Apple M3 vs Apple M4 Pro (14-CPU 20-GPU)

The Apple M3 and the Apple M4 Pro (14-CPU 20-GPU) are both advanced processors from Apple, designed for different areas of application.

The Apple M3 is aimed at general users and users with moderate performance requirements. The Apple M4 Pro, on the other hand, targets professional users who need the highest computing and graphics performance. Both CPUs are manufactured by Apple using the energy-efficient 3 nm manufacturing process.

The Apple M3 typically features fewer CPU cores and an Apple M3 (10 Core) graphics unit. Its maximum memory bandwidth is 102 GB/s, supplemented by 20 MB of Level 2 Cache. In single-core benchmarks, the Apple M3 shows solid performance for everyday tasks, while its multi-core performance is sufficient for common applications.

It stands out for its energy efficiency, making it a cost-effective entry-level option. In contrast, the Apple M4 Pro offers a configuration with 14 CPU cores and a more powerful Apple M4 Pro (20 Core) graphics unit. This processor features a significantly higher maximum memory bandwidth of 273 GB/s and 36 MB of Level 2 Cache.

In benchmarks, the Apple M4 Pro noticeably outperforms the Apple M3 in single-core tasks and significantly in multi-core tasks, making it ideal for intensive workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. In gaming scenarios, too, the Apple M4 Pro offers a significantly smoother experience thanks to its stronger graphics unit and higher memory bandwidth.

Although the Apple M4 Pro naturally consumes more power under full load than the Apple M3, it offers proportionally higher performance per watt and a better price-performance ratio for demanding professional applications.