Apple has always been a leader in high-end laptops, and with the launch of the 2024 MacBook Pro 14-inch, they’re raising the bar even higher.
Equipped with the new M4 chip, this laptop delivers exceptional performance that pushes the limits of portable computing. But Apple isn’t just focused on raw performance, they’ve crafted an experience that seamlessly combines design, portability, and performance into one elegant package.
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into every aspect of the 14-inch MacBook Pro, from its sleek design to its impressive performance in real-world use.
The 2024 MacBook Pro is a game-changer for professionals. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or content creator, this laptop has everything you need to enhance your workflow. But given its hefty price, it’s important to ask: Is this the right laptop for you? Let’s break it down and see if it’s really the best option for your needs.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the my 2024 MacBook Pro 14-inch unit specs, which really tell the story of its power and versatility:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | M4 (10-core) |
| Graphics | 10-core GPU |
| Display | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours |
| Weight | 1.55 kg (3.5 lbs) |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, SD card slot |
| Price | Starting at $1,999 |
Display Performance: A Visual Delight
The Liquid Retina XDR display on Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro is nothing short of spectacular. Featuring 1,600 nits peak brightness and ProMotion 120Hz, this monitor is suitable for professionals who require accurate color reproduction and a smooth update rate.
As someone who works with both photo editing and video content, I can honestly say this is one of the best laptop monitors I’ve ever used. Color accuracy is spot on, and watching HDR content has a truly immersive feel. Whether I’m designing in Adobe Photoshop or watching a Netflix 4K movie, the screen delivers incredible detail and contrast.
While the display is great, it’s also worth mentioning how it stacks up against the competition. Sure, laptops like the Dell XPS 15 or Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 can come close, but none can match the brightness and contrast of the MacBook Pro’s mini-LED technology.
Design and Build Quality
When you hold the 2024 MacBook Pro in your hands for the first time, one word will come to mind: premium. Apple has always focused on design, and this year is no exception. The one-piece aluminum body feels sturdy and has a refined finish that resists smudges and scratches.
What really stands out to me is the portability. Considering its powerful specs, this 14-inch model weighs in at 1.55 kg (3.5 lbs), which is surprisingly light. While it’s not the thinnest laptop on the market, its design is purposeful – Apple chose to focus on performance over thinness, and I fully support that. The addition of MagSafe 3 is also a welcome feature, providing a faster and safer secure charging experience.
The build quality feels durable, and after using it for a few weeks, I’m confident it can withstand the rigors of daily use and travel. I wouldn’t hesitate to throw this in my backpack along with my other work essentials.
Performance and Speed: A Powerhouse
The M4 chip inside the 2024 MacBook Pro 14-inch are groundbreaking. Benchmarks tell one story, but real-world use tells another. I’ve tested this machine in demanding scenarios, from video editing, 3d rendering to compiling code.
In day-to-day tasks, this MacBook is lightning fast—there’s no lag, and switching between applications is seamless. However, where it really shines is in heavy-duty tasks.
I’ve rendered 4K videos in Final Cut Pro and edited high-resolution images in Adobe Lightroom with zero stutter or slowdown. In my test, it’s a machine built for creatives and developers who need power without compromise.
| Benchmark Test | Metric | Score |
| Geekbench 6 CPU | Single-core | 3,795 |
| Multi-core | 14,900 | |
| Geekbench 6 GPU | Metal API | 58,200 |
| OpenCL API | 38,050 | |
| Cinebench 2024 | CPU Single-core | 180 |
| CPU Multi-core | 980 | |
| GPU Multi-core | 4,020 | |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | Score | 9,850 |
| Average Frame Rate | 59.1 FPS | |
| Steel Nomad Light | Score | 4,010 |
| Average Frame Rate | 30.0 FPS | |
| Geekbench AI | Single-precision | 4,750 |
| Half-precision | 36,700 | |
| Quantized data type | 51,800 | |
| Speedometer 3.0 | Score | 33.5 |
| LM Studio (LLM Performance) | Tokens per second | 50 tokens/second |
Benchmark Performance of Apple MacBook Pro M4 Compared to Other Models
The Apple MacBook Pro M4 demonstrates impressive performance across a variety of benchmarking tests, solidifying its position as a powerhouse for professionals.
