14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide 2024

[MacRumors]

The MacBook Pro is available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, with three distinct models starting at $1,599, $1,999, and $2,499, so which should you choose?

With a range of three similar models in the lineup to choose from, our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these MacBook Pros is best for you. The three models are as follows:

• 14-Inch MacBook Pro with M4: An entry-level model for users who need a machine that is more powerful and versatile than the MacBook Air.
• 14-Inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max: A more powerful, high-end model with a choice of performance-focused chips. It comes with higher memory bandwidth, larger quantities of memory, support for additional external displays, and an 8TB storage option, but loses two hours of battery life.
• 16-Inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max: A model with identical specifications to the 14-inch model with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chips, but with a significantly larger display and up to two extra hours of battery life. It also gains High Power Mode to boost performance.

Each MacBook Pro is configurable to add more a more powerful processor and larger quantities of memory and storage. Read on for a detailed break down of all of the differences between the three MacBook Pro models.

14-Inch MacBook Pro (With M4)	14-Inch MacBook Pro (With M4 Pro and M4 Max)	16-Inch MacBook Pro
14.2-inch display	14.2-inch display	16.2-inch display
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)	0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)	0.66 inches thick (1.68 cm)
Weighs 3.4 pounds (1.55 kg)	M4 Pro: Weighs 3.5 pounds (1.61 kg) M4 Max: Weighs 3.6 pounds (1.62 kg)	M4 Pro: Weighs 4.7 pounds (2.14 kg) M4 Max: Weighs 4.8 pounds (2.16 kg)
Configurations start with M4 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU	Configurations start with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU	Configurations start with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU
	High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance	High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
120GB/s memory bandwidth	M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth	M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory	M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory	M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
Support for two external displays	M4 Pro: Support for two external displays M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays	M4 Pro: Support for two external displays M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports	Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports	Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port	Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port	Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port (with 240W cable only)
Up to 24-hour battery life	M4 Pro: Up to 22-hour battery life M4 Max: Up to 18-hour battery life	M4 Pro: Up to 24-hour battery life M4 Max: Up to 21-hour battery life
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery	Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery	Integrated 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
70W USB-C Power Adapter	70W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU) or 96W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU or M4 Max, configurable with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU)	140W USB-C Power Adapter
512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage	512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage	512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
Starts at $1,599	Starts at $1,999	Starts at $2,499

Display Size

The MacBook Pro is offered in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch display sizes. The 16.2-inch display is a better replacement for a desktop machine and provides much more screen space to arrange multiple windows and use professional applications that benefit from the additional display area. The 14.2-inch display is still larger than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and will likely be the best overall balance of needs for most users.

Design

The 16-inch model is, of course, physically larger than the 14-inch model, with a markedly bigger overall footprint. It is also worth noting that the 16-inch model is also 0.13 cm thicker and up to 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg) heavier.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro is decidedly more portable and comfortable than the 16-inch model to carry around on a daily basis. Though the 16-inch MacBook Pro can still fit in larger bags and is an acceptable size for travel, it is a much bigger, heavier machine. If you are considering the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you should make sure you are comfortable with its size and weight—especially if you plan to use it on the go.

Chip Configurations

Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models are equally upgradeable to the M4 Max chip with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, but if you are looking to spend as little as possible or do not need a high level of performance for intense workflows the 14-inch MacBook Pro is also available with the standard M4 chip. The M4 offers a more balanced processor with more of a focus on efficiency to prolong battery life, which will be more appropriate for users with less demanding requirements. Buyers should be aware that the M4 chip is limited to 120GB/s memory bandwidth, 32GB of memory, 2TB storage, and supports just two external displays.

The base configuration of the 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, while the base 16-inch model contains an M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU. If you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts wi... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: 14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide 2024

 

[GadgetBen]

Can't wait for my 16" to arrive next week.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Nice comparison! I’m surprised 💻 Is very thick

 

[crsh1976]

I'm very happy they made all CPU/GPU options available on the 14-inch model, rather than having to get the bigger and more expensive model to get the fastest processor available.

 

[fenderbass146]

I literally just got a 2019 16" a few days ago (used) and I plan on having it for the next 2-3 years. As of now I still rely on Windows VM's and Bootcamp a lot, but man am I excited about the 14". I've always liked the smaller form factor but always needed the power of the bigger models. I'm so excited the more portable option is a no comprmise performance monster like it's big brother. I love where Apple is going. I really hope official Windows ARM comes along so I can run it in VM's and x64 emulation in said VM's. (Not ever expecting bootcamp/dualboot) If that happens it will be a no brainer for my next laptop to get one of these or the next gen version.

 

[mrkkbb]

Not impressed with the weight, especially the 14", a step backwards. I just can't understand why the Mac mini was not updated with these new chips as well. That is what I'm waiting for. Still waiting on a non-experimental native silicon gfortran and Matlab -- 1 year later. Hopefully now that the intel is almost out of the Apple line-up, Mathworks will get the fire lit under them to hurry up. I suspect it all has to do with their numerical libraries being Fortran based.

 

[StoneJack]

I literally just got a 2019 16" a few days ago (used) and I plan on having it for the next 2-3 years. As of now I still rely on Windows VM's and Bootcamp a lot, but man am I excited about the 14". I've always liked the smaller form factor but always needed the power of the bigger models. I'm so excited the more portable option is a no comprmise performance monster like it's big brother. I love where Apple is going. I really hope official Windows ARM comes along so I can run it in VM's and x64 emulation in said VM's. If that happens it will be a no brainer for my next laptop to get one of these or the next gen version.

