Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro vs HP Envy 16 (2024)
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Pro 14 M3 Pro delivers exceptional performance with its unified architecture and stunning Liquid Retina XDR display offering 1600 nits brightness and ProMotion smoothness, making it superior for creative professionals. HP's Envy 16 (2024) counters with a larger 16-inch IPS touchscreen, more traditional ports including two USB-A slots, and $600 lower pricing. Battery life favors Apple significantly at 17 hours versus HP's 10 hours, while HP provides 1TB storage standard compared to MacBook's 512GB base. For video editing, design, and demanding workflows, the M3 Pro's efficiency and display quality justify its premium. Budget-conscious users preferring larger screens and Windows ecosystem compatibility should consider the Envy 16. The MacBook Pro's portability, battery endurance, and pro-grade display make it the stronger choice for serious users willing to invest in longevity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro if…
- →M3 Pro with 3nm process delivers 20% faster CPU than M2 Pro
- →Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- →18 GB unified memory is a welcome base RAM increase over M2 Pro
Buy the HP Envy 16 (2024) if…
- →Optional NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU for creative and light gaming workloads
- →Excellent 2.5K 120Hz touchscreen display
- →Comprehensive port selection including SD card reader
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro
Pros
- M3 Pro with 3nm process delivers 20% faster CPU than M2 Pro
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- 18 GB unified memory is a welcome base RAM increase over M2 Pro
- 17-hour battery life is outstanding for a pro laptop
- Excellent port selection with HDMI, SD card reader, and MagSafe
Cons
- $1999 starting price is steep for the base configuration
- 512 GB base SSD may fill quickly for creative professionals
- 1.61 kg is noticeably heavier than the MacBook Air
- Notch on display can interfere with certain menu bar apps
- macOS limits gaming compared to Windows laptops
HP Envy 16 (2024)
Pros
- Optional NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU for creative and light gaming workloads
- Excellent 2.5K 120Hz touchscreen display
- Comprehensive port selection including SD card reader
- User-upgradeable RAM and storage
Cons
- Heavy and bulky for daily portability
- Battery life suffers under GPU load
- Fans get loud during intensive workloads
- Bezel design feels dated next to Spectre line
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro | HP Envy 16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sonoma | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.61 kg | 2.34 kg |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm | 358 x 252 x 19.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| USB-C ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours wireless web | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 72.4 Wh | 83 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 16 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | IPS touchscreen |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe (configurable to 4 TB) | 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 18 GB unified | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU | 16 cores |
| Chipset | Apple M3 Pro | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all HP products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro or the HP Envy 16 (2024).

