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Comparative Analysis of Apple's M3 and M4 Silicon Chips in MacBooks and iPads

GOOVER DAILY REPORT 6월 13, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Introduction to Apple Silicon Chips
  3. Comparative Performance Analysis
  4. Device-Specific Features and Applications
  5. User Experience and Market Positioning
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report delivers a detailed comparative analysis of Apple's M3 and M4 silicon chips, focusing on their application in MacBooks and iPads. By examining performance metrics, features, and user experiences, we aim to illustrate the advancements of the M4 chip over its predecessor, the M3. Key topics include processing power, GPU performance, battery life, and specific device capabilities, such as display quality and additional functionalities like Apple Pencil support. This data-driven review will help potential buyers make an informed choice between the M3 and M4 powered devices.

2. Introduction to Apple Silicon Chips

  • 2-1. Overview of Apple Silicon Transition

  • In 2020, Apple began a significant transition from using Intel chips to its own custom-designed silicon chips, known as the M-series. This shift allowed Apple greater control over both hardware and software, resulting in more powerful and efficient devices. The first chip in this new lineup was the M1, which significantly improved performance and battery life compared to previous Intel-based MacBooks. By 2024, Apple had introduced a series of M-chips, including the M3, which powers the latest MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) and the new MacBook Air (13-inch and 15-inch). This evolution continued to push the envelope in personal computing.

  • 2-2. Introduction to M3 and M4 Chips

  • The M3 and M4 chips represent the latest advancements in Apple's silicon technology. The M4, for instance, debuted in the 2024 iPad Pro and is anticipated to be used in future MacBook models. The M4 features more processing cores than the M3 and is built on a newer fabrication process, making it more powerful and efficient. Specifically, the M4 houses a 9 or 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Its improved specifications include a transistor count of 28 billion (up from 25 billion in the M3) and a memory bandwidth of 120 Gbps (20 Gbps more than the M3). Additionally, the M4 offers enhancements such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading, and support for 8K media formats. Comparatively, the M3, which powers devices like the latest MacBook Air, is designed to provide a balance of performance and efficiency for everyday tasks.

3. Comparative Performance Analysis

  • 3-1. Benchmark Scores

  • According to a comparison of Geekbench scores, the M4 chip significantly outperforms the M3 chip. The iPad Pro with the M4 chip scored 3692 points in the single-core test, which is about 21% higher than the M3 MacBook Air. Additionally, the M4 powered device achieved 14512 points in the multi-core test, demonstrating a 20% improvement over the M3. Even the lower-specced M4 with a nine-core CPU shows a 13% enhancement in multi-core tasks compared to the M3.

  • 3-2. Processing Power and Efficiency

  • The M4 chip features a more advanced fabrication process and higher base frequency, operating at 4.40GHz compared to the M3's 4.05GHz. The M4 comes in two variants with either nine or ten CPU cores, aiming to offer better performance and efficiency. The M4's architecture includes more efficiency cores, ensuring better performance during high-load tasks while maintaining lower power consumption. Though the M4 has only debuted in the iPad Pro, its efficiency is noted with improved battery life, showcasing lower power consumption per task.

  • 3-3. GPU Capabilities

  • Apple's M4 chip includes a ten-core GPU, identical in core count to the M3 but boasting enhancements like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. Although both GPUs appear similar on paper, the M4's GPU is approximately twice as fast as the M3's according to certain tests. However, early benchmarks suggest only a 13% improvement, indicating a more incremental update. The M4 also supports advanced media formats such as 8K H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, a clear upgrade from the M3.

  • 3-4. Neural Engine Enhancements

  • The M4's Neural Engine includes 16 cores capable of performing up to 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS), compared to the M3's 18 TOPS. This represents more than double the TOPS capability, though a report by Tom's Hardware highlights a more modest 5% performance improvement when equalized to the same precision standard. MacWorld's Geekbench ML tests report around a 12% score enhancement for the M4 over the M3. Despite these incremental improvements, the M4's Neural Engine is positioned as faster and more capable for AI tasks.

4. Device-Specific Features and Applications

  • 4-1. M4 in iPad Pro vs M3 in MacBook Air

  • When considering the M4 iPad Pro and the M3 MacBook Air, it is essential to look at several key factors such as price, design, performance, and functionality. The M4 iPad Pro caters to users who need advanced features like superior display quality and Apple Pencil support, while the M3 MacBook Air offers a more budget-friendly option suitable for everyday tasks. The M4 iPad Pro starts at $1,300 and, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, the cost can rise to approximately $1,779. In contrast, the M3 MacBook Air is priced at $999, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious users.

  • 4-2. Display Quality: OLED vs LCD

  • The display quality is a significant differentiating factor. The M4 iPad Pro features an advanced dual-layer tandem OLED display capable of delivering 1000 nits of brightness and superior anti-reflectivity. This display is ideal for creative professionals who need accurate color representation and fine details. The M3 MacBook Air, on the other hand, has a standard LCD display with 500 nits of brightness, which is sufficient for general use but may not match the iPad Pro's display capabilities in brightness and visibility under harsh lighting conditions.

