MacBook M2 vs M5 — Is the M2 Pro Still Worth It in 2025?
MacBook Pro M2 Pro vs M5 — benchmarks, battery life, pricing, and real-world performance compared for 2025 buyers.
Introduction
Apple’s lineup just got shaken up. With the new 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip, many MacBook buyers are asking: Is the M2 Pro MacBook still a good purchase in 2025? In this MacBook M2 vs M5 comparison, we’ll break down performance, price, efficiency, and use cases — so you can make an informed decision.
MacBook M2 vs M5: What’s New in the M5 MacBook Pro
- Apple officially announced the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip in October 2025. Apple
- According to Apple, the M5 delivers up to 3.5× faster AI performance compared to the M4, thanks to a 10-core GPU where each core has a Neural Accelerator. Apple
- Apple also claims a 30% increase in memory bandwidth (up to 153 GB/s) and up to 1.6× higher graphics performance vs M4. Apple
- Storage is also improved: Apple says SSD performance can be “up to 2× faster” than on the previous generation. Apple
- Official USB-C, display, and general design remain very similar to the previous 14-inch Pro models. MacRumors
MacBook M2 vs M5 Performance: Benchmarks & Real-World Gains
- In leaked Geekbench 6 results, a MacBook Pro with M5 reportedly scored 4,263 on single-core — this would be one of the highest single-core scores ever recorded on Geekbench 6. Gizmochina
- The same source reported a multi-core score of 17,862, around ~20% faster than the M4’s multi-core performance. MacRumors
- According to Apple, workloads like compiling code (Xcode), creative apps, and AI-based tasks benefit significantly: M5 offers “next-level” CPU multithreaded performance and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple
- In Tom’s Hardware’s early tests, the M5 14″ model showed ~10-20% CPU performance uplift and significantly faster SSD speeds. Tom’s Hardware
- Real-world benchmark example: Tom’s Hardware’s 25 GB file copy test achieved 1,917 MB/s on the M5 SSD, compared to ~1,167 MB/s on the M4 model. Tom’s Hardware
- On GPU tasks, the M5’s 10-core GPU + Neural Accelerators pushed performance significantly, especially for AI workloads. Apple
MacBook M2 vs M5: GPU & Neural Performance Differences
When comparing the MacBook M2 vs M5, you’ll notice the M5 has a clear advantage in GPU or neural performance.
| Spec | MacBook Pro 14″ (M2 Pro) | MacBook Pro 14″ (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 10-core (6P + 4E) | 10-core (faster per-core performance) |
| GPU | Up to 19-core | 10-core next-gen GPU w/ Neural Accelerators |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 10 Neural Accelerators (1 per GPU core) |
| Memory Bandwidth | 200 GB/s | ~153 GB/s |
| SSD Speed | ~3,000 MB/s | ~6,000 MB/s (2.5× faster) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Launch Price | £2,149 (original), now cheaper used | £1,799 starting |
| Best For | Pro workflows, great value in 2025 | AI tasks, future-proofing, creative workloads |
Buy MacBook Pro (M2 Pro) on Amazon
Buy MacBook Pro (M5) on Amazon
How the M2 Pro MacBook Still Holds Its Ground
Let’s look at the older, but still very capable, MacBook Pro 14″ (M2 Pro).
Strengths of M2 Pro:
- Proven real-world performance: excellent for development, video editing, and design work
- Lower cost on used or refurbished markets: many M2 Pro models are cheaper now that the M5 is out
- Great energy efficiency: Apple Silicon continues to perform well in battery-sensitive workflows
- Long-term support: macOS updates + stability for pro workloads
Price Comparison (2025)
Here are some representative UK prices:
| Model | Approx. Price* |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M5, 512 GB) | ~£1,679 (or similar new / pre-order-era pricing) |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M5, 1 TB) | £1,799 (based on current available SKUs) |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M2 Pro, 16 GB / 512 GB) | ~£945 (refurbished / renewed) |
* Prices vary depending on seller, stock, and configuration.
Efficiency, Battery & Practical Use
- The 14″ M5 Pro offers impressive power efficiency, especially for AI / neural-engine tasks, thanks to the new Neural Accelerators. Apple
- Apple claims up to 24 hours of battery life for the 14″ M5 model — though “real-world use” results vary. Apple
- For creators, developers, and casual users: unless your workflow pushes AI inference or high-GPU loads constantly, the M2 Pro remains more than capable.
Who Should Upgrade / Buy Which
✅ Buy the M5 If:
- You’re working with AI / ML / large local models
- You want the latest and fastest Apple Silicon
- You plan to keep the machine for many years
- You need very fast SSD + GPU → pro creative work
✅ Stick with or Buy M2 Pro If:
- You’re budget-sensitive (refurb M2 Pro is cheaper)
- Your workloads don’t need top-tier AI / GPU power
- You prefer a tried-and-true system with plenty of power
- You value long-term macOS stability over cutting-edge chip performance
Buy M2 Pro MacBook Pro on Amazon
Risks & Considerations
- Depreciation: M2 Pro resale value may drop further as M5 becomes more mainstream
- Future-proofing: If M5 Pro / Max / Ultra chips are announced soon, there may be more powerful options
- Support: Apple usually supports their chips well, but OS features may favor newer silicon in the long run
- Stock & Availability: Depending on region, M5 may be in limited supply initially
Verdict
The M5 MacBook Pro is a significant upgrade, especially for AI-heavy or GPU-intensive workflows, and its performance gains are backed by both Apple and independent benchmarks. But if you’re buying now, the M2 Pro MacBook remains an incredibly strong, cost-effective option — particularly if you choose a refurbished or renewed model.
If your work doesn’t demand bleeding-edge AI or graphics, sticking with the M2 Pro is still a smart choice in 2025. But for those chasing the future of Apple Silicon and local AI inference, the M5 is tough to ignore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the M5 MacBook Pro worth it if I already have an M2 Pro?
A: Only if you need more GPU / AI power or care about future-proofing. For many pro use cases, M2 Pro is still very capable.
Q: How much faster is the M5 than the M2 Pro?
A: According to leaked benchmarks, M5’s single-core Geekbench score is ~4,263, and multicore ~17,862, which is significantly faster than many older chips. MacRumors
Q: Does the M5’s faster SSD matter?
A: Yes — in high-file-transfer workflows (video editing, large datasets) you’ll notice the speed boost, per early testing. Tom’s Hardware
Q: Will Apple release M5 Pro / Max soon?
A: Probably. If you can wait and need extreme performance, waiting might be beneficial. But current M5 is already a hefty jump.
Affiliate Disclaimer
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