The MacBook Pro range is an essential choice for professionals looking for powerful and reliable laptops. With the introduction of the M4 Pro, Apple has raised the bar, delivering significant improvements over its predecessor, the M3 Pro. The video below from Kyle Erickson explores the key differences between the two models, helping you determine if upgrading to the M4 Pro is worth the investment.

Display and design: a brighter experience

At first glance, the M3 Pro and M4 Pro MacBook Pro models appear identical, sharing the same sleek design and dimensions. However, upon closer inspection, the M4 Pro stands out for its enhanced display capabilities. Boasting 1,000 nits of SDR brightness, the M4 Pro offers a significant improvement over the M3 Pro’s 600 nits. This increased brightness ensures better visibility in various lighting conditions, making it ideal for professionals who demand precise color accuracy for their work.

In addition to the brighter screen, the M4 Pro introduces a 12-megapixel ultra-wide webcam with a unique “desktop view” functionality. This enhancement improves the video conferencing experience by providing a wider field of view, allowing users to showcase their workspace or collaborate more effectively during virtual meetings.

Performance: unleashing the power of the M4

The MacBook Pro M4 Pro takes performance to new heights, thanks to its advanced specifications. Equipped with a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPUThe M4 Pro outperforms the M3 Pro’s 11-core CPU and 14-core GPU. This results in a remarkable 40% improvement in GPU performance, making the M4 Pro the ideal choice for professionals engaged in graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.

Additionally, the M4 Pro comes with 24 GB of RAMexceeding the 18 GB of the M3 Pro. This increased memory capacity improves multitasking capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly switch between multiple applications and easily manage resource-intensive projects. The M4 Pro also has a higher memory bandwidth of 273 GB/s, compared to the M3 Pro’s 150 GB/s, ensuring faster data processing and smoother overall performance.

• 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU for improved performance
• 40% GPU performance improvement over M3 Pro
• 24 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking
• 273 GB/s memory bandwidth for faster data processing

Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5 takes center stage

The MacBook Pro M4 Pro presents Thunderbolt 5a significant upgrade over the Thunderbolt 4 found in the M3 Pro. With Thunderbolt 5Users can enjoy transfer speeds of up to 120Gbps, facilitating faster data transfers and improved connectivity with external devices. Although the number of ports remains the same, Thunderbolt 5’s improved specifications provide a noticeable improvement in overall connectivity performance.

Battery life: lasts longer and works smarter

Professionals often find themselves working on the move, and battery life plays a crucial role in their productivity. The MacBook Pro M4 Pro excels in this aspect, offering an impressive 22 hours of use on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over the M3 Pro’s 18 hours, allowing users to work uninterrupted for long periods without worrying about finding power exit.

Weigh the pros and cons

Although the MacBook Pro M4 Pro offers many advancements, it is essential to consider your specific needs and requirements before upgrading. The M4 Pro’s improved performance, brighter display, and improved connectivity make it an attractive choice for professionals who demand the best from their laptops. However, if your job mostly involves basic tasks and you don’t need the advanced features offered by the M4 Pro, the MacBook Air M3 or similar models may still suffice.

It should be noted that certain aspects, such as internal SSD speeds remain consistent between the M3 Pro and M4 Pro models. Additionally, potential issues may arise when running applications from external SSDs on macOS, regardless of the model. However, the M4 Pro’s significant improvements in performance and connectivity justify its launch price, which remains the same as the M3 Pro.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The MacBook Pro M4 Pro represents a substantial leap forward from its predecessor, the M3 Pro. With its brighter screen, improved performance, improved connectivity and longer battery life, the M4 Pro is a compelling choice for professionals who demand the best from their laptops. If your job involves graphics-intensive tasks, frequent video conferencing, or the need for smooth multitasking, the M4 Pro is definitely worth considering.

However, if your needs are more modest and you don’t necessarily need the advanced features offered by the M4 Pro, you may find that the M3 Pro or even the M3 MacBook Air still effectively meets your needs. Ultimately, the upgrade decision depends on your specific use case, your budget, and how much you value the M4 Pro’s enhanced capabilities.

Source and image credit: Kyle Erickson

Filed under: Apple, Laptops, Best news

Latest deals on geek gadgets

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Discover our Disclosure Policy.