2024-10-31 01:40:00
A Apple today launched new models of MacBooks Proequipped with the chips M4, M4 Pro and M4 Maxfurther raising the standard of performance and efficiency of its high-end laptops.
Considering some advances, the comparison between the new models and those from the previous year — equipped with M3 chips (and their variants) — becomes crucial for consumers who want to understand the differences and similarities that can influence their choice.
Let’s check them out below, therefore.
Design
The general design is practically the same — in fact, since the MacBooks Pro with M1 Pro/Max chips — including the fact that they are available in two sizes (14.2 and 16.2 inches).
This similarity is also reflected in the dimensions of the machines, which are as follows:
| MacBook Pro de 14″ (M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max) | MacBook Pro de 16″ (M3 Pro/M3 Max) | MacBook Pro de 14″ (M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max) | MacBook Pro de 16″ (M4 Pro/M4 Max) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
As you can see, versions equipped with more advanced chips tend to be heavier. Overall, however, there are no significant differences in machine measurements between different generations.
Cores
In addition to the design, both MacBooks Pro with chips from the M3 family and those from the M4 family have the same color options: space black and silver.
![Here are the differences between the MacBooks Pro M3 [Pro/Max] and M4 [Pro/Max]](https://macmagazine.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apple-MacBook-Pro-M4-lineup-1260x900.jpg "Here are the differences between the MacBooks Pro M3 [Pro/Max] and M4 [Pro/Max]")
Disclosure/Apple
A new feature, however, is that now even the entry-level version of the MacBook Pro (with M4 chip) can also be purchased in space black — replacing the space gray color of the previous generation model with the M3 chip.
Display
In terms of display, both generations of MacBooks Pro share some specifications.
In the case of the 14.2″ models, we have a Liquid Retina up to 120Hz).
In the 16.2″ models, the Liquid Retina XDR screen is also backlit by Mini-LED and has a resolution of 3456×2234 pixels, in addition to the same support for wide color tones and True Tone and ProMotion technologies.
Disclosure/Apple
Regarding brightness, both generations offer, at all sizes, XDR 1 brightness of up to 1,000 constant nits (on the entire screen), with a peak of 1,600 nits (HDR 2 content only). The difference is in the brightness of SDR 3, which goes up to 600 nits in models with M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max chips and 1,000 nits in M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max models.
Processing and storage
At the center of this comparison are the changes related to the M3 (and its variants) and M4 (and its variants) chips — which are produced using the 3 nanometer process, it is worth noting.
Let’s check, therefore, how the numbers of CPU 4 cores, GPU 5, maximum memory and others differ:
| M3 | M3 Pro | M3 Max | M4 | M4 Pro | M4 Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regarding storage options, both MacBooks Pro with M3 and M4 chip can be configured with 6 SSDs of 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
Models with M3 Pro and M4 Pro chips can include 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB SSDs, while machines with M3 Max and M4 Max chips can be configured with all of the options mentioned, in addition to 8TB storage.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the 14″ MacBook Pro with the M3 chip has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 (USB‑C) ports, while the model with the M4 chip has one more port (three in total), all Thunderbolt 4. Both The models have an HDMI port, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack and MagSafe 3.
Disclosure/Apple
In the 16.2″ model there is the same number of inputs (three), and in machines with M3 Pro/M3 Max chips they are Thunderbolt 4 and, in the M4 Pro/M 4 Max models, Thunderbolt 5. They all also have with HDMI port, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack and MagSafe 3.
As for screen support, each chip has the following specifications:
M3
- An external monitor with resolution up to 6K at 60Hz.
M3 Pro
- Up to four external monitors: up to three with 6K resolution at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) and one with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz (connected via HDMI).
- Up to three external monitors: up to two with 6K resolution at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) and one with resolution up to 8K at 60Hz or one with 4K resolution at 240Hz (connected via HDMI).
M3 Max
- Up to four external monitors: up to three with 6K resolution at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) and one with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz (connected via HDMI).
- Up to three external monitors: up to two with 6K resolution at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) and one with resolution up to 8K at 60Hz or one with 4K resolution at 240Hz (connected via HDMI).
M4 and M4 Pro
- Up to two external monitors with resolution up to 6K at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) or one external monitor with resolution up to 6K at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) and one external monitor with resolution up to 4K at 144Hz (connected via HDMI).
- An external monitor with 8K resolution at 60Hz or an external monitor with 4K resolution at 240Hz (connected via HDMI).
M4 Max
- Up to four external monitors: up to three with 6K resolution at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) and one with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz (connected via HDMI).
- Up to three external monitors: up to two with 6K resolution at 60Hz (connected via Thunderbolt) and one with resolution up to 8K at 60Hz or one with 4K resolution at 240Hz (connected via HDMI).
Regarding wireless connections, all models of both generations support Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3.
Camera, speakers and microphones
MacBook Pro models equipped with M3, M3 Pro, and M3Max chips have a 1080p FaceTime HD Camera with an advanced image processor with computational video.
