Apple has been using its own processors for the iPhone for years – and has had great success with it. The Californian company remained loyal to Intel as the chip supplier for MacBooks for a long time, but Apple has been using its own chips from the M1 series for a year now.
The best MacBooks from Apple
Apple
Details about the test
Per
Very high work pace
Even when playing fast
Apple
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Per
Very high work pace
Also very fast when playing games
Apple
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Per
Very high work pace
top display
against
Not all software adapted yet
Not upgradeable
Apple
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top display
Very high speed
against
Loud under load
Not upgradeable
Apple
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Per
Very high work pace
top display
against
Not all software adapted yet
Not upgradeable
Complete list: The best MacBooks from Apple
Significantly more power
The first Apple notebooks with an M1 processor were already impressive in the test: as fast as more expensive MacBooks with an Intel chip, while being quieter and more durable. The MacBook Pro 14 inch with the M1 Pro ups the ante a bit: it set new speed records in the test and, with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, clearly outperformed the fastest MacBook to date. But it also clearly distances itself from the models with the M1 chip. Why? Apple has doubled the core count in the M1 Pro: 8 instead of 4 faster processing units and 16 instead of 8 graphics cores. Performance-hungry software, such as video editing software or games, benefit from this in particular: Finally, Mac users can also gamble smoothly (see table below). The good news is that the 14-inch MacBook Pro remains nice and quiet despite the significantly more power. In normal operation were the fans not listening and the noise kept up even under full load 1.9 sons within limits. A clear advantage over Intel MacBooks, which quickly reach 4 to 5 sone under full load. Good: The power is not at the expense of the battery life. The new MacBook Pro held up in the test more than 7 hours through. Only the 13-inch MacBooks with the M1 chip from Apple are more enduring: the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro.
The built-in webcam is now in a notch in the display, just like on current iPhones. macOS uses the space next to it for the menu bar.
A top display
As with the iPad Pro, Apple relies on the display for the display Mini LED technology. Thousands of tiny LEDs are responsible for the background lighting – complex, but really good, as the test showed. The display creates a contrast of more than 10,000:1 – a value that is otherwise only achieved by OLED displays. The maximum brightness of 1,616 candelas per square meter is completely oversized for Office, but makes a visible difference in photos and videos with extended contrast range (HDR). Thanks to the enormous brightness, the MacBook can also be used outdoors – reflections on the high-gloss display are simply faded out. The screen has also increased in resolution. He shows now 3024×1964 pixels and grows upwards in the display frame. Therefore, the webcam sits in a recess in the middle (see image above). Apple uses the space next to it for the menu bar.
In terms of speed, the 14-inch MacBook Pro beats all of its predecessors – even the previous top-of-the-range 16-inch MacBook Pro with a Core i9 processor.
More bass, better sound
The speaker system is significantly larger and uses the ventilation openings for bass reproduction. It provides a much better sound and can replace the headset in video conferencing. Another great improvement over its 13-inch predecessor: the 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with otherwise (almost) the same hardware as the new 16-inch model – only the battery, display and speakers are slightly smaller. For full power, buyers don’t have to buy a 16-inch MacBook like before. However, the price difference to the 16, which costs only 230 euros more with comparable equipment, is also shrinking.
Tempo with office programs / in video editing
Game speed (display resolution / 1920 x 1200 pixels)
Image quality (contrast / color fidelity / extended DCI-P3 color space)
Battery life video / charging time
Operating noise ( video / games)
Heat development after 30 minutes of full load (rear)
RAM (built-in / expandable)
Memory: usable size, type
Keyboard operation / lighting / standard layout / navigation keys Standard size
Touchpad size / quality and operation
of the touchpad
Biometric access locks
14 inches, 3024 x 1964 pixels
1599 grams, power adapter 365 grams
very fast (100.0 / 100.0 percent)
very smooth (40 / 90 frames per second)
very fast (100.0 percent)
very high (over 10,000:1 / 98.9% / 97.7%)
very bright (1616 candelas/m2)
long: 7:11 hours / short: 1:54 hours
silent / very quiet (1.9 sone)
16 gigabytes / not possible
971 gigabytes, SSD (fixed, PCIe)
1 x headset, 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 4 Type C (with DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4)
WiFi 6 (ax) / Bluetooth 5
good drop and pressure point, pleasant writing experience / yes / yes / no
very large / very precise, extensive gesture control
A happy reunion
Apple is notorious for cutting old habits – but this time the Californians are going backwards and building an extra power connection again (Magsafe), an SD card reader and a function key bar into the MacBook Pro.
Very high work pace
Even when playing fast
Test conclusion: Apple MacBook Pro 14 inch
Top display, a lot of power without a lot of noise and powerful endurance: The new MacBook Pro 14 inch (Test rating 1.5) clearly outperforms its predecessors and takes first place in the list of the best. However, it has to put up with two points of criticism: The MacBook Pro remains expensive and cannot be upgraded after purchase.
