If you own a MacBook or are considering buying one, you've probably wondered how long the battery life of models with Intel processors compares to Apple's new M-series chips. This question is especially important for people who value mobility, long battery life, and excellent energy efficiency. In this article, we'll make an accessible and clear comparison between the two types of laptops so that you can make an informed choice based on your needs.

1. A Brief History: Intel vs. Apple Silicon

Until the end of 2020, all MacBook laptops used Intel processors. But with the premiere of the Apple M1, the company made a real revolution in the industry, switching to its own ARM-based architecture called Apple Silicon.

Improved versions followed, such as:

M1 Pro

M1 Max
M2
M3
With this move, Apple promised (and delivered) significant improvements in:

???? Battery life
⚡ Performance
❄️ Thermal management
2. Battery life: What does the official data show?

Below you will see a comparison of Apple's officially announced battery life in standard tests for web browsing and video playback:

???? Model

????️ Processor

???? Official battery life

MacBook Pro 13" (2020)

Intel Core i5

Up to 10 hours

MacBook Air (2020)

Intel Core i3/i5

Up to 11 hours

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Apple M1

Up to 18 hours

MacBook Pro 13" (M1, 2020)

Apple M1

Up to 20 hours

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro)

Apple M2 Pro

Up to 18 hours

MacBook Air 15" (M2)

Apple M2

Up to 18 hours

Bottom line: MacBook models with M-series processors almost double the battery life compared to Intel variants.

3. Real-world user experience

According to user reviews and tech media tests:

???? MacBook with Intel:

Average 6-8 hours of operation with standard use (browser, email, text documents)
Heat and frequent switching on of fans
Significantly higher consumption with heavy tasks (video processing, rendering)
???? MacBook with M1/M2/M3:

12-18 hours of real-world use without charging
Almost complete silence – fans are absent (Air) or turn on rarely (Pro)
Cool body and minimal loss of charge in Sleep mode
4. Why is the M series so efficient?

4.1. ARM architecture: Apple Silicon processors are designed to be energy-efficient, without compromising on performance.

4.2. Integrated system (SoC): CPU, GPU, RAM and Neural Engine are on a single chip, which optimizes power consumption.

4.3. macOS Optimization: The operating system is designed to work as efficiently as possible with Apple Silicon.

5. When does an Intel MacBook still make sense?

Despite the advantages of the M-series, some users choose Intel models for various reasons. The main ones are specific software that is not yet optimized for ARM, the ability to install Windows via Bootcamp, which is impossible on the M series, as well as a lower price when buying second-hand.

Finally, we can say that MacBook models with M-series processors are champions in durability and mobility. They provide up to twice as long battery life compared to Intel models and offer silent operation and lower temperatures.

On the Hop.bg website you will find a wide selection of new and refurbished MacBook models – both with Intel and M-series processors. Whether you are looking for an affordable solution, or you want top performance and long battery life, you can count on competent advice and guaranteed quality. Visit our stores in Sofia, Plovdiv, Pleven, Varna and Ruse and see for yourself the quality of the wide variety of products we offer.

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