MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024) vs MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5 Pro or M5 Max)

The price Apple charged in the US on launch day for the lowest configuration, before tax.

This is not what the Mac costs today. More memory, storage or a faster chip cost extra. Older models drop in price over time, so check the used and refurbished links for current prices.

The chip is the Mac's brain. Since late 2020 Apple uses its own chips (Apple silicon: M1, M2 and later). Before that, MacBooks used Intel processors.

Apple silicon Macs run cooler and much longer on battery than Intel MacBooks, and can run many iPhone and iPad apps. Intel Macs can run Windows directly with Boot Camp; Apple silicon Macs cannot.

Matters most if: You need Windows, or you want the longest battery life.

More in the glossary →

The CPU is the part of the chip that runs your apps. More cores means it can work on more things at the same time.

More cores help most when exporting video, compiling code or running many apps at once. For browsing and email, the difference is small. Cores are only comparable within the same family: one Apple silicon core and one Intel core do not do the same amount of work.

The GPU handles graphics: what you see on screen, games, and video and photo effects. Apple lists GPU cores for its own chips.

More GPU cores make games, 3D work and video editing smoother. "Not published by Apple" means the Mac uses Intel or AMD graphics, which Apple does not describe in cores.

Storage is where your files, photos and apps are kept. This is the amount in the cheapest configuration. 1 TB (terabyte) is 1,024 GB.

Storage cannot be upgraded inside these MacBooks later. You can add an external drive, but it has to stay plugged in. Photo libraries and video fill storage fastest.

Screen size measured corner to corner, in inches. One inch is 2.54 cm.

A bigger screen fits two windows side by side more comfortably, but the laptop is larger and heavier. A 13-inch MacBook fits most bags; 16-inch models need a bigger one.

How many dots (pixels) make up the screen, across by down.

More pixels on the same size of screen make text and photos look sharper. macOS scales everything so text stays a comfortable size.

Wi-Fi generations. Each new one handles more devices at once and higher speeds: Wi-Fi 5 (2014), Wi-Fi 6 (2019), Wi-Fi 6E adds a new, less crowded radio band, Wi-Fi 7 is the newest.

You only get the extra speed if your router supports the same generation. With an older router, the difference is small.

More in the glossary →

Bluetooth connects wireless headphones, mice, keyboards and game controllers. Newer versions have more range and use less power.

Most accessories work with any of these versions. Newer versions mainly help with range and connection stability.

The power of the charger Apple includes in the box, in watts (W). Higher watts can charge faster.

A bigger charger refills the battery faster, especially on larger MacBook Pro models. Any USB-C charger works, but a small one charges slowly.

Apple's battery rating for watching video on a full charge, in Apple's own tests. Older models were tested playing downloaded movies, newer ones streaming video over Wi-Fi.

Real use with many apps, high brightness or heavy work drains the battery faster. Batteries also wear out, so an older MacBook today lasts less than it did when new.

Matters most if: You work away from a power outlet for long stretches.

Battery size in watt-hours (Wh): how much energy the battery holds.

A bigger battery helps, but how long it lasts depends even more on the chip. Apple silicon MacBooks last much longer than Intel ones with a similar battery.

Weight in kilograms. 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds.

A difference of 0.3 kg or more is noticeable when you carry the MacBook every day. The charger adds extra weight to your bag.

How thick the MacBook is when closed, in centimeters. 1 cm is about 0.4 inch. For tapered designs this is the thickest point.

Thinner MacBooks slide into bags and sleeves more easily. A few millimeters are hard to notice in daily use.