MacBook

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) review: Is this the perfect laptop?

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 offers an exceptional mix of price, performance, and utility. The M4 is the base model of…

Published

1 month ago

July 11, 2025

Since its debut in 2021, the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch has established itself as the preferred MacBook for many Apple fans. Although we have always been impressed by it, there was something that kept it from earning a perfect score every year.

However, this is not the case in 2024. While I hold the conviction that nothing is so perfect as to be incapable of improvement, the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 is a five-star device that surpasses expectations in numerous aspects, rendering it nearly unfair to its competitors.

Indeed, it provides exceptional performance and over 18 hours of battery life; it has demonstrated excellent results in these domains previously. When considering the superior display, high-quality construction, and stereo sound, it becomes nearly irresistible. The concluding enhancement was upgrading the base model to 16GB of RAM. This renders the £1,599 configuration an outstanding value, which I can recommend without any modifications.

Table of Contents

MacBook Pro 14: Specs

Price	£1,599 and £1,999 (as reviewed)
CPU	Apple M4
GPU	Apple M4
RAM	16Gb
Storage	1TB
Display	14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964, 120Hz
Battery Life (HH:MM )	18:32
Dimension	12.3 x 8.7 x 0.61 inches
Weight	3.4 Pounds

MacBook Pro 14: Price and Configuration

The fundamental Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 is now priced at £1,599, or £1,499 when applicable with the education discount. The most notable development, aside from the new M4 chip for this configuration in 2024, is the increased starting RAM of 16 GB. Last year, this was an optional £200 upgrade, which we recommended universally; thus, this represents a significant enhancement in the value proposition of the base MacBook Pro M4.

Moreover, the base M4 model is equipped with a 10-core CPU to match its 10-core GPU, as opposed to the previous year’s configuration featuring an 8-core CPU paired with a 10-core GPU. This configuration yields a performance increase of approximately 5-10%, surpassing the improvements attributable solely to the M4 chip compared to the M3. Storage capacity remains at 512GB, a capacity sufficient for the majority of users.

Our review configuration maintains the core specifications of a 10-core CPU and GPU, accompanied by 16GB of RAM, while increasing the storage capacity to 1TB and incorporating the new nano-texture display. Consequently, the total cost of our review unit amounts to £1,999.

If you decide to go for the M4 Pro chip, you’ll find it starting at £1,999. This version features a 12-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, 24GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, offering excellent performance. If you’re looking for something even more powerful, the M4 Max configuration begins at £3,199, equipped with a 14-core CPU, a 32-core GPU, 36GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, perfect for demanding tasks.

MacBook Pro 14: Design

While I noted several internal upgrades to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple maintains the same exterior design since its 2021 debut with M1 Pro and M1 Max. Reinventing the design could be fun, but Apple’s success and brand recognition in the MacBook Pro are hard to argue with. Many imitators try to copy its understated, premium look each year.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro, weighing merely 3.4 pounds, conveys a notable impression as a robust block of meticulously carved aluminium. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism exhibits an unprecedented firmness and smoothness, particularly that of the M4 MacBook Pro. Such characteristics meet the expectations for a laptop in this price range, exceeding £1,600.

The phrase “MacBook Pro ” is engraved in the centre at the bottom of the laptop. Each corner is equipped with slightly raised black circular pads designed to elevate the Apple MacBook Pro 14 from the surface upon which it rests. My review unit is in Space Black; however, it is also available in the traditional Silver colour.

MacBook Pro 14: Ports

The port section on the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 remains the same, consistent with its overall design. In 2024, it will likely satisfy most users’ needs, although some may still prefer having a single USB Type-A port.

3 Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports
1 HDMI 2.1 port
1 headphone/mic jack
1 MagSafe 3 charging port
1 SDXC card reader

If you’re looking for a USB Type-A port or any other type of port that isn’t available on the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4, don’t worry! Our top picks for USB Type-C hubs and laptop docking stations are here to help you find exactly what you need.