I have also 2019 Macbook Pro 13.3 inches and was thinking about upgrade to 14 inch. It is so powerful that now it seems like an overkill for my modest needs (i want portability and long battery life). But I also would want new MBP's incredible battery life...

 

[R3k]

Oops, in my rush to buy the 14'' inch asap, I added the 96W USB-C Power Adapter to my base model configuration.

 

[StoneJack]

Not impressed with the weight, especially the 14", a step backwards. I just can't understand why the Mac mini was not updated with these new chips as well. That is what I'm waiting for. Still waiting on a non-experimental native silicon gfortran and Matlab -- 1 year later. Hopefully now that the intel is almost out, Mathworks will get the fire lit under them to hurry up. I suspect it all has to do with their numerical libraries being Fortran based.

It is almost same weight as 13.3 inch MBP 2019.

 

[sw1tcher]

I just can't understand why the Mac mini was not updated with these new chips as well.

These chips are for Apple's "Pro" machines. Apple is not targeting the Pro user with the Mac mini.

That said, I'd love to see a M1 Pro in the Mac mini as well.

 

[solarmon]

me likee

 

[kingtj1971]

I literally just got a 2019 16" a few days ago (used) and I plan on having it for the next 2-3 years. As of now I still rely on Windows VM's and Bootcamp a lot, but man am I excited about the 14". I've always liked the smaller form factor but always needed the power of the bigger models. I'm so excited the more portable option is a no comprmise performance monster like it's big brother. I love where Apple is going. I really hope official Windows ARM comes along so I can run it in VM's and x64 emulation in said VM's. If that happens it will be a no brainer for my next laptop to get one of these or the next gen version.

I've owned one of these since they came out in 2019.... 16" Core i9 2.4Ghz model w/32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD. IMO, it's basically the best Mac portable you can buy if you want to dual boot into Windows 10, and probably for Windows VMs too.

After hours of debate though, I pulled the trigger to pre-order one of these new 16" models and accepted Apple's trade-in credit for giving them this 2019 model back.

In my case, it's only because I have a really nice "gaming laptop" now with AMD RTX2080 graphics -- and it'll support Windows 11 with no problems, should I want to upgrade to that. I'm realizing that on the Mac side, my ideal setup would be having the Mac that runs the native OS X stuff as well as possible (and that increased battery life!). The other stuff can just be done on the other machine.

It's nice having "one tool to do it all" ... but not worth the compromises when the new M1 CPUs are this much more efficient on the Mac side.

 

[Realityck]

Very useful comparison, so many likely to buy for doing pro work.

 

[sw1tcher]

Now I'm curious what the rumored redesigned MBA (for 2022) will be like. MagSafe? HDMI? Since it's more a mainstream consumer model, maybe even one USB A port?

 

[telo123]

That MiniLed, almost 4k screen, HDR, 120 Hz ... so tempted. I'm by no means a pro user and would use it for school, but that screen on a mobile Mac ...

 

[donster28]

The base 14" is all you need folks! Don't get into the hype and buy the most expensive configuration because next year there'll be a better one! That's how I justify my base 14" purchase hahahaha....

 

[solarmon]

These chips are for Apple's "Pro" machines. Apple is not targeting the Pro user with the Mac mini.

That said, I'd love to see a M1 Pro in the Mac mini as well.

I’m going to replace my ~2015 Mac mini with the 14” Mac Pro…for portability, first and foremost. The added ports were like they were reading my mind.

 

[Macalway]

These things are a geeks wet dream. Now they can lug these around just like the good ol days.

 

[solarmon]

Apple is definitely going to get more purchases outta my wife and I, mainly due to Apple Card 12 and 24-month 0% payments. Love that. But go figure: they let me do the Watch for 24 months, but the 14” pro for only 12?!

 

[mcilwraith]

damn. im not sure which way to go. I have used 15" MBPs for about 20 years. was kind of waiting for the 16" but its very expensive. would I be happy with a 14"? its strictly a stay at home machine, so I dont need portability. and my eyes are going (age), I like the big screen, but cant use an external. 14" or 16"?? Hmmmm.

 

[solarmon]

These things are a geeks wet dream. Now they can lug these monsters just like the good ol days.

(i'm going to need a hand-cart)

KayPro II — 1981, 30 pounds light 🙄

 

[PowerGala]

Apple would have made it so much easier on me if they would have released a new Mini. Now I'm trying to figure out which one of the new laptops that I want. I kind of think the 16 inch is too big and I'm not sure if I really need 1TB of storage... Right now I'm leaning towards the $2500 14 inch configuration over the base model.

 

[solarmon]

damn. im not sure which way to go. I have used 15" MBPs for about 20 years. was kind of waiting for the 16" but its very expensive. would I be happy with a 14"? its strictly a stay at home machine, so I dont need portability. and my eyes are going (age), I like the big screen, but cant use an external. 14" or 16"?? Hmmmm.

Yes! You can. HDMI port. Hell, get a 42” screen for it!

 

[RightMACatU]

In a pickle - I could upgrade to a base 14" from my 2020 Intel MBA as I find myself needing more video conversion horsepower, BUT, I also need my Windows 10 VM from time to time. Not keen on having two laptops.

Curious to hear about what are people doing in such a case?
Thanks.

 

[solarmon]

Apple would have made it so much easier on me if they would have released a new Mini. Now I'm trying to figure out which one of the new laptops that I want. I kind of think the 16 inch is too big and I'm not sure if I really need 1TB of storage... Right now I'm leaning towards the $2500 14 inch configuration over the base model.

I always buy more memory than I think I need and never regret. In the process now of scanning allllll of my old phots, class notes, books, etc. Tired of lugging them around.