The recently announced models, with M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, have a 12 megapixel camera compatible with Central Stage features (Center Stage) and Table View. It also features an advanced image processor with computational video and is capable of Full HD (1080p) video recording.
As for audio, the specifications are the same between all models of both generations. In other words, there is a sound system with six high-fidelity speakers and woofers with force cancellation, support for wide stereo sound, Spatial Audio (when playing music or video with Dolby Atmos), and Dynamic Head Tracking support.
There is also a set of three studio-quality microphones in all of them, with a high signal-to-noise ratio and directional spatial filtering.
Battery
Battery life also received a good upgrade in models equipped with the newer chips. Thus, on the 14″ MacBook Pro with M3 chip it offers up to 15 hours of wireless network browsing and up to 22 hours of video playback in the Apple TV app; In the model with the M4 chip, we have up to 16 hours of wireless network browsing and up to 24 hours of video streaming.
On the 16″ model, MacBooks Pro with M3 Pro/M3 Max chips offer up to 15 hours of wireless browsing and up to 22 hours of video playback in the Apple TV app. In the new generation, this autonomy was up to 17 hours and 14 hours of wireless network browsing for machines with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, respectively; In terms of video streaming, those numbers are up to 24 hours and 21 hours on laptops with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, respectively.
Disclosure/Apple
Regarding the component itself, the 14″ MacBook Pro with M3 chip has a 70 watt/hour lithium polymer battery; in the model with M4 chip, it is 72.4Wh. In both generations of the 16.2″ model (with M3 Pro/M4 Pro and M3 Max/M4 Max chips), it has the same 100Wh.
Finally, Apple has not made any changes to the power adapter that comes with the new models. Therefore, in the 14″ models it has a power of 70W and, in the 16″ models, 140W.
Pricing
In this regard, the increase was significant in Brazil. While the entry-level 14″ MacBook Pro (with M3 chip) cost R$18,500, the new model (with M4 chip) part of R$20,000.
The 16″ MacBook Pro in the most basic version (with M3 Pro chip) costs R$29,000, while the new model (with M4 Pro) is available in Tupiniquins for R$32,000.
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Footnotes
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#differences #MacBooks #Pro #ProMax #ProMax
The M3 chip features improvements in both processing power and efficiency compared to its predecessors, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from everyday use to creative applications. The M4 chip further enhances performance and efficiency, offering even better battery life and multitasking capabilities.
### Performance Overview
The M3 and M4 chips both deliver impressive performance metrics, with higher bandwidth and faster memory options across different models:
– **M3 Chip:**
– Memory Bandwidth: 400 GB/s
– Neural Engine: 16 cores
– **M4 Chip:**
– Memory Bandwidth: 546 GB/s
– Neural Engine: 16 cores
Both chip families include options for the Pro and Max variants, providing even greater performance for industries requiring high computational power.
### Storage Options
Each MacBook Pro model offers various storage configurations. All models can be configured with 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB SSDs.
– **For M3 Pro and M4 Pro**: Additional 4TB options are available.
– **For M3 Max and M4 Max**: Options expand to 8TB, catering to professionals who manage large files and require extensive storage.
### Connectivity
Connectivity features are robust across both generations:
– **14″ Models**:
– M3: 2 Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
– M4: 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports
Both models also feature HDMI, an SDXC card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and MagSafe 3.
– **16″ Models**:
– M3 Pro/Max: 3 ports (Thunderbolt 4)
– M4 Pro/Max: 3 ports (Thunderbolt 5)
### Screen Support
Each chip’s capabilities also extend to external monitor connectivity:
– **M3**: Supports one external monitor up to 6K at 60Hz.
– **M3 Pro/Max**: Supports multiple external monitors with various resolutions and refresh rates.
– **M4 and M4 Pro/Max**: Offers enhanced support for resolutions including 8K and additional 4K outputs.
### Audio and Camera
Camera and audio specifications are state-of-the-art across all models, featuring:
– **Camera**:
- M3 chips: 1080p FaceTime HD Camera
– M4 chips: 12MP camera with Center Stage and Full HD recording capabilities.
– **Audio**: All models have a high-fidelity six-speaker system, Spatial Audio, and three studio-grade microphones for clear voice capture.
### Battery Life
Improvements in battery performance are notable:
– **14″ MacBook Pro**:
– M3: Up to 15 hours browsing, 22 hours video playback.
– M4: Up to 16 hours browsing, 24 hours video playback.
– **16″ MacBook Pro**:
– M3 Pro/Max: Up to 15 hours browsing, 22 hours video playback.
– M4 Pro: Up to 17 hours browsing, 24 hours video playback; M4 Max: 14 hours browsing, 21 hours video playback.
### Conclusion
The introduction of the M4 chip series builds upon the already impressive M3 capabilities, delivering enhancements in processing power, battery life, and connectivity options that are particularly beneficial for professionals in demanding fields. Whether for creative work, programming, or everyday tasks, the latest MacBook Pro models offer a compelling blend of performance and efficiency.
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