MacBook Pro 14: Display

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 boasts a stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, offering a sharp resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels accompanied by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the MacBook Air features a more standard 60Hz display, highlighting a key difference between the two models.

I watched the trailer for Stranger Things: Season 5, and those vibrant red, yellow, and teal Escher-inspired staircases in the opening scene immediately caught my attention as they shimmered on my MacBook. The nearly 4K display is incredibly sharp, showcasing every small detail of the characters and the red monsters.

My review unit also includes Apple’s new nano-texture display, which minimises glare in direct sunlight or brightly lit areas. After using it alongside a MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro with the standard glossy screen for several days, it’s clear that the nano-texture significantly improves visibility in poor lighting conditions. However, whether the extra $150 is worth it depends on how often you use your MacBook Pro outdoors. I found no evidence of reduced vibrancy or brightness, either in person or through our lab tests of the nano-texture panel, which is a common concern with this type of coating. Therefore, the main consideration is the price.

MacBook Pro 14: Keyboard

Apple improved its keyboard following the issues with the butterfly switch era, and it now stands as one of the best options. The keys provide enough travel for comfortable long typing sessions, yet they rebound swiftly to keep your typing smooth.

On the 10fastfingers.com typing test, I attained a typing speed of 88 words per minute with an accuracy rate of 99%, marginally exceeding my average of 86 words per minute. The Apple Touchpad continues to serve as the industry standard for responsiveness and tactile feedback. With dimensions of 5.1 by 3.1 inches, it is sufficiently spacious to facilitate seamless navigation and gesture control in macOS, without compromising hand positioning on the laptop.

MacBook Pro 14: Performance and Heat

Since switching to the Apple M series chips in 2021, the MacBook Pro has consistently offered top-tier performance combined with leading battery life.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 continues its impressive performance straight out of the gate. Equipped with the base M4 chip and 16GB RAM on our review unit, it achieved a remarkable Geekbench 6 score of 15,114 and offered an impressive 18 hours and 32 minutes of battery life. This score exceeds the average for premium laptops by nearly 50% and ranks as one of the top in 2024, only surpassed by high-end workstations and the larger 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Over the past few days, I’ve used the Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 for different tasks, such as managing dozens of Chrome tabs across multiple windows, as well as working on Asana and Slack. Clearly, none of these activities has any impact on the Pro’s speed.

When I launched Photoshop to edit photographs of the laptop itself, the application initialised significantly more rapidly than on the 15-inch MacBook Air M3 that I usually utilise, and both editing and exporting processes were virtually immediate. Unless engaging in consistent 8K video editing, it is unlikely that common computing tasks will experience performance degradation with the Pro M4.

Suppose you utilise your laptop on your lap. In that case, I have excellent news: the Pro M4 is among the most impressive laptops I have reviewed, with a maximum temperature of only 85 degrees Fahrenheit during our testing.

MacBook Pro 14: Gaming Performance

While I would not currently recommend the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 as a premier gaming laptop alternative, Apple is increasing its investment in the gaming sector. For casual gamers such as myself, it now offers a reasonably suitable option.

This performance surpasses our acceptable threshold of 30 fps. For those acquainted with Myst, initially released in 1993, it is recognised as a somewhat slow-paced mystery game; nevertheless, it appears more visually impressive than ever. I found myself requiring a brief break before my nostalgic reflections on the island influenced my capacity to complete this review.

MacBook Pro 14: Verdict

Are you in need of a gaming laptop, Windows-exclusive software, a budget-friendly device, or the thinnest and lightest laptop available? If so, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 may not be the most suitable option.

However, if you do not fall into any of these categories, this laptop should be considered for your shortlist. Apple has optimised the performance-to-efficiency ratio of the M4 processor to an exceptional degree. With the base model priced at £1,599 and offering a sufficiently comprehensive set of specifications for most users, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 presents a significant value.

