Pros
– Solid build quality that looks and feels premium
– Space black variant available in base M4 MacBook Pro
– Stunning, vibrant and lively display, now with nano-textured coating
– Starts at 16GB RAM
– M4 SoC is a performance beast
– Improved I/O thanks to an additional Thunderbolt port
– Improved multi-monitor support
– Massive improvements in the webcam
– Massive upgrades in macOS Sequoia, including Apple Intelligence
Cons
– Space black version catches fingerprints and smudges very easily
– Nano-textured display needs to be handled with care
– Gaming library is still very limited
– Upgrade tree for more RAM & Storage is very expensive
– Lacks WiFi 7
Price: Rs 2,04,900/- for the tested 16GB+1TB variant with Nano-textured display
Rating: 4.75/5
With the launch of the M4-powered MacBooks, we are now in the fourth generation of the Apple silicon-powered MacBook Pros and boy, do we have something special in our hands. While Windows laptops, thanks to ARM-based models and Intel’s Core Ultra 200V processors, have made some impressive strides, the MacBook Pro still holds the crown when it comes to offering a seamless mix of power, efficiency, and refinement.
Apart from the generational bump in improvement and efficiency (something that cannot be taken for granted anymore) we also get some meaningful upgrades with the MacBook Pros. The base model now features 16GB of unified memory, addressing a long-standing issue that the 8GB of memory that Apple was providing in a machine marked for Pros. The webcam gets a major boost, with a 12MP sensor that produces crisp, detailed visuals for video calls and photos.
Even battery life, which was already a strong point for the MacBook Pro, has been further improved, with the 14-inch model easily lasting a full workday and beyond. Apple also introduced a matte-finished nano-texture display option, adding a quality-of-life feature that many users were asking for.
Then, there is macOS Sequoia, paired with the M4 silicon which brings a smarter, more intuitive experience. And of course, there is macOS Sequoia, and the bunch of Apple Features that has started to roll in for beta users.
In daily use, the MacBook Pro M4 is a joy. It handles demanding tasks like video editing, rendering, and multitasking effortlessly while staying cool and responsive.
Having said that though, there still are a few chinks in the armour, here and there. But are they big and glaring enough that the put a dent into the experience of daily driving the 2024 M4-powered MacBook Pro? Well, we find out.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: Design
The MacBook Pro M4 hasn’t gone through a major makeover, but that’s not a bad thing. It still rocks its signature aluminium design — lightweight, solid, and as classy as ever. The little touches like the front lip that makes opening the lid a breeze and the trusty Touch ID button for super-fast logins are still here, and they’re as handy as ever.
At 31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55 cm and weighing just 1.55 kg, this 14-inch laptop is ridiculously easy to carry around. It slides into your bag like it belongs there and doesn’t make you feel like you’re hauling a brick.
Yes, there are professional laptop that come in at a smaller footprint, but do they look as premium as the MacBook Pro? Do they even come close to the performance and thermal efficiency of the might Apple Silicon? No chance.
Apple has given the M4 MacBook Pro a tiny but meaningful upgrade when it comes to ports. The base model now includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, up from two on the M3, along with an SD card slot, an HDMI port, a MagSafe 3 charging port, and the good old headphone jack. What I really appreciate is the fact that one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports is now on the right-hand side, as opposed to being bunched up all on one sides.
For those who need even more, the higher-end models with the M4 Pro chip throw in Thunderbolt 5 — because why not?
The Thunderbolt 4 port supports native DisplayPort 1.4, whereas the Thunderbolt 5 port goes up to DisplayPort 2.1.
One fun new perk is the colour selection. Gone are the days when you had to spend extra on the Pro models just to get the super-cool Space Black finish. Now, even the entry-level M4 MacBook Pro comes in both Silver and Space Black. The black version is seriously striking, though it’s not completely smudge-proof, so expect a few fingerprints by the end of the day.
This 14-inch MacBook Pro might look compact, but it doesn’t hold back. The keyboard is spacious and comfortable for long typing sessions, and the trackpad is roomy and smooth to use. The speakers are another win, delivering great sound for everything from Zoom calls to late-night Netflix binges.
