Apple M MacBook Pro Review: The Ultimate Upgrade for

Apple’s latest release, the M4 MacBook Pro, has sparked conversation and excitement, as it brings key upgrades that may make you reconsider your current MacBook, even if it’s from the latest generation. While it may seem like a minor spec bump at first glance, the M4 MacBook Pro offers an array of improvements that are difficult to overlook. Whether you own an older 14-inch MacBook Pro or are considering an upgrade, this model is designed to cater to a wide range of users. Here’s a breakdown of the major features that make this device stand out.

The Price Shift: A Game-Changer

In the past year, Apple introduced a new entry-level MacBook Pro with the M3 chip priced at $1599. Along with this, the base memory was upgraded to 16GB with the M4, making it an even more compelling option. Previously, the MacBook Pro started at $1999, but the latest model offers 512GB of storage and 16GB of memory for $1599, a significant cost reduction. While the M4 doesn’t include a Pro chip, the increase in value far outweighs that missing component.

Exceptional Battery Life

One of the most significant changes users will notice is the massive leap in battery life. The M4 MacBook Pro offers up to 16 hours of web browsing on a single charge—an impressive 50% increase compared to the previous M1 Pro model, which only lasted up to 11 hours. Apple’s move to a more power-efficient baseline chip is a game-changer. The additional efficiency cores in the M4 mean that idle tasks consume less power, providing a noticeable increase in battery longevity.

The Screen: Brightness Makes All the Difference

Another standout feature of the M4 MacBook Pro is its improved screen brightness. With a mini-LED display, the M4 now supports up to 1000 nits of standard brightness, which makes outdoor visibility much easier. Previous models (M1 Pro and M2 Pro) had a cap of 500 nits, with the M3 reaching 600. While you could unlock higher brightness using third-party apps, having 1000 nits of standard brightness on the M4 offers a more seamless and enhanced user experience.

Camera Upgrade: Center Stage Comes to MacBook

Apple has always worked to improve its webcam performance, and with the M4, the 12MP Center Stage camera makes its debut on the MacBook Pro. Center Stage utilizes an ultra-wide lens to capture a larger field of view while also enabling face tracking. This feature, initially released for the iPad, allows for a more dynamic video calling experience with better framing and focus, making FaceTime and virtual meetings feel far more natural.

Performance: A Leap Forward in Efficiency

Despite not being a Pro chip, the M4 offers substantial performance improvements over the M1 Pro. In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the M4 demonstrates a 57% improvement in single-core performance and a 19% boost in multi-core performance. Additionally, the M4 features significant upgrades in neural engine performance, making it more efficient in AI tasks. This enhanced power comes with the added benefit of reduced fan noise and lower temperature, contributing to a more comfortable and quieter experience during heavy usage.

What Undercode Says:

The M4 MacBook Pro is undoubtedly a strong contender in Apple’s lineup, especially considering the current pricing. With Apple’s aggressive pricing strategy, you’re getting a much better deal than ever before. While the Pro chip is noticeably absent from the baseline M4 configuration, the improvements in battery life, display brightness, webcam, and overall performance make this an excellent choice for most users.

One of the most significant benefits of the M4 MacBook Pro is its battery efficiency. The leap from the M1 Pro to the M4 chip highlights Apple’s ongoing advancements in power management. The M4 doesn’t just consume less power, but it delivers more performance for less energy. This efficiency is crucial for users who rely on their MacBook for extended work sessions or travel, where charging opportunities are limited.

Another impressive change is the display. The boost in brightness from previous generations provides a noticeable difference, particularly for those who frequently work outdoors or in bright environments. It’s not just a small tweak—it’s a functional upgrade that enhances everyday use.

The introduction of the Center Stage camera is another welcomed addition, making the MacBook Pro an even more powerful tool for remote work and virtual collaboration. With more people depending on video conferencing, having a better camera is an important upgrade that can significantly improve the experience.

However, for users who rely heavily on GPU-intensive tasks, the M4 might not be the best fit. While the chip offers a solid performance leap in many areas, those who require more GPU power should consider the Pro models, which cater specifically to high-demand applications such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.

Apple’s pricing strategy has undoubtedly made the M4 MacBook Pro more accessible, with the base model offering a compelling price point for what you get. It’s clear that Apple is targeting professionals and everyday users alike with this iteration, and the combination of enhanced battery life, better screen quality, and improved performance makes it a versatile machine for a wide range of use cases.

In conclusion, while the M4 MacBook Pro might not seem like a groundbreaking release at first glance, it represents a significant improvement over its predecessors. For users who are considering upgrading, the M4 offers an excellent balance of performance and value, especially with the current price drops and deals.

Fact Checker Results

The M4 chip shows substantial gains in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the M1 Pro.
Battery life has improved by approximately 50%, with up to 16 hours of web browsing.
The improved screen brightness (1000 nits) and the addition of Center Stage offer noticeable upgrades for daily use.