Apple has just released its new MacBook Pro lineup. The battle between the M4 and M4 Pro chips is all anyone can talk about. These Apple Silicon processors aim to bring unmatched power and efficiency to users.
Whether you’re a graphic designer, video editor, or someone who needs a lot from their laptop, the choice between the M4 and M4 Pro matters. We’ll explore the main differences, performance, and value of these Apple laptops in this detailed comparison.
Key Takeaways
- The M4 MacBook Pro has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The M4 Pro has a 14-core CPU with 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, plus a 20-core GPU.
- The M4 Max variant of the MacBook Pro has a 16-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU. It’s a beast for heavy tasks.
- The M4 chip is 1.8 times faster than the M1 chip for editing huge photos. It’s 3.4 times faster for complex scenes in Blender.
- The base M4 MacBook Pro starts at $1,599. The M4 Pro models start at $2,499. There’s a price for every budget.
- The M4 MacBook Pro offers up to 24 hours of battery life. This is better than the 22 hours of the M3 model, showing great power efficiency.
Understanding Apple’s Latest Chip Innovation
The M4 series is a big step forward in Apple’s chip technology. It brings amazing performance gains for modern MacBook Pro users. The M4 Max, in particular, shows Apple’s dedication to top-notch computing.
Evolution from M3 to M4 Series
The M4 chips improve on the M3 series in many ways. The M4 processor is up to 1.8x faster than the M1. The M4 Pro is even faster, with a 1.9x boost over the M1 Pro. And the M4 Max? It’s a whopping 2.5x faster than the M1.
Core Architecture Improvements
The M4 series has a new core architecture for more power. It has up to 10 CPU cores, with four high-performance and six energy-efficient cores. This means up to 1.8x faster performance than the M1. The M4 Pro and M4 Max have even more cores, for even more power.
Neural Engine Advancements
The M4 series also has better Neural Engine performance. This co-processor makes machine learning tasks faster and more efficient. It ensures a smooth experience for a wide range of tasks.
The M4 series cements Apple’s lead in chip innovation. It brings unmatched performance and power efficiency to the MacBook Pro. As users need more from their devices, the M4 chips are ready to push the limits of what’s possible.
Design and Build Quality Comparison
The 2024 MacBook Pro models keep their sleek and premium look. This design is what Apple is known for. There are some small changes that make using the laptop better.
A new Space Black color option is available, besides Silver and Space Gray. This darker color makes the MacBook Pro look even more special. The MagSafe charging cable now comes in Space Black too, for a complete look.
The build quality of the 2024 MacBook Pro models is top-notch. They are made of the same high-grade aluminum as before. This shows Apple’s focus on making a laptop that’s both strong and long-lasting.
| Specification | MacBook Pro 14-inch | MacBook Pro 16-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches | 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches |
| Weight | 3.4 pounds | 4.7 pounds |
| Chassis Material | Aluminum Unibody | Aluminum Unibody |
| Color Options | Silver, Space Gray, Space Black | Silver, Space Gray, Space Black |
The 2024 MacBook Pro models stick to the classic design that fans love. The small updates and great build quality show Apple’s commitment to excellence. These laptops are a testament to Apple’s engineering skills.
MacBook Pro M4 vs M4 Pro: Core Specifications
The MacBook Pro M4 and M4 Pro have some key differences. Let’s look at the CPU, GPU, memory, and thermal architecture. This will help us see how they compare.
CPU and GPU Configuration
The MacBook Pro M4 has a 10-core CPU. The M4 Pro has a 14-core CPU. For graphics, the M4 Pro has a 20-core GPU. The M4 Max can have a 40-core GPU. These upgrades make the M4 Pro and M4 Max great for demanding tasks.
Memory and Storage Options
Both models support up to 64GB of unified memory. They have a memory bandwidth of 273GB/s. This ensures smooth multitasking and handling of memory-intensive apps. For storage, you can choose from 512GB to 2TB, depending on your needs.
