Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 review - The M4 base model with important improvements
The most interesting MacBook Pro?
Last year, Apple offered its MacBook Pro 14 with the regular M3 SoC for the first time—the same one as in the MacBook Air models. This year's update brings the new M4 SoC with significantly more performance and improved connectivity.Andreas Osthoff, 👁 Andreas Osthoff (translated by Daisy Dickson) Published 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...
Verdict - The base model of the MacBook Pro 14 is now significantly better
Apple has noticeably improved its base model of the MacBook Pro 14 for the new 2024 model year. This isn't just thanks to the new M4 processor's increased performance, but also its improved support for external displays, additional USB-C port and Thunderbolt 4 support. Moreover, the base model now comes with at least 16 GB of RAM. Overall, this brings the most affordable MacBook Pro 14 much closer to the more expensive models with the M4 Pro.
The improvements to its display (higher SDR brightness of more than 1,000 nits, optional matte nano-texture coating) are also available on the base model and its battery life is even better than on the variant with the M4 Pro. In addition to their better pure performance (multi-core and GPU), the more expensive models offer more powerful cooling consisting of two fans. However, even the base model stays quiet for a very long time during everyday tasks and only becomes clearly audible when the M4 processor is placed under full load for a longer period of time or when gaming. In this case, the small model can get even louder than the MacBook Pro 14 with the M4 Pro.
Its price is particularly interesting, as the new base model of the MacBook Pro 14 can already be found for a lot cheaper online just a few weeks after its launch (under $1,400). Thanks to all of its improvements, the new base model is a very good choice for users for whom the performance of the M4 SoC is completely sufficient, but who don't want to do without a great mini LED screen, extensive connections and an excellent sound system.
The disadvantages of this model continue to be its lack of maintenance/upgrade options in conjunction with the enormous surcharges Apple demands for RAM/SSD upgrades. In addition, there don't appear to be any pre-configured variants with the matte display, which is why you'll currently have to pay the full MRSP if you want this feature.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The base model of the new MacBook Pro 14 M4 can be found on Amazon for a reduced price of $1,399. You can also configure the device yourself via Apple's online store.
Possible alternatives compared
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Height | Display |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Apple M4 (10 cores) ⎘ Apple M4 10-core GPU ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: $1,849.00 List Price: 1899€ | 1.5 kg | 15.5 mm | 14.20" 3024x1964 254 PPI MiniLED | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Apple M4 Pro (14 cores) ⎘ Apple M4 20-core GPU ⎘ 48 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: $2,448.00 List Price: 3989 Euro | 1.6 kg | 15.5 mm | 14.20" 3024x1964 254 PPI MiniLED | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Apple M3 ⎘ Apple M3 10-Core GPU ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,399.00 Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Lapto... 2. $1,699.99 Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Lapto... 3. $2,199.00 Apple 14" MacBook Pro: Apple... List Price: 2459€ | 1.5 kg | 15.5 mm | 14.20" 3024x1964 254 PPI Mini-LED | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 ⎘ AMD Radeon 890M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: $1,199.49 List Price: 1030 USD | 1.5 kg | 16.5 mm | 14.00" 2240x1400 189 PPI IPS | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 780M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | List Price: 1200€ | 1.5 kg | 17 mm | 14.00" 2880x1800 243 PPI IPS | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 ⎘ AMD Radeon 880M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $850.00 Lenovo Yoga 7 7i 2-in-1 Busi... 2. $1,169.99 Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14AHP9-202... 3. $729.48 Lenovo Yoga 7 14 2-in-1 AI P... List Price: 1599€ | 1.5 kg | 18 mm | 14.50" 3072x1920 250 PPI OLED | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Intel Core Ultra 7 258V ⎘ Intel Arc Graphics 140V ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $848.99 ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED 2024 Bu... 2. $1,199.99 ASUS 2024 Zenbook S 13 OLED ... 3. $1,399.00 ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED Lapto... List Price: 1999€ | 1.2 kg | 13 mm | 14.00" 2880x1800 243 PPI OLED |
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Details here
The base model of the 2024 MacBook Pro 14 is equipped with the new Apple M4 SoC, which offers significantly more performance than before. For an MRSP of $1,599, the base model also comes with 16 GB RAM and a 512-GB SSD. Aside from the processor, Apple has additionally made two other important changes to the laptop's connections, which is why the base model is now more similar to the more expensive variants with the M4 Pro/Max.
