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2/4/2023

MacOS Sierra vs. El Capitan Performance Comparison Guide

MacOS Sierra and EI Capitan both have earned good recognition in the market for awesome performance. That's a reason most people get confused between MacOS Sierra vs. El Capitan performance when it comes to picking one.
In this comparison guide, we will look at the major differences between these operating systems. We have calculated and analyzed reports by researching different users' reviews and ratings for features, specifications, and other things. Let's check, the following items: -

Optimized Storage Space
Optimized Storage Space
System Requirements
Performance Parameters
Security and Battery Life
iCloud Sync and Cross-Sharing
Apple Watch Compatibility
Other Features

1. Design and Interface
   In terms of design, EI Capitan and MacOS Sierra are both the same. The flattened visuals engaged in EI Capitan are further available in Sierra. But, both are different in terms of advanced OS user interface.
  Sierra is not armed with the picture-in-picture viewing mode, identical to the same-titled mode on iPadOS. However, you can still use tabs in different varieties of first as well as third-party applications alongside web browsers.

2. Optimized Storage Space
  Well, both devices need 8.8GB of available storage space. Compared to EI Capitan, Sierra is recommended for more storage space efficiency. It emerges when having no sufficient free space. Even its new features remove some files and move them to iCloud.
   However, for optimized space and system performance, keep checking processes running on your system. Activity Monitor is Mac equivalent to task manager and manages Mac's activity. Using this tool, you can find which processes are currently running.

3. System Requirements
    Compared to EI Capitan, MacOS Sierra is highly demanding to use. Your decision is good for you when your Mac device can run the advanced but not the earlier versions. Mac Mini from Early 2009, MacBook Air from Late 2008, and iMac from Mid-2007 can run El Capitan.
    MacBook Pro (13", 15", and 17"), and 13" MacBook can also run EI Capitan. However, for Sierra, you can consider 2010 or later Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Pro. MacBook (2009 or later) and late 2009 or later iMac also run Sierra.

4. Performance Parameters
    When comparing MacOS Sierra vs. El Capitan performance, MacOS Sierra gets the upper hand. It provides much more quick responses. This is because it is the new version and can much better handle high-end tasks.
    Executing highly-intensive activities doesn't put much burden on the processor. So, it is less likely to produce weird loud fan noises. Since the MacOS Sierra is presently in public beta testing, the outcome might be slightly different from what you're seeing today.

5. Security and Battery Life
     The EI Capitan battery can last for about 6-7 hours on a 2013 MacBook Air. However, the MacOS Sierra battery has a comparatively shorter lifespan for the same machine. It can last approximately 5-6 hours.
      But, MacOS Sierra emerged as the winner when compared with EI Capitan from a security perspective. Even though Capitan is already a highly secure upgrade, Sierra provides 65 security fixes.

6. iCloud Sync and Cross-Sharing
    EI Capitan supports syncing the common data across several devices to reduce purgeable Mac space. For example, Messages, Calendars, and Notes. MacOS Sierra, however, included some new folders to sync, including Desktop and Documents.
   iCloud syncs documents and desktops across all Mac devices. Universal Clipboard is the new addition to features of the Continuity range to allow interaction between iOS and Mac devices. It allows copying and pasting data between compatible devices for wireless data transfer.

7. Apple Watch Compatibility
      Upgrading to MacOS Sierra will benefit you with advanced security layers via Auto Unlock functionality. You can unlock your Mac device with Sierra using your Apple Watch, ensuring proximity.
      To use this new unlock feature, you need to first unlock your Apple Watch. It may be auto-unlocked by a companion iPhone. Unfortunately, Apple has not announced something convenient like Apple Watch for EI Capitan.

8. Other Features
    Alongside Apple Watch and Universal Clipboard, many features distinguish Sierra and EI Capitan. Sierra is dotted with an array of new features, including Siri, a major one. Using this voice-recognition engine, you can verbally control your Mac.
     Apple Pay is the new icon that is now visible on the purchase pages of some merchants. What is required is to verify the purchases with Apple Watch or Touch ID on iPhone. There is also a new 'tapback' feature in Messages to instantly respond to a message.

The Conclusion
    At the bottom line, you can consider MacOS Sierra over EI Capitan for better performance and productivity. Sierra could be your choice if you are using the Mac model, which is from late 2009 or later.
You can't update to EI Capitan if you have never upgraded to it. This is because it is not available on the Mac's App Store anymore. To check Sierra compatibility, check the Support Page of Apple.

MacOS Sierra vs. El Capitan Performance Comparison Guide

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