$4099 |
C$3199 C$3449 C$4499 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £2149 £2699 £3349 |
£2699 £2899 £3749 |
| Intro Price (FR): | €2399 €2999 €3699 |
€2999 €3229 €4149 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$3199 A$3999 A$4999 |
A$3999 A$4299 A$5599 |
| Intro Price (SG): | S$2899 S$3599 S$4499 |
S$3599 S$3899 S$4999 |
* These MacBook Pro models could be upgraded with more RAM, but only at the time of initial purchase. The "M2 Pro" processor cannot support more than 32 GB of RAM. If configured with an "M2 Max" processor, the minimum RAM option is 32 GB and the maximum is 64 GB or 96 GB depending on the specific model.
† These MacBook Pro models could be upgraded to as much as 8 TB of storage at the time of initial purchase. The storage cannot be upgraded later.
‡ If equipped with a 67W USB-C power adapter, this model is not capable of "Fast Charging." If it is equipped with a 96W USB-C power adapter, it is capable. If equipped with a 96W USB-C power adapter, the 14" models can fast charge via Thunderbolt or MagSafe 3. 16" models cannot fast charge via Thunderbolt.
For introductory pricing in dozens of other countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each Mac as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryMac.com.
So, which is best for my needs?
Ultimately, when each was introduced, the 14" and 16" "2023" MacBook Pro models were the best notebooks Apple made. With the possible exception of price, there was little to complain about for either system.
Ignoring subsequent systems (which are faster still), if speed is your highest priority -- and/or a big, beautiful display and maximum battery life -- the 16" MacBook Pro is the best choice. It is quite expensive, though. Accordingly, for those who still want high performance, but don't mind sacrificing a bit of speed and runtime for a more portable size and/or lower price tag, the 14" MacBook Pro also is an excellent choice. On the used market, these notebooks naturally have become more affordable and will become cheaper and cheaper over time.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.
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