Apple has launched latest MacBook Pro models, powered by the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. These chips offer significant performance boosts and energy efficiency compared to their predecessors. If you’re wondering which MacBook Pro is right for you, this guide will help you understand the key differences between the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips.
What’s the Difference?
While all three models share the same sleek design and stunning display, they differ significantly in terms of performance and capabilities.
Table of Contents
MacBook Pro with M4
MacBook Pro with M4 is a good fit for students and creators.
- 10-Core CPU: 4 performance cores for demanding tasks and 6 efficiency cores for everyday use. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of background processes.
- 10-Core GPU: Delivers smooth graphics performance with Apple’s latest graphics architecture, , ideal for creative pursuits like photo editing, web design, and casual gaming.
- Memory : 16GB Faster Unified Memory (Expandable to 32GB). Enables seamless multitasking and handling large projects without experiencing lag.
- Memory Bandwidth: 120GB/s
- Performance: Up to 1.8x faster compared to MacBook Pro with M1 for tasks like photo editing and 3.4x faster than M1 rendering complex scenes in Blender.
- 3x More Powerful Neural Engine: Enhances Apple Intelligence features and other AI workloads.
- Three Thunderbolt 4 Ports: Connect high-speed peripherals and displays for a versatile setup.
- Starting Price: $1,599 (USD)
MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
The M4 Pro is geared towards professionals with demanding workflows, such as software developers, architects, and engineers. It delivers significant performance gains over the M4, making it ideal for handling complex tasks like software compilation, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations.
- 14-core CPU: 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, delivering a significant jump in multi-core performance.
- 20-core GPU: Doubling the power of M4, ideal for intensive graphics workloads like geo-mapping, structural engineering, and data modeling.
- Memory: Starts with 24GB of faster unified memory, with support for up to 48GB. Enables seamless multitasking and handling large projects without experiencing lag.
- Memory Bandwidth: 273GB/s memory bandwidth which is 75% increase over the previous generation, double that of any AI PC chip.
- Performance: Up to 3x faster than models with M1 Pro for workflows like geo mapping, engineering, and data modeling.
- Professional-Grade Display: The Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology offers smooth scrolling and fluid motion.
- Neural Engine: Over 3x faster than M1 Pro, accelerating AI tasks like image upscaling and video caption creation.
- Ports: Thunderbolt 5 ports for faster transfer speeds
- Starting Price: $1,999 (USD)
- Key performance improvements include:
- 3D Rendering: Up to a 4x speed increase with Maxon Redshift compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Core i9, and up to 3x faster than the M1 Pro model.
- Scientific Simulations: Up to a 5x speedup in dynamical system simulations with MathWorks MATLAB compared to the Core i9 model, and up to 2.2x faster than the M1 Pro model.
- Bioinformatics: Up to a 23.8x speed increase in DNA sequencing basecalling with Oxford Nanopore MinKNOW compared to the Core i9 model, and up to 1.8x faster than the M1 Pro model.
MacBook Pro with M4 Max
This is the ultimate beast for power users like data scientists, visual effects artists, and composers. It has the highest core count, unmatched memory bandwidth, and a powerful Media Engine for handling heavy-duty workflows such as machine learning, 3D animation, and video editing.
- CPU: Up to 16-core CPU with 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks.
- Up to 40-core GPU: Offers incredible graphics performance for creative professionals.
- Memory: Starts with 36GB unified memory with support for up to 128GB, that handles massive datasets and complex projects with ease.
- Massive Memory Bandwidth: Up to 546GB/s of unified memory bandwidth.
- Performance: Experience up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation for tasks like 8K video editing and machine learning.
- ProRes Acceleration: The powerful Media Engine enables seamless editing of 4K and 8K ProRes video.
- Neural Engine: Over 3x faster than M1 Max.
- Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 Ports for blazing fast transfer and support for multiple high-resolution displays.
- Starting Price: $3,199 (USD)
- Industry-Leading Benchmarks: Outperforms previous-generation Macs and Intel-based systems in various tasks, including:
- 3D Rendering: Up to 7.8x faster with Maxon Redshift compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9.
- Software Development: Up to 4.6x faster build performance in Xcode compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9.
- AI-Powered Video Editing: Up to 30.8x faster video processing in Topaz Video AI compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9.
Choosing the Right MacBook Pro
The choice between the MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the following factors:
- CPU and GPU Cores: More cores mean more power, especially for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- Memory Bandwidth: Higher bandwidth allows for faster data transfer, improving overall performance.
- Workload: Assess your specific needs. If you primarily engage in light tasks like web browsing and email, the M4 model may suffice. For demanding workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development, the M4 Pro or M4 Max would be more suitable.
- Budget: The M4 Max offers the highest performance but comes at a premium price. The M4 Pro provides a solid balance of performance and cost, while the M4 is the most affordable option.
- Storage Capacity: Choose a storage capacity that suits your needs, considering factors like file size and the number of applications you use.
- Battery Life: Apple‘s M-series chips offer excellent battery life, but the specific model you choose will impact your usage time.
- Display: The MacBook Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals, but the specific resolution and refresh rate will vary between models.
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