The arrival of the M4 chip to the MacBook Pro has generated great expectations among Apple technology users. This new processor promises to be a significant advance over the previous M3, completing the latest cycle of Apple Silicon renewals. However, the question that many are asking is whether it is really worth making the jump to this new generation of laptops or if it is preferable to continue relying on models with the M3, which to date have more than met expectations. In this article, we are going to make a comparison between the Macbook Pro M4 and Macbook Pro M3, detailing its features, new features, differences and whether it is really necessary to make the jump to the new version.
Design and display: few but significant changes
El design The MacBook Pro M4 remains virtually identical to the M3. However, there are a few nuances that can make a difference in everyday use. The build materials remain the same as the MXNUMX's, Aluminum with anti-fingerprint finish, and both models are available in 14- and 16-inch sizes. However, with the new MacBook Pro M4, Apple has improved aspects such as connectivity, offering three Thunderbolt 5 ports on the M4 Pro and M4 Max models, while the previous generation only had Thunderbolt 4.
As for the screen, both devices feature the acclaimed technology Mini-LED and its refresh rate of 120 Hz that offer a high-quality visual experience. But in the MacBook Pro M4 we find an improvement in the gloss, reaching up to 1.000 nits in SDR content versus the M600's 3 nits, which makes a considerable difference when working in brightly lit spaces. Additionally, the M4 MacBook Pro introduces the option of a nanotextured finish, for an additional 170 euros, which reduces reflections and improves contrast, ideal for those who work with their laptop in adverse lighting conditions.
Performance: the key
The aspect that draws the most attention in this comparison is the performance increase that comes with the M4 chip. While the M3 already offered outstanding performance, Apple has managed to surpass this bar with the M4. One of the most significant differences is the Increased base RAM to 16GB in the entry model, doubling the capacity of the previous generation which only included 8 GB.
The processors have also received a considerable evolution. The M4 includes the fastest CPU core in the world, according to Apple, and the M4 Pro bandwidth It is up to a 75% faster than the M3 Pro. In graphics tasks, the M4 stands out with ray tracing hardware that doubles the speed compared to the M3, making the execution of animation or 3D design projects much more fluid.
This increase in power translates into better energy efficiency, leading to greater autonomy. While the MacBook Pro M3 offered a maximum of 22 hours of video playback, the M4 reaches up to 24 hours, depending on the chip and the screen size. This is certainly an improvement that will be greatly appreciated by those who need to work intensively for long periods without access to a power outlet.
New features in camera and connectivity
A simple but very striking change is that of the FaceTime camera. Although the resolution remains the same in both models, the big difference is in the inclusion of technology Center Stage o Centered Framing on the M4. This feature allows the camera to automatically adjust the frame so that you always appear in the center during a video call, regardless of how you move. This is especially useful for those who conduct multiple video conference meetings or record from their laptop. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s there.
Another important change is the Addition of more USB-C ports in the base model of the M4. While the MacBook Pro M3 only had two, in the M4 we find three, an interesting improvement for those users who use the laptop by connecting multiple peripherals or external screens. In addition, as we mentioned above, the Pro and Max models of the M4 incorporate Thunderbolt 5, whose higher transfer speed promises to increase productivity in tasks that require moving large amounts of data.
Prices: Is it worth the jump?
One of the most interesting points is that Apple has slightly reduced prices of the M4 MacBook Pro compared to the M3, which can make it even more tempting to upgrade. In fact, the M4 MacBook Pros are around 100 euros cheaper than the previous generation, something unusual for a company that does not usually lower prices with the release of new versions.
Of course, the final price will depend on the configuration you choose, as Apple continues to offer multiple storage and RAM options that make the product more expensive, and as always the cheapest model has some shortcomings compared to its older siblings (and that doesn't mean it's a bad device). However, the fact that it already comes with 16 GB of RAM in the base version can mean significant savings for users who previously found themselves needing to upgrade this component after purchase (something that can't be done since it's integrated).
Closing remarks
After reviewing the main aspects that differentiate the MacBook Pro M4 from the M3, it is clear that Apple has taken a step forward in terms of performance, connectivity and some key features such as the camera or screen brightness. If you are a professional user working with demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling or intensive software development, the jump to M4 can be a very significant improvement. On the other hand, if you have an M3 MacBook Pro and don't need that extra level of power, you still have an extremely competent machine.