MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro, Late 2024)
I’ve been using the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch, 24GB Unified RAM, and 1TB SSD for a month now, and I can confidently say that this is the MacBook that truly fits my needs.
As someone who upgraded from a MacBook Air M2 15-inch, I had high expectations—and this machine has exceeded most of them.
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro was announced in October 2024, and I managed to get mine from Beyond the Box two months later. At a price of PhP162,990, it’s certainly not cheap, but I knew it would be worth it for my work in video production and occasional gaming. After a month of daily use, I’m ready to share my thoughts.
Build
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro packs a tremendously good build quality, showcasing Apple’s commitment to premium design and durability. The laptop features an aluminum unibody construction that shows a sense of robustness and sophistication. However, this solid build comes with a trade-off: it can be quite heavy, especially when you add a protective case.
Despite its sturdy construction, the aluminum body is not impervious to damage. I accidentally bumped my MacBook Pro resulting in a small dent in the casing. Fortunately, the dent was barely noticeable from most angles, and more importantly, it did not affect the laptop’s performance in any way. This incident underscores the importance of handling the device with care, as even minor accidents can leave lasting marks on the otherwise flawless exterior.
To mitigate the risk of further damage, I opted to use a slim case. This addition provides an extra layer of protection without significantly compromising the laptop’s sleek profile or adding excessive bulk.
Notable Build Features:
- Aluminum Unibody Design: Offers a premium look and feel while providing structural integrity.
- Weight: Heavier than its MacBook Air counterparts, which may be a consideration for users who prioritize portability.
- Durability: While robust, the aluminum body can dent if dropped, though internal components remain well-protected.
- Port Selection: Includes a variety of ports for connectivity, balancing functionality with the sleek design.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: Likely features Apple’s renowned Magic Keyboard and large Force Touch trackpad, known for their comfort and precision.
- Display: Houses a high-quality Liquid Retina XDR display, protected by durable glass.
The build quality of the MacBook Pro M4 Pro reflects Apple’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a device that not only performs well but also withstands the rigors of daily use. While it may be on the heavier side, the robust construction and premium materials justify its position as a high-end professional laptop.
Hardware Specs
The configuration I chose—24GB Unified RAM and 1TB SSD—hits the sweet spot for my needs. This setup is perfect for video editing workflows and can even handle gaming when needed.
Key Specs:
- M4 Pro Chip: A powerhouse with 14 cores (10 performance + 4 efficiency cores).
- 24GB Unified RAM: Seamlessly handles multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
- 1TB SSD: Fast storage with ample space for large video files.
This configuration ensures smooth performance whether I’m editing 4K videos or running multiple apps simultaneously.
Performance
Benchmarks
I’ve run several benchmarks to test the M4 Pro’s capabilities:
- Cinebench R23 (Single Core): Scored an impressive 2,182 points, topping the charts against other processors like Intel’s i7-1165G7.
- Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): Achieved 21,777 points, placing third behind workstation-grade chips like AMD’s Threadripper 2990WX.
- Cinebench 2024 (Single Core): Dominated with a score of 173 points, outperforming even Apple’s M1 Ultra.
- Cinebench 2024 (Multi Core): Scored 8,455 points, showcasing its prowess in multi-threaded tasks.
Real-World Usage
I primarily use this laptop for editing videos in DaVinci Resolve Studio. Compared to my previous MacBook Air M2:
A typical 11-minute 4K video edit involving A-Roll (8-bit SLOG3), B-Roll (Rec709), graphics, and background music took about 18–20 minutes to render on the Air. On the MacBook Pro M4 Pro? It finishes in just 7 minutes.
While I don’t game much on this device, I tested it with Civilization VII. The experience was smooth with consistent FPS and vibrant visuals—a testament to both its GPU power and display quality.
Battery Life
Battery life has always been a strong suit for Apple laptops, and the MacBook Pro M4 Pro is no exception. However, compared to my MacBook Air M2, I find myself charging this device more frequently—not because the battery drains faster but because I use it more intensively.
The included 70W charger is a lifesaver, quickly juicing up the laptop when needed.
Audio
The audio quality on this MacBook Pro is leagues ahead of my previous MacBook Air. The speakers deliver rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs—perfect for previewing video edits or enjoying music during breaks.
To date, Apple’s line-up of laptops – including this MacBook Pro M4 Pro – always take the cake when it comes to audio performance. It is unbelievable loud, and it definitely has something to do with how Apple builds their devices with expertise and precision that can holistically benefit every feature of it, including audio.
Software and Apple Intelligence
Apple’s software ecosystem remains one of its strongest selling points. With macOS Ventura pre-installed, everything feels seamless—especially if you own other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad. Features like Handoff and Universal Control make multitasking across devices effortless.
However, as someone who occasionally uses Android devices, integrating them into Apple’s ecosystem is still a challenge. Workarounds exist but aren’t always reliable. I needed to download MacDroid in order for me to have a better and seamless workaround in accessing my files from Android smartphones.
One standout feature is Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools, which work across apps—making note-taking or drafting documents incredibly convenient. Playground is another feature that lets me be creative in creating avatars and images of people.
However, I need to address the elephant in the room here: MacBook’s AI, particular its assistant, Siri, pales in comparison to Windows’ Copilot (and Google Gemini, even more). Yes, Writing Tools is very much accessible and works great, but Siri needs a much needed overall. It is weird that I am writing this now on a MacBook, while thinking that Siri may be snooping around. If she is, then read this Siri: it’s not me, it’s you.
High Price for Tremendous Performance
At PhP162,990, this laptop isn’t for everyone—but if you’re a professional who needs power on the go, it’s worth every peso. The combination of top-tier performance, stunning display quality, excellent audio, and seamless software integration makes it an ideal choice for video editors like me.
While there are drawbacks—such as Siri’s underwhelming performance, its weight and limited Android compatibility—the benefits far outweigh them. Whether you’re editing videos or running demanding applications, this machine delivers consistently outstanding results.
If you’re considering upgrading from an older MacBook or even a high-end Windows laptop and need something that can handle professional workloads with ease, the MacBook Pro M4 Pro is an excellent investment.
As of this posting, the new MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro, Late 2024) is available at Beyond the Box for PhP162,990. You can buy at limited time price of PhP153,990.
Source: Gadget Pilipinas
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