# The M4 MacBook Pro: A Significant Enhancement
Last October, Apple introduced the M4 MacBook Pro, which at first glance may seem like just another minor update in the MacBook Pro series. However, a deeper examination uncovers several enticing features that make it a solid upgrade, even for those possessing an older 14″ MacBook Pro.
## Why M4?
The pricing framework for the MacBook Pro has experienced notable shifts over the last year. In 2023, Apple launched a new entry-level MacBook Pro at $1599, equipped with the basic M3 chip. This was a tactical decision, allowing Apple to boost the base memory to 16GB while eliminating some prior compromises linked with the M4.
Consequently, consumers can now acquire a MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM for $1599—down from the earlier starting price of $1999. Although this model lacks a Pro chip, the benefits of the M4 render it an attractive option for many users.
## Much Better Battery Life
One of the most remarkable aspects of the M4 MacBook Pro is its exceptional battery life. The entry-level Apple Silicon chips are renowned for their energy efficiency, and the M4 elevates this to unprecedented levels. According to Apple, the M1 Pro 14″ MacBook Pro can handle up to 11 hours of web browsing on a single charge, while the M4 can endure for as long as 16 hours—an improvement of almost 50%.
Users have indicated even more substantial enhancements in battery longevity, with some reporting nearly double the duration compared to the M1 Pro. This is primarily attributed to the M4’s six efficiency cores, which greatly reduce power usage during low-demand tasks.
## Display Enhancements
All 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro variants feature miniLED displays, but the M4 introduces noteworthy improvements in brightness. Earlier models, like the M1 Pro and M2 Pro, had a maximum typical brightness of 500 nits. The M4, by contrast, can achieve up to 1000 nits, significantly boosting outdoor readability.
While third-party applications like Vivid have permitted users to unlock extra brightness on older versions, having a high standard brightness level built-in is revolutionary. It significantly enhances the overall user engagement, making the M4 MacBook Pro feel more comparable to the M4 iPad Pro, which also features 1000 nits of standard brightness.
## Enhanced Webcam
The M4 generation features a notable upgrade in the webcam. While the 1080p webcams launched in 2021 marked an improvement over the prior 720p models, they were not particularly outstanding. The M4 MacBook Pro is now equipped with a 12MP Center Stage camera, which first appeared on the iPad and later on the Studio Display.
Center Stage employs an ultra-wide camera that provides a broader field of view, facilitating a better fit during video calls. The face-tracking capability ensures that your viewpoint remains centered, enriching the overall experience for applications like FaceTime.
## Performance
You may think that moving from an M1 Pro chip to an M4 chip would result in diminished performance, particularly for GPU-intensive activities. However, most users will experience notable performance gains with the M4.
In Geekbench 6 evaluations, the M1 Pro registers around 2386 in single-core performance and approximately 12344 in multi-core performance. In contrast, the M4 attains scores of about 3750 in single-core and 14704 in multi-core performance, representing a 57% enhancement in single-core performance and a 19% improvement in multi-core performance, even as a “lower-end” chip.
Moreover, the M4’s neural engine performance has also witnessed significant advancements, making it a more future-ready choice as Apple continues to delve into AI developments.
## Conclusion
While moving between two MacBooks of the same design generation may not seem thrilling, the M4 MacBook Pro delivers a notably different experience compared to its forerunner. With potential price increases and tariffs on the horizon, now might be the perfect moment to invest in a new MacBook Pro.
For those contemplating a purchase, the current pricing provides excellent value, and these offers are unlikely to remain for long. Whether you’re seeking a 14-inch or 16-inch model, the M4 MacBook Pro represents a compelling option that merges improved performance, battery life, and features that enhance the user experience.
### Top 14-inch MacBook Pro Offers:
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### Top 16-inch MacBook Pro Offers:
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As Apple continues to navigate its supply chain challenges, particularly with tariffs influencing pricing, it is wise to act swiftly if you’re considering an upgrade.
