MacBook Pro M2 (2022) review: Best value performance

Why you can trust this MacBook Pro M2 (2022) review

At Back Market, we aim to provide reliable and affordable tech, which is why we have put together this review for you. You can trust this MacBook Pro M2 (2022) review because it is based on thorough research, expert analysis, and a deep understanding of Apple's lineup. With a tech journalism and engineering background, we analyze key aspects of the product, including performance, design, and value, to provide an honest and objective perspective on this model. By comparing it to past and present MacBooks, you have all the information to make an informed decision, ensuring you know what to expect before purchasing.

MacBook Pro M2 (2022) specifications 

The MacBook Pro M2 (2022) represents one of Apple's more curious releases. Compared to the previous generation, the 13-inchers released in 2020, there was only one change: the introduction of the shiny new M2 processor. Despite the classic design, the M2 delivers mind-blowing performance and class-leading battery life. The 2022 MacBook Pro M2 is available in several configurations, offering eight cores for the M2 processor and ten cores for the graphics processor. The eight processor cores manage general computing tasks and overall system performance, while the ten graphics cores enhance graphics processing for activities like video editing and gaming. There are three options for memory: 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB. The last configurable spec is storage, ranging from 256GB to 2TB. Here's an overview of the MacBook Pro M2 specifications:

• Chip: Apple M2 8-core CPU 

• Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU

• Memory: 8GB to 24GB

• Storage: 256GB to 2TB SSD

• Display: 13.3-inch Liquid Retina 

• Native display resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels

• Screen refresh rate: 60Hz

• Panel technology: IPS

• Ports: 3.5mm headphone jack, 2x Thunderbolt 4

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5

• Camera: 720p HD webcam

• Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support

• Battery: 58.2 Watt-hour lithium polymer battery

• Security: Touch ID on the power button

• Operating system: Apple macOS 

• Dimensions: 11.94 x 8.36 x 0.61 in 

• Weight: 3 lbs

A familiar design

The 2022 MacBook Pro M2's design is highly familiar. On the outside it is identical to the 2020 13-inch MacBooks and mostly the same as the one Apple introduced in 2016. The aluminum chassis looks excellent and is available in either Space Gray or Silver. The laptop's lid is smooth and featureless, saved for the shiny Apple logo. The machine weighs an impressive three pounds and measures about 11.94 x 8.36 x 0.61 in. The unibody aluminum casing features a sturdy hinge that can be opened with one hand, and inside you’ll find relatively thick bezels measuring about an inch from the top and bottom, the LED Touch Bar above the keyboard, and the power button which doubles as a fingerprint scanner. The laptop is portable enough to carry in a backpack, weighing about the same as a 13.9-inch iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard.

Great performance from the M2

The 2022 MacBook Pro M2 was the first device to house the M2 chip, which offers an 8-core CPU (four efficiency cores and four performance cores) and a 10-core GPU, two more than the GPU powering the 13-inch MacBook Pro M1. The M2's 10-core GPU gives it a boost when it comes to graphical performance, an advantage that will be attractive to people who need graphical grunt for their projects. It also has a 16-core neural engine, 20 million transistors, and 24GB of unified memory support. 

The 2022 MacBook Pro is a solid laptop for everyday tasks. When you aren't rendering 4K videos, it should easily handle general functions like word processing, video streaming, casual surfing, and running multiple apps. Everything operates smoothly and general opening times are minimal. It also features a fan for assisted cooling when performing more demanding tasks, but it is almost completely silent when in use.

A sufficient display and great audio

As for the design, the 2022 MacBook Pro M2 borrowed heavily from the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro's display. The 13.3-inch Retina Display with a 2560 x 1600 native resolution and brightness of 500 nits provides bold, colorful images that work well for streaming video and entertainment. The display also supports Adobe RGB and the DCI-P3 color standard needed for professional video and graphic work. The bezels are relatively thick, about 10 inches, and the refresh rate is 60Hz. The display features Apple's True Tone color optimization, automatically adjusting its brightness and color to look its best under various lighting conditions. While the 2022 M2's Retina Display doesn't offer the class-leading image quality of the newer mini-LED Retina XDR screens, it is more than sufficient. The audio quality is equally impressive, with the speakers providing excellent dynamic range. The system supports Dolby Atmos and other spatial audio formats if you prefer headphones.

Impressively long battery life

MacBook battery life has been impressive since the debut of the M1 back in 2020. The M1 was incredibly efficient, offering excellent performance and long battery life. The 2022 MacBook Pro is powered by the M2, an improvement over the M1, and according to Apple, it offers an 18% increase in CPU performance while using the same amount of power. According to Apple, the 2022 MacBook Pro can last up to 20 hours on a single charge — an entire work day and beyond. However, this will depend on how you use the laptop, as heavier tasks require more power, meaning the battery will not last as long. Nonetheless, you still get a 67W power adapter for fast charging.