In a nutshell, the MacBook Pro M4 doesn’t mess with a winning formula. It’s the same dependable, premium laptop with just enough upgrades to keep things fresh. Whether it’s the added ports, the expanded colour options, or that unbeatable combination of portability and power, it’s ready to handle whatever you throw at it.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: Display
The display on the MacBook Pro 14-inch continues to be a head-turner, even though it hasn’t undergone any dramatic changes from the previous model. Apple has opted to stick with the winning formula — a Liquid Retina XDR display that’s sharp, vibrant, and a joy to look at. With a resolution of 3024×1964 and a pixel density of 254 pixels per inch, this screen makes everything from spreadsheets to blockbuster movies pop.
Apple’s ProMotion technology is here too, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for buttery-smooth visuals. Whether you’re gaming, editing, or just scrolling through social media, the display keeps up beautifully. Fixed refresh rate options are also available, so you can choose what works best for specific tasks.
Apple has introduced a nano-texture display option this year, which is available as a ₹15,000 add-on. This coating is a game-changer for anyone who finds themselves working in bright or overly lit spaces. It significantly reduces glare and reflections, making it easier to see what’s on screen, even in challenging lighting conditions.
However, it’s not all sunshine — this display is a bit more delicate to clean. Apple provides a specialised microfibre cloth or its Polishing Cloth in the box, and they strongly recommend using only that. It’s a slight inconvenience, but the trade-off is a screen that handles bright light like a pro.
The display’s brightness levels are genuinely impressive. It can hit up to 1600 nits of peak brightness for HDR content, 1000 nits for sustained use, and another 1000 nits for SDR. Even when using the laptop under direct sunlight, like when I was editing documents in the back seat of a cab during a ride from Noida to Gurugram, posed no problems. I did not need to squint or awkwardly adjust the laptop to see what’s on the screen, which is a massive plus for people who are constantly on the go.
As for colours, Apple delivers its usual perfection. The panel supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, ensuring a cinematic experience whether you’re watching content or creating it. It also covers 100% of the sRGB colour space, 87% of AdobeRGB, and 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut. Translation?
It’s ideal for everything from casual Netflix binges to professional-level video editing. TrueTone also adds an extra layer of convenience by automatically adjusting the colour temperature to match your environment, and if you’re a stickler for accuracy, the display is easy to calibrate.
While the display is a marvel, there are a couple of niggles. The lack of a touchscreen option in 2024 feels like a missed opportunity. Touchscreens are becoming more common in high-end laptops, and it would have been a welcome addition here.
Also, the display is still not OLED panel, which would have offered even deeper blacks and better contrast. Then there’s the notch, which sits in the centre of the screen. While you get used to it over time, it can occasionally feel intrusive, especially if you’re using apps with sprawling menus.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: Keyboard and trackpad
Apple continues to dominate when it comes to laptop keyboards, and the MacBook Pro 14-inch sticks to the winning formula. The keyboard is nearly perfect, with keys that have just enough travel and a satisfying tactile feel. It’s a dream for touch typists, but even if you’re not one, typing on this keyboard feels natural and enjoyable.
The backlit array remains as handy as ever for working in low-light conditions, and the Touch ID power button in the top-right corner is both convenient and secure. If you’ve used a MacBook before, the familiar layout and feel will make you feel right at home.
That said, there is one small downside. The keys start with a sleek matte finish that feels premium, but after a bit of use, they tend to pick up oils from your fingers, leaving behind smudges that are tough to clean. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.
The trackpad, meanwhile, remains unbeatable. Apple’s Force Touch trackpad on the MacBook Pro 14-inch is large, precise, and packed with features. From pressure-sensing capabilities and force clicks to multi-touch gestures and pressure-sensitive drawing, it offers an unmatched level of functionality and responsiveness. Navigating with it feels effortless, whether you’re editing photos, switching apps, or simply browsing.
What truly sets Apple’s trackpad apart is how seamlessly it integrates into the overall user experience. No other laptop comes close in terms of precision and usability, making this one of the MacBook Pro’s standout features.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: Speakers and webcam
The MacBook Pro M4 makes a serious upgrade to its webcam, and it’s hard not to notice. The new 12MP Center Stage camera is a huge step up from the 1080p one on the M3 model. The difference is night and day — images are sharper, details pop, and even casual selfies on Photo Booth look way better. It’s perfect for video calls or virtual meetings, where a clear picture can make all the difference.
