Apple M3 VS Apple M4 (10-Core)

We are comparing the Apple M3 (Apple) with the Apple M4 (10-Core) (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.

KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M3 AND Apple M4 (10-Core)

Here’s how Apple M3 and Apple M4 (10-Core) stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.

Apple M3: 1 advantage Apple M4 (10-Core): 6 advantages

Reasons to consider the Apple M3

1
  • 4% higher PassMark single-core score (4715 vs 4514)

Reasons to consider the Apple M4 (10-Core)

6
  • 25% more CPU threads (10 vs 8)
  • 25% more CPU cores (10 vs 8)
  • 50% more efficient-core threads (6 vs 4)
  • 50% more efficient cores (6 vs 4)
  • 10% higher P-core base frequency (4460 MHz vs 4050 MHz)
  • 5% higher E-core base frequency (2890 MHz vs 2750 MHz)

SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M3 AND Apple M4 (10-Core)

Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M3 and Apple M4 (10-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 M3 Apple M4 (10-Core)
General Information
CPU Name: Apple M3 Apple M4 (10-Core)
Vendor: Apple Apple
Release Date: October 30, 2023 May 7, 2024
Type: Laptop Laptop
Instruction Set: ARMv8 ARMv9
Codename: Apple M3 Apple M4
Package and Thermals
Manufacturing Process: 3 nm 3 nm
Transistor Count: 25 billion 28 billion
TDP (PL1): 20 W 24 W
Max Boost TDP (PL2): 40 W
Socket: Apple M-Socket Apple M-Socket
Max Temp (TJMax): 100 C 100 C
CPU Cores
Total Cores
Total Cores 8 10
Total Threads 8 10
P-Cores
P-Cores 4 4
P-Threads 4 4
P-Core Base Frequency 4050 MHz 4460 MHz
E-Cores
E-Cores 4 6
E-Threads 4 6
E-Core Base Frequency 2750 MHz 2890 MHz
NPU
NPU
Cache and Bus
Multiplier Locked Locked
L1 Cache 192 KB 192 KB
L2 Cache 16 MB 16 MB
Memory Support
Memory Types: LPDDR5-6400 LPDDR5X-7500
Max Memory Size: 24 GB 32 GB
Memory Channels: 8 8
Max Memory Bandwidth: 102.4 GB/s 120 GB/s
ECC Support:
Benchmarks
Geekbench V6
Multi-Core 11815 14818
Single-Core 3009 3777
File Compression 1260 1500
Clang Compression 95 120
HTML5 Browser 264 329
PDF Renderer 314 362
Text Processing 297 352
Background Blur 50 70
Photo Processing 115 114
Ray Tracing 13 18
PassMark CPU
Multi-Core 19095 23685
Single-Core 4715 4514
Integer Math 42600 54400
Floating Point 48400 49700
Prime Numbers 232 265
String Sorting 27300 34300
Data Encryption 11500 15200
Data Compression 225700 281600
Physics 1862 2524
Extended Instructions 10000 13700
Cinebench 2024
Multi-Core 712 982
Single-Core 140 172
Blender
Render Score 160 230

Tip: indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while indicates a lower-is-better advantage.

PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M3 AND Apple M4 (10-Core)

The charts below visualize how Apple M3 and Apple M4 (10-Core) stack up in key performance metrics.

Performance Radar Chart

Category scores overview (0 to 100)
Apple M3
Apple M4 (10-Core)

Performance Benchmarks

Grey is the market top value. Colored bars show each CPU's relative benchmark reach.
Market Top
Apple M3
Apple M4 (10-Core)

Release Timeline of Apple M3 and Apple M4 (10-Core)

Apple M3
190 days
Apple M4 (10-Core)

Apple M3 was released 6 months, 7 days earlier than Apple M4 (10-Core).

Value For Money Calculator

Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.

Apple M3

8C/8T
$
Value Index
0.0

Apple M4 (10-Core)

10C/10T
$
Value Index
0.0
Apple M3
Apple M4 (10-Core)
0%

Calculating...

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.

Apple M3 Apple M4 (10-Core)
ALL
Overall
Difference: 4
Leads
Apple M3
77
Apple M4 (10-Core)
81
Single-Core Performance
Difference: 7
Leads
Apple M3
83
Apple M4 (10-Core)
90
Multi-Core Performance
Difference: 4
Leads
Apple M3
62
Apple M4 (10-Core)
66
CPU Architecture
Difference: 3
Leads
Apple M3
69
Apple M4 (10-Core)
72
Memory Architecture
Difference: 4
Leads
Apple M3
58
Apple M4 (10-Core)
62
Energy Efficiency
Difference: 3
Leads
Apple M3
80
Apple M4 (10-Core)
83

Our Verdict

In conclusion, the Apple M4 (10-Core) is slightly better overall compared to the Apple M3. 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.