I recently upgraded to the 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M4 Pro chip—specifically the 14-core CPU/20-core GPU model with 24GB of Unified Memory.
My previous machine was an M1 Pro, which was already fantastic, so I wasn’t expecting a revolution. What I got, however, was a professional workstation that has truly redefined my workflow, especially in areas where I previously felt bottlenecks.
This review is written purely from the perspective of a user who spends his days doing heavy coding, 4K video editing (in Final Cut Pro), and large-scale data processing.
Performance: The Quiet, Unstoppable Engine
If you’re coming from any Intel-based computer or even a base M3 model, the M4 Pro will feel like cheating. The most striking aspect of the M-series chips has always been their combination of speed and efficiency, and the M4 Pro takes this concept to new heights.
1. The Raw Speed (CPU and GPU)
The M4 Pro, with its increased performance cores, chews through multi-threaded tasks. Compiling massive codebases in Xcode that used to take three minutes on my M1 Pro now finish in just over two. In Final Cut Pro, exporting a 10-minute 4K H.265 project—a perfect benchmark for the Media Engine—is noticeably faster; however, the real magic lies in the timeline responsiveness. Scrubbing through multiple 4K and 6K streams with color grading and effects is buttery smooth, making the editing process less about waiting and more about creativity.
2. The Thermal Management: Silence is Golden
This is the silent hero of the 16-inch chassis. Even when running Cinebench or exporting a complex timeline while simultaneously pushing multiple virtual machines, the fans rarely spin up beyond a whisper. And when they do engage, the massive cooling system of the 16-inch model manages to keep the machine cool to the touch. The lap-burning temperatures of the old Intel days are truly dead. I often forget this is a “pro” machine because it simply never complains.
Display: The Nano-Texture Game-Changer
The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display has always been industry-leading, offering spectacular color accuracy, deep blacks (thanks to the mini-LED backlighting), and the fluid motion of ProMotion (up to 120Hz).
However, I sprung for the optional Nano-texture display ($150 extra), and I cannot recommend it enough. Working near a large window or under bright overhead studio lights used to mean constant reflection headaches. The nano-texture glass effectively diffuses those reflections without introducing the graininess that traditional matte screens often suffer from. It retains the visual pop of the glossy panel while delivering true anti-glare performance—a must-have upgrade for anyone working in variable lighting conditions, especially content creators and photographers.
Connectivity and Quality of Life
1. Thunderbolt 5: Future-Proofing My Studio
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 5 ports on the Apple MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro models is a huge win for professionals. While I don’t currently have TB5 peripherals, knowing I can connect high-bandwidth external SSDs or dual 6K/8K monitors at faster speeds in the future gives me peace of mind. The fact that the classic ports (MagSafe 3, HDMI 2.1, SDXC slot) are all still present means I haven’t had to reach for a dongle since the day I unboxed it.
2. Battery Life: The Weekend Warrior
Apple’s claims of “up to 24 hours” may sound hyperbolic, but the longevity of the 16-inch M4 Pro’s battery is indeed staggering. For my typical day of writing, browsing, and light coding, I can easily work for up to two days without reaching for the charger. When I switch to a heavy workload (video editing), I still get solid 6-8 hours, which is unheard of for a laptop this powerful. The 16-inch is a dense machine, but that weight is justified by the screen size and the marathon battery life.
3. Audio & Camera
The six-speaker sound system remains the best on any laptop, period. They deliver rich, spacious audio that makes external speakers feel unnecessary for casual listening or monitor mixing. The new Center Stage feature in the 12MP camera is a welcome, if minor, upgrade. It ensures I stay centered in video calls, which is handy for quick stand-ups when I’m moving around my desk.
The Verdict: Who is This For?
| Feature | User Experience |
|---|---|
| M4 Pro Chip | Silent, sustained performance. Handles 4K/6K video and compilation tasks without effort. |
| Display (Nano-Texture) | World-class color/brightness with effective glare elimination. |
| Battery | Unrivaled endurance; a true all-day, multi-day work machine. |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt 5 future-proofs the investment. No dongle needed. |
| Thermals | Fans are almost never heard. The chassis stays cool under load. |
If you are currently on an M1 Pro, this is a significant, but perhaps non-essential, upgrade unless you desperately need the Thunderbolt 5 or the Nano-texture display.
However, if you are coming from an Intel MacBook Pro or any Windows machine that struggles with performance, noise, and battery life under heavy load, the MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro is a no-brainer. It’s the ultimate combination of processing power, silent operation, and display fidelity, solidifying its place as the definitive professional mobile workstation. It’s an expensive investment, but one that drastically cuts down on waiting time, making it an incredible value for anyone whose income relies on speed and performance.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro isn’t just a fast laptop; it’s a productivity machine that simply takes away friction from your daily professional life. I couldn’t be happier with the purchase.
When it’s Time to Switch Things Up, I’ll Use Gadget Salvation Again
As a Mac owner, there’s a certain pride in extending the life of my computer that’s already served me well. Small tweaks and software updates kept it running smoothly for four years. There’s also a creative satisfaction in customizing your setup. For instance, if you’ve added a matte screen protector or installed software that aligns with your current workflow. Suddenly, that old 2017 MacBook Pro feels tailored to your needs in 2025.
However, over the last few months, I’ve found myself needing more raw power while still wanting to enjoy the perks of the Apple ecosystem. But for me, it’s not just about performance—it’s about sustainability, too. Keeping a Mac in circulation longer means less e-waste and more value squeezed from your original investment.
Both trade-in and resale are smart, eco-conscious moves when upgrading. And my old Mac? I personally sold it to Gadget Salvation. Trade-in wasn’t an option for me since I already picked up my MacBook Pro 16 at that point, so the next best thing was to sell it online for cash. And Gadget Salvation came through! The process is fast, secure, and they pay via apps like Cash App or Venmo, which means you get the funds immediately! So, if you are selling a used MacBook, give it a go!
