MacBook Pro 13 (M1) vs Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MacBook Pro 13 (M1) | Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 8,400 | 5,000 | +68.0% |
| Processor | Apple M1 | Intel Core i5-1145G7 | — |
| Graphics | Integrated 8-Core GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | — |
| Display | 13.3" 2560x1600 | 14.0" 1920x1080 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 17 | 38 | -55.3% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.40 | 2.22 | -36.9% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 256GB | 16GB / 512GB | — |
| Max configuration | 16GB / 2048GB | 16GB / 512GB | — |
| Operating system | macOS | Windows 10 Pro | — |
| Price (USD) | $1,299–$2,299 | $3,599 | -63.9% |
- MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is about 68% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 lasts longer on battery (38h vs 17h).
- MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the more portable at 1.40 kg.
Verdict: MacBook Pro 13 (M1) or Toughbook 55 Mk2?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+40%)
- Portability (+37%)
- Affordability (+64%)
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 advantages
- Battery life (+55%)
- Base memory (+50%)
- Screen size (+5%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) if you carry it around all day.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) vs Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2: which should you choose?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2020) with the Apple M1 and Integrated 8-Core GPU, 8GB RAM, a 13.3-inch 2560x1600 display, 1.4 kg and about 17 h battery; from $1,299.
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 — Panasonic mainstream laptop (2021) with the Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB RAM, a 14-inch 1920x1080 display, 2.22 kg and about 38 h battery; from $3,599.
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) vs Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2: MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is about 68% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 lasts longer on battery (38h vs 17h). MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the more portable at 1.40 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (8,400 vs 5,000), pairing the Apple M1 with Integrated 8-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick. Note these serve different roles — a ultrabook/creator versus a mainstream machine — so raw speed is only part of the story.
Portability and battery
The MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is easier to carry at 1.40 kg (vs 2.22 kg), and the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 lasts longer unplugged (about 38 h vs 17 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 8 GB / 256 GB and 16 GB / 512 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) better than the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) takes the overall edge, though Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 wins in specific areas worth weighing. MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is about 68% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 lasts longer on battery (38h vs 17h).
What is the main difference between the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) and the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is about 68% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 lasts longer on battery (38h vs 17h). MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the more portable at 1.40 kg.
Which is better value?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming. Choose the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.