Performance gap — real-world numbers
Single-core: M2 ~15% faster than M1. Multi-core: M2 ~18% faster. GPU: M2 ~25% faster. These are Geekbench/synthetic — real-world workflows often see 5–15% improvement.
What this means: if M1 handled your work, M2 will handle it 15% faster. If M1 struggled (heavy video, 3D), M2 still struggles — just less. Real fix for those workflows is M3 Pro or higher.
Price comparison (Pakistan used market, 2026)
Used MacBook Pro 13" M1 (A2338): PKR 175,000–215,000. Used MacBook Pro 13" M2 (A2338 2022): PKR 235,000–275,000.
M2 commands 25–30% premium over M1. For 15% more performance, that's not a great rate. Most buyers should choose M1 + spend the difference on better RAM/storage.
Where M2 genuinely justifies the premium
16GB RAM minimum (M2's faster memory bandwidth matters more at 16GB+). Hardware video encoder for ProRes (specifically the M2 hardware engines for ProRes are improved). External display support (M2 supports more displays via DisplayPort 2.1).
Where M1 still wins
Budget-conscious buyer (most students, freelancers). Light-to-medium workload (office, web, light photo/video). Wants the maximum battery life MacBook ever made (M1's efficiency is still industry-leading).
Longevity outlook (2026 perspective)
M1 is now 5 years old. Apple supports macOS for 6+ years from chip release, so M1 has 1–2 more years of full macOS support. M2 has 4+ years remaining.
For a 4-year ownership horizon: M2 is the longer-life bet. For 1–2 year ownership: M1 is the better deal.