| Test/Metric | MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 | MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 | MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max | MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max | MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiere Pro 4K Export | 2 minutes, 13 seconds | 3 minutes, 47 seconds | 1 minute, 30 seconds | 1 minute, 39 seconds | 1 minute, 18 seconds |
| Cinebench 2024 Multi (Single Run) | 1,744 | 1,003 | 1,684 | 1,036 | 2,043 |
| Cinebench 2024 Single | 172 | 141 | 179 | 142 | 182 |
| Cinebench 2024 GPU | 9,282 | 3,988 | 16,409 | 5,927 | 12,977 |
| Cinebench 2024 Multi 30-min Loop | 1,754 | 717 | 2,061 | 1,010 | 1,666 |
| Geekbench 6 CPU Single | 3,976 | 3,176 | 4,011 | 3,188 | 3,826 |
| Geekbench 6 CPU Multi | 22,615 | 14,990 | 26,422 | 21,277 | 21,277 |
| Geekbench 6 GPU (Metal) | 113,600 | 58,059 | 192,753 | 156,095 | 138,285 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1920×1200) | 81 fps | 38 fps | 140 fps | 120 fps | 104 fps |
| AmorphousDiskMark SSD Reads (MB/s) | 6,738 | 3,253 | 7,341 | 7,191 | 7,126 |
| AmorphousDiskMark SSD Writes (MB/s) | 7,500 | 3,393 | 7,969 | 9,126 | 8,914 |
Key Takeaways:
- Export Speed: The M4 Pro shows significant improvement in Adobe Premiere Pro 4K exports compared to the M3 models, with times only slightly behind the M4 Max.
- Cinebench Performance: The M4 Max dominates Cinebench tests, but the M4 Pro holds its own, especially in sustained 30-minute loop runs, showcasing stability under prolonged workloads.
- Graphics Power: In GPU-intensive benchmarks like Cinebench GPU and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the M4 Max outperforms significantly, but the M4 Pro remains a strong contender, especially for pro users.
- SSD Performance: Read and write speeds on the M4 series are robust, providing fast data access, crucial for video editing and other high-performance tasks.
- Gaming: While not designed as a gaming laptop, the M4 series provides smooth frame rates in demanding titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Battery life and charging
Apple claims 22 hours of battery life for the new 2024 MacBook Pro, and after extensive testing, I can confidently say it lives up to that claim. Whether you’re browsing, working, or watching videos, battery life lasts all day.
What impressed me most was the battery efficiency when doing creative tasks like video editing and coding. Normally, you’d think heavy tasks would drain the battery quickly, but even under load, the MacBook Pro lasted much longer than expected. MagSafe 3 charging speeds up charging so you can get back to work quickly.
Keyboard, Trackpad and Ports
The Magic Keyboard on the 2024 MacBook Pro continues to deliver a great typing experience—comfortable, responsive, and quiet. The Force Touch trackpad is large and responsive, delivering a smooth experience and great tactile feedback.
As someone who types a lot, I find the Magic Keyboard to be one of the most comfortable keyboards I’ve ever used. Whether I’m coding for long periods of time or writing a blog post, I can type quickly without getting tired. The trackpad is large, which makes navigation a breeze.
In terms of ports, I’m happy to see MagSafe back, along with Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1. The addition of an SD card slot is a game-changer for videographers and videographers.
Software and macOS integration
The 2024 MacBook Pro M4 runs on Apple’s latest operating system, macOS Sonoma. The software is tightly integrated with the hardware, meaning it works in harmony with the M4 chip to optimize performance and battery efficiency.
macOS Sonoma feels smoother and faster than ever. System-wide optimization makes applications start and run more smoothly, and the overall user experience is faster. If you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem, integration between macOS and other devices like your iPhone or iPad is seamless. For example, Universal Control lets you control your iPad directly from your MacBook, which is a huge time saver when multitasking.
Price and Configuration
Configurations start at $1,599, with the base version on the higher end, but considering the performance, battery life, and build quality, it’s easy to see why. For those who want more features, you can configure it with up to 96GB of RAM and 8TB of storage.
Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also one of the most powerful machines out there. If you are a professional who needs high-end performance and longevity, this is a worthwhile investment. On the other hand, if you’re just browsing or doing simple office tasks, you might be better off with the more affordable MacBook Air.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible performance with M4 Pro/Max chips | Pricey, especially for base configurations |
| Gorgeous display with stunning color accuracy | Limited ports compared to some competitors |
| Impressive battery life for a pro laptop | Not the lightest laptop around |
| Great keyboard and trackpad |
Final Verdict
In my opinion, the 2024 MacBook Pro 14-inch is one of the best professional laptops Apple has ever made. It’s designed for users who want raw power, long battery life, and premium build quality. If you’re serious about your craft and need a laptop that can keep up with you, this is the machine you should buy.
Image credit: Tech guru/yt
FAQs
Yes, while the M4 chip can handle some games, it’s not designed for gaming laptops. You’ll get decent performance, but it’s better suited for creative professionals.
If you need cutting-edge performance, AI integration, and longer battery life, the 2024 model is a worthy upgrade. And the 2023 model is also very powerful.
Absolutely! The M4 chip is designed for heavy workloads such as video editing, rendering and programming, making it an excellent choice for 8K editing and 3D rendering.
