M2 Pro vs M2 Max: Selecting ideal Apple chip for your needs

M2 Pro and M2 Max diverge in terms of GPU cores, memory capacity, memory bandwidth, and video encoding engines
A representational picture of M2 Pro vs M2 Max. — Apple
A representational picture of M2 Pro vs M2 Max. — Apple

Apple has unveiled two new iterations of its M2 chip: the M2 Pro and the M2 Max. These chips are driving the present-day MacBook Pro and Mac mini fashions.

M2 Pro vs M2 Max specifications

Both the M2 Pro and the M2 Max represent upgraded versions of the usual M2 chipset. The M2 Pro supplies an important raise in overall performance and competencies, at the same time as the M2 Max stands as the flagship version within the M2 series. Below, you'll find their key specs:

Specification
 M2 Pro 
M2 Max
CPU cores1212
GPU cores1930 or 38
MemoryUp to 64 GBUp to 96 GB
Memory bandwidth200 GB/s400 GB/s
Video encoding engines12
Neural Engine cores1616

In a comparison between the M2 Pro and the M2 Max, they both feature an equal number of CPU cores and Neural Engine cores. However, they differ significantly in GPU cores, memory capacity, memory bandwidth, and video encoding capabilities. The M2 Max stands out with its higher number of GPU cores, enabling it to handle graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and rendering more efficiently. Furthermore, the M2 Max offers enhanced memory capacity, greater memory bandwidth, and two video encoding engines, making it exceptionally proficient at encoding and decoding ProRes video files at an accelerated pace.

The cost of the M2 Pro and M2 Max depends on your choice of device model and configuration. The M2 Pro is offered in the MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models, as well as the Mac mini. In contrast, the M2 Max is only available in the MacBook Pro 16-inch model. Below, you'll find the initial prices for each device along with their respective chips:

Pricing

Device 

M2 Pro Price 

M2 Max Price
MacBook Pro 14-inch$1,999N/A
MacBook Pro 16-inch$2,499$3,099
Mac mini$1,099N/A

The entry-level M2 Pro model comes with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, while the standard M2 Max version offers 32 GB of RAM and the same 512 GB of storage. 

You have the option to enhance both memory and storage capacities for an additional cost. Moreover, if you opt for the M2 Max model, you can also boost the GPU cores from 30 to 38 for an additional $200.