The 2024 Apple MacBook Pro 16 is a multimedia powerhouse, enhanced by the new M4 Pro chip and an optional matte display. Its larger size allows for better utilization of the M4 Pro's performance, while the battery life is even more impressive. This review dives into the pros and cons of this latest Apple laptop.
Verdict: An Even Better Multimedia Laptop
The MacBook Pro 16 with the M4 Pro and a matte display solidifies its position as one of the best multimedia laptops available. It offers incredible performance, excellent battery life, a stunning display, and a quiet, stable build.
Key Features
- Apple M4 Pro chip (14 cores)
- Apple M4 20-core GPU
- 16.2-inch Mini-LED display, 3456 x 2234 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate (with optional matte nano-texture coating)
- Up to 48GB RAM and 8TB SSD storage (M4 Max models)
- Thunderbolt 5 ports
- 12MP webcam with improved features
- Excellent speakers
- Long battery life
Pros & Cons
- High-quality and stable case
- Brilliant display with accurate colors (optional matte panel)
- Extremely high HDR brightness, increased SDR brightness
- Quiet operation during everyday use
- Very high system performance
- M4 Pro offers considerably better performance than previous generations
- Very long battery life
- Excellent speakers
- Up to 128GB RAM (M4 Max) and 8TB SSD storage
- 12MP webcam with advanced features
- Constant PWM flickering and slow response times
- Only 12-month warranty
- Limited maintenance options
- High surcharges for RAM and SSD upgrades
- Webcam lacks FaceID and has low resolution for photos and videos
- No Wi-Fi 7
Technetbook Rating: 9.5
Price and Availability
The MacBook Pro 16 with the M4 Pro is available for configuration on Apple's website. A configuration with the M4 Pro, 48GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD can be purchased from Amazon for $2,664.
Possible Alternatives
| Model / Review | Price | Weight | Height | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro 16 2024 M4 Pro | $2,664 | 2.1 kg | 16.8 mm | Mini-LED |
| Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023 M3 Pro | $3,239 | 2.1 kg | 16.9 mm | Mini-LED |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 | $2,433.95 | 2 kg | 20.5 mm | IPS LED |
| Asus ProArt P16 H7606WI | $3,149 | 1.8 kg | 17.3 mm | OLED |
| Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16IMH9 | $2,678 | 2.1 kg | 18.3 mm | IPS |
| Dell XPS 16 9640 | $2,499 | 2.3 kg | 18.7 mm | OLED |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra | $1,649.99 | 1.8 kg | 17 mm | OLED |
In-Depth Analysis:
Case and Connectivity:
The MacBook Pro 16's case remains unchanged, offering excellent stability and build quality. However, maintenance options are limited, and the black model tends to attract fingerprints more readily. All three USB-C ports now support Thunderbolt 5, and the 12MP webcam provides improved video call quality and includes a desktop view feature. Photos and videos captured with the webcam still have low resolution, though, and FaceID is not supported. The Wi-Fi module offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 but lacks Wi-Fi 7. The SD card reader is fast but protrudes slightly from the case.
Display:
The MacBook Pro 16 continues to utilize the Mini-LED display with a 16.2-inch diagonal and 3456 x 2234 resolution. A new optional matte nano-texture coating is available, offering a slight decrease in sharpness but significantly reducing reflections. The display's SDR brightness has also been improved, now reaching over 1000 cd/m². It offers excellent color accuracy and impressive HDR capabilities, including a peak brightness of 1620 cd/m² and 1214 cd/m² for an almost fully white screen. The display features constant PWM flickering at 14.8 kHz, which should be imperceptible for most users. Despite its impressive performance, response times are not as fast as OLED panels.
Performance:
The M4 Pro chip delivers a significant performance upgrade compared to the M3 Pro. It features 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores and can sustain up to 46 watts of power. The M4 Pro outperforms its predecessor in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks. It even surpasses the performance of the M3 Max in multi-core tests, and outpaces the AMD/Intel competition. The M4 Pro, however, falls behind the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and the ProArt P16's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at higher power levels. In single-core performance, however, the M4 Pro is unmatched. Its performance remains stable in battery mode.
Emissions and Power:
The MacBook Pro 16 remains quieter than its smaller 14-inch counterpart, with fans running at lower speeds. The fans are generally inaudible during normal use and reach a maximum of 42.3 dB(A) during stress tests. The High Performance mode increases fan noise, reaching 55.6 dB(A). The Low Charge mode keeps the laptop extremely quiet. Surface temperatures remain low, with a maximum of 43°C during the stress test. Battery life is outstanding, exceeding 20 hours during the WLAN test and nearly 24 hours during the video test. Fast charging with the 140-watt power supply enables a full charge in 88 minutes.
Overall:
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 2024 with the M4 Pro chip, optional matte display, and impressive battery life solidifies its position as one of the best multimedia laptops on the market. Its excellent performance, quiet operation, and impressive battery life make it a compelling choice for creative professionals and power users.
