Unleashing Power: The MacBook Pro 14-Inch with M3 Max Dominates Workflows and Gaming!

Scary Fast — Apple’s invitation for the October event regarding Macs contained an apparent hint about its latest MacBook Pro series. This gathering introduced a new family of M3 chips along with fresh MacBook Pro and iMac models. Over the past few weeks, we have been testing the 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M3 Max chip to evaluate its performance under rigorous workloads, and it’s nothing short of a powerhouse. The primary goal of this review was to determine the limits of the MacBook Pro with M3 Max when managing several demanding tasks, and we are pleasantly surprised. Additionally, we will address who might benefit from a laptop featuring M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max — considering these are among the pricier options in India. Despite the variety of SKUs available, the new MacBook Pro series can justify their pricing adequately.

This year, Apple has targeted various demographics — students, entrepreneurs, creators, or even a mix of all three with its entry-level M3 chip — followed by coders, designers, and researchers using the M3 Pro. The premium M3 Max extends the capabilities even further, making it an optimal device for AI developers, 3D designers, and video editors. Notably, Apple has, for the first time, aggressively marketed gaming with its latest MacBook models, which we will explore in detail at a later time.

As an individual who purchased the initial generation of Apple silicon, which continues to operate perfectly, the M3 Max feels like a vehicle with rapid speeds akin to a bullet train. Enough build-up; let’s dive into this review.

 

MacBook Pro 14-Inch Review: Pricing and Features in India

The 14-inch MacBook Pro pricing in India initiates at Rs. 1,69,900 for the base M3 chip model featuring an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD storage. The baseline variant of the M3 Pro is priced at Rs. 1,99,900 and includes an 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 18GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD storage. For the 14-inch Pro model, pricing for the M3 Max variant begins at Rs. 3,19,900. It’s essential to highlight that the 14-inch MacBook Pro is available in Space Grey and Silver colors in the M3 base variants, while the new Space Black is exclusively available in the trims of M3 Pro and M3 Max, along with Silver.

The review unit features an M3 Max chip with a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine, 128GB of unified memory, and 8TB SSD storage, priced at Rs. 6,89,900.

 

MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max)

Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 3024×1964 pixels, up to 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR), and a 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: 16-core CPU with 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, up to 40-core GPU, and 16-core Neural engine
Operating System: macOS Sonoma
Memory: 18GB to 128GB unified memory
Storage: 512GB SSD up to 8TB SSD (M3 Max)
Dimensions and weight: 312.6×221.2×15.5mm, weighing 1.62 kilograms
Webcam: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
Speaker setup: A 6-speaker system with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support
Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI port, and SDXC slot
Battery and charger: 72.4 watt-hour battery with 96W USB-C power adapter, MagSafe 3 charging port

MacBook Pro 14-Inch Review: Build and Screen Quality

Back in Black! After a while, Apple has reintroduced a dark hue in the Pro lineup, and the finish on the MacBook Pro is stunning. Right after the launch, Mac enthusiasts were thrilled to see Space Black return, as Apple has a rich history of dark color options that date back to the 1990s. Interestingly, the Space Black finish looks different under varying lighting conditions, but for those who prefer black, there is a slight letdown as this shade leans towards Grey rather than pure Black. However, those familiar with Apple’s color palette might already be aware of this.

 

The chamfered edges of the device convey a sense of luxury, while its anodized finish minimizes fingerprints during everyday use. However, more could be done, as we’ve observed some smudging in the palm rest area and around the keyboard. Despite this, it’s worth noting that this is an improvement over earlier MacBook Pro models. The robust design gives the impression that the MacBook Pro is built to endure, and we believe it is indeed.

Apple claims the enclosure is crafted from a specialized alloy featuring 100% recycled aluminum, which undoubtedly ensures remarkable durability. This aligns with Apple’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality in products by 2030.