Thermal Architecture
Apple has improved the thermal architecture of the MacBook Pro models. This includes better fan speeds and cooling capacity in High Power mode. It helps the laptops stay cool and perform well even under heavy loads.
| Specification | MacBook Pro M4 | MacBook Pro M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 10-core | 14-core |
| GPU | 10-core | 20-core (up to 40-core in M4 Max) |
| Memory | Up to 64GB | Up to 64GB |
| Storage | 512GB to 2TB | 512GB to 2TB |
| Thermal Architecture | Improved fan speeds and cooling capacity | Improved fan speeds and cooling capacity |
The MacBook Pro M4 and M4 Pro show Apple’s dedication to performance and versatility. They are perfect for both casual users and professionals. Their cutting-edge hardware and advanced thermal management are impressive.
Performance Benchmarks and Real-World Testing
The new MacBook Pro models with Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips are incredibly powerful. Geekbench 6 results show the M4 Max variant scores 4,060 in single-core and 26,675 in multi-core. These scores beat even top desktop CPUs.
In real-world tasks like Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, the new MacBook Pro models shine. The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip is 7.8 times faster than the old Intel Core i9 model with a Radeon Pro 5600M GPU.
The 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro is a video retiming powerhouse. It’s 21.0 times faster than the Intel Core i7, 1.4 times faster than the M3 Pro, and 1.7 times faster than the M1 Pro. This shows how Apple’s chip design and macOS integration have improved.
| Benchmark | M4 (8-Core) | M4 Pro (12-Core) | Performance Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Single-Core | 1,800 | 1,920 | 8% higher for M4 Pro |
| Cinebench R23 Multi-Core | 15,200 | 26,600 | 75% higher for M4 Pro |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core | 2,120 | 2,270 | 7% higher for M4 Pro |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | 17,670 | 26,700 | 51% higher for M4 Pro |
| iGPU FLOPS | N/A | 7.4 TFLOPS | Data not available for M4 |
The M4 Pro’s next-generation 3-nanometer technology makes it super responsive. It excels in video editing, 3D rendering, and AI tasks. The new MacBook Pro models with M4 and M4 Pro chips are changing what laptops can do.
Display Technology and Visual Capabilities
The latest MacBook Pro models come with Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chipsets. They have amazing display technologies that make visuals better. The Liquid Retina XDR display is a key feature, now brighter than ever.
It can show up to 1,000 nits of SDR content and 1,600 nits for HDR. This means you get clearer and more vibrant images.
Liquid Retina XDR Features
The Liquid Retina XDR display uses mini-LED backlighting. This gives you deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast. The M4 chip’s power makes these visuals stunning.
Whether you’re editing videos, designing graphics, or watching movies, it’s an immersive experience. The display shows true-to-life images.
Nano-texture Display Benefits
The nano-texture display is great for those who work in bright places. It has a matte-like finish that cuts down glare and reflections. This makes your content clearer and reduces eye strain.
It’s perfect for professionals who need the best visual clarity. They can work better in any lighting.
External Display Support
The MacBook Pro M4 and M4 Pro models are also top-notch for external displays. The M4 can support up to two 6K displays and one 5K display. The M4 Pro can handle up to three 6K displays at 60Hz.
This means you can have a bigger workspace. You can multitask better and work more efficiently on multiple screens.
The new MacBook Pro lineup with Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips offers a top-notch visual experience. It’s perfect for creative professionals, power users, or anyone who loves great visuals. These laptops are set to change your expectations for display quality and performance.
Connectivity and Port Selection
When you look at the MacBook Pro M4 and M4 Pro, you’ll see their amazing connectivity options. They have Thunderbolt 5 ports for super-fast data transfer, up to 120 Gb/s. This makes it easy to connect fast peripherals, displays, and storage.
The MacBook Pro models have three Thunderbolt 5 ports for expanding your setup. You can connect many devices at once. Plus, there’s an HDMI port for stunning visuals, up to 4K at 240Hz or 8K at 60Hz.
Photographers and videographers will love the SDXC card reader. It lets you quickly import and manage your files. The MagSafe 3 connector keeps things tidy with a secure, magnetic power connection.
But there’s more. The MacBook Pro M4 and M4 Pro also have a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio. They support the latest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for smooth wireless connections.
These new MacBook Pro models offer unmatched versatility and flexibility. They let you fully express your creativity and stay connected like never before.
Battery Life and Power Management
The latest MacBook Pro 2024 models use Apple’s M4 chips. They offer great battery life and power efficiency. The 14-inch model has a 72.4 watt-hour battery. The 16-inch model has a 100 watt-hour battery.
