M4 14-inch MacBook Pro vs M3 14-inch MacBook Pro: Enhancements in Performance and Portability
Apple’s MacBook Pro series continually establishes benchmarks for high-performance laptops, and the introduction of the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro has generated considerable excitement among Apple supporters and technology fans alike. This newest version brings considerable internal enhancements while preserving the elegantly sleek design that has endeared MacBooks to a professional audience.
In this post, we will explore the distinctions between the latest M4 14-inch MacBook Pro and its predecessor, the M3 14-inch MacBook Pro. We’ll examine everything from processing capabilities to display enhancements, equipping you with all the necessary insights to determine which MacBook Pro model suits your needs.
Design, Weight, and Size: Familiar Yet Enhanced
Apple’s design ethos for the MacBook Pro series adheres to the adage “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” The M4 14-inch MacBook Pro upholds this principle, appearing almost indistinguishable from the M3 model released in 2023. Both devices boast a sleek, flat aluminum chassis measuring 12.31 inches long, 8.71 inches wide, and a slender 0.61 inches in thickness.
Weight and Colors: What’s Different?
Weighing in at 3.4 pounds, both models are lightweight, making them ideal for busy professionals. The only noteworthy exterior update is the introduction of a new Space Black color variant, which complements the standard grey and silver options. While this new hue may attract those seeking a refreshed look, both versions retain the same elegant, minimalistic design.
Display: Brighter and Enhanced
Apple’s display technology has always been a major selling point, and the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro does not disappoint. Both the M3 and M4 models feature a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a remarkable resolution of 3,024 x 1,964 pixels and a pixel density of 254 pixels per inch, ensuring vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and exceptional clarity.
Brightness: A Noteworthy Increase for SDR Media
While both models achieve 1,600 nits of peak brightness in HDR, the M4 model surpasses the M3 regarding SDR content by offering 1,000 nits of brightness versus the M3’s 600 nits. This enhancement positions the M4 as an excellent option for users working in well-lit environments or consuming a lot of non-HDR media.
Nano-Texture Display: Cutting Down on Glare
Available exclusively on the M4, the Nano-Texture display significantly reduces glare, making it a perfect choice for professionals operating in bright conditions or for those who frequently use their laptops outdoors.
Performance: M4 Delivers Greater Power
In terms of performance, the M4 chip stands out as a significant upgrade over the M3, providing enhanced processing speeds and superior energy efficiency. Launched in 2023, the M3 chip featured an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, delivering reliable performance for general users. However, the M4 chip advances this performance with 10 CPU cores (six efficiency cores and four performance cores), facilitating quicker multitasking and overall improved performance.
Benchmarks: A Noticeable Improvement
Initial benchmarks indicate that the M4 processor provides a 25% increase in single-core performance and a 24% improvement in multi-core tasks relative to the M3. This makes the M4 particularly suitable for users engaged in demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, or intricate coding.
Concerning graphics, the M4 includes a robust 10-core GPU, which delivers a 20% performance boost over the M3, based on Geekbench Metal benchmarks. Additionally, the M4 chip incorporates hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making it an excellent choice for both creators and gamers.
Camera and Audio: Minor Yet Significant Enhancements
Apple has implemented some subtle yet effective upgrades in the camera and audio systems of the M4 MacBook Pro. Both M3 and M4 models come with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, but the M4 enriches the experience with a 12MP Center Stage camera that boasts Apple’s Desk View feature. Desk View allows users to present a top-down perspective of their workspace during video calls—particularly useful for frequent presenters.
Audio: High-Quality Experience
Both models are equipped with a six-speaker sound system incorporating force-cancelling woofers, providing exceptional sound quality for music, films, and video calls. Furthermore, both MacBook Pros are compatible with Spatial Audio featuring Dolby Atmos for immersive audio experiences. Audiophiles will also value the high-impedance headphone support available on both variants, ideal for use with premium headphones or Apple AirPods.
Connectivity and Ports: An Additional Thunderbolt Port
One of the most practical enhancements in the M4 MacBook Pro is the addition of a third Thunderbolt 4 port. The M3 model included two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 connector, an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an SDXC card slot. The M4 expands on this by adding an extra Thunderbolt port, simplifying the connection of additional devices like external drives, monitors, and Bluetooth speakers.
External Displays: Increased Flexibility
Both models can handle external displays, but the M4 offers greater versatility. The M3 supports a single external display at up to 6K resolution at 60Hz, while the M4 can manage two 6K displays at 60Hz or even one 8K display at 60Hz through HDMI. This makes the M4 more suitable for users dependent on multiple screens in their workflow.
Battery Life: Minor but Notable Enhancement
Battery life plays a pivotal role for users who need to work while on the move, and both models excel here. The M3 MacBook Pro features a 70Wh battery, providing up to 22 hours of video playback or 15 hours of web usage. The M4 offers a slight improvement with a 72.4Wh battery, enabling up to 24 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing. While the differences may appear modest, every additional hour is valuable when away from a power source.
Pricing: No Surprises!
For prospective buyers, the positive news is that Apple has retained the pricing for the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, starting at $1,599. This aligns with the initial cost of the M3 model upon its release. The base M4 model features 16GB of memory and 512GB of SSD storage, a significant upgrade over the M3’s foundational configuration of 8GB of memory.
Memory and storage enhancements are available for both variants, with pricing for these options consistent. Storage enhancements range from 1TB to 2TB, and memory upgrades can reach 32GB for the M4 model.
Conclusion
The M4 14-inch MacBook Pro enhances the strengths of the M3 while providing substantial upgrades in performance, display brightness, and connectivity options. For those already owning an M3 MacBook Pro, the enhancements may not warrant an immediate upgrade; however, for users with older models or those transitioning from a MacBook Air, the M4 is an enticing option.
With its powerful M4 chip, improved display, and additional Thunderbolt port, the M4 MacBook Pro is crafted to satisfy the demands of professionals who require both portability and high performance. Priced at $1,599, it represents a superb investment for creatives, developers, and anyone in need of a dependable, top-tier laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the main differences between the M3 and M4 MacBook Pro models?
The M4 MacBook Pro features a quicker 10-core CPU, a brighter display for SDR content, an extra Thunderbolt 4 port, and upgraded memory and storage options. It also debuts a new color choice, Space Black.
Q2: Is upgrading to the M4 MacBook Pro worthwhile if I currently own the M3 version?
If your existing M3 MacBook Pro meets your performance requirements, the improvements in the M4 may not justify an immediate transition. However, if you find you need increased processing power, enhanced display options, or additional Thunderbolt ports, then the M4 could be a worthwhile upgrade.
Q3: How does the battery life compare between the M3 and M4 MacBook Pro?
The M4 MacBook Pro delivers slightly better battery performance, achieving up to 24 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web usage, compared to 22 hours and 15 hours for the M3 model.
Q4: Can the M4 MacBook Pro support multiple external displays?
Yes, the M4 can support up to two 6K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display at 60Hz via HDMI, offering more flexibility than the M3, which can manage only one external 6K display.
Q5: Does the M4 MacBook Pro have an upgraded camera?
Yes
