Apple MacBook Pro M4 review: faster, better and cheaper

Features

• The laptop runs the latest version of macOS Sequoia 15.1, which ships with a variety of new features and AI tools.

• The base-model M4 laptop gains an additional Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 port compared with its predecessor and is capable of driving two external monitors and the laptop display at once.

Price

• The 14in MacBook Pro M4 starts at £1,599 (€1,899/$1,599/A$2,499), making it £100 or so cheaper than last year’s M3 models.

AI Tools

• Apple Intelligence features include AI writing tools capable of proofing, rewriting, and summarizing text.

• Other small AI tools are dotted around various apps, such as natural language search in the Photos app and AI smart replies in the Mail and Messages apps.

Key Features

• M4 Chip: Up to 25% faster than the outgoing M3 chip and up to 1.8 times as fast as the original M1 chip

• 16GB RAM: Double the amount of its predecessor, making it suitable for demanding tasks

• Long Battery Life: Lasts around 21 hours with light browsing and 18 hours with heavy usage

• 14.2in Screen: Super bright and crisp mini LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate

• Nano-Texture Display Option: Available for £150 more, significantly reducing glare in bright light or outdoors

• 12MP Centre Stage Camera: Upgrade from the previous model, ideal for video conferencing and photography

• Three USB-C Ports: Can connect to two external monitors at once