In this media roundup, we delve into the perspectives of tech journalists who have had the opportunity to test the MacBook Pro M4 ahead of its release. We’ll explore their insights on key features such as its performance, unprecedented battery life, screen quality, and overall design. Are we witnessing a groundbreaking upgrade or just an incremental update? Here’s what the reviews actually reveal about this new model.
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Performance and the M4 Chip: A Technological Leap Forward
Apple continues to push the boundaries of what its MacBook Pro can do with the launch of the M4 model, specifically aimed at professionals who rely on their laptops for intensive tasks. This year’s MacBook Pro M4 sets a new standard in performance and power. Devindra Hardawar from Engadget described the M4 chip as “remarkably fast,” noting that the 16-inch model with the M4 Pro chip outperformed all other tested devices this year. Similarly, Kerry Wan of ZDNet was impressed to find that the base M4 model is more than capable for rigorous video and photo editing tasks, even outperforming MacBooks equipped with the M1 Pro chip.
Technically speaking, the base M4 model features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, while the M4 Pro steps up to 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, achieving significant gains in benchmark tests, as highlighted by Antonio G. Di Benedetto of The Verge. In Cinebench, for instance, the M4 chip surpassed the M3 by 64% in multi-core performance, and graphical tests showed a 25% increase in performance.
Unprecedented Battery Life and Power Management
Battery life is a major highlight of the MacBook Pro M4. According to Brian Heater from TechCrunch, the 14-inch model reached nearly 19 hours in continuous video playback tests, and the 16-inch version even surpassed 20 hours, setting a new benchmark. Kimberly Gedeon of Mashable echoed these sentiments, praising the M4’s battery as “record-breaking” and competitive with the top Windows machines.
Apple clearly focuses on the energy efficiency of its chips to enhance battery longevity, a feature that creative professionals will find invaluable during long workdays without access to charging.
New Display and Enhanced Viewing Options
The MacBook Pro M4 features a Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display that offers increased brightness, achieving up to 1,000 nits in SDR—400 nits more than the previous generation, as pointed out by Devindra Hardawar. Reviewers also appreciate the optional nano-texture upgrade, which significantly reduces glare in bright environments.
Jason Snell from Six Colors shares his experience working outdoors and notes that the anti-glare nano-texture significantly improves screen readability in bright conditions, although it may slightly reduce color saturation compared to a glossy screen.
Design and Ergonomics: Crafted for Professionals
While the design of the MacBook Pro has not changed drastically, it remains functional and stylish, now featuring Space Black as a color option for the base model. However, Christopher Null from WIRED raised concerns about the weight of the 16-inch model, which he referred to as a “real tank,” potentially making it cumbersome for frequent travel. On the other hand, Kerry Wan praised the addition of a third USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port on the base M4 model, a significant improvement over the MacBook Pro M3, which enhances flexibility.
The 12 MP webcam also receives accolades for its quality, with the Center Stage mode that tracks movement during video calls. Although not revolutionary for everyone, Devindra Hardawar appreciates the update, noting that videos appear sharper and more natural, a notable progress compared to previous models.
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Summary and Buying Advice: Is Now the Time to Invest?
So, who should consider the MacBook Pro M4? Antonio G. Di Benedetto suggests that the base M4 model is now fully “Pro” with features comparable to more expensive models, making it an ideal choice for those looking to equip themselves with a powerful computer without diving into the frenzy of additional options. Brian Heater advises not to hesitate to purchase now, especially for those in resource-intensive fields. However, he notes that if you already own a MacBook Pro M3 or M2, the upgrade might not be urgent, as the technological leap isn’t as significant as it was with the transition to the M1 chip.
Overall, reviewers agree that the MacBook Pro M4, while pricey and lacking significant visual innovation, is a wise choice for those seeking a high-performance, durable computer with exceptional battery life and cutting-edge display options. For more occasional users, the MacBook Air or even a previous MacBook Pro model might still suffice, especially considering frequent discounts on these older models.
We will, of course, provide our own impressions once we complete our own tests!