Apple’s latest release, the M4 MacBook Pro, takes the world of laptops to a whole new level. This 14-inch model comes with the powerful M4 Max chip, promising significant improvements over the previous generation. Let’s explore the new features and enhancements that make this MacBook Pro stand out.
Impressive Performance Gains
Apple has continued to push the boundaries of performance with its M4 chip series. The CPU gains from last year are solid, but what’s really impressive is how the M4 Max outperforms the M2 Ultra in several benchmarks and workflows.
The graphics performance has also seen an impressive boost. While the M4 Pro shows solid GPU improvements, the M4 Max is a real game-changer. Apps and games that are GPU-intensive will benefit from the ray tracing capabilities, bringing more realism and smoother graphics to the experience.
One of the standout features is the thermal efficiency. Apple has managed to improve the GPU performance significantly while keeping power consumption virtually the same as previous models. This means more power with less heat, something that’s rare among laptop competitors, like AMD and Nvidia.
Memory: Faster and More Efficient
The M4 MacBook Pro comes with 16GB of base memory, which is now faster and more efficient. Memory bandwidth has been boosted across the board, especially on the Pro and Max chips. This is great for applications that rely heavily on memory speed.
But it’s tough to pin down just how much of the performance gains come from memory speed versus the CPU or GPU improvements. The combination of these elements makes the M4 MacBook Pro a powerhouse. However, if you already own an older M1, M2, or M3 MacBook, it may be worth waiting for the next generation to fully experience the next leap in performance.
Stunning Display with Nano Texture
The M4 MacBook Pro introduces a Nano texture finish on its display. This finish, which Apple has used on other products like the iPad, reduces screen reflections significantly. While I wasn’t too excited about it on other devices, this new feature on the MacBook Pro makes a noticeable difference.
You’ll see much less reflection, especially when working in environments with overhead lighting. This feature is built into the glass, not just a coating, so it doesn’t compromise durability. For those who spend long hours on their laptop, this Nano texture is a huge plus.
In addition, the brightness of the screen has been increased. The M4 MacBook Pro can reach up to 1000 nits of brightness in bright environments. While this is a nice touch, it’s not a feature you would buy a new laptop just for. There are also apps available to boost the brightness beyond standard levels.
More Ports for Convenience
Apple has listened to users’ feedback and increased the number of USB-C ports. The base M4 model now comes with three USB-C ports compared to just two on last year’s M3 MacBook Pro. On top of that, the M4 Pro and M4 Max models are equipped with Thunderbolt 5, which offers faster speeds and supports higher-resolution displays.
However, for most users, the Thunderbolt 5 ports may not be immediately useful, especially for storing data, as Thunderbolt 3 and 4 are fast enough for that. But, if you’re into high-resolution displays, this will definitely come in handy.
Battery Life and Webcam Improvements
Apple claims that the battery life on the M4 MacBook Pro has improved, although, in my tests, the battery performance on the 14-inch model didn’t show a massive difference during heavy workloads. However, for lighter tasks, the battery seems to last a little longer.
The webcam has received an upgrade too. The new 12-megapixel camera supports Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the frame to keep you in view as you move. While the image quality is a noticeable improvement, it’s still not comparable to a full-sized DSLR or webcam.
A New Color Option: Space Black
One change that has caught attention is the removal of the Space Gray color option. Instead, Apple now offers the Space Black finish. While this isn’t a drastic change, it does give the MacBook Pro a sleek and modern look. This is the only dark-colored option available in the M4 MacBook lineup.
Key Features in Summary
- Increased GPU Performance: The M4 Max chip is a powerhouse with improved ray tracing and better efficiency than its predecessors.
- Nano Texture Display: Reduces reflections significantly, making it more enjoyable for long working sessions.
- USB-C Ports: Now includes three ports, with Thunderbolt 5 on the Pro and Max models.
- Battery: Better for lighter tasks, though heavy workflows don’t see a major improvement.
- Webcam Upgrade: A new 12MP sensor and Center Stage support for a better video calling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips?
- The M4 Max offers superior GPU performance, particularly in ray tracing and GPU-heavy tasks, while the M4 Pro is great for most users but doesn’t quite match the Max in graphics.
- Does the M4 MacBook Pro have better battery life?
- Yes, the battery life is slightly better for lighter tasks, but for heavy workloads, there’s not a huge improvement.
- Is the Nano texture screen worth it?
- If you work in environments with lots of reflections, the Nano texture screen can make a significant difference in reducing glare.
- What’s new with the webcam?
- The new 12-megapixel webcam supports Center Stage for better video conferencing and offers improved image quality.
- Does the M4 MacBook Pro support Thunderbolt 5?
- Yes, the Thunderbolt 5 ports are available on the M4 Pro and M4 Max, offering faster speeds and support for higher-resolution displays.
- Can I use the M4 MacBook Pro for gaming?
- Yes, the M4 Max GPU offers great performance for games, especially with ray tracing support.
- How much faster is the M4 Max compared to the M2 Ultra?
- In many benchmarks and workflows, the M4 Max outperforms the M2 Ultra, especially in graphics-heavy tasks.
- Is the Space Black color new?
- The Space Black is the new dark-colored option, replacing the Space Gray.
- How many USB-C ports does the M4 MacBook Pro have?
- The base model comes with three USB-C ports, and the Pro and Max versions feature Thunderbolt 5.
- Should I upgrade from my older MacBook Pro?
- If you have an older M1, M2, or M3 model, the improvements are significant, but it may be worth waiting for the next release to get the full benefit.