  • 4-3. Portability and Design

  • Both devices emphasize portability, but there are notable differences. The M4 iPad Pro has experienced significant improvements, making it over 15% lighter and 20% thinner than previous models. It is highly portable, especially with its new keyboard case that allows it to function as a laptop alternative. The M3 MacBook Air maintains its sleek and lightweight design, making it one of the most portable laptops in its class. Its design remains unchanged, ensuring ease of use for users who need a traditional laptop.

  • 4-4. Functional Enhancements: Touch Input and Apple Pencil

  • The M4 iPad Pro excels with its touch input and Apple Pencil support, offering a versatile tool for artists, designers, and students. It allows for note-taking, sketching, and creating digital artwork. Additionally, the iPad Pro’s rear camera supports document scanning and high-quality photo captures, enhancing its functionality. The MacBook Air, however, focuses on traditional input methods and lacks the touch and stylus support found in the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro’s software, iPadOS, supports features like Split View and Stage Manager for efficient multitasking, whereas the MacBook Air’s macOS offers a more comprehensive range for professional applications.

5. User Experience and Market Positioning

  • 5-1. Price and Value Proposition

  • Apple's laptops, including the new M3-powered MacBook Air and Pro models, are known for their high price points. The latest 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip offer improved performance and battery life at a premium cost. Despite incremental improvements, the M3 MacBook Air is not dramatically different from its M2 predecessor, which makes the decision for potential buyers tough. On the other hand, the M1-powered MacBook Air from 2020 remains a viable budget-friendly option, offering decent performance for everyday tasks and a reduced price point. For those on a tighter budget, older models like the M2-powered 13-inch MacBook Air and 15-inch MacBook Air from 2023 are still solid options, frequently found on sale.

  • 5-2. Battery Life and Daily Use Cases

  • The M3-powered MacBook Air claims to offer 15 hours of wireless web browsing, although real-world usage shows a battery drop to 29% after eight hours of a typical workday. This is a slight improvement over the M2 model, which required charging after similar usage. The 15-inch MacBook Air offers even better battery life, with 54% battery remaining after the same usage period. The older M1 MacBook Air can last nearly a full workday, with the battery hitting 22% after being used almost nonstop from 9 AM to 7 PM. In contrast, the iPad Pro with Apple Silicon, designed for portability, offers additional benefits such as 5G connectivity and a touchscreen, making it a compelling alternative for those who value mobility.

  • 5-3. Target User Demographics

  • The M3-powered MacBook Air is targeted at users needing a reliable device for everyday tasks, with enough performance for light graphical workloads. The 15-inch variant specifically caters to users desiring a larger screen without stepping up to the Pro models. The M1 MacBook Air remains the budget choice for general-purpose users. Professional users requiring significant power for tasks like video editing or 3D modeling are directed towards the M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro models, available in both 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. However, users prioritizing mobility may find the iPad Pro, which also runs on Apple Silicon, to be a better fit. With Magic Keyboard and cellular connectivity options, it presents a strong case for those needing a versatile, portable device.

6. Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the transition from the M3 to the M4 chip represents a significant improvement in Apple's silicon technology, providing enhanced performance, better energy efficiency, and superior graphics capabilities. The M4 chip's introduction in Apple's latest devices, such as the iPad Pro, highlights its commitment to pushing the envelope in personal computing. Users must consider their specific needs—whether it's the advanced display and portability of the iPad Pro or the budget-friendly performance of the M3 MacBook Air. The information provided in this report enables users to make informed decisions based on their usage requirements and budget constraints.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. M3 Chip [Technology]

  • Apple's M3 chip is noted for its improved performance and energy efficiency compared to earlier models. It supports features such as advanced CPU and GPU capabilities, making it ideal for a range of MacBook models and providing solid performance for everyday tasks.

  • 7-2. M4 Chip [Technology]

  • Apple's M4 chip marks a significant upgrade, offering more processing cores, enhanced GPU performance, and a dedicated display engine. Known for its superior performance in benchmark tests, the M4 chip is integral to the 2024 iPad Pro and expected to be used in upcoming MacBook models, enhancing both efficiency and user experience.

  • 7-3. iPad Pro [Product]

  • The iPad Pro with the M4 chip stands out for its exceptional display quality, portability, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil. It serves as a versatile tool for creative tasks and boasts superior performance compared to the MacBook Air powered by the M3 chip.

  • 7-4. MacBook Air [Product]

  • Equipped with the M3 chip, the MacBook Air is an entry-level laptop offering solid performance and battery life, particularly suitable for everyday tasks. It's known for its sleek design, efficiency, and value for money, catering to budget-conscious users.

8. Source Documents