At the end of 2021, after a long wait, there were completely new professional laptops from Apple again. They are now getting an update with new technology. The top model is the Apple MacBook Pro 2023 with the M2 Max processor. Not a bargain version, even the smallest version of the MacBook Pro 2023 currently (January 2023) costs 3,000 euros, for the tested version even 5,000 euros are due. But that can be money well spent, as the test shows.
New speed records
A real improvement in the Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch 2023: Monitors with 8K resolution (7680×4320 pixels) can now also be connected to the HDMI socket.
Often silent, always quiet
Really good: Despite a lot of power, the large MacBook Pro 16 inch 2023 runs very quietly, In normal operation, the fans usually remain off. Even under full load they are nice and quiet with a maximum of 2.2 sone. At 2142 grams, the 16 incher is comparatively light. The MacBook’s battery stores plenty 100 watt hours (the maximum that is allowed to be taken on an airplane) and ensures endurance: In the test it lasted over seven hours and thus lasted a quarter of an hour longer than its predecessor with the M1 Max. Also pleasing: the light but powerful power supply (140 Watt charging capacity, weight 345 grams) fills the battery completely in just under two hours.
Typical for Apple’s top laptop: The touchpad of the Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch 2023 is huge. Just right for the gesture control of macOS.
The display is a feast for the eyes
Like the smaller 14-inch and 2021 Pro models, the 2023 MacBook Pro 16-inch has a mini-LED display where the screen’s backlight is divided into over 2,000 zones. The brightness distribution can be controlled very finely and the display achieves a Contrast ratio of over 10,000:1 – otherwise only OLED screens are this good. But the display has even more to offer: 7.7 million pixels (3456×2234 pixels) ensure an extremely detailed and super-sharp display. When it comes to color reproduction, it impresses with extreme accuracy and a very large color space (96.9 percent of the cinema standard DCI-P3). Its only weakness: like most glossy displays, it is reflective. However, annoying reflections can be faded out by increasing the screen brightness – the MacBook Pro achieves up to 1,512 candelas per square meter here.
The built-in webcam of the Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch 2023 is back in the display. The menu bar is shown to the left and right of this.
good sound
One thing in common with the predecessor and the smaller 14-inch model is the speaker system. This is very large for a notebook and uses the ventilation slots for bass reproduction. It’s no substitute for full-blown hi-fi speakers, but it’s better than most notebooks and good enough for video conferencing or an impromptu kitchen party.
Pace with Office programs
Video editing speed
Game speed (display resolution / 1920 x 1200 pixels)
Maximum transfer speed from external SSD to laptop / laptop to external SSD
Image quality (contrast / color fidelity / sRGB color space / extended DCI-P3 color space)
Pixel Density (dots per inch)
Battery life video / charging time
Operating noise ( video / games)
Heat development after 30 minutes of full load (rear)
Weight with battery / power pack with cable
RAM (built-in / expandable)
Memory: usable size, type
WiFi / Bluetooth / Cellular
Webcam / Microphone / Memory card reader
Quality and operation of the keyboard / keyboard lighting / standard layout / standard size navigation keys
Biometric access locks
Touchpad size / quality and operation of the touchpad
Quality and operation of the touch screen
A new connection
Test conclusion: Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch 2023
A real top model: The MacBook Pro 16 inch 2023 (Test grade 1.4) takes the top of the list – with extremely high speed without annoying fan noise, a top display, really good sound from the built-in speakers and on top of that more than seven hours of battery life. But the price is also hefty and a later upgrade is unfortunately not possible.
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