As always, the MacBook Pro stands out as one of the few laptops that can be opened or closed with a single finger. The satisfying closure adds to the overall experience in regular use. Weighing 1.62 kilograms and measuring over 15mm in thickness, the laptop is neither lightweight nor ultra-slim, but it manages to balance all that power well. We took some time to adjust from the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro, which is 12.5mm thick and approximately 1.5 kilograms, our previous laptop of choice.

The Magic Keyboard is excellent for professionals, such as writers or coders, while the trackpad is responsive and sufficiently large for accurate cursor movements and multi-touch gestures. In fact, we are currently typing this review on the MacBook Pro, and it has been a pleasant experience. Besides typing, the keyboard is also suitable for gaming. However, if you’re into serious gaming, you might want to switch to wireless controllers.

 

Regarding the display, the 14-inch MacBook Pro does not significantly deviate from the previous M2 Pro model. However, improvements such as increased brightness for SDR content make a difference. With the new Pro model’s peak brightness reaching 600 nits for SDR content — up from 500 nits in its predecessor — the upgrade may not be glaringly obvious in daily use but still represents a noteworthy increase. The display is clear and sharp, and text appears bright even in well-lit environments. If you find yourself working in an open café or the back seat of a taxi, the MacBook Pro 14-inch model is an excellent choice. It’s impressive for multimedia as well, boasting a remarkable display.

The notch is the only aspect where the MacBook Pro 14-inch feels reminiscent of past generations. It sits squarely in the center, drawing attention, and its prominent black area on the screen isn’t aesthetically pleasing. We would have preferred Apple to integrate a Dynamic Island-style feature from the iPhone Pro models into the MacBook Pro series. However, we may have to wait a few more years for that evolution. While the display notch doesn’t significantly detract from its usability, its presence is still felt. One feature absent from the MacBook Pro 14-inch is touchscreen support, which would add to its appeal.

Touch ID is fast and functions seamlessly. The laptop includes a sufficient array of connectivity ports, and the FaceTime camera delivers good clarity during video calls.

In summary, the MacBook Pro 14-inch is a fantastic option for those on the move who prioritize display quality. It boasts one of the finest screens in the 14-inch category that we’ve recently reviewed.

 

MacBook Pro 14-Inch Review: Capability and Gaming

With the new M3 chip series, Apple has aimed to provide performance without compromising portability. With improved capabilities, such as editing 8K videos and handling serious gaming, the latest MacBook Pro models facilitate nearly unthinkable workflows in such a compact form.

In terms of real-world performance, the M3 Max operates with far greater efficiency than the M1 and M2 (on the MacBook Air 15-inch), which served as a reference point for our comparison of the MacBook Pro featuring the M3 Max for this analysis. From launching applications to multitasking, the MacBook Pro feels swift. Since we activated the feature that allows unlocking the Mac with the Apple Watch, we could get started on the laptop immediately upon opening the lid, which was satisfying and drew attention each time we used this feature.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed playing games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Metro Exodus, Lies of P, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 on the MacBook Pro. Although I’m not an avid gamer, I was eager to try Baldur’s Gate 3 after witnessing it during the Apple Mac event. I noted the highest and lowest FPS recorded during gameplay, included in the chart below.

 

Without a doubt, the MacBook Pro 14-inch has become my preferred laptop for gaming in its size category. Remarkably, the fans remained quiet throughout most of the review period, except while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 and simultaneously launching a project in Final Cut Pro. However, this testing scenario is not typical. Initially, this review aimed to discover at what point the M3 Max would struggle under strain.

The built-in fingerprint scanner is swift and helpful for everyday tasks. Though the sensor is operationally effective, given the MacBook Pro’s premium pricing, the inclusion of Face ID could further enhance its utility.

The standout feature of the MacBook Pro is that it doesn’t conceal its substantial power; instead, it combines that strength with impressive speakers and a vibrant screen, catering to users’ less demanding needs like multimedia enjoyment. In fact, the MacBook Pro 14-inch houses the finest speakers we’ve encountered on a laptop of this size.

