# The M4 MacBook Pro: An Upgrade Worth Considering
In October of last year, Apple launched the M4 MacBook Pro, a device that, at first sight, seems like yet another minor enhancement in the MacBook Pro series. However, a more detailed inspection uncovers numerous enticing features that render it a valuable upgrade, even for those who possess an earlier 14″ MacBook Pro.
## Why M4?
The pricing dynamics for the MacBook Pro have changed dramatically in the last year. In 2023, Apple rolled out a new entry-level MacBook Pro starting at $1599, featuring the base M3 chip. This version also benefited from an increase in base memory to 16GB, eliminating several of the previous trade-offs associated with entry-level options.
Consequently, you can now get a MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage and 16GB of memory for $1599, a significant drop from the former base price of $1999. While it may lack a Pro chip, the advantages offered by this new setup far outweigh that drawback for numerous users.
## Significantly Improved Battery Life
A major highlight of the M4 MacBook Pro is its battery performance. The baseline Apple Silicon chips are recognized for their energy efficiency, and the M4 upholds this reputation. According to Apple, the M1 Pro 14″ MacBook Pro can deliver up to 11 hours of web browsing on a single charge, whereas the M4 model can extend this to as much as 16 hours. This marks nearly a 50% enhancement in battery longevity.
Users have reported even more remarkable boosts, with some observing that the M4 practically doubles the battery life when compared to the M1 Pro. This improvement is mainly attributed to the M4’s six efficiency cores, which significantly lower power usage during idle operations, enabling users to navigate their day without having to recharge as often.
## Display Enhancements
All 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro versions come with miniLED displays, but the M4 introduces meaningful advancements in brightness. Prior versions, such as the M1 Pro and M2 Pro, were limited to 500 nits of standard brightness. The M3 upgraded this to 600 nits, but the M4 goes beyond that, boasting up to 1000 nits of standard brightness.
This enhancement is particularly advantageous for visibility outdoors, facilitating device usage in bright settings. Although third-party applications like Vivid have allowed users to unlock extra brightness on older models, the higher standard brightness on the M4 greatly enriches the overall user experience.
## Upgraded Webcam
The M4 generation also brings a significant enhancement to the webcam. While the 1080p cameras in the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro models launched in 2021 were an improvement over the prior 720p versions, they remained fairly average. With the M4, Apple has introduced a 12MP Center Stage camera, a feature that first appeared on the iPad and was later adapted for the Studio Display.
The Center Stage feature leverages an ultra-wide camera for a broader field of view and enables face tracking. This allows users to move around a room while staying centered in the frame, making video calls more lively and engaging. The improved resolution and capabilities enhance the M4 MacBook Pro’s appeal for video conferencing.
## Performance
While one might think that the switch from an M1 Pro chip to an M4 chip could lead to a performance dip, the truth is quite the contrary for many users. If your work is heavily dependent on GPU performance, the M4 may not serve as the best upgrade. Nonetheless, for most users, the M4 chip delivers significant performance boosts.
In benchmark evaluations, the M1 Pro scores around 2386 in single-core performance and about 12344 in multi-core performance. In comparison, the M4 registers scores of around 3750 in single-core and 14704 in multi-core performance. This equates to a 57% boost in single-core performance and a 19% boost in multi-core performance, all while utilizing less power.
Furthermore, the M4 chip’s neural engine performance has undergone considerable enhancements, making it a valuable resource as Apple continues to invest in AI advancements. Users have also noted that the M4 operates cooler and quieter, with fans activating less frequently.
## Conclusion
Transitioning between two MacBooks within the same design generation may seem unremarkable, but the distinctions between the M1 Pro and M4 models are quite substantial. With the potential for changing tariffs and price increases from Apple, this may be the perfect moment to invest in the M4 MacBook Pro.
For those contemplating an upgrade, the M4 MacBook Pro presents a convincing blend of enhanced battery life, superior display features, an improved webcam, and notable performance improvements. Whether you are a creative professional, a student, or just someone who enjoys utilizing a powerful laptop, the M4