We particularly like the Center Stage feature of the MacBook Pro’s camera, that keeps you front and centre during calls, even if you’re moving around. Whether you’re pacing during a presentation or grabbing a prop mid-discussion, the camera smoothly adjusts to keep you in the frame.
But then there’s Desk View — a feature that tries to give a bird’s-eye view of your desk. Unfortunately, it feels more like a gimmick. The image looks distorted and low-res, making it more frustrating than useful. If you really need to show off your desk setup, using your iPhone with Apple’s Continuity Camera is a much smarter choice.
The speakers on the MacBook Pro M4 are nothing short of brilliant. Apple has packed in a six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers and tweeters, and the result is sound that feels rich and detailed.
Vocals are clear, the bass is punchy but balanced, and the mids are spot on. Whether it’s a video call, a movie night, or your favourite playlist, the audio quality doesn’t miss a beat.
Things get even better with Spatial Audio support. With Dolby Atmos, you get a surround-sound experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. If you’re using AirPods with dynamic head tracking, the audio becomes even more immersive. The system handles a variety of formats like MP3, FLAC, Apple Lossless, and Dolby Digital, so it’s versatile no matter what you’re listening to.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: Performance
Apple’s MacBook Pro M4 sets a new bar for laptop performance, delivering a level of power that’s hard to ignore. It outpaces the M1 Max-based MacBook Pro from three years ago and comes strikingly close to the base model of the M2 Max MacBook Pro from early 2023. This leap forward makes the M4 a machine that can handle nearly any task with ease, and for the vast majority of users, it will be more than enough.
At the heart of this beast is the new M4 chip, built on an advanced 3-nanometre process. In the unit that we were testing, Apple has crammed in a 10-core CPU with four high-performance cores and six efficiency cores, which ensures exceptional speed and multitasking.
We also get a 10-core GPU which offers ray tracing that’s twice as fast as its predecessor, making it a creative powerhouse. Add to that a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 38 TOPS and an overall 120GB/s memory bandwidth, and you’ve got a laptop that doesn’t just work — it soars.
In my testing, the MacBook Pro M4 breezed through everything that I threw at it. Dozens of Chrome tabs? No problem. Heavy-duty creative work in Photoshop and Premiere Pro? Easy.
It handled it all without hesitation. Even editing 4K ProRes video footage shot on the new iPhone 16 Pro Max in Final Cut Pro felt effortless. For most creators and professionals our test unit with its 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD would be a dream setup with excellent value for the performance it delivers.
And for some reason If you’re looking for more grunt, Apple has you covered. The M4 Pro and M4 Max variants offer even more horsepower, with options that include up to 14 CPU cores and GPUs with up to 40 cores.
Then, there is gaming. Gaming has long been the Achilles’ heel of Macs, but starting with the M3 SoC, Apple has been slowly changing the narrative. With the M4 chip, they are really starting to push things to a whole new level.
With dynamic mesh shading and faster ray tracing, Apple’s GPU is catching up, offering smoother, more immersive gameplay. Recent titles like Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage showcase what’s possible. Plus, gamers are also seeing a library that’s expanding by the day.
Apple’s Game Porting Tool also makes it easier for developers to bring triple-A titles to Apple’s ecosystem. Then, there is the company’s shared hardware ecosystem that spans devices like iPhones and iPads.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: MacOS Sequoia & Apple Intelligence
The MacBook Pro M4 ships with macOS Sequoia, and it’s packed with features that make the experience smoother and more intuitive. I upgraded to the developer beta of macOS 15.2 to try out the latest Apple Intelligence tools, but even before diving into AI, Sequoia brings some noteworthy updates.
One of the biggest quality-of-life improvements in macOS Sequoia is the new window tiling feature. It’s finally easier to arrange your workspace — just drag a window to the left or right of your screen, and the OS snaps it into place. While it’s not as robust as tools like Rectangle, it’s a welcome addition that makes multitasking less of a hassle.
Another highlight is iPhone Mirroring, which allows you to access your iPhone directly from your Mac, even if the phone is in another room. I tested this extensively, and it worked like a charm. The connection was seamless, giving me full access to my apps and notifications.
I found it incredibly useful for tasks like tracking packages, responding to emails, transferring files, and even placing orders on apps like Zomato. It’s a small but powerful feature that significantly reduced the time I spent picking up my phone.
