Base M3 pro all the way haha. More ports, substantially more performance, runs cooler since it’s got a much better cooling system, 6 efficiency cores gives around the same battery (albeit slightly worse under full load), 18 vs 16gb ram, faster storage, space black is nice

Nah the retina models are pretty limited. I’d say it’s due for an upgrade it is turning a decade old

Depends on if you need the speed. I’d say the base m3 pro when it’s available for discount is the best for price and what you get. Older m2 pros on discount probably even better value