M3 vs. M3 Pro: Which MacBook Pro is right for you?

Our head-to-head comparison pits Apple's entry-level Pro laptop against the midrange model.

AuthorAuthor

Lewis Wallace & Leander Kahney
November 13, 2023

If you’re considering getting a laptop from Apple’s new lineup of M3 machines, you might want to think twice before going for the entry-level model.

Yes, the laptops might look incredibly similar. And the standard M3 chip is plenty powerful for many everyday uses. But a look at the two MacBook Pros’ internals shows why you should seriously consider forking over an extra $400 (at least) to get the M3 Pro model.

Plus, you know you want that sweet new space black finish …

Also in today’s newsletter:

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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Messages from the Cult of Mac Deals team

This $35 power bank charges iPhone, Apple Watch and more [Sale extended!]

Get the imaginatively named Multi-Device Wireless Charger for just $34.97 and you can charge iPhone, Apple Watch and more on the go.

Add wireless CarPlay to your vehicle for just $90

This affordable car touchscreen lets you enjoy Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto), like navigating, calling and listening to music while driving.

AirPods uncomfortable? Try these open-ear headphones for just $25.

Pair top-notch audio and a comfortable listening experience with these open-ear bone-conduction wireless headphones, on sale for just $24.97.

At just $70, this sleek 4K drone with dual cameras is an early Black Friday score

Grab this 4K Dual Camera Drone with Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance for just $69.97 through November 16. No coupon needed!

‘For All Mankind’ season 4 launches with painful look back [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★½☆

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12.9-inch iPad Air could arrive in early 2024

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Sideloading iPhone apps could arrive in the EU next year

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Take AirTag for a ride and track your bike with these Laut mounts

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Score $50 off killer portable speakers with this early Black Friday deal

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Beautiful workstation serves up double the fun with dual everything [Setups]

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Today in Apple history: Apple demands big damages from Samsung

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Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

❝

It’s hard to remember how primitive it was. There was no such thing as a computer with a graphics video display. It was literally a printer. It was a teletype printer with a keyboard on it. And so you would keyboard these commands in, and then you would wait for a while, and the thing would go… And it would tell you something.

— Steve Jobs on his first encounter with a computer

Today’s polls

Which M3 chip is right for you?

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Results from last Friday’s poll: How much RAM do you need?

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