Watch: Apple's 2016 MacBook vs. 2015 MacBook in speed test comparison
Apple was able to squeeze out an extra hour of battery life and modest performance gains from its second-generation 12-inch MacBook, but is that enough to warrant an upgrade from the 2015 model? Find out in AppleInsider's head-to-head video.
With the recent update of the 12-inch MacBook, Apple touted not only battery life increases but also improved performance. Packing a new Skylake processor and integrated graphics, along with faster storage and memory, we wanted to check for ourselves how much of a performance boost the 2016 MacBook provides over last year's model.
We started off comparing the SSD speed which was faster and more consistent in the new MacBook. This should result in a faster loading applications and bootup of the Mac, but in real world usage, we didn't notice much of a difference.
Next, we used GeekBench 3 to test processor performance. Both finished the test at about the same time with the latest MacBook being just slightly faster. Our next test is a CPU and GPU rendering test called Cinebench. Once again the 2016 Macbook pulled ahead by just a bit. (show on screen 4 percent CPU and 10 percent GPU). Moving onto the web browsing benchmark Octane, the new MacBook gets a marginal improvement.

For photographers, we put these MacBooks head to head exporting edited photos with latest version of lightroom. The latest MacBook was about 14 percent faster, which is really negligible unless for some reason your editing thousands of photos on this machine, of the much better suited MacBook Pro.
Taking it one step further we ran the Final Cut benchmark BruceX, which pushed the machines to their limits in video editing. This is the one area we saw a major improvement in, with an almost 300 percent improvement with the 2016 Skylake Macbook. Even so, unless you really need the ultraportable design, video editors will have a smoother experience on a MacBook Pro, which starts at the same price of $1,299.
If you wanted to buy a 12-inch MacBook but were waiting for some big performance improvements, you'll likely need to wait a few more years, or just settle for one of Apples slightly larger offerings that pack a more powerful punch.
With the recent update of the 12-inch MacBook, Apple touted not only battery life increases but also improved performance. Packing a new Skylake processor and integrated graphics, along with faster storage and memory, we wanted to check for ourselves how much of a performance boost the 2016 MacBook provides over last year's model.
We started off comparing the SSD speed which was faster and more consistent in the new MacBook. This should result in a faster loading applications and bootup of the Mac, but in real world usage, we didn't notice much of a difference.
Next, we used GeekBench 3 to test processor performance. Both finished the test at about the same time with the latest MacBook being just slightly faster. Our next test is a CPU and GPU rendering test called Cinebench. Once again the 2016 Macbook pulled ahead by just a bit. (show on screen 4 percent CPU and 10 percent GPU). Moving onto the web browsing benchmark Octane, the new MacBook gets a marginal improvement.

For photographers, we put these MacBooks head to head exporting edited photos with latest version of lightroom. The latest MacBook was about 14 percent faster, which is really negligible unless for some reason your editing thousands of photos on this machine, of the much better suited MacBook Pro.
Taking it one step further we ran the Final Cut benchmark BruceX, which pushed the machines to their limits in video editing. This is the one area we saw a major improvement in, with an almost 300 percent improvement with the 2016 Skylake Macbook. Even so, unless you really need the ultraportable design, video editors will have a smoother experience on a MacBook Pro, which starts at the same price of $1,299.
If you wanted to buy a 12-inch MacBook but were waiting for some big performance improvements, you'll likely need to wait a few more years, or just settle for one of Apples slightly larger offerings that pack a more powerful punch.
Comments
rMBA 14" (thinner with with new ports and narrow bezel)
rMBP 16" (where the Pro name really belongs in the Mac notebook lineup; thinner plus narrow bezel etc.)
A simpler layout for the Mac notebook lineup that consumers would actually remember and understand.
And over the next couple of years kill off the non-Retina notebooks, move the prices down and faze out the use of Retina everywhere but the tech specs and keynote bullet point presentations.
MacBook = 12"
MacBook Air = 14"
MacBook Pro = 16"
All Retina, each one slighter thicker, more powerful and with more ports than the last. All 16" model should include dedicated graphics along with integrated graphics. And MacBook should start at $999 at current RAM and HD sizes.
More so if you can find a discounted price because it's last years model.
Filmmakers and videographers—the kind of people who use FCP aren't buying the 12" MacBook for this use. It'b be a silly investment for said task, so a FCP export comparison is questionable and thankfully the person making the video here had the sense to recommended a MBP as a better choice for said use.
I hope the upcoming MacBook Pros have a larger chasm between the new and old.
And a Handbrake export comparison. Agreed.
Goes to show how hard it is pleasing fans.
Proof speed/specs don't impress us it's Apple's innovations that do.
"for years" is exactly the issue.
the fact that fans aren't pleased when Apple is slow to give them something proves that speedier updates are needed (or wished for), not that speed is unimpressive. Try editing a big storyboard with a MacBook, the wait between screen resizes, code switches, storyboard switches... Ewww.
I don't necessarily disagree with your "innovation over specs" point, only with the logic you use to prop it
(wow AppleInsider!!! Commenting in-app is horrible!)
I'm curious about what is meant by "more consistent".
"... waiting for some big performance improvements, you'll likely need to wait a few more years"
LOLOLOLOL .. So. like, year 2020!!
I'm expecting my Apple teleportation machine by that time.
Intel's glacial pace of CPU development these days is in contrast to the incredible advancements of the A series which powers up the mobile devices. The pencil also makes note taking far easier and quieter than typing on a keyboard.
I just don't see much value in a MacBook. For the same price, a fully tricked out iPad Pro or the MacBook Pro with a real GPU makes far more sense.