High end 2020 Intel 13" MBP vs base 13" M1 MBP?

[cardsdoc]

I have a fairly maxed out 2020 Intel 13" MBP. 2.3Ghz i7 (10th gen), 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD. I think it was the last Intel 13" MBP. My wife's 2016 MBP was in for repair and somehow it was lost in transit. They are replacing it with a base 13" M1 MBP (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD). My wife doesn't care what she uses as long as she has a computer and said I can use the new one if I'd like. I don't know if I can deal with 256GB storage but putting that aside for a moment will the M1 be a better experience than my current Intel MBP? I don't find myself doing much that's too memory intensive these days. When I bought my MBP I was using Windows via Parallels for some work (and part of the reason I had so much RAM) but don't really need to do so anymore as I have a dedicated Windows laptop from work now. Thanks.

 

[doboy]

Personally, I would just keep using the Intel machine due to RAM and storage and not due to Intel processor.

 

[Six0Four]

I would think the M1 would be faster, cooler, and more quiet compared to the 10th gen i7.

 

[ctjack]

Single core speed is noticeably faster on M1. Will you see it? Well i was using my friend's MBP 2017 2 ports, that is an old dual core thingy, it was scrolling perfectly fine for word docs and browser.
M1 base with 8GB feels lagging when you fill up those 8GB of RAM - if you do then you'd better stick with intel 32GB.
Also only you know your ssd requirements - I know for myself that there is no way i would be living with 256GB of Mac - I would rather have a cheap plastic win laptop but with a decent ssd size - 8 years with 128GB MBP 13 have left its' mark.

 

[cardsdoc]

Thanks for the responses. My guess is that for the majority of what I do the M1 will be faster, cooler, and battery life would be significantly improved. My Intel machine really is not very good for battery life. That all being said I probably can't make do with a 25GB SSD so will likely just keep using mine. It's also not like I have to make a decision anytime soon. I can just see how I like it since we'll have both.

 

[Sammy in SoCal]

Thanks for the responses. My guess is that for the majority of what I do the M1 will be faster, cooler, and battery life would be significantly improved. My Intel machine really is not very good for battery life. That all being said I probably can't make do with a 25GB SSD so will likely just keep using mine. It's also not like I have to make a decision anytime soon. I can just see how I like it since we'll have both.

How has the MBP 13“ M1 been for you now, several months later?

 

[Yebubbleman]

The M1 is faster and has better battery life, but 32GB of RAM it doesn't have. Similarly, if we're comparing those two Macs specifically, you're getting 1/8 the storage capacity, 1/4 the RAM, and 1/2 the port count. I suppose it all depends on what you were originally going to use the Intel one for. That said, if virtualizing x86/x86-64 OSes, Boot Camp, or running Intel apps without the use of Rosetta 2 are at all important for you, these are things you need an Intel Mac for.

 

[jav6454]

How has the MBP 13“ M1 been for you now, several months later?

I'm willing to be the M1 is doing everything required and asked.