Specifications
Differences compared to the MBP 14 M4 Pro
In general, the exterior of its case doesn't differ from the more expensive versions of the MacBook Pro 14 and you have the choice between a silver or black case. However, there have been some important changes made to its connections, as there is now an additional USB-C port on the right-hand side and all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4. The M4 Pro/Max variants still have an advantage with their Thunderbolt 5 support, but this shouldn't play a major role in everyday life for the time being.
A further problem with the old MacBook Pro 14 M3 was that it only supported one external monitor. A software update made it possible to control a second external monitor, but only if the integrated display was deactivated. When it comes to the new M4 SoC—which is used in the Macs—Apple has revised its display engine and the M4 SoC can now control two external displays in addition to the laptop's integrated display.
Inside the device, on the other hand, the disadvantage of the base model remains, as it's still only fitted with one fan. We will analyze the extent to which this has a negative effect on fan activity compared to the M4 Pro model in detail later in the test.
That said, there are no other differences in its features, which also applies to its brilliant mini-LED screen that boasts an increased SDR brightness (when the brightness sensor is activated) of more than 1,000 nits and an optional matte finish. All further information on its connectivity, input devices, display and speakers can be found in our detailed review of the MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro.
Sustainability
An environmental report is available on the MacBook Pro 14's product page. In addition to a high level of recycled materials used for its production and packaging, the use of environmentally friendly energy ensures a CO2 footprint of 198 kg for the base model.
Performance - M4 with up to 32 GB RAM
The base version of the M4 MacBook Pro 14 now comes with at least 16 GB RAM (last year's MBP 14 M3 was also available with 8 GB RAM) and 24 or 32 GB RAM (LPDDR5-7500) is also available as an option, with the surcharge in each case being $200.
Testing conditions
In contrast to the more expensive configurations with the M4 Pro/M4 Max, there is no high performance mode on the base model. As a result, we carried out all measurements using the normal mode, but an optional energy-saving mode can also be selected.
Processor - M4 with 10 CPU cores
We are already familiar with the M4 SoC from the current iPad Pro but in this case, only variants with the 10-core CPU are used (6 E-cores, 4 P-cores). Its core configuration therefore differs significantly from the M4 Pro/Max models, which only have four efficiency cores. The new M4's P-cores reach a maximum of 4.464 GHz (and thus ~50 MHz less than the M4 Pro) or 3.93 GHz when all cores are loaded. The E-cores operate at a maximum of 2.89 GHz.
During the single-core tests, the processor consumed around 5.2 watts, which is even slightly less than the M3 SoC. Nevertheless, its single-core performance has been significantly increased and the new M4 chips are the fastest single-core CPUs on the market. In the native benchmarks Cinebench 2024/R23 and Geekbench, the new M4 proved to be vastly superior to the competition.
In the multi-core tests, the new M4 in the MBP 14 consumed a maximum of 24 watts, so slightly more than in the Mac Mini (maximum 21.5 watts), which the laptop was able to maintain easily even under continuous load and in battery mode. Even after 30 minutes, its performance during Cinebench 2024 Multi stayed constant.
The two current AMD competitors Ryzen AI 9 365 and Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 were even faster in the multi-tests, but they are also allowed to consume significantly more power in their respective test devices. Nevertheless, the new M4 delivers a significant increase in performance and outperformed the old M3 Pro with 11 CPU cores. Intel's Lunar Lake chips, which are better suited to being compared to the M4 SoC because of their TDP, were clearly beaten.