No other laptop within this price range can comprehensively match the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 in terms of performance and efficiency. Furthermore, its display, speakers, and webcam are exceptional. I would welcome Apple introducing Face ID to the MacBook to rival Windows Hello. Although the vents are somewhat inconvenient, these are minor concerns compared to the overall excellence of this laptop.

MacBook

MacBook Air 15-inch Review: Sleek, Light, and Powerful

I really think the 15-inch machine is a fantastic choice for enjoying media, thanks to its bigger screen and speakers. Apple MacBook Air 15-inch is made for..

Published

1 month ago

July 15, 2025

Shahbaz Ashraf

The MacBook Air 15-inch has become a go-to choice for many, especially if you’re aiming to spend about $1,000 on a fast, quiet, and efficient laptop with superb build quality. It’s an obvious pick, which is why it leads our list of the best ultrabooks.

Apple is currently in the process of extensively refining the M4 model. While the M4 offers increased speed, it also introduces additional features such as an enhanced webcam, faster ports, and a subtly new blue color. Although these modifications are modest, they are nonetheless appreciated.

This situation is particularly evident when Apple reduced the price by $100, discarding previous-generation models with a starting price of $999. Considering all these factors, the MacBook Air 15-inch now appears to represent a more advantageous value than in recent years.

Table of Contents

MacBook Air 15: Specs

Price	$1,399
Processor	Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics	10-core GPU on M4
RAM	16GB memory
Storage	512 SSD
Display	15.3-inch, 2880 x 1864, IPS, 60 Hz, Liquid Retina, True Tone
Ports	2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C), 3.5 mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3
Weight	3.3 Pounds (1.5 kg)
Dimension	13.4 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches
Operating System	macOS Sequoia 15.3

MacBook Air 15: Price

Apple’s latest release of the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) is exciting news! It’s now available at a more affordable starting price of $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,099, compared to the earlier M3 model. This new version comes with the powerful M4 chip featuring a 10-core CPU and GPU, along with 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage. It’s an excellent upgrade that offers great value for those looking for a sleek and efficient laptop.

Following the substantial criticism regarding the release of modern MacBook Air models with 8GB of memory and 128GB SSDs, which are considered inadequate by contemporary standards. I am pleased to observe that the company has persisted in offering a minimum configuration of 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage.

MacBook Air 15: Design

Apple has largely kept the MacBook Air’s appearance unchanged, aside from introducing a new color option called “sky blue.” This shade has a subtle sheen that I find appealing. It resembles the finish seen on the Microsoft Surface Pro but is much more subdued, sometimes appearing almost like standard silver in certain lighting. I believe this new color will appeal to those tired of silver but who prefer something lighter than the “midnight” hue. The options for Starlight and silver remain, although space gray is no longer available.

Otherwise, you will receive a highly recognizable laptop featuring the same design that has been present since the launch of the 13-inch Air with M2 in 2022. It exhibits a flat profile with rounded corners and adheres to Apple’s characteristic minimalist aesthetic. The Apple logo is displayed in a tone-on-tone finish on the lid, which, when lifted, reveals a 15-inch display on our review model, including a notch to house the 12MP Center Stage webcam.

MacBook Air 15: Ports

Both the 13-inch and 15-inch laptops are equipped with identical ports, including MagSafe 3 for charging and two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports. On the right side, there is a single 3.5 mm headphone jack. It would be advantageous for Apple to consider relocating one of the two Thunderbolt ports to the opposite side of the laptop to enhance flexibility concerning peripherals, monitors, chargers, and storage devices.

MacBook Air 15: Display

The 15.3-inch “Liquid Retina” IPS display on the MacBook Air remains unchanged, featuring a resolution of 2880 x 1864 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. True Tone technology uses ambient light sensors for a natural appearance and is enabled by default. I generally keep this setting enabled unless engaged in photo editing. For tasks requiring precise color accuracy, it is advisable to disable this feature.

Our light meter recorded a brightness of 475.6 nits for the MacBook Air, which is sufficiently luminous. However, it lagged behind the mini-LED display of the MacBook Pro, which achieved an impressive brightness of 556.6 nits.

