Mac Buyers Guide 2025: Which Mac or MacBook should you buy?

What is it? Like the 14-inch model above, the 16-inch MacBook Pro was updated in October 2024. It offers a similar set of specifications and configuration settings such as 14-inch MacBook Pro (above), but it has a higher price, a larger screen and better battery life (24 hours, up from 22 hours on its predecessor).

Who is it for? This is Apple’s largest “pro” laptop and it is designed for people who need a portable Mac to perform work that requires extreme treatment power. You can save some money by choosing the 14-inch MacBook Pro, but if you need a big screen on your laptop, this is Mac for you. You also benefit from longer battery life. Configured with M4 MAX This is the fastest and most powerful laptop Apple has ever created.

How much does 16-inch MacBook Pro cost? There are four standard configurations starting at $ 2,499/£ 2,499 for 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 14-core CPU, 20-Core GPU and 24 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD; $ 2,899/£ 2,899 for MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 14-core CPU, 20-Core GPU, 48 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD; $ 3,499/£ 3,499 for MacBook Pro M4 Max with 14-core CPU, 32-Core GPU, 36 GB RAM and 1TB SSD; and M4 Max with 16-Core CPU, 40-Core GPU, 48 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD for $ 3,999/£ 3,999.

What are the specifications? Here are standard configurations for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which was introduced in 2024.

  • Apple M4 Pro, 14-Core CPU, 20-Core GPU, 24 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD, Three Thunderbolt 5 Ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W Power Adapter, $ 2,499/£ 1,299.
  • Apple M4 Pro, 14-Core CPU, 20-Core GPU, 48 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD, Three Thunderbolt 5 Ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W Power Adapter, $ 2,899/£ 2,899.
  • Apple M4 Max, 14-Core CPU, 32-Core GPU, 36 GB Memory, 1 TB SSD, Three Thunderbolt 5 Ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W Power Adapter, $ 3,499/£ 3,499.
  • Apple M4 Max, 16-Core CPU, 40-Core GPU, 48 GB Memory, 1 TB SSD, Three Thunderbolt 5 Ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W Power Adapter, $ 3,999/£ 3,999.
  • Additional settings: 48 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB Unified Memory. Up to 8TB SSD.

What are viewing specifications?

  • The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen has an original resolution of 3,456 × 2,234, 1,600 nits of maximum brightness and 1,000 NITs for HDR content, but it now offers 1000 NITs to standard content, up from 600. 120Hz.
  • Chopped at the top of the display hides the 12MP Center Stage Camera with support for desk view and 1080p HD video recording. The minced does not affect the available screen area work area is a 16-to-10 room, while the screen around the chopped is considered extra space and used to display the menu bar.

How do I associate things? The 16-inch MacBook Pro has Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connection.

As for its gates, Apple includes three Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports compatible with USB-C. If you have a Thunderbolt device, you can connect it directly to the laptop. The same goes for any USB-C device. However, if you have wired devices that are not USB-C or are an older version of Thunderbolt, you need an adapter. We have a separate MacBook Pro Thunderbolt Adapter Guide to help you decide which ones you need. Unfortunately, you need to be prepared to replace a good amount of extra cash.

These laptops also come with an HDMI 2.0 port for connecting an external screen or projector and an SDXC card castle for connecting memory cards from cameras, audio recorders and other devices. The HDMI port supports Multicanal’s audio output.

How do I charge the laptop? Apple has equipped the 14 inches and 16-inch laptops with Magsafe, a magnetic plug that breaks away with a good tug. It is a nice security feature, but you can also charge using the Thunderbolt port. Battery life is improved for this generation: Up from 22 hours to 24 hours.

The fast charging feature allows the laptop to go off without a fee to 50 percent in 30 minutes, but you need to have the right power adapter to do this. Quick charging does not work through Thunderbolt or with an adapter with lower wattage, so you need 140W power adapter included in the box for this.

How fast is it? The 16-inch MacBook Pro models were built with pro users in mind, so you can expect excellent performance. Your software will be able to take full advantage of CPU’s multiple cores. If you are a professional, you will take advantage of the M4 Pro or M4 max.

Macworld’s Purchase Council: M4 Pro and Max launched in October 2024. There may be an update to an M5 chip late in 2025. As above, look for offers on M3 Pro and M3 MAX models, but note that there is more RAM in the newer models (24 GB up from 18 GB for entry level M4 Pro). We often see excellent deals and price cuts on these models, which although not so powerful are still excellent machines.

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