Geekbench 6.3: Multi-Core | Single-Core
Cinebench R23: Multi Core | Single Core
Cinebench 2024 / CPU Multi Core | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry (High Power) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Average of class Multimedia (398 - 2069, n=50, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores) (958 - 986, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Core Ultra 9 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 (Standard Mode) |
Cinebench 2024 / CPU Single Core | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores) (174 - 177, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Average of class Multimedia (100.7 - 178, n=31, last 2 years) | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Core Ultra 9 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 |
Geekbench 6.3 / Multi-Core | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry (6.3.0) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry (6.3.0 High Power) | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (6.2.1) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores) (14690 - 15173, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 (6.2.1) | |
Average of class Multimedia (7592 - 25760, n=67, last 2 years) | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) (6.2.1) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Core Ultra 9 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 (6.2.1) |
Geekbench 6.3 / Single-Core | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry (6.3.0) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry (6.3.0 High Power) | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores) (3673 - 3838, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (6.2.1) | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Core Ultra 9 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 (6.2.1) | |
Average of class Multimedia (1534 - 3927, n=63, last 2 years) | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 (6.2.1) | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) (6.2.1) |
Cinebench R23 / Multi Core | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Average of class Multimedia (6936 - 30789, n=103, last 2 years) | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores) (13833 - 13845, n=2) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 |
Cinebench R23 / Single Core | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores) (2173 - 2269, n=2) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Average of class Multimedia (878 - 2290, n=94, last 2 years) |
System performance
Thanks to its good CPU performance (especially single-core), the new MacBook Pro 14 with the M4 SoC feels extremely fast and smooth and there is no noticeable disadvantage compared to the more powerful models equipped with the M4 Pro or M4 Max. In the cross-system CrossMark test, it clearly beat the direct Windows competition and during the browser tests, the MacBook again came clearly ahead of its Windows rivals.
WebXPRT 3: Overall
WebXPRT 4: Overall
Mozilla Kraken 1.1: Total
CrossMark / Overall | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU (1944 - 2066, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Average of class Multimedia (978 - 2255, n=90, last 2 years) | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 |
CrossMark / Productivity | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU (1797 - 1933, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Average of class Multimedia (913 - 2064, n=90, last 2 years) | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 |
CrossMark / Creativity | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU (2350 - 2420, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
Average of class Multimedia (1054 - 2795, n=90, last 2 years) | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) |
CrossMark / Responsiveness | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU (1393 - 1569, n=3) | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Average of class Multimedia (869 - 2171, n=90, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 |
WebXPRT 3 / Overall | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU (430 - 478, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
Average of class Multimedia (136.4 - 545, n=87, last 2 years) | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 |
WebXPRT 4 / Overall | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU (315 - 334, n=3) | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
Average of class Multimedia (133.2 - 353, n=79, last 2 years) | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 |
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 / Total | |
SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) | |
Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 | |
Average of class Multimedia (254 - 1016, n=91, last 2 years) | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 | |
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 | |
Average Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU (262 - 319, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro |
* ... smaller is better
Storage device
Due to its modified internal layout, the base model of the MBP 14 features space for two NAND chips, which is why the M4 can be configured with a maximum of 2 TB of SSD storage. The base variant comes with 512 GB of storage, of which 463 GB is available after first starting up the device. Its performance is okay, achieving transfer rates of around 3.5 GB/s—but significantly lower than that of many fast PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Nevertheless, this is perfectly adequate for everyday use. More problematic are Apple's high surcharges for more SSD storage ($200 for 1 TB, $600 for 2 TB), as the laptop's storage can't be upgraded after purchase.
Graphics card
The M4 SoC's integrated GPU has 10 cores and consumes a maximum of 18 watts compared to 20-21 watts for the old M3 SoC. Still, the GPU's performance has been increased by around 15-20%, but the old M3 Pro GPU with 14 cores is still clearly superior. It beat the current iGPUs from AMD/Intel in the synthetic tests.