These big batteries mean you can watch videos for up to 24 hours on one charge.
Fast Charging Capabilities
The MacBook Pro M4 series also has fast charging. With the right power adapters, you can charge it up to 50% in 30 minutes. This means you can quickly charge your laptop and get back to what you’re doing.
Power Efficiency Analysis
The Apple M4 specifications show how efficient these chips are. They work well whether you’re plugged in or on battery power. This means you get a smooth experience without losing battery life.
“The M4 chip’s power efficiency is truly impressive, allowing me to work unplugged for an entire day without worrying about battery drain.”
The MacBook Pro M4 series has the perfect mix. It has big batteries, fast charging, and great power efficiency. This makes it a top choice for both work and fun on the go.
Professional Workload Performance
The m4 chip performance in the latest MacBook Pro models is impressive for demanding tasks. The M4 Max stands out in video editing, 3D rendering, and complex tasks. It handles large language models (LLMs) with nearly 200 billion parameters easily. This chip is a top pick for creative pros and power users.
The m4 chip performance of the M4 Pro is more balanced. It meets the needs of a wider range of professional laptop reviews. While not as powerful as the M4 Max, the M4 Pro still does well in tasks like film scoring and niche applications.
| Feature | M4 Pro | M4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Core Configuration | 8 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores | 10 performance cores + 6 efficiency cores |
| GPU Cores | Up to 20 cores | Up to 32 cores |
| Memory Bandwidth | Up to 273 GB/s | Up to 546 GB/s |
| Maximum RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB |
The M4 series’ m4 chip performance and professional laptop reviews make them a strong choice. They’re great for video editors, 3D artists, and those who use resource-intensive apps. The M4 Pro and M4 Max can handle demanding tasks with ease.
“The M4 Max is a true powerhouse, easily handling complex computational tasks and large language models with remarkable efficiency. It’s a game-changer for professionals who demand the ultimate in performance.”
Price-to-Performance Analysis and Value Proposition
The latest MacBook Pro models, M4 and M4 Pro, offer great value for those who want top performance. Even though they cost a lot, they provide a good balance of features and price.
The base M4 model is available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. It scores 15,134 on Geekbench 6 multicore, showing it can handle many tasks well. At $1,949, it’s a great deal for professionals looking for a powerful laptop.
The M4 Pro stands out for those needing more power. It has up to 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, scoring 22,683 on Geekbench 6 multicore. Priced at $3,499, it’s a smart choice for those who need high productivity.
The M4 Max is the top model, with up to 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores. It’s perfect for the toughest tasks like complex data processing and heavy video production. Its price of $3,499 is worth it for those who need the best performance.
| Model | CPU Cores | GPU Cores | Memory Bandwidth | Thunderbolt | Price | Geekbench 6 (Multicore) | Cinebench 2024 (CPU) | Cinebench 2024 (GPU) | AI (Neural Engine) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14 (M4) | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | 120 GB/s | Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40 Gb/s) | $1,949 / £1,949 / AU$3,029 | 15,134 | N/A | 3,970 | 51,002 |
| MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) | Up to 14 | Up to 20 | 273 GB/s | Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120 Gb/s) | $3,499 / £3,499 / AU$5,499 | 22,683 | 178 | 9,037 | 51,356 |
| MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) | Up to 16 | Up to 40 | 546 GB/s | Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120 Gb/s) | $3,499 / £3,499 / AU$5,499 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
In summary, the MacBook Pro lineup with M4 and M4 Pro chips is a great choice. They offer a good balance of performance and value for different needs and budgets. Whether you’re into video editing, 3D art, or just need a powerful laptop, these models are sure to impress.
Conclusion
The MacBook Pro M4 and M4 Pro are big steps forward for Apple’s laptops. They show Apple’s strong place in the professional laptop world. These laptops are great for many users, like content creators, developers, and scientists.
The M4 Pro balances power and efficiency well. The M4 Max goes even further, offering top-notch performance. With their strong cores, lots of memory, and smart cooling, these laptops handle tough tasks easily.
Apple’s latest MacBook Pros show their dedication to making powerful and innovative laptops. They meet the needs of many professionals. Whether you’re creative or tech-savvy, these laptops are a great choice. They mix the latest tech with a sleek design and easy use.
