Expert review of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021)
Note: Apple MacBook Pro (2023) available
At the beginning of 2023, Apple announced the new MacBook Pro. It's available as a 14-inch and a 16-inch model. Both models have the powerful M2 Pro or M2 Max chip.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021)
- The sharp and bright Liquid Retina XDR display shows vibrant colors.
- The Apple M1 Pro Chip doesn't slow down during multitasking and demanding programs.
- This model has more connectors than the Apple MacBook Pro 13 inches.
- With 1.6kg, this model is relatively heavy.
- The battery is empty within 8 hours when you run demanding programs.
First impression of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021)
As soon as I take the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) out of the box, it strikes me that it's heavier and thicker than the 13-inch model. This way, there's more space for extra connectors and the Apple MacBook 14 inches cools better. I take the charger out of the packaging and connect it to the MagSafe 3 connector. Time to get started.
Professional performance with the Apple M1 Pro
For this review, I test the starter model with the Apple M1 Pro Chip and 16GB RAM. That's already more than enough for my usage situation. That's why I ask my colleague to edit some videos. That's easy to do, even on the starter model. Only when it renders 4K images, did the fans trigger and did the Apple MacBook slow down slightly. It stood out that all this power requires a lot of energy. The battery lasts a bit short of 8 hours with demanding tasks.
Better image quality
If you work with graphic programs a lot, you need a good screen. That's why I'm happy with the new screen of this model. The Liquid Retina XDR screen is sharper, more colorful, and brighter than the screen of earlier MacBook models. You'll see sharp contrasts and right colors. Thanks to ProMotion, your fast-moving images look more smooth, which stands out especially when you scroll through webpages or when you watch a movie.
More connectors
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches (2021) has 3 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, an HDMI connector, a memory card reader, an AUX connector, and a MagSafe charging port. I don't have to depend on my USB-C cable converter or docking station to connect accessories. I mainly find the MagSafe charging cable very convenient. It quickly attaches correctly and also disconnects easily. It sadly doesn't have a USB-A port, so I do still need a converter for a USB flash drive.
New design
For a long time, every Apple MacBook Pro model looked the same. This generation changed that. It has less rounded corners, so it looks more angular and larger. The screen has thinner bezels and a notch at the top. I expected that to bother me, but I don't notice the notch anymore after a few hours already. In addition, the Touch Bar is gone. I think that's good, because I prefer to use physical buttons.
Conclusion
Overall, I'm impressed with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 inches. Especially the Liquid Retina XDR display and the performances of the M1 Pro Chip exceeded my expectations. In addition, it has more connectors, the Touch Bar is gone, and MagSafe is finally back. I think this makes it the ideal MacBook for creative professionals who are on the go a lot.