When taking a look at the gaming benchmarks, it should be noted that only Baldur's Gate 3 runs natively on the MacBook of all the games in our comparison. The M4 SoC performed very well when running it during our test and in 1080p/Ultra, it came just ahead of the competition from AMD/Intel, achieving just under 32fps. When it came to the emulated titles, on the other hand, its performance was worse. The GPU's performance remained constant both under continuous load and in battery mode.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1920x1080 Highest Preset AA:T | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro | |
Average of class Multimedia (23 - 153, n=18, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 |
low | med. | high | ultra | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) | 139 | 52 | 47 | 41 |
Baldur's Gate 3 (2023) | 43.9 | 37.3 | 32.9 | 31.6 |
Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 Phantom Liberty (2023) | 34.8 | 27.9 | 23.7 | 20.4 |
Total War Pharaoh (2023) | 53 | 45.7 | 45.1 | 39.9 |
Emissions & power
Noise emissions
Once again, Apple has made savings by only installing one of the two fans inside the base model of the MacBook Pro 14. Even so, the MacBook stays silent or at least extremely quiet during everyday tasks, as the first fan speed of ~2,500 rpm which we measured is practically inaudible. It also reached this level under full GPU load and with some games, for example. When things got more demanding, the fan increased its speed continuously and reached a clearly audible ~5,000 rpm when running more complex games (e.g. Baldur's Gate 3 or Cyberpunk 2077), which corresponds to 40.1 dB(A). Under continuous full processor load, we noted ~5,900 rpm and 45.9 dB(A), which is already above the maximum volume of the MBP 14 M4 Pro (44.5 dB(A)). In the stress test, we measured 6,560 rpm, which corresponds to 48.9 dB(A). Overall, its values are at roughly the same level as those of its predecessor. After the load has ended, the fan's speed reduces again very quickly. No other electronic noises came from our test device during the test period.
Noise Level
Idle |
| 25.4 / 25.4 / 25.4 dB(A) |
Load |
| 26.6 / 48.9 dB(A) |
| ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min: , med: , max: Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 25.4 dB(A) |
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 M4 10-Core GPU, M4 (10 cores), Apple SSD AP0512Z | Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro M4 20-core GPU, M4 Pro (14 cores), Apple SSD AP2048Z | Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 M3 10-Core GPU, M3, Apple SSD AP1024Z | HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Radeon 890M, Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, SK hynix PC801 HFS002TEJ9X101N | SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) Radeon 780M, R7 8845HS, Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB | Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 Radeon 880M, Ryzen AI 9 365, Micron 2550 1TB MTFDKCD1T0TGE | Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Arc 140V, Core Ultra 7 258V, WD PC SN560 SDDPNQE-1T00 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noise | 1% | 5% | -0% | -1% | -4% | 9% | |
off / environment * | 25.4 | 23.9 6% | 24.2 5% | 23.8 6% | 24.7 3% | 23.8 6% | 23.7 7% |
Idle Minimum * | 25.4 | 23.9 6% | 24.2 5% | 24.9 2% | 24.7 3% | 23.8 6% | 23.7 7% |
Idle Average * | 25.4 | 23.9 6% | 24.2 5% | 24.9 2% | 24.7 3% | 23.8 6% | 23.7 7% |
Idle Maximum * | 25.4 | 23.9 6% | 24.2 5% | 24.9 2% | 26.3 -4% | 23.8 6% | 23.7 7% |
Load Average * | 26.6 | 30.2 -14% | 25.1 6% | 32.9 -24% | 37.6 -41% | 44.6 -68% | 30.5 -15% |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * | 40.1 | 44.5 -11% | 40.9 -2% | 37.6 6% | 35.9 10% | 31.1 22% | |
Load Maximum * | 48.9 | 44.5 9% | 48.5 1% | 43 12% | 37.6 23% | 44.6 9% | 33.6 31% |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 25.1 |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
Surface temperatures are not a problem on the M4 base model of the MacBook Pro. Its case remains extremely cool in idle mode and under low load—but even under full load, we only measured 40-41 °C in a few places. This means that the MacBook can easily be placed on your thighs and in general, the base model stays a lot cooler than the M4 Pro version. However, it still gets hot on the inside, as the M4 SoC is always around 101-102 °C under load.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 41.5 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 40 °C / 104 F, compared to the average of 39.2 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.1 °C / 72 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(±) 3: The average temperature for the upper side is 35.6 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 31.3 °C / 88 F for the class Multimedia.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 30.8 °C / 87.4 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-2 °C / -3.6 F).
