If you’ve been a MacBook Pro user, especially since the M1 Max release, you know how powerful these machines can be. I’ve been using the M1 Max MacBook Pro for the past three years, and it’s been an absolute beast. Despite its power, I never felt the need to upgrade. My work is mostly light, but I occasionally need to edit videos on the go. That’s when the MacBook Pro’s power, stunning display, and overall performance come in handy.
However, when Apple introduced the M4 generation of MacBook Pros, I found myself truly tempted to make the jump. Apple has made enough smart upgrades that make this new generation worth considering, especially if you’re into performance-heavy tasks like video editing.
Let’s dive into the details and see what makes the M4 Max MacBook Pro so appealing.
Performance: Is It Time to Upgrade?
The biggest reason the M4 MacBook Pro stands out is its upgraded performance. Powered by the new M4 chips, it’s a notable leap from its predecessors.
M4 Chip: A Game Changer
We saw a generational leap with the transition from Intel chips to Apple Silicon’s M1, and from there, we’ve had incremental improvements with the M2, M3, and now M4. Apple has made sure the M4 is faster, stronger, and more efficient.
To compare, the M1 Max that I’ve been using is fully maxed out with 64GB of unified memory. The M4 Max I tested is also maxed out with even faster performance. The new chip is based on a three-nanometer process (compared to five for the M1), and it features 546GB per second memory bandwidth, up from 400GB/s on the M1 Max. These hardware improvements are substantial.
Apple claims the M4 provides up to 2.2 times faster CPU performance and 1.9 times faster GPU performance. In real-world testing, this is backed up by synthetic benchmarks and my own experience. For example, in Geekbench 6, the M4 chip scored the highest single-core result ever for a Mac.
But what does this all mean in terms of actual usage?
Real-World Performance: Video Editing Benchmarks
As a video editor, I was particularly curious to see how the M4 Max performed during demanding tasks. For my benchmark, I used Final Cut Pro, where I loaded an 8K RED raw project, combined with action camera footage and graphics.
The M4 Max opened and processed the footage far quicker than the M1 Max, and its export times were nearly twice as fast. This was a huge time saver. The Magnetic Mask feature in Final Cut Pro 11, for example, was also significantly faster with the M4 Max, performing tasks like background removal (previously done with manual rotoscoping) in just two minutes and 13 seconds—faster than even the M2 Ultra Mac Studio.
What About Other Creative Work?
While video editing is my primary focus, the M4 Max also shines in other creative tasks. For example, photographer Tyler Stalman tested Lightroom and Resolve on his M4 Max and found it outperforming the M1 Max, sometimes even matching the performance of the M2 Ultra Mac Studio. This shows how versatile and powerful the M4 chip is, even for professional photographers and creatives.
The Visual Experience: Nano-Texture Display & More
One of the standout features of the new M4 Max MacBook Pro is the nano-texture display, which is a $300 option. This screen reduces reflections and improves clarity in various lighting conditions—ideal for anyone working in coffee shops, airplanes, or offices. Apple initially offered this technology on its Pro Display XDR, and now it’s available in the MacBook Pro.
Apple also introduced Thunderbolt 5. While this is still an emerging technology, Thunderbolt 5 offers more bandwidth and faster I/O speeds, supporting three 6K displays simultaneously. It’s a great future-proofing feature, though there are currently few Thunderbolt 5 accessories available.
Other Upgrades: Small Changes, Big Impact
Along with performance, there are some other small but noticeable upgrades in the M4 Max MacBook Pro:
- Battery Life: Thanks to the improved efficiency of the M4 chip, the battery life is slightly better, especially during lighter tasks.
- Screen Brightness: The max brightness of the screen has increased to 1,000 nits, making it more readable in bright environments.
- Webcam: The Center Stage ultra-wide webcam now follows you around, offering better video calls.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re already using an M1 Max MacBook Pro, you might be wondering if upgrading to the M4 Max is worth it. While the M1 Max is still an excellent machine, the M4 Max brings significant performance gains—especially if you do heavy video editing, photo editing, or other demanding tasks.
If you regularly push your machine to its limits, the M4 Max MacBook Pro is a worthy upgrade. However, if you’re happy with your M1 or M2 MacBook Pro and don’t do extremely intensive work, you might not need to upgrade just yet.
Final Thoughts
The M4 Max MacBook Pro offers remarkable improvements in performance, display quality, and overall user experience. Whether you’re a creative professional or just someone looking for a high-performance laptop, this model delivers in every area that matters.
For those who can afford it and need the power, the M4 Max MacBook Pro is a great investment. If you’re considering an upgrade, you won’t regret it!
FAQs About the M4 Max MacBook Pro
- Is the M4 Max MacBook Pro worth upgrading from an M1 or M2?
- If you frequently run demanding applications like video editing software, the performance boost will be noticeable and worth it.
- What’s the difference between M4 Max and M1 Max?
- The M4 Max is significantly faster, with up to 2.2x faster CPU performance and 1.9x faster GPU performance compared to the M1 Max.
- Is the nano-texture display worth the extra cost?
- Yes, it’s ideal for those who work in different lighting conditions and want reduced glare.
- How long does the M4 Max battery last?
- Battery life is slightly improved due to the M4 chip’s efficiency, especially for lighter tasks.
- Can the M4 Max MacBook Pro handle gaming?
- While the M4 Max is optimized for professional work, it can handle gaming, though it’s not its primary use case.
- What is Thunderbolt 5, and why does it matter?
- Thunderbolt 5 offers more bandwidth and faster I/O speeds, supporting multiple 6K displays, which is great for future-proofing.
- Does the M4 Max improve video editing performance?
- Yes, the M4 Max offers faster load times and exports, making video editing much quicker.
- Can the M4 Max MacBook Pro be used for photo editing?
- Absolutely. It performs exceptionally well with apps like Lightroom and Photoshop.
- How much faster is the M4 Max than the M2 Ultra Mac Studio?
- In some tasks, the M4 Max competes with the M2 Ultra, particularly in creative software like Lightroom and Resolve.
- Should I wait for an M4 Ultra Mac?
- If you’re a power user, the M4 Ultra will likely offer even more impressive performance, but the M4 Max is already excellent.