Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, Late 2023) Review: Max Power for Creators
In the ever-evolving world of tech, Apple continues to push the envelope with its latest offering, the Editors' Choice-earning M3 generation of the MacBook Pro 16. This iteration, a successor to the highly acclaimed M2 model, ushers in even greater power and performance. The improvements in the graphics architecture generation-over-generation deliver a substantial performance boost, particularly for rendering work.
Highlights:
Familiar Design: The MacBook Pro 16 retains the familiar design introduced in early 2023, making it instantly recognizable to Apple enthusiasts.
Colorful Evolution: The new color options, including space black and silver, bring a fresh twist to the MacBook Pro lineup, while anodized aluminum on the cover resists fingerprints and smudges.
Performance Leap: Equipped with the M3 chip, this mobile workstation is built for power, excelling in workstation applications and gaming performance, thanks to the inclusion of ray tracing and mesh shaders.
The MacBook Pro 16 offers an array of configurations to cater to various needs. The base model features a 12-core CPU/18-core GPU M3 Pro processor, 18GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. While this suits non-professional tasks, those seeking more extensive capabilities may opt for larger SSD and RAM configurations, though at a higher price point.
Performance across Apple's CPU line remains consistent, offering comparable power between devices. This consistency simplifies purchasing decisions, as users can expect similar results from different Apple products.
However, some lingering issues persist, such as the screen notch and the MagSafe connector's reliability. Additionally, the webcam could use improvement, lacking control over quality settings and Face ID support.
When it comes to performance, the MacBook Pro 16's screen quality remains top-notch. It offers remarkable consistency out of the box, enhanced peak brightness in SDR, and commendable color accuracy, though Adobe RGB green and cyan might appear slightly saturated.
The M3 Max model exhibits a notable boost in multicore performance, with improvements in single-core speed. Cinebench rendering speed more than doubles, making it a suitable choice for tasks demanding rendering capabilities.
In practical terms, the MacBook Pro 16 outshines its smaller counterpart, the MacBook Pro 14, in tasks like photo import and thumbnail generation, making it a compelling choice for professionals.
In summary, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, Late 2023) stands as a testament to Apple's commitment to performance and quality. If you're in need of a high-powered laptop, this iteration is well worth the investment.