In Extended Desktop Mode, you can choose a different resolution for each display.
In Mirroring Mode, the macOS tries to select the optimal resolution for both displays.
see the last half of > Use one or more external displays with your Mac - Apple Support
Set up the displays as an extended desktop
You can arrange your displays in any configuration to create an extended desktop. For example, you can set your external display side by side with your Mac to create one large continuous desktop.
Note: You must be connected to a display to see these options.
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu
> System Preferences, click Displays
, then click Display Settings. - Click the name of your display, then choose Extend Display from the pop-up menu.
Set up the displays for video mirroring
Video mirroring shows the entire desktop on each display.
Note: You must be connected to a display to see these options.
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu
> System Preferences, click Displays
, then click Display Settings. - Select your display, then choose Mirror for Display from the pop-up menu.
For other pertinent support articles.
see > Connect a display to your Mac - Apple Support
and > Connect a display to Mac Studio - Apple Support