The MacBook Air M4 introduces an exciting new feature: it can now support two external displays at up to 6K resolution at 60Hz with the lid open. Previously, the MacBook Air M3 could only connect to two external screens when the lid was closed. This upgrade will be especially significant for enterprise users and enthusiasts who prefer a lighter, more affordable option without sacrificing Display capabilities—perfect for those who want high performance without stepping up to the MacBook Pro.

MacBook Air 15: Keyboard

If there is one aspect of the MacBook Air 15-inch that I am pleased Apple has not altered, it is the keyboard. It is characterized by its quick and responsive nature, featuring an outstanding layout that includes inverted T arrow keys and full-height function keys. Touch ID is integrated into the power button, which is highly practical; however, it is high time that Apple aligns with the Windows industry by incorporating facial recognition technology into its laptops.

The 13-inch and 15-inch laptops continue to feature identical keyboards. Apple has not incorporated additional keys into the larger model; however, this design choice provides more space for speakers.

MacBook Air 15: Performance

The MacBook Air 15-inch features the M4, Apple’s latest System on Chip (SoC), which has already been integrated into the Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro models. In our review unit, which is the 15-inch configuration, it is equipped with a 10-core central processing unit (CPU) comprising four performance cores and six efficiency cores, a 10-core graphics processing unit (GPU), and a 16-core neural engine. The base model, priced at $999, the 13-inch MacBook Air, is equipped with an 8-core GPU. Please refer to the configurations section for additional details.

We’ve taken a closer look at the M4 in the MacBook Pro and are also exploring how it performs in the fanless MacBook Air. Plus, we’re excited to compare it with the Intel-powered Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (featuring the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V) and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite integrated within the Dell XPS 13 (9345).

On Geekbench 6, the MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 scored 3,780 in single-core and 14,924 in multi-core, showing a slight difference compared to the MacBook Pro with the same processor. This tiny gap is probably because the Pro model has a fan that helps keep things cool, allowing it to perform even better. As we saw in our Cinebench tests, this cooling feature makes a big difference during longer tasks, helping the Pro maintain its performance over time.

The MacBook Air transferred approximately 25GB of files at a rate of 1,220.35 MBps, slightly exceeding the Pro’s 1,167.29 MBps; however, this may fluctuate between individual runs. The Yoga demonstrated the highest performance with a transfer rate of 1,613.44 MBps, and the XPS also surpassed the MacBook in performance.

Laptops	Handbrake Video Transcoding Test
MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025)	4:52
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4, 2024)	4:57
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition	6:23
Dell XPS 13 (9345)	4:47

We use Handbrake to help laptops quickly transcode a 4K video down to 1080p. The MacBook Air completed this task in just 4 minutes and 52 seconds, showing how efficient it can be. It is marginally slower than the XPS 13 equipped with a Snapdragon processor, which completed the task in 4 hours and 47 minutes. In comparison, the Lunar Lake laptop was significantly slower.

MacBook Air 15: Verdict

The MacBook Air stands out as a truly great value, something you don’t see very often in today’s tech world. You can get the 13-inch model starting at just $999, or go for the 15-inch version at $1,199, both featuring a powerful processor, 16GB of RAM, a vibrant display, and remarkable build quality. Our review model with a 512GB SSD came to $1,399.99, but even so, Apple continues to offer a lot of computers for your money.

If you are committed to the Windows platform, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition exemplifies the advantages and disadvantages of competing with the MacBook Air. It features an excellent design and a display superior to that of Apple in this context; however, Intel’s performance does not match the M4, and some enhancements are required for the keyboard and chassis.

With this design, Apple is currently in a phase of refinement. Incorporating an improved webcam, faster ports, and a more powerful processor, coupled with a reduction in price, is sufficient to compensate for the absence of Wi-Fi 7. Those seeking to spend less than $1,500 (or potentially even $1,000) should consider the MacBook Air 15-inch as their initial option.