Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 vs Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Both 14-inch MacBook Pros deliver exceptional build quality and stunning Liquid Retina XDR displays with 3024x1964 resolution and 120Hz ProMotion. Performance differences are substantial: the M4 Pro features a 12-core CPU with 16-core GPU and 24GB RAM versus the M3's 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 8GB RAM—translating to noticeably faster multitasking and professional workloads. Battery life advantages also favor the M4 Pro, rated for up to 22 hours versus 17 hours on the M3. Both share identical ports (Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, SD card, MagSafe) and weigh nearly the same. The $400 price premium for the M4 Pro is justified for users running demanding applications, video editing, or planning long-term usage. However, the M3 remains capable for web browsing, office work, and lighter creative tasks, making it better value for budget-conscious students or casual users.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sonoma | macOS Sequoia |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.55 kg | 1.60 kg |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | Aluminum unibody |
| Dimensions | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 3 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours wireless web | Up to 22 hours wireless web |
| Capacity | 72.4 Wh | 72.4 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 14.2 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 3024 x 1964 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 1600 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB unified | 24 GB unified |
| Cores | 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU |
| Chipset | Apple M3 | Apple M4 Pro |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3
Pros
- Full ProMotion mini-LED XDR display at the $1599 entry tier
- Excellent 17-hour battery life for a 14-inch machine
- Compact and portable at 1.55 kg
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI and SD card
- Silent under light-to-moderate workloads
Cons
- 8 GB base RAM is restrictive for demanding tasks
- Storage upgrades carry a steep Apple premium
- M3 GPU struggles with heavy 3D workloads compared to Pro/Max
- Notch in display polarises opinions
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 Pro
Pros
- Powerful M4 Pro performance in a portable chassis
- Bright mini-LED ProMotion display
- Long battery life around 22 hours
- Three Thunderbolt 5 ports for high-speed I/O
- Excellent build quality and speakers
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Base RAM bumped to 24 GB raises entry cost
- Notch in display divides opinion
- No cellular or touchscreen option
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