The 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro M4 Pro scales new heights in terms of power and efficiency. With nearly 21 hours of battery life and unmatched performance, this professional-grade laptop feels like it’s breaking the laws of physics. Whether you’re a power user, a content creator, or someone who craves a machine that can handle anything you throw at it, this device is undoubtedly worth considering.
DigiSky Geeks Verdict
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro is an absolute powerhouse that excels in performance, display, and battery life. While the price is steep at $2,499 (starting), Apple delivers significant value this year with upgraded base specs, making it one of the best laptops on the market.
Pros
- Nearly 21 hours of battery life
- Incredible performance
- Bright and vivid display
- Excellent audio quality
- High-quality webcam
Cons
- Lacks Face ID
- Awkward vent placement
- Expensive upgrades
Specifications and Benchmarks
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $2,499 (starting), $3,499 (as reviewed) |
| Processor (CPU) | Apple M4 Pro (14-core) |
| Graphics (GPU) | Apple M4 Pro (20-core) |
| RAM | 48GB (upgraded from 24GB base) |
| Storage | 2TB (upgraded from 512GB base) |
| Display | 16.2-inch, 3456 x 2234, 120Hz Mini-LED |
| Battery Life | 20 hours, 46 minutes |
| Weight | 4.7 pounds |
| Ports | 3 x Thunderbolt 5, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x MagSafe 3, SDXC card reader |
Benchmark Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 Score | 22,822 (Exceptional) |
| Handbrake Conversion | 2:38 (Lower is better) |
| SSD Write Speed | 6,640 MBps |
| SSD Read Speed | 5,353 MBps |
| Battery Life | 20:46 |
| Display Brightness | 565 nits (HDR Peak: 1,116 nits) |
Price and Configurations
The 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro starts at $2,499 with improved base specifications in 2024:
- 24GB RAM (upgraded from 18GB)
- 14-core CPU / 20-core GPU (upgraded from 12-core / 18-core in M3 Pro)
- 512GB SSD
Our review unit costs $3,499, featuring:
- 48GB RAM ($400 upgrade)
- 2TB SSD ($600 upgrade)
For extreme users, the M4 Max configuration starts at $3,499 and can reach up to $7,349 with 128GB RAM, an 8TB SSD, and the nano-texture display.
Design
While the external design remains largely unchanged since 2021, Apple continues to prioritize a sturdy and professional build.
Highlights:
- Dimensions and Weight: 14 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches; 4.7 pounds
- Space Black & Silver Colors: Space Black is sleek but prone to fingerprints.
- Classic MacBook Feel: The raised black pads and engraved “MacBook Pro” logo add premium touches.
- Awkward Vents: Vents at the back and sides occasionally catch fingers when lifting the device.
Despite its weight, the MacBook Pro is durable and feels premium, making it an excellent choice for professionals.
Ports
The 16-inch MacBook Pro (2024) adds future-proof Thunderbolt 5 ports, ensuring compatibility with the latest peripherals.
Port List:
- 3 x Thunderbolt 5
- 1 x HDMI 2.1
- 1 x MagSafe 3
- 1 x SDXC card reader
- 1 x Headphone/Mic Jack
While USB Type-A is missing, most users can easily adapt with a USB-C hub.
Battery Life
The 20:46 battery life sets a new standard for premium laptops, outlasting all competitors except the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (non-MacBook category).
Comparison:
| Laptop | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) | 20:46 |
| Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Max) | 18:05 |
| Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i | 9:51 |
| Asus ProArt PX16 (2024) | 9:32 |
Display
The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display impresses with stunning colors, deep contrast, and high brightness.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3456 x 2234
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (ideal for smooth scrolling and gaming)
- Mini-LED: Offers exceptional HDR brightness (1,116 nits) and SDR brightness (565 nits).
- Nano-Texture Option: Reduces glare for $150 extra, ideal for bright environments.
The MacBook Pro’s display is exceptional for photo editing, video production, and even casual gaming.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Magic Keyboard delivers a comfortable typing experience, outperforming Apple’s old butterfly mechanism.
Typing Experience:
- 91 WPM at 99% accuracy on 10fastfingers.com
- Well-spaced keys with tactile feedback
Touchpad:
- Size: 6.25 x 3.9 inches
- Best-in-class palm rejection and gesture support
Audio
Apple’s six-speaker sound system provides clear, immersive audio, outperforming most laptops in its class.
- Spatial Audio Support: Works seamlessly with Dolby Atmos content.
- Dynamic Head Tracking: Pairs with AirPods for an enhanced experience.
Whether you’re watching movies or editing soundtracks, the audio performance is superb.
Performance and Heat
The M4 Pro chip showcases unparalleled performance without breaking a sweat, even under heavy workloads.
Performance Tests:
- Geekbench 6: 22,822 (outperforms most competitors, including last year’s M3 Max).
- Real-World Tasks: Flawless performance in Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and 4K video rendering.
Despite its power, the MacBook Pro stays cool, with temperatures peaking at 90°F during stress tests.
Gaming and Graphics
While not designed as a gaming laptop, the MacBook Pro handles games with ease:
- Sid Meier’s Civ VI: 98 fps
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 79 fps
For casual gaming or 3D rendering, the M4 Pro GPU is more than capable.
Webcam
The 1080p FaceTime HD camera delivers clear, sharp visuals, ideal for video conferencing.
Conclusion
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024) is a powerhouse that combines unmatched performance, exceptional battery life, and premium design. While the price is steep, the base model offers better value than previous iterations, making it the ultimate tool for professionals and creatives.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Should You Buy It?
If you’re a professional who values power, portability, and battery life, the MacBook Pro M4 Pro is the best investment you can make in 2025.
