Apple M2 Pro GPU vs Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

Updated Sep 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple M2 Pro GPU is the better pick — it scores 38/100 to the Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)'s 30, leading on Memory and Theoretical Performance. Choose the Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) instead if api support matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Apple M2 Pro GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M2 Pro GPU leads overall

Apple M2 Pro GPU

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

Why it stands out

Memory Capacity: 16 GB (100% more)
Memory Bandwidth: 200 GB/s (100% more)
Theoretical Performance Performance (FP16): 13.6 TFLOPS (162% more)

Winner by category for Apple M2 Pro GPU vs Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Category	Apple M2 Pro GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)	Winner
Core Specifications	50	50	Tie
Memory	78	42	Apple M2 Pro GPU
API Support	46	54	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Theoretical Performance	56	31	Apple M2 Pro GPU
Benchmark	20	20	Tie
Miscellaneous	32	32	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Sep 2026.

Apple M2 Pro GPU

The Apple M2 Pro GPU is an integrated graphics processor built on a 5nm process, designed to deliver high-performance graphics within power-efficient mobile systems. It utilizes Apple's unified memory architecture, sharing up to 16 GB of memory with a high bandwidth of 200 GB/s. This GPU is built for users requiring strong graphical capabilities on portable devices without sacrificing battery life.

Best for On-the-go creative tasks like 4K video editing and 3D asset creationBest for Workflows requiring high graphical throughput within strict battery and thermal

Pros

High-speed unified memory with 200 GB/s bandwidth for fast data access
Energy-efficient 5nm lithography with a maximum power draw of 40 watts
Solid theoretical performance of 13.6 TFLOPS (FP16) for accelerated compute tasks

Cons

Uses shared system memory rather than dedicated VRAM
Limited API support, offering older OpenGL 4.1 and Vulkan 1.2 standards

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

The Apple M1 GPU is an integrated graphics solution built into the M1 series of System-on-a-Chip processors. It provides graphical processing capabilities alongside the CPU and unified memory for Mac computers and iPads. This hardware solution is designed to offer high performance, especially in power efficiency, for a range of everyday computing tasks.

Best for Creative professionalsBest for Students/ProductivityBest for General use

Pros

Integrated system approach ensures efficient data sharing between the GPU and unified memory.
The architecture allows for strong overall performance per watt across various applications.
Provides dedicated graphics horsepower suitable for creative workflows and media consumption.

Cons

Though designed efficiently, it is limited to the specific hardware generation of Mac devices using M1.
Compared to professional-grade desktop GPUs, its specialized focus may limit extreme rendering capabilities.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.

Apple M2 Pro GPU

Check Price on Amazon

Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)

Check Price on Amazon

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M2 Pro GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Base Frequency	0.444 GHz	N/A
Maximum Frequency	1.398 GHz	N/A
Lithography Process	5 nm	5 nm

Memory

Feature	Apple M2 Pro GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Technology
Bus Width	256 bit	N/A
Bandwidth	200 GB/s100% more	100 GB/s
Is Shared	Yes	Yes

API Support

Feature	Apple M2 Pro GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
DirectX Version	N/A	N/A
OpenGL Version	4.1	4.6
Vulkan Version	1.2	1.38% more
OpenCL Version	1.2	3

Theoretical Performance

Feature	Apple M2 Pro GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Pixel Rate	N/A	74.3 GP/s
Texture Rate	N/A	47.7 GT/s
Performance (FP16)	13.6 TFLOPS162% more	5.2 TFLOPS
Performance (FP32)	6.8 TFLOPS162% more	2.6 TFLOPS
Performance (FP64)	N/A	N/A

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple M2 Pro GPU	Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
Release Date	January 17, 2023	July 21, 2021
Platform

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M2 Pro GPU vs Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) comparison

They are closely matched: Apple M2 Pro GPU scores 33/100 and Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) scores 32/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple M2 Pro GPU and Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) are compared side by side above across every spec in the gpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 33/100 for Apple M2 Pro GPU and 32/100 for Apple M1 GPU (8 Core).

It's close — Apple M2 Pro GPU (33/100) and Apple M1 GPU (8 Core) (32/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.