Unlike previous MacBook models, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro pack similar specs and features to one another. There’s no substantial performance difference between them, and you can configure these machines with the same RAM, storage, and Apple silicon chip, irrespective of their size.
If you intend to buy the new MacBook Pro but are confused about which size to go for—14-inch or 16-inch—read our guide below to find the answer.
You Should Buy the 16-Inch MacBook Pro If You Need…
1. The Biggest Display Possible
If you are always on the move and need the biggest possible display on your MacBook, the 16-inch model is for you. The resolution and display on the 16-inch M1 Pro or M1 Max MacBook Pro is slightly larger than the Intel-based 16-inch MacBook Pro, so you’ll be able to fit even more content on the display.
Very few laptops in the market pack a big and beautiful display and offer the level of performance the 16-inch MacBook Pro can deliver. It is ideal for video editors, photo editors, and anyone working with video footage, as the bigger display will make content creation on the go a lot easier.
2. The Best Possible Performance
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro can be configured with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. While there’s no substantial performance difference between the two machines when they’re packing identical chips, the 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro does come with a High Power Mode that boosts performance while color grading 8K ProRes video or other similar intensive tasks.
This mode is missing from the 14-inch MacBook Pro, so color grading 8K videos won’t be as smooth.
3. Longer Battery Life
The bigger chassis of the 16-inch MacBook Pro means Apple can fit a bigger battery inside it. This, in turn, means the 16-inch MacBook Pro can last notably longer than its 14-inch sibling. Apple claims the 16-inch MacBook Pro can stream content from Apple TV+ for 21 hours, while the smaller model lasts for 17 hours. So, if you value battery life, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is the obvious choice.
Do note that the 16-inch MacBook Pro can only be fast charged using a 140W USB-C power adapter over MagSafe. This is unlike the smaller 14-inch MacBook Pro, which can be fast charged directly through its USB-C ports as well.
4. Better Sounding Speakers
The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro feature a six-speaker setup. However, due to physical differences in size, the speaker setup on the 16-inch MacBook Pro sounds slightly better than the 14-inch model. It is a small difference, but if you want the absolute best speaker system on your MacBook Pro, you’ll have to go for the 16-inch model.
You Should Buy the 14-Inch MacBook Pro If You Need…
1. Better Portability
The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are heavier than the models they replace. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro, in particular, is thicker and not as portable as the Intel model it replaces. If portability is an important factor for you, go for the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is notably lighter than the 16-inch MacBook Pro—1.6kg versus 2.1kg—making it easier to carry around. It is also slightly thinner at 0.61 inches, compared to the 0.66-inch waistline of the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
2. The Best Bang for Your Buck
Since the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are now available with the same M1 Pro or M1 Max chips, there is not much performance difference between them. This also means that the smaller 14-inch MacBook Pro offers more bang for your buck than its bigger sibling, especially if you don’t need the latter model’s bigger display and longer battery life.
If you have a tight budget, the 14-inch MacBook Pro makes the most sense for you then since it is a few hundred dollars cheaper than its 16-inch sibling. The 14-inch MacBook Pro retails for $1,999, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro starts from $2,499. With similar performance, there’s no reason for you to buy the bigger MacBook, especially if you are on a tight budget.
You can also consider buying the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro if you don’t have a demanding workload. Read our comparison of these models if you’re not sure on the differences.
The M1 Pro or M1 Max MacBook Pros Are Really Impressive Laptops
The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro lineup offers some of the very best laptops on the market right now. They represent a significant leap in almost every aspect over previous MacBook models in terms of performance and quality of life improvements.
If you value performance and efficiency and just want a machine that can handle whatever you throw at it, you simply cannot go wrong with the new MacBook Pro—regardless of which size you go for.
