Apple’s October Mac event left a trail of excitement with its subtle hints about the upcoming MacBook Pro range, featuring the powerful M3 family of chips. The recent weeks have seen us diving into the capabilities of the 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the M3 Max chip, pushing it through rigorous tests to gauge its prowess. Spoiler alert: it’s an absolute beast.
Our intention in this review is not just to explore where the MacBook Pro with M3 Max may falter under heavy workloads, but also to guide potential buyers in choosing between the M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max-based laptops. These devices come with a premium price tag, and Apple aims to cater to a diverse audience, including students, entrepreneurs, creators, coders, artists, and researchers.
A Symphony of Power: M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max Explained
Apple’s strategic approach this year involves tailoring its MacBook Pro line up to different user segments. The baseline M3 chip is targeted at students, entrepreneurs, and creators, offering a robust foundation for everyday tasks. Moving up the ladder, the M3 Pro variant appeals to coders, creative artists, and researchers, delivering enhanced performance for specialized workflows. Finally, the top-tier M3 Max transcends boundaries, catering to AI developers, 3D artists, and video editors with its formidable capabilities. Notably, Apple has also entered the gaming arena with its latest MacBook lineup, a departure worth exploring.
As someone who invested in the first-generation Apple silicon, which still performs seamlessly, the M3 Max feels like a high-speed bullet train. Without further ado, let’s delve into the details of this review.
MacBook Pro 14-Inch: Price and Specifications
In India, the MacBook Pro 14-inch comes with a starting price of Rs. 1,69,900 for the M3 chip model, featuring an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD storage. The M3 Pro variant, priced at Rs. 1,99,900, elevates the specifications with an 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 18GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD storage. For those seeking the pinnacle of performance, the M3 Max variant starts at Rs. 3,19,900. The MacBook Pro 14-inch is available in Space Grey and Silver for M3 baseline trims, while the exclusive Space Black is reserved for M3 Pro and M3 Max trims, along with Silver.
Our review unit, equipped with the M3 Max chip, boasts a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine, 128GB unified memory, and a whopping 8TB SSD storage, commanding a premium price of Rs. 6,89,900. Now, let’s unravel the extraordinary capabilities of this technological marvel.
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max)
Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3024×1964 pixels up to 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR) and 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Up to 16-core CPU with 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, up to 40-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
Operating System: macOS Sonoma
Memory: 18GB to 128GB unified memory
Storage: 512GB SSD to 8TB SSD (M3 Max)
Dimensions and weight: 312.6×221.2×15.5mm, 1.62 kilogram
Webcam: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
Speaker setup: a 6-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support
Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
Connectivity: Wi-FI 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI port and SDXC slot
Battery and charger: 72.4 watt-hour battery with 96W USB-C power adapter, MagSafe 3 charging port
MacBook Pro 14-Inch Review: A Sleek Marvel in Space Black
Back in Black! Apple reintroduces a dark shade to its Pro lineup, and the finish on the MacBook Pro is nothing short of gorgeous. Space Black makes a triumphant return, evoking nostalgia for Mac enthusiasts, with its finish that subtly transforms in varying light conditions. While some might find it leans more towards Grey than Black, the chamfered edges exude premium vibes, complemented by Apple’s anodization finish that resists fingerprints to some extent.
Despite the occasional smudges on the palm rest area and sides of the keyboard, it’s an improvement over its predecessor. The MacBook Pro’s solid construction suggests longevity, aligning with Apple’s claim that the enclosure is crafted from a custom alloy using 100% recycled aluminum, contributing to its eco-friendly aspirations for carbon-neutral products by 2030.
Weighing in at 1.62 kilograms and slightly over 15mm thick, it’s not the lightest or thinnest, but its formidable performance justifies the heft. The MacBook Pro’s closing snap, a hallmark of Apple’s design, adds a satisfying touch to everyday use. Transitioning from a slimmer and lighter daily driver took a few days, but the adjustment was worth it.
The Magic keyboard caters excellently to professionals, providing a delightful typing experience, and the responsive, spacious trackpad facilitates precise cursor movements and multi-touch gestures. Gaming on the MacBook Pro is also a viable option, although hardcore gamers might prefer wireless controllers. As for durability, the laptop feels like a robust workhorse.
The display on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while not a revolutionary leap from its predecessor, boasts improvements like brighter SDR content, now reaching a maximum brightness of 600 nits, up from 500 nits. Though subtle in everyday use, it contributes to an enhanced viewing experience. The display is vivid, crisp, and the text appears sharp and bright, making it an excellent choice for multimedia tasks.
However, the notch on the screen, a feature borrowed from the iPhone, seems somewhat out of place. Positioned prominently in the middle, it serves its purpose but might take a little getting used to. The MacBook Pro’s lack of touchscreen support is a missed opportunity, especially considering its potential for productivity.
On the positive side, Touch ID proves quick and reliable, and the laptop offers ample connectivity ports. The FaceTime camera delivers clear visuals during video calls, enhancing the overall user experience.
In conclusion, the MacBook Pro 14-inch stands out as a superb choice for users on the move who prioritize a stellar display. With one of the finest displays in the 14-inch category, it excels in providing an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it would be remiss not to mention the device’s durability, ensuring it stands the test of time.
About Warranty:
While the MacBook Pro 14-inch impresses in many aspects, the warranty coverage is a crucial consideration for any high-end device. GoWarranty, a leading provider in the warranty and protection plan industry, offers comprehensive coverage plans for Apple devices. Explore GoWarranty’s offerings to secure your investment and ensure a worry-free experience with your sleek and powerful MacBook Pro.
