M1 Pro vs M3 Pro, which is better？

General
1

Hi, guys, I’m using a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip. It performs well for basic video editing and graphic design, But I sometimes experience lag when editing 4K videos, especially when applying multiple effects. I’m considering whether to upgrade to the M3 Pro chip. So, M1 Pro vs M3 Pro, which is better? What are the differences between the M1 Pro and M3 Pro?

2

I think it’s worth upgrading to the M3 Pro. While it’s not a professional chip, it’s a chip designed around a computation process that’s not particularly complex. Therefore, it is a good choice for most users, especially those concerned about battery life and fan noise, as it adds an energy-efficient core.

In addition, the M3 Pro’s GPU performance is significantly improved compared to the M1 Pro, and it can process high-resolution video and complex effects faster, providing smoother real-time previews. When dealing with 4K and 8K video, the M3 Pro can speed up the coding process and reduce wait times. This is exactly what you want to upgrade to the M3 Pro for, so why not have a try? It is convenient for your video editing.

3

Hi, I believe when comparing which is better between the M1 Pro and M3 Pro, you should consider your actual use. If you need to work with large video files like 4K or 8K, then the M3 Pro will outperform the M1 Pro.

This is because the M3 Pro can utilize its multiple cores for parallel processing more effectively, providing better performance in applications like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro during editing and rendering.

M3 Pro supports more efficient image processing, making it smoother when applying complex effects and color grading. However, if your needs are low, choosing the M1 Pro can meet the basic usage at no extra cost.

4

M1 Pro and M3 Pro belong to Apple Silicon, but there are differences between them：

  • Performance: In terms of performance, M3 Pro takes the lead. The single-core performance score of the M1 Pro is around 1770, with good multi-core performance. The M3 Pro has a single-core performance score of approximately 2400, with a significant improvement in multi-core performance, allowing for faster processing speeds under high loads.
  • Graphics Processing: The GPU of the M1 Pro is suitable for handling high-resolution graphic tasks. It can process 4K video but may experience stuttering at higher resolutions. In contrast, the M3 Pro can smoothly handle 4K and 8K videos, supporting more complex image processing and effects.
  • Price: The M1 Pro is relatively affordable, making it suitable for budget-conscious users, especially students and entry-level professionals. The M3 Pro, on the other hand, is priced higher but offers a significant performance boost, making it suitable for professionals with higher performance needs.
  • Supported Technologies: The M1 Pro supports Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4, which are suitable for connecting external devices. The M3 Pro supports more advanced display technologies, making it ideal for tasks that require high-quality displays.