Apple M2 Max VS Apple M4 Max (16-Core)
We are comparing the Apple M2 Max (Apple) with the Apple M4 Max (16-Core) (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M2 Max AND Apple M4 Max (16-Core)
Here’s how Apple M2 Max and Apple M4 Max (16-Core) stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Why Apple M4 Max (16-Core) is the best choice:
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33% more CPU threads (16 vs 12)
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33% more CPU cores (16 vs 12)
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50% more performance-core threads (12 vs 8)
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50% more performance cores (12 vs 8)
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29% higher P-core base frequency (4510 MHz vs 3500 MHz)
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8% higher E-core base frequency (2590 MHz vs 2400 MHz)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M2 Max AND Apple M4 Max (16-Core)
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M2 Max and Apple M4 Max (16-Core).
Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.
If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.
| Specification | Apple M2 Max | Apple M4 Max (16-Core) |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M2 Max | Apple M4 Max (16-Core) |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | January 17, 2023 | October 30, 2024 |
| Type: | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set: | ARMv8 | ARMv9 |
| Codename: | Apple M2 | Apple M4 |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 5 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistor Count: | 67 billion | — |
| TDP (PL1): | 50 W | 70 W |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
| Max Temp (TJMax): | 100 C | 100 C |
|
CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 12 | 16 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 16 |
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P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 8 | 12 |
| P-Threads | 8 | 12 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 3500 MHz | 4510 MHz |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 4 | 4 |
| E-Threads | 4 | 4 |
| E-Core Base Frequency | 2400 MHz | 2590 MHz |
|
NPU
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| NPU |
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Cache and Bus
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| Multiplier | Locked | Locked |
| L1 Cache | 192 KB | 192 KB |
| L2 Cache | 32 MB | 32 MB |
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Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | LPDDR5-6400 | LPDDR5X-8533 |
| Max Memory Size: | 96 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory Channels: | 4 | 32 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 409.6 GB/s | 546 GB/s |
| ECC Support: |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | 14891 | 26190 |
| Single-Core | 2695 | 3986 |
| File Compression | 1690 | 2680 |
| Clang Compression | 132 | 220 |
| HTML5 Browser | 369 | 699 |
| PDF Renderer | 382 | 771 |
| Text Processing | 273 | 381 |
| Background Blur | 54 | 92 |
| Photo Processing | 150 | 236 |
| Ray Tracing | 17 | 36 |
|
PassMark CPU
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| Multi-Core | 26849 | 44002 |
| Single-Core | 4139 | 4591 |
| Integer Math | 57700 | 99100 |
| Floating Point | 73500 | 101700 |
| Prime Numbers | 359 | 627 |
| String Sorting | 41100 | 64700 |
| Data Encryption | 15700 | 27000 |
| Data Compression | 335800 | 574700 |
| Physics | 3847 | 6604 |
| Extended Instructions | 14600 | 30400 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | 1022 | 2044 |
| Single-Core | 122 | 187 |
|
Blender
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| Render Score | 253 | 475 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M2 Max AND Apple M4 Max (16-Core)
The charts below visualize how Apple M2 Max and Apple M4 Max (16-Core) stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Release Timeline of Apple M2 Max and Apple M4 Max (16-Core)
Apple M2 Max was released 1 year, 9 months, 13 days earlier than Apple M4 Max (16-Core).
Value For Money Calculator
Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.
Apple M2 Max
Apple M4 Max (16-Core)
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Domain Score Summary
Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the Apple M4 Max (16-Core) is clearly better overall compared to the Apple M2 Max. It comes out ahead across every comparable key area.
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Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.