Sam Hill

Guides

Macbook Pro 13 vs. MacBook Pro 14: What's different?

The new and improved MacBook Pros are here, and they’re a major upgrade from last year’s model.

MacBook Pro 14.

The next generation of MacBooks Pros is here and it looks like Apple has taken some huge leaps all-around with the new models.

$1,299 vs. 1,999

A base version of the new 14-inch MacBook Pro costs $700 more than 2020's base 13-inch model.

3.5 pounds

Instead of focusing on going smaller, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro weighs a full half-pound more than the previous model.

Upgrading to M1 Pro or M1 Max chips

The M1 chip was revolutionary for Apple in 2020, but it looks like the company has already made major improvements with the new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips that power the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

M1 Pro chip

- Up to 16-core GPU

- 200GB/s memory bandwidth

- Support for up to 32GB of unified memory

- ProRes encode and decode engine

- Video encode engine

M1 Max chips

- Up to 32-core GPU

- 400GB/s memory bandwidth

- Support for up to 64GB of unified memory

- Two ProRes encode and decode engines

- Two video encode engines

The new MacBook Pro has a Liquid Retina XDR display that features the mini-LED technology used in iPad Pros. Apple says it will deliver up to 1,000 nits of sustained, full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The 13-inch Macbook Pro only hits 500 nits of brightness.

In layman’s terms, it’s going to be a lot brighter and crisper than the Retina display on last year’s Mac.

The new MacBook Pro screen has ProMotion technology, which has an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for a more fluid experience compared to older models.

Your screen will refresh at different rates depending on what you’re doing on your laptop to preserve battery life.

3024 X 1964 pixels

The 14-inch display has a higher resolution than last year's Mac, which only had a 2560 X 1600 pixel display.

1080p

A new FaceTime HD camera records at 1080p compared to the previous 720p cap. It also comes with a notch.

6 speakers

New MacBooks have a hi-fi, six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is stereo.

Spatial audio

Improved audio components allow for spatial audio when playing media with Dolby Atmos on the built-in speakers. And if you’re using AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, you can enable dynamic head tracking that lets audio move around in your earbuds depending on where your head moves for more immersive listening.

Neither of these audio features are available on the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Goodbye, Touch Bar

Apple is ditching the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pros, replacing it with a row of physical function keys similar to those on the standalone Magic Keyboard.

If you’re one of the few fans of the Touch Bar, you’ll have to grab the older 2020 model Mac to use it.

MagSafe returns

In another user-friendly switchback, Apple is bringing back the MagSafe magnetic charging connector after nixing it back in 2016. Apple says a 30-minute charge can bring the MacBook Pros up to 50 percent battery.

You can still charge the new MacBooks with the Thunderbolt ports if you’d like, but the MagSafe connects and disconnects more easily.

More ports!

In addition to three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the new MacBooks will have a HDMI port and a SDXC card slot. Upgrade your Mac and you can ditch all the dongles and adapters you needed to use accessories on your 2020 model.

17 hours

That's how long the new Macbook Pro can run on a full battery charge — a full 7 hours longer than the previous model.

Memory

The 13-inch MacBook Pro has 8GB and 16GB memory capacities while the new 14-in MacBook Pro is available with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB (on M1 Max models) memory capacities.

Storage

The new 14-inch Macbook Pro has better storage options too.

You can pick out a new mac with a 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB solid-state drive, where the 2020 model has fewer options that only hit 2TB at the peak.

Time to upgrade

If you’re looking for a new Mac or are considering an upgrade, and you have the budget, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is a powerful laptop. You’re getting a better computer in every category.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro will still be a worthwhile purchase at a lower price point, but the price tag is the only factor that makes it a more attractive choice.

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