The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro have looked very similar for several years. When comparing offers, it is easy to focus on the processor and miss that one model has a brighter display, another has newer ports, and a third has a better camera. So I put those differences into tables.
Data checked as of September 14, 2026. This comparison is based on Apple’s specifications. For resolutions and external monitor support, see the separate post: MacBook Air and Pro – Resolutions and Monitors.
Check the model before the generation
A MacBook Pro with M3 is different hardware from a MacBook Pro with M3 Pro. The word “Pro” in the laptop’s name does not tell you which chip it has.
In the M1 and M2 generations, the 14-inch and 16-inch models were only available with Pro or Max chips. The base M3, M4 and M5 became options for the 14-inch model. The 16-inch model still comes exclusively with Pro or Max chips. The base M5 launched in 2025, while M5 Pro and M5 Max arrived in 2026. Apple’s model list.
Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi and camera
| Chip and model year | Size | Thunderbolt ports | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Pro / Max, 2021 | 14 and 16″ | 3 × Thunderbolt 4 | 6 | 5.0 | FaceTime HD |
| M2 Pro / Max, 2023 | 14 and 16″ | 3 × Thunderbolt 4 | 6E | 5.3 | FaceTime HD |
| M3, 2023 | 14″ | 2 × Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 | 6E | 5.3 | FaceTime HD |
| M3 Pro / Max, 2023 | 14 and 16″ | 3 × Thunderbolt 4 | 6E | 5.3 | FaceTime HD |
| M4, 2024 | 14″ | 3 × Thunderbolt 4 | 6E | 5.3 | 12 MP Center Stage |
| M4 Pro / Max, 2024 | 14 and 16″ | 3 × Thunderbolt 5 | 6E | 5.3 | 12 MP Center Stage |
| M5, 2025 | 14″ | 3 × Thunderbolt 4 | 6E | 5.3 | 12 MP Center Stage |
| M5 Pro / Max, 2026 | 14 and 16″ | 3 × Thunderbolt 5 | 7 | 6 | 12 MP Center Stage |
The base M3 is the easiest detail to miss: it has two ports, both on the left. The base M4 brought back the third port on the right. The base M5 still has Thunderbolt 4, even though M4 Pro and M4 Max already received Thunderbolt 5. M3, M4, M5.
Thunderbolt 3 and 4 in these laptops support up to 40 Gb/s. Thunderbolt 5 increases that to 80 Gb/s in both directions, with a mode that provides up to 120 Gb/s toward displays. That 120 Gb/s figure refers to Bandwidth Boost; it is not the speed you get when copying files to an SSD. Intel’s explanation of the standard.
Starting with M4, the camera supports Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in the frame, and Desk View, which shows your desk. The next wireless upgrade arrives with M5 Pro and Max: the Apple N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. The base M5 keeps Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. M4 family announcement, M5 Pro / Max, M5.
Display: brightness and nano-texture
| Generation — all chips available in 14 and 16″ models | SDR brightness | HDR brightness: full screen / peak | ProMotion | Nano-texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 and M2 | 500 nits | 1000 / 1600 nits | Up to 120 Hz | Unavailable |
| M3 | 600 nits | 1000 / 1600 nits | Up to 120 Hz | Unavailable |
| M4 | Up to 1000 nits outdoors | 1000 / 1600 nits | Up to 120 Hz | Optional |
| M5 | Up to 1000 nits outdoors | 1000 / 1600 nits | Up to 120 Hz | Optional |
SDR brightness matters for everyday work — in an editor, browser or spreadsheet. The advertised 1600 nits is peak brightness for HDR content, already available in the M1 Pro/Max generation. On M4 and M5, the 1000-nit SDR limit applies in bright ambient light. It does not mean a constant 1000 nits in every environment. M1 specifications, M4 display explanation.
Optional nano-texture glass — fewer reflections
Apple calls this option the nano-texture display. It reduces reflections from surrounding light sources, such as a window or lamp. That makes it easier to focus on the content instead of reflections on the screen. It is particularly useful when working in a bright room or outdoors. Apple on the nano-texture display.
It has been available at an extra cost since the M4 generation: on 14-inch models with M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max, and 16-inch models with M4 Pro and M4 Max. It is also an option throughout the M5 family, including the base 14-inch M5. There was no such option on M1, M2 or M3 generation MacBook Pro models. M4, M4 Pro / Max, M5, M5 Pro / Max.
When comparing offers, look specifically for “nano-texture” in the configuration. An M4, M5 or Max label alone does not mean the laptop has this display option. Reduced reflections and higher SDR brightness are separate features — the standard M4 and M5 displays also offer up to 1000 nits SDR in bright ambient light. M4 display specifications, M5 display specifications.
