The Apple MacBook Pro is one of the few laptops on the planet that ticks every box for personal and professional use. It is slim and smart, looks dashing on the arm, and works great, too; what else could anyone ask for? At this point, it’s safe to say that MacBook Pro is its competition, and we mean it.
If you own a MacBook or even a Windows laptop and are looking for an upgrade, it's recommended to consider the Pro lineup. You could switch from the 14-inch to the 16-inch keeping all specs the same, for a change, or you could upgrade from an M3 to an M4. This particular M Series Chip model upgrade can be ambiguous for some though, hence, it's always best to evaluate the differences.
So here we are with a detailed analysis of the common features and differences between the MacBook Pro M4 and M3. This blog will clarify the confusion so you can decide whether to upgrade.
Macbook Pro M4 - Overview
Released on November 8, 2024, the MacBook Pro M4 is a genius work of art. Backed by the super-powerful M4 chip, this laptop works at a frequency of 4.46 GHz at 100% resource utilization. This M4 is available in two versions: a 16-inch version and a 14-inch version.
The Macbook M4 has two other versions based on the processor advancements; the M4 Pro and the M4 Max. With the M4 Pro and Max, you can benefit from a maximum clock frequency of 4.51 GHz. Clearly, the Pro and Max versions are better than the simple M4 version, however, between the two, Max takes the spot as the best in terms of GPU outcome.
Macbook Pro M3 - Overview
The 2023 MacBooks were introduced to the world on November 7, 2023, with the unveiling of the M3 series of processors. This laptop comes in two sizes - a 14-inch and a 16-inch, both featuring the same specs and performance (yet 16-inch is more popular). In general, this device has a max clock speed of 4.05 GHz.
The M3 line has a hierarchy that coordinates with the M3 chip hierarchy. Hence, there are Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max which are the more progressive versions of the basic M3. While the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, all have the same clock rate frequency, performance-wise, each is better than its previous version.
Difference Between Macbook Pro M4 and M3
Specs | Macbook Pro M3 | Macbook Pro M4 |
Cores | 8 (4 P-cores + 4 E-cores) | 10 (4 P-cores + 6 E-cores) |
Transistors | 25 billion | 28 billion |
Lithography | First Gen 3nm | Second Gen 3nm |
Battery Life | Up to 22 hours | Up to 24 hours |
Camera | 1080p HD | 12 MP Center Stage |
Unified Memory
The unified memory of the Apple Mac usually depends upon the M-chip cores and architecture. Even with a similar architecture type, the memory capacity could be different, so it varies. The M4 features 16GB or 24GB memory which is configurable to 24GB and 34GB respectively. M3, on the other hand, has an 8GB unified memory configurable to 16 GB.
Display
While the screen resolution and screen aspect ratio are the same for both variants, there’s a considerable difference in the SDR brightness level. The M4 boasts a brightness level of 1000 nits while the M3 has only 600 nits brightness. This makes M4 better as you can view the display outdoors under scorching sunlight. Additionally, the M4 screen is anti-glare, also known as a nano-texture display.
Design & Ports
In terms of design, almost everything is the same, except for the color options. While the M3 is available only in silver, space black, and space gray colors, the M4 comes in silver, space gray, space black as well as a gorgeous midnight shade. But that’s not it! Unlike the two Thunderbolt 5 ports M3, the M4 features three ports (including two from M3). Aside from the Thunderbolt 5, the rest of the ports that are the same in both versions include the SDXC card, HDMI, headphone jack, Magsafe, charging, and display ports.
Performance
Performance-wise, the M4 takes the spot as the more efficient laptop, owing to its advanced specs. Most of the credit for this speedy execution goes to the M4 processor which draws less power to perform complex tasks, than M3. By comparing the same amount of workload between the two devices, it is evident the M4 chip is simply a breakthrough.
Similarities Between Macbook Pro M4 and M3
Keyboard & Trackpad
The Apple Laptop M4 and M3 feature an identical keyboard and trackpad, both of which are the highlight of the design. Starting with the keyboard that has superior cushioning which allows you to type uninterrupted. As for the trackpad, the smooth surface area has the click, force-click, two-finger scroll, pinch to zoom, and launchpad access options among other trackpad shortcut actions.
Accessories
A brand-new Apple Laptop (regardless of M-model) comes with a couple of accessories included in the box. The USB-C to MagSafe-3 cable along with the USB-C power adapter that is used to charge the battery laptop. For the 14-inch Mac-Pro, 70W and 96W adapters are available while the 140W adapter is only for the 16-inch notebook.
Built-in Apps
No matter which Mac you own, Apple will always install a few apps by default. For productivity, there's a Calculator, Calendar, Dictionary, Notes, and Shortcuts among others. There are also a few applications for your entertainment like Books, Podcasts, and Apple TV. Safari, Maps, and Find My App are also found in Mac aside from other Apple devices.
Neural Engine Cores
The Neural Engine in a Mac is often confused with a GPU, which is wrong. They are like processors that drive power to the AI-driven applications installed in the Mac. Its main goal is to enhance and accelerate machine learning in the device. Both the M3 and M4 feature a similar NPU with 16 cores each.
Final Verdict
The Macbook Pro M3 and M4 might sound like two sides of the same coin; one bright, the other light, but it’s not so. Even though they feature a few similarities with some quite outweighing ones like the Neural Engine, the differences shine louder. The specs and performance of these two devices differ from each other majorly and from every angle, the M4 turns out to be the better variant.
With the Apple Mac M4, you can run high-power tasks without losing much power. The SDR nits also make the display worth every penny. Every aspect of this device is spot-on and it can be said, with confidence, that upgrading from Macbook Pro M3 to M4 is a brilliant idea for an improved workflow.
