Even with the release of the M2 MacBook Pro 2023, the sleek machine’s high price still preserves the relevance of the 2021 and 2022 MacBook Pro models. Surprisingly, the MacBook Pro 2022 did not get close to displacing the MacBook Pro 2021 after a year’s wait and, instead, shares lots of similarities with the MacBook Air 2022. However, the MacBook Pro 2022 still has some improvements, as it revives the Touch Bar excluded from the MacBook Pro 2021. But is the Touch Bar enough for the slight drop in the price of the MacBook Pro 2022? This 2021 MacBook Pro vs 2022 MacBook Pro face-off has all the answers you seek.
About The Apple MacBook Pro?
The Apple MacBook Pro is a series of powerful high-end laptops first introduced in 2006 by Apple Inc. MacBooks are popular for their sleek design, powerful hardware, and unique specifications. They offer the users extra slimness, amazing display, large storage and memory capacity, longer battery life, and other improvements.
Apple chose to release a model each in 2021 and 2022 (MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 13) before launching the 14 and 16-inch models for 2023.
These recent three models have been the best lineups so far, and purchasing the best ones has remained a topic of discussion among professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts alike.
We will also jump on the bus with our opinion as we match the 2021 vs 2022 MacBook Pro.
2021 vs 2022 MacBook Pro: Overview
| Features | MacBook Pro 2021 | MacBook Pro 2022 |
| Display | 4.2-inch | 13.3-inch |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Weight | 3.5 pounds | 3 pounds |
| Brightness (nits)/Refresh Rate (Hz) | 1600/120 | 500/60 |
| Dimension | 11.97 x 8.36 inches | 12.31 x 8.71 inches |
| Processor | Apple M1 Pro | Apple M2 |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB |
| Memory | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB |
| C.P.U | 8-core or 10-core | 8-core |
| G.P.U | 14-core, 16-core, 24-core, or 32-core | 8-core or 10-core |
| HDMI Ports | Yes | No |
| MagSafe Charger | Yes | No |
| Battery | 70 Whr | 58.2 Whr |
| Camera | 1080p HD camera | 720p HD camera |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Touch Bar | No | Yes |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint Reader | Fingerprint Reader |
Design And Features: Missing In 2022
The MacBook Pro 2021 also stands out in this aspect in all ramifications. It offers thinner bezels, a 14.2-inch screen, 3024×1964 resolution, and a peak brightness of 1600 nits. The refresh rate of up to 120Hz is also a catch if you are an animator or gamer since it prevents overloading of the CPU and GPU. And Yeah! You will also find the featured ProMotion technology useful.
Coming behind is the MacBook Pro 2022, which has a 13.3-inch screen, a 2560×1600 resolution, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. However, it can only afford a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is okay for normal computer operations.
2021 Vs. 2022 MacBook Pro: Display
There is no doubt that the M2 processor surpasses the M1 chipset. This is a determiner of the flow of any 2021 vs 2022 MacBook Pro Battle, as it is the only potential edge the 2022 MacBook Pro has over the former. However, when considered critically, it is not even an advantage for the 2022 MacBook Pro.
The M2 core offers a better CPU and GPU ratio of 8:8 or 8:10, while the M1 Pro can provide an 8:14, 8:16, 8:24, and even 8:32 core ratio. Moreover, the MacBook Pro 2021’s higher refresh rate reduces the load on the CPU and GPU, leading to better performance.
Processor: Is two greater than one?
There is no doubt that the M2 processor surpasses the M1 chipset. This is a determiner of the flow of any 2021 vs. 2022 MacBook Pro Battle, as it appears to be the only potential edge the 2022 MacBook Pro has over the former. However, when considered critically, it is not even an advantage for the 2022 MacBook Pro.
The M2 core offers a better CPU and GPU ratio of 8:8 or 8:10, while the M1 Pro can provide an 8:14, 8:16, 8:24, and even 8:32 core ratio. Moreover, the MacBook Pro 2021’s higher refresh rate reduces the load on the CPU and GPU, leading to better performance.
Memory And Storage: 1GB in 2022 equals 2GB in 2021
Each GB included in the MacBook Pro 2021 is twice that of the MacBook Pro 2022. The 2022 MacBook can provide up to 2 TB storage capacity, while the MacBook Pro 2021 can go as high as 8 TB. Yeah! 4×
The same fate can be said about the memory capacity of the two laptops. While the MacBook Pro 2021 boasts up to 64 TB, the MacBook Pro 2022 has to battle with just 24GB.
Battery Life: The older we grow, the closer to the grave
The battery capacity of a laptop is of topmost priority to every tech enthusiast as a measure of reliability. Expectedly, the MacBook Pro 2021 did not disappoint with a 70 Whr battery compared to the 58.2 Whr MacBook Pro 2022.
Surprisingly, the MacBook Pro 2022 offers up to 20 hours of video playback time and a wireless web life of about 17 hours. The MacBook Pro 2021 comes short with up to 17 hours of video playback and about 15 hours of wireless web life.
Alternative Options: 2021 Vs 2022 MacBook Pro
The 2021 vs 2022 MacBook Pro face-off might not interest you, and you probably want a more powerful device. If so, the latest 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) should be your surest bet. These new devices surprised the tech world with the Apple M2 Pro chipset, which allows up to a 10:38 CPU/GPU core ratio.
However, the MacBook Pro 2021 and the MacBook Pro 2023 are similar, again proving the 2021’s superiority over the 2022.
Nonetheless, a simple comparison of the MacBook Pro 2021 vs. 2023 reveals that users will enjoy the best performance from any Apple gadget and longer battery life with the 14—and 16-inch MacBook Pro 2023.
SEE ALSO: Top 5 Macbooks For Under $500
Recommendations
The 2021 vs 2022 MacBook Pro Battle is not the clash of Titans we anticipated. The 2022 MacBook Pro lacks the key features of a MacBook Pro and appears more of a prototype to test the Apple M2 chipset.
It shares many similarities with the MacBook Air, making it suitable for normal activities and coming at a fair price.
The MacBook Pro 2021 is more expensive but remains the best low-budget option if you need a laptop for more complex and professional operations. However, it does not include a Touch Bar and still houses the M1 Pro chipset.
If you care a lot about the Touch Bar and the M2 Pro chipset, go for the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro 2023. There is no need to look further for the perfect MacBook Pro 2023.
Order one on Amazon to find out the magic of the 2023 MacBook Pro.
Conclusion
The 2021 vs 2022 MacBook Pro comparison shows that the former outranks the latter even though it is a year older. The 2022 MacBook Pro lacks key features such as the MagSafe charger and HDMI port and needs to catch up in web camera configuration, CPU and GPU capacity, and battery performance.
However, it gains authority over the 2021 model with the Touch Bar and M2 chipset. In addition, the MacBook Pro 2022 is a cheaper option for those who cannot afford the MacBook 2021, e.g., students, although you must critically consider your needs.
With a large budget, you should use any 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook 2023 model to accelerate your decision-making process.