Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023 M3 Pro review – Improved runtimes and better performance

The new MacBook Pro 14 with its slimmed-down M3 Pro SoC may no longer be the base model of the MacBook 14, however, it makes a much better impression than the cheaper variant featuring the regular M3 processor. In particular, its additional USB-C port, 18 GB RAM and faster SSD are clear reasons to buy the M3 Pro model. The laptop’s multi-core performance as well as its graphics performance are some great advantages over the M3 base configuration.

In contrast, when it comes to comparing this model to the M2 Pro variants, things get a little more difficult. Here, its considerably better single-core performance and its longer runtimes stand out — but these surely aren’t urgent reasons to upgrade. We can’t even entirely recommend that users of the MacBook Pro 14 with the M1 Pro should go for this new update — the new MacBook Pro 14 M3 Pro is much more interesting if you are currently still using an old Intel MacBook or if this is going to be your first MBP 14 purchase.

More performance and longer runtimes: The MacBook Pro 14 has been improved again with the help of the M3 Pro and all-in-all, it is the better choice when compared to the new base model of the MacBook Pro 14 featuring the regular M3 SoC.

If you decide to purchase, you will receive one of the best multimedia laptops whose total package unites great performance with quiet fans, a high-quality case, a great display with the best HDR implementation, impressive speakers and very long runtimes. Of course, there are some Windows laptops that offer better performance in isolated areas, and devices featuring dedicated GeForce GPUs certainly take the lead when it comes to gaming. In turn, you’ll also have to make a few compromises when it comes to fans and runtimes.

The MacBook Pro 14 is by no means perfect and we have the same points to criticize as on all the other configurations. One of its biggest issues includes its near to non-existent maintenance and expansion options in combination with Apple’s enormous surcharges for bigger SSDs and more RAM. Its keyboard could also be a little better and we still have to do without Face ID. Furthermore, you could criticize the manufacturer’s decision to only give the model a 70-watt power supply. This was sufficient for the M3 variant but in an extreme scenario, this isn’t enough for the M3 Pro and the laptop has to dip into its battery to ensure it gets enough power. Admittedly, this is only in extreme cases and its performance isn’t impacted negatively, however, with it no longer being a base model and at US$2,500, you would at least expect to receive a power supply that delivers enough energy.