 

We conducted various synthetic benchmark tests to assess the performance of the MacBook Pro M3 Max, and we were astonished by the outcomes. Interestingly, even when repeated on battery power, the results remained nearly identical, highlighting the power of the M3 series.

Additionally, we executed some CPU-centric benchmark tests, like the Handbrake video encoding test, where the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Max achieved a score of 4.85, trailing the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max, which scored 4.52. Similar findings emerged in the MP4 encode test (1080p 30), where the M3 Max-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro fell just short of its larger counterpart, the 16-inch model.

Moreover, kudos to the Max Tech YouTube channel for comparing the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max models. Their findings indicated that the 16-inch variant is more suitable for creators as it maintains performance levels superior to the 14-inch models.

Regarding connectivity options, the MacBook Pro provides a comprehensive range — three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, an SDXC slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The inclusion of MagSafe for charging allows users to fully utilize all Thunderbolt ports, which is advantageous.

 

At the beginning of this review, we noted Apple’s attempts this year to reach different target audiences, including students and content creators. The exciting aspect is that the new M3 lineup accommodates all these consumers effectively. For students looking for decent graphics for project work and running demanding games, the M3 or M3 Pro options are quite capable. For the creative community, the M3 Max serves as a comprehensive solution, with few competitors in the market able to compare.

MacBook Pro 14-Inch Review: Battery Life

Since transitioning to Apple Silicon, Macs have been praised for their exceptional performance, but another area that has exhibited remarkable efficiency is battery life. Upon its release, the MacBook Air M1 set a formidable standard for battery performance among laptops. With the M3 Max, Apple aims to elevate that benchmark even further. We assessed the battery life of the MacBook Pro during our video loop test, and the outcomes are as follows: The MacBook Pro (14-inch) decisively outperforms all other 14-inch laptops in terms of battery efficiency.

 

The 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max achieved nearly two days of usage during light to moderate tasks, such as composing emails and stories, editing articles, browsing websites for research, working with Photoshop, streaming YouTube videos, conducting minor video edits using Adobe Premiere Pro, and watching shows on streaming platforms. With some gaming included, the MacBook Pro provided nearly a full day’s worth of usage, with other tasks remaining consistent, which is impressive.

Introducing video editing into the workload yielded interesting results. After a couple of hours with Final Cut Pro, the battery life diminished to around 9 hours. It’s worth mentioning that this usage involved everyday activities along with several hours of gaming on titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Lies of P. The battery performance of the MacBook Pro remains commendable by a significant margin. If you require more, the MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max is also available.

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MacBook Pro 14-Inch Review: Conclusion

The newly launched MacBook Pro provides power users with everything necessary for daily tasks — top-tier desktop-level performance, remarkable battery life, an unparalleled display for its size, and attractive aesthetics. The exceptional raw capabilities of the M3 Max make it perfect for AI developers, 3D designers, gamers, and video content creators. Those not falling into these categories can either opt for the M3 Pro, assuming they have the budget, or select the M3 if their typical tasks do not require such extensive resources.

Throughout our analysis, we found the MacBook Pro with M3 Max to be well-suited for intricate workflows, including faster creation of detailed 3D models and streamlined SketchUp processes.

To sum it up, if your priorities include multitasking, minor video editing, and casual gaming, the M3 chip-equipped MacBook Pro with 8GB unified memory is a strong contender, starting at Rs. 1,69,900. If you believe the M3 Pro meets your needs, the 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at Rs. 1,99,900. Comparatively, the M3 Max model featuring baseline specs of 14-core CPU, 30-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, and 1TB SSD storage is priced at Rs. 3,19,900.

The MacBook Pro with M3 Max stands as the most professional laptop Apple has ever produced, boasting exceptional capabilities tailored to power users. Its performance excels beyond any current rival in the laptop marketplace.