Keyboard and trackpad – familiar but solid inputs

The 2022 MacBook Pro M2 features the Magic Keyboard, one of the best in the game. It offers a great typing experience, combining a slim design with sturdy scissor-switch mechanisms under each key. This provides a responsive and satisfying feel, making it comfortable and precise. The Force Touch trackpad remains one of the largest trackpads on the market, providing ample room for swiping and scrolling. The pressure-sensitive controls of the trackpad may not feel as revolutionary as when they were first introduced, but they still offer unique functionality. If you prefer traditional clicks and gestures, though, Force Touch's contextual menus and pressure-specific controls might not appeal to you. Nonetheless, its haptic feedback is still one of the best implementations to date, delivering a smooth and precise experience.

Only three ports

There’s not much to talk about regarding the 2022 MacBook Pro M2's ports. The laptop has two Thunderbolt 4 data ports with a USB Type-C connector. The other port is a headphone jack. This machine doesn't include the MagSafe charging feature, so charging is done via one of the USB-C ports, meaning you have only one data port when the machine is plugged in (it's a good thing the battery lasts really long). The two data ports are on the left, and the 3.5mm headphone jack is on the right.

Pros and cons 

The MacBook Pro M2 (2022) is a solid laptop. It features the M2 chip that offers excellent performance and battery life. However, its design remains nearly identical to the 2020 13-inchers, making it feel a little redundant. Here's what we think the 2022 MacBook Pro M2 got right and wrong: 

Shopping tips for an affordable MacBook Pro M2 (2022) 

The 2022 MacBook Pro M2 is a solid performer and remains among the best-value laptops available. If you’re looking to purchase one, you have several options. You can shop during major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, or learn why February is the best time to get a MacBook. You can also wait until a new model gets released so that current models experience price drops, or utilize bundle deals offered by retailers when you purchase a device with its accessories. All these options let you save a buck, but Back Market is the best option for saving a buck at your own convenience. At Back Market, you don't have to wait for sales events or bundle deals to score great prices. Our Verified Refurbished devices offer premium quality at only a fraction of the price — every day of the year. No gimmicks, just actual savings. Still not convinced? Here's what one satisfied customer had to say about us:

"My MacBook Pro M2 late 2022 model came in quickly and looked brand new with the box and charger. I would've never known it was refurbished if no one told me. I definitely recommend buying from Back Market because it is trusted and you also get the 1 year warranty in case something goes wrong."

Melissa F. - Purchased on February 25, 2024

Why buy refurbished

Back Market sells Verified Refurbished devices. If you're unfamiliar with the term, these are pre-owned devices that have been restored to full functionality and inspected by industry professionals*. Before we list any devices on our product pages, they undergo a thorough refurbishing process. This includes hardware and software diagnostics, necessary repairs and part replacements, a factory reset, deep cleaning, and rigorous quality checks. Once verified, each device is sold at a reduced price with a one-year warranty and offers premium quality. Refurbishing guarantees high-quality and low prices and also helps reduce e-waste, making refurbished devices a smart and sustainable choice. Here's what one Reddit user had to say about Back Market:

"Love Back market!! Bought an iPhone and a new MacBook from them and the both were perfect condition and delivered within days after I placed order. In fact my last Mac came in a Apple box still in factory wrapping. With a 60% saving over new and comes with a year warranty why shop anywhere else?"

* Sellers of refurbished devices on www.backmarket.com/en-us are required to comply with high quality standards and carry out quality checks, in accordance with Back Market’s Quality Charter (Sep. 2023).

Trade in your old tech for cash

There's still juice left in your old devices, and Back Market's Trade-in program lets you sell your devices easily while giving them a second life through refurbishment. The process is simple and involves three steps, ensuring you get a fair price for your tech. Additionally, trading in your old tech keeps e-waste out of landfills and promotes sustainability. Start by getting an instant quote from an online assessment, then ship your device for free, and finally get paid once it’s verified. It's a smart way to declutter, earn cash, and contribute to a safer and healthier planet. 

*Trade-in values taken at the date of publication – these are subject to change.

Price and availability

The MacBook Pro M2 (2022) was released in June 2022. It is available in several configurations, starting at $1,299 (price of new) for an 8GB device with 256GB storage. Memory options range from 8GB to 24GB, and storage options range from 256GB SSD to 2TB SSD, with your choice of memory and storage influencing its price. However, you can get the same devices offering the same quality and specifications at a lower price on Back Market. Here are some of the available 2022 M2 MacBook Pros on Back Market:

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication - these are subject to change.

Final thoughts: Still one of the best laptops for productivity and creative work

Undoubtedly, the MacBook Pro M2 (2022) is a fantastic laptop. It is a standout option for creative professionals, especially now that it is available at an all-time low price. It is an excellent choice if you want the powerful and efficient M2 chip, all-day battery life, and a stunning display, as long as you don't mind the classic design. However, if you want something slimmer, fanless, and more modern, consider newer models or even the MacBook Air M2, which launched alongside this MacBook Pro.