M4 MacBook Pro vs M3 MacBook Pro: How the two laptops compare

Apple MacBook Pro

It was a rather busy last week of October for Apple as the company launched a slew of Mac devices. One of the most anticipated ones was the launch of the new MacBook Pro.

Apple’s latest M4 MacBook Pro brings significant improvements over the previous M3 model, focusing on enhanced display quality, processing power, and battery life. The M4 MacBook Pro offers upgrades designed to meet the needs of power users and professionals alike. Here’s a closer look at how the M4 model stacks up against its predecessor, the M3 MacBook Pro.

Display: Brighter and less glare-prone

One of the most notable upgrades in the M4 MacBook Pro is the display. The device features a Liquid Retina XDR display with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, which is significantly brighter than the 600-nit display on the M3 MacBook Pro. This added brightness is a major advantage for users working in well-lit environments or those who need a clearer, more vibrant screen for editing videos or photos.

The M4 model offers a nano-texture display option, specifically designed to reduce glare and reflections. This feature is ideal for users who work in brightly lit areas or those seeking to minimise distractions from screen reflections. Both the M3 and M4 models share a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth animations and transitions, as well as a resolution of 3024x1964, which delivers sharp visuals.

Processor: Power and efficiency

The M4 chip is the real powerhouse of the new MacBook Pro, featuring a combination of up to 16-core CPUs and up to 40-core GPUs, delivering a noticeable performance improvement over the M3’s chip. The M4 processor family includes the M4 Pro and M4 Ultra chips.

Although both models feature up to 16-core CPUs, the M4’s higher clock speed of 4.3 GHz surpasses the M3’s 4.05 GHz, allowing for faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and improved handling of resource-intensive applications.

Additionally, the M4 model’s Neural Engine has seen a significant boost in capabilities, supporting up to 38 trillion operations per second, more than doubling the M3’s 18 trillion operations per second. This increase makes the M4 MacBook Pro ideal for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tasks, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and real-time analytics. Users in fields like data science, software development, and digital media production are likely to benefit most from this powerful processor.

Battery: Better than ever

Battery life is another area where the M4 MacBook Pro shines. Apple claims the new model provides up to 24 hours of usage, a noticeable improvement over the M3’s 19-hour battery life. This upgrade will be particularly valuable for users who work long hours or frequently travel, allowing them to rely less on charging and focus more on productivity. Like the M3, the M4 MacBook Pro supports fast charging and includes a MagSafe port, ensuring users can quickly recharge their device when needed.

What we think

With a brighter and more adaptable display, faster processor, and extended battery life, the M4 MacBook Pro offers several advantages over the M3 model, especially for users in demanding fields. The upgraded 1,000-nit display with an optional nano-texture finish will appeal to creatives, while the M4 chip’s improved processing power and enhanced Neural Engine make the device a solid choice for tech professionals and power users alike. Finally, the increase in battery life makes it an attractive option for anyone needing long-lasting performance.

For those seeking the latest and greatest in MacBook technology, the M4 MacBook Pro is a strong investment in productivity and power. Having said that, most ‘routine’ users perhaps won’t feel too much difference in performance except the bright display and extended battery life.