RAM and SSD capacity
The table lists the maximum capacities available when ordering, rather than the specifications of the cheapest configuration. “Pro / Max” indicates two separate values.
| Chip | Maximum RAM | Maximum SSD |
|---|---|---|
| M1 Pro / Max | 32 / 64 GB | 8 / 8 TB |
| M2 Pro / Max | 32 / 96 GB | 8 / 8 TB |
| M3 | 24 GB | 2 TB |
| M3 Pro / Max | 36 / 128 GB | 4 / 8 TB |
| M4 | 32 GB | 2 TB |
| M4 Pro / Max | 48 / 128 GB | 4 / 8 TB |
| M5 | 32 GB | 4 TB |
| M5 Pro / Max | 64 / 128 GB | 4 / 8 TB |
The maximum also depends on the chip variant. For example, M2 Max requires the version with a 38-core GPU to support 96 GB of RAM. M3 Max, M4 Max and M5 Max offer 128 GB in their 40-core GPU variants. M5 Pro supports 64 GB in its 20-core GPU variant. M2 Max, M3 Max, M4 Max, M5 Pro / Max.
Two changes here are not obvious from the generation number: M3 Pro reduced the maximum SSD capacity from 8 to 4 TB, and M4 Pro in a MacBook supports a maximum of 48 GB of RAM. M5 Pro raises that limit to 64 GB. M2 Pro, M3 Pro, M4 Pro, M5 Pro.
Battery: 14-inch versus 16-inch
| Chip | 14″ battery | 16″ battery | 14″ wireless web — up to | 16″ wireless web — up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Pro / Max — 14″, 16″ | 70 Wh | 100 Wh | 11 h | 14 h |
| M2 Pro / Max — 14″, 16″ | 70 Wh | 100 Wh | 12 h | 15 h |
| M3 | 70 Wh | — | 15 h | — |
| M3 Pro / Max — 14″, 16″ | 72.4 Wh | 100 Wh | 12 h | 15 h |
| M4 | 72.4 Wh | — | 16 h | — |
| M4 Pro — 14″, 16″ | 72.4 Wh | 100 Wh | 14 h | 17 h |
| M4 Max — 14″, 16″ | 72.4 Wh | 100 Wh | 13 h | 14 h |
| M5 | 72.4 Wh | — | 16 h | — |
| M5 Pro — 14″, 16″ | 72.4 Wh | 100 Wh | 14 h | 17 h |
| M5 Max — 14″, 16″ | 72.4 Wh | 100 Wh | 13 h | 16 h |
The capacities follow Apple’s main specification tables, including their rounding. Battery life figures are Apple’s stated results for browsing the web over Wi-Fi, not measurements of my own work on these computers. Tested configurations and conditions differ between generations. For M1–M3 Pro/Max, Apple published a shared “up to” figure based on a Pro configuration; it is not a separate measurement of the Max version.
A larger battery also comes with more weight. In the M5 generation, for example, the 14-inch model weighs 1.60 kg with Pro or 1.62 kg with Max, while the 16-inch weighs 2.14 and 2.15 kg, respectively. The base 14-inch M5 weighs 1.55 kg. M5 Pro / Max 14″, M5 Pro / Max 16″, M5.
Fast charging: a useful change from M3
| Model | Fast charging through MagSafe 3 | Fast charging through a USB-C port on the laptop |
|---|---|---|
| 14″, all generations covered here | Yes, with a suitable 96 W or higher power adapter | Yes, with a suitable power adapter and cable |
| 16″, M1 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max | Yes, with a 140 W power adapter | Apple’s 140 W adapter + 240 W USB-C cable setup is not listed for these models |
| 16″, M3 Pro/Max and later | Yes, with a 140 W power adapter | Yes: 140 W power adapter and 240 W USB-C cable |
Older 16-inch models can also charge through USB-C. The distinction here concerns fast charging with Apple’s 140 W power adapter: Apple lists MagSafe for M1/M2, while the setup with a 240 W USB-C cable is listed for models introduced in November 2023 or later. This is useful if you want to carry one cable for several devices. A cable labelled “240 W” does not make the MacBook draw 240 W. Apple’s fast charging requirements.
What remains similar
The M1 Pro/Max models already have a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120 Hz, MagSafe 3, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, Touch ID, six speakers and a headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones. These features are also present in the M5 generation. M1 Pro / Max, M5 Pro / Max.
Having HDMI does not mean every model has the same capabilities. Starting with M2 Pro/Max, Apple expanded the supported display modes, while the base M3 has different limits from M3 Pro/Max. For the specific limits, check the M2 Pro/Max specifications, M3 specifications and the post about resolutions and monitors.
When comparing two offers, I would first check the full chip name, the number and generation of ports, SDR brightness and the nano-texture option. Moving from M3 to M4 brought a new camera and display changes. Choosing M4 Pro over the base M5 gives you Thunderbolt 5. The newer wireless connectivity arrives with M5 Pro and Max. M4, M4 Pro, M5, M5 Pro / Max.
