MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 Comparison: A Leap Forward in AI and Graphics
MacBook Pro M5 retains the same design and price as M4 but offers superior performance, especially AI processing and comprehensively upgraded graphics.
Apple has launched a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip, the latest generation of Apple Silicon. While maintaining the same design and starting price of $1,599 compared to the M4 version, the new model brings a significant leap in processing performance, especially in the fields of graphics and artificial intelligence (AI), setting a new standard for professional laptops.
M5 Chip: Core upgrades in performance and AI
The biggest difference between the two generations of MacBook Pro is the processor. The M5 chip is built on the third-generation 3-nanometer (nm) process, bringing significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency. Although it still has a 10-core CPU structure (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores), the tests show a noticeable increase in processing power.
In performance tests, the M5 chip showed a 19% improvement over the M4 on Geekbench and reduced video transcoding times on HandBrake by up to 20 seconds. For creative tasks, Photoshop scores also increased by 1,700 points. These numbers suggest that everyday tasks, especially resource-intensive projects, will be executed significantly faster.
The most dramatic upgrades are in the graphics and AI department. The M5's 10-core GPU integrates third-generation ray tracing technology and adds a Neural Accelerator to each core. This results in a huge leap in AI performance, with test results showing a 3x improvement on some specialized tests compared to the M4.
In the 3DMark and Blender graphics tests, the M5 maintained a clear advantage. Notably, the M5 was able to run the Ray-Tracing Overdrive test in Cyberpunk, a task the M4 couldn't do. This shows that AAA gaming on the base MacBook Pro has improved significantly.
Design, display and ports: Familiar values
In terms of appearance, the MacBook Pro M5 has not changed compared to the previous generation. Both use a solid aluminum frame with Silver and Space Black color options, the same size and weight (about 1.54 kg). Users will hardly be able to distinguish the two models just by looking from the outside.
The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting remains, offering a resolution of 3,024 x 1,964 pixels and excellent display quality with high contrast. The Force Touch keyboard and trackpad are also unchanged, continuing to provide a good typing and control experience.
The port system remains the same, including the MagSafe 3 charging port, SDXC card slot, HDMI port, and Thunderbolt ports. Although the bandwidth of the M5 chip has increased, Apple has not upgraded to Thunderbolt 5 standard on the basic version.
Battery life and memory: Notable differences
One thing worth noting is battery life. In our video playback test, the MacBook Pro M4 lasted longer, reaching 28 hours and 33 minutes. Meanwhile, the M5 model, while still reaching the 24 hours and 6 minutes announced by Apple, lasted about 4 hours less than the previous generation. This is a trade-off for higher performance.
In terms of storage, the M5 brings two important improvements. The SSD speed is advertised as being 2x faster, reducing application loading and file processing times. In addition, the maximum storage capacity has been increased to 4TB, double the 2TB of the M4, meeting the needs of professional users who need large storage space.
Main specifications comparison table
| Features | MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4) | MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 | Apple M5 |
| Procedure | 3nm | 3nm (third generation) |
| GPU | 10 cores | 10 cores (integrated Neural Accelerator) |
| Ray Tracing | Second generation | Third generation |
| Battery life (video playback) | Up to 28 hours 33 minutes | Up to 24 hours 6 minutes |
| Maximum SSD | 2TB | 4TB |
| SSD speed | Standard | Up to 2 times faster |
| Operating system (at launch) | macOS “Sequoia” | macOS “Tahoe” |
| Starting price | $1,599 | $1,599 |
Conclude
For the same price, the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 is a superior choice over the M4 generation. Although there is a small trade-off in battery life, the comprehensive upgrades in CPU performance, graphics, and especially AI capabilities make this a more powerful machine for creative and professional tasks. For those considering buying a new MacBook Pro, the M5 version is a reasonable and effective investment decision.