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Apple M4 (10 cores), Apple M4 10-core GPU | Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro Apple M4 Pro (14 cores), Apple M4 20-core GPU | Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Apple M3, Apple M3 10-Core GPU | HP OmniBook Ultra 14 AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, AMD Radeon 890M | SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, AMD Radeon 780M | Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 AMD Ryzen AI 9 365, AMD Radeon 880M | Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, Intel Arc Graphics 140V | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heat | -6% | -2% | -22% | -18% | -14% | -14% | |
Maximum Upper Side * | 41.5 | 47.3 -14% | 41.3 -0% | 40.4 3% | 41.7 -0% | 42 -1% | 43.7 -5% |
Maximum Bottom * | 40 | 44.2 -11% | 39.6 1% | 43.6 -9% | 50.1 -25% | 40.6 -2% | 46.9 -17% |
Idle Upper Side * | 22.3 | 22.1 1% | 23.2 -4% | 31 -39% | 27.1 -22% | 28.2 -26% | 25.8 -16% |
Idle Bottom * | 22.5 | 22.1 2% | 23.3 -4% | 32.2 -43% | 27.7 -23% | 28.9 -28% | 26.3 -17% |
* ... smaller is better
Stress test
During the stress test, the M4 SoC briefly consumed up to 38 watts, but then stabilized at 29-30 watts. This is on par with its M3 predecessor, but also slightly less than the M4 SoC inside the Mac Mini, where the SoC stabilizes at 34/35 watts.
Power consumption
The M4 version of the MBP 14 comes with a 70-watt power supply unit. This is large enough to supply the MacBook with sufficient power even under full load, and no power has to be tapped from its battery. We briefly measured 69 watts during the stress test, which then quickly leveled off at ~60 watts. You can expect around 45 watts when gaming. However, the 70-watt power supply extends how long it takes to charge the battery a little. A full charge with the device switched on takes 107 minutes (50% after 38 minutes, 80% after 65 minutes, 90% after 79 minutes), which is 14 minutes longer than with the 96-watt power supply unit.
Off / Standby | 0.16 / 0.28 Watt |
Idle | 2.1 / 12.5 / 12.6 Watt |
Load |
37.8 / 69 Watt |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy |
Power consumption Cyberpunk / stress test
Power consumption with external monitor
Runtimes
Its battery (72.6 Wh) doesn't differ from the more expensive variants, but the laptop's runtimes have been further increased compared to the predecessor model. In the WLAN test at 150 cd/m², its runtime improved by 2 hours from just under 16 hours to almost 18 hours. At full brightness, however, the mini LED screen proved to still be the major consumer and we measured 6:44 hours, which is an improvement of 30 minutes compared to the M3 model. There was also a significant improvement in its runtime during the video test from 19 to just over 22 hours.
In extreme cases (full CPU/GPU load, maximum brightness), the battery can be drained within 1.5 hours. Down to a battery level of 4% (reached after 77 minutes), energy-saving mode is activated, which massively reduces the device's performance.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 M4 (10 cores), M4 10-Core GPU, 72.6 Wh | Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4 Pro M4 Pro (14 cores), M4 20-core GPU, 72.6 Wh | Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 M3, M3 10-Core GPU, 70 Wh | HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, Radeon 890M, 68 Wh | SCHENKER XMG Evo 14 (M24) R7 8845HS, Radeon 780M, 80 Wh | Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 14ASP G9 Ryzen AI 9 365, Radeon 880M, 73 Wh | Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406 Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 72 Wh | Average of class Multimedia | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery Runtime | -12% | -6% | -21% | -18% | -33% | 14% | -23% | |
H.264 | 1328 | 1186 -11% | 1143 -14% | 929 -30% | 649 -51% | 1199 -10% | 847 ? -36% | |
WiFi v1.3 | 1073 | 947 -12% | 951 -11% | 661 -38% | 715 -33% | 527 -51% | 858 -20% | 640 ? -40% |
Load | 91 | 98 8% | 88 -3% | 99 9% | 93 2% | 157 73% | 97.1 ? 7% |
Notebookcheck total rating
While we still recommended the predecessor model with the M2 Pro when it came to reviewing last year's MBP 14 M3 model due to its various limitations, we can now actually recommend the new M4 base model without reservation. Apple has rectified its biggest points of criticism with its 2024 update and the gap to the more expensive M4 Pro model has become significantly smaller. Most users shouldn't have any issues with the basic configuration consisting of 16 GB RAM/512 GB SSD storage—plus, the prices have already fallen, which is why the new model is currently available for less than $1,400. This means that its overall package is practically unrivaled.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 2024 M4
- 11/25/2024 v8
Andreas Osthoff
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The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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