The star of macOS 15.2 is Apple Intelligence, which brings AI tools to everyday tasks. Writing Tools, for instance, makes summarising long notes or reformatting text a breeze.
You can turn paragraphs into bullet points or create professional summaries to place at the top of your document. While I don’t love the idea of AI proofreading my copy, I can see its usefulness for email drafting or fine-tuning a professional tone.
However, not all features hit the mark. Image Playground, Apple’s generative AI tool, feels inconsistent. When I asked it to imagine a person as a Formula 1 driver, it outright refused to work. Even after tweaking the prompt to something simpler, like reimagining the person with a racing helmet, the results were far from impressive. Clearly, Apple still has some ground to cover in this area.
For those looking to push creativity further, the macOS 15.2 developer beta also integrates ChatGPT. This expands the potential of generative AI on macOS.
For example, I asked it to sketch a whimsical image of a dog driving a car, and it delivered in seconds. While this is more fun than functional, it shows the potential for generative AI in creative workflows.
macOS Sequoia and its developer beta for 15.2 bring exciting features that refine how you work and interact with your devices. From better window management to iPhone Mirroring and AI tools that assist with writing and creativity, there’s plenty to explore.
While some features, like Image Playground, need more polish, the overall updates make macOS feel smarter and more user-friendly than ever. For anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem, this is a step in the right direction.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: Battery
The 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 is equipped with a solid 72.4Wh battery and comes paired with a 70W USB-C power adapter for the MagSafe cable. While laptops across the board have been making strides in battery performance, Apple’s latest MacBook Pro continues to set a standard.
MacBooks have long been known for their exceptional battery endurance, often outlasting Windows laptops. However, that’s changing. ARM-based Windows machines and even Intel’s newer x86 laptops have narrowed the gap with impressive battery optimisation.
However, the M4 MacBook Pro still reigns supreme. Windows laptops powered by ARM chips might boast up to 16-17 hours of battery life and excellent sleep efficiency, but they often struggle with compatibility issues, which takes away a lot in terms of viability.
In terms of sheer battery life, the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 still maintains an edge. Apple claims up to 24 hours of video playback and around 16 hours of wireless web browsing. These figures aren’t just marketing fluff — our testing showed these estimates to be accurate.
In fact, some outlets have been reporting that they are getting even better battery life than Apple.
Whether you’re streaming movies, working on presentations, or simply browsing, this laptop can easily handle a full workday and still have enough juice left for some downtime.
The secret to the MacBook Pro’s impressive battery life boils down to the M4 chip and how efficient it is. Apple has fine-tuned the power-to-performance ratio, ensuring that the machine delivers top-tier performance while just sipping power. The display also plays a role — it’s not only visually stunning but also energy-efficient, further extending battery life.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 2024 Review: Verdict
The MacBook Pro M4 doesn’t come cheap, but for what it offers, it’s worth every penny. Apple has once again delivered a laptop that combines timeless design, premium build quality, and performance that sets the bar for others. If you’re a content creator looking for a powerful, portable machine, the M4 MacBook Pro deserves a serious look — especially if it fits your budget.
This year’s M4 series of Apple Silicon this year is mighty impressive, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. Whether you’re editing videos, designing graphics, or juggling multiple demanding applications, this laptop doesn’t miss a beat.
The addition of Apple Intelligence features, though still rolling out, promises to make workflows even smarter and more seamless. The new 12MP webcam is a significant improvement for video calls and content creation, and the battery life is, frankly, ridiculous — lasting well beyond a full workday.
The nano-texture display, while optional, is a standout feature for those who work in bright environments. It’s disappointing that this feature comes with an additional Rs 15,000 price tag, but it’s a worthwhile investment for professionals who need a glare-free display.
For most users, the base MacBook Pro, powered by the M4 silicon with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU will be more than enough. It’s an incredibly capable machine for content creation, coding, or general professional use. However, if your work involves a lot of 3D animations, rendering complex CAD models, training AI workloads, or gaming at high FPS, the M4 Pro or M4 Max variants are better suited for the job.
These configurations pack extra power and graphics capability for more demanding tasks.
The MacBook Pro M4 is as close to perfection as a laptop gets, despite its shortcomings. With its unmatched performance, sleek design, and incredible battery life, it is a solid choice for professionals. There is simply no mucking about it — all things considered, the MacBook Pro continues to be the best professional-grade laptop on the market.
