MacBook Pro M5 vs MacBook Pro M4: If you’re struggling to decide which one you should buy, this article will help you make the right decision. Apple has officially unveiled the new 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip, marking another major step in Apple’s in-house silicon journey. With this generation, Apple has emphasized artificial intelligence, graphics performance, and power efficiency.
The previously launched M4 MacBook Pro is still one of the fastest laptops on the market — with powerful CPU and GPU cores, excellent battery life, and unmatched reliability. So, the real question now is: should you upgrade to the new M5 MacBook Pro, or is the M4 still the better choice for your workflow in 2025 and 2026? Let’s find out in this detailed comparison.
Note: We don’t have the new MacBook Pro M5 yet, but we do have the M4 MacBook Pro. We’re providing information and my opinion in this article based on the features of the new MacBook Pro M5 and the information provided by Apple. Apple has stated that the M5 MacBook Pro has AI features and several other new changes. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments.
MacBook Pro M5 vs MacBook Pro M4: Key Specs Comparison
It’s worth noting that the new M5 MacBook Pro and the M4 MacBook Pro aren’t that different, but they do have AI features. Check out this specs comparison of the new M5 MacBook Pro and M4 MacBook Pro:
| Feature | MacBook Pro (14″, M5) | MacBook Pro (14″, M4) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | New Apple M5 chip with upgraded architecture, faster cores, and better AI acceleration | Apple M4 chip with 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores) |
| GPU | Next-gen GPU delivering up to 4x better AI and graphics performance | 10-core GPU (base) with hardware-accelerated ray tracing |
| Neural Engine | Improved Neural Engine with higher throughput and efficiency | 16-core Neural Engine |
| Memory Bandwidth | Up to 153 GB/s bandwidth on base M5, Increased bandwidth for AI and high-end creative workloads | Up to 120 GB/s bandwidth on base M4 |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours (claimed) depending on configuration and workflow | Up to 22 hours — already excellent for most users |
| Price (U.S.) | Starting around $1,999 (may vary by configuration) | Slightly lower prices, often discounted |
| Ports | HDMI, Thunderbolt, SDXC, MagSafe, headphone jack | Same as M5 — identical design |
Let us tell you that the GPU in the new M5 MacBook Pro is 4 times better than the M4 MacBook Pro, and the graphics performance is better. Apart from this, the MacBook Pro M5 has a battery life of 24 hours, whereas the M4 MacBook Pro has only 22 hours. Apart from this, the new MacBook Pro M5 will have up to 153 GB/s memory bandwidth, whereas the 2024 MacBook Pro M4 has 120 GB/s memory bandwidth. So let’s know more about the performance and real-world gains.
Performance — Real-World Gains
The M5 chip focuses on AI-centric workloads, graphics performance, and faster neural processing. Apple claims up to four times faster GPU-based AI compute compared to the M4 — meaning machine-learning tasks, generative AI models, and creative tools that rely on neural processing will perform significantly better.
In real-world use, the M5 shows a clear lead in GPU-heavy tasks such as video rendering, 3D design, and AI-powered editing tools. However, for everyday use — browsing, office work, note-taking, or light photo editing — the difference between M4 and M5 will be minimal.
Verdict:
If your workflow involves high-performance graphics, AI tools, or demanding creative tasks, the M5 MacBook Pro will save you time and provide a smoother experience. Furthermore, for general productivity, the M4 MacBook Pro is significantly faster. If you don’t need AI features for general work, I’d personally recommend the MacBook Pro M4.
Battery Life, Thermals, and Everyday Experience
The Apple M5 chip is designed for improved power efficiency, resulting in longer battery life and better temperature control. Apple also claims up to 24 hours of battery life at low workloads—an impressive figure that surpasses most Windows laptops in its class.
The new chip maintains consistent performance for longer periods, reducing throttling during heavy rendering or lengthy video editing. For professionals who travel frequently or students who require all-day battery life, the new M5 MacBook Pro is clearly the better choice.
However, the M4 MacBook Pro already offers industry-leading performance, so real improvements are only noticeable in intensive multitasking or GPU-based workflows. Furthermore, if we take a look at the M5 benchmarks, we see that it outperforms the M4.
M5 Benchmark Result:
M4 Benchmark Result:
Design, Ports, and Display
Both the M5 and M4 MacBook Pro models feature the same beautiful design—a sturdy aluminum body, a bright Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display, and a full suite of professional-grade ports, including HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe, and Thunderbolt 4.
Also, if you’re considering the M5 MacBook Pro for its new design, there’s no new design introduced this year, which means accessories, docks, and cases from the M4 model will fit perfectly. If you already have an M4, there’s no need to worry about port or accessory compatibility.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M5 world: What’s new in the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro?
Pricing and Value
Price will be a key factor for most buyers. While the M5 MacBook Pro is priced at $1,599, which is roughly the same as the previous generation’s launch price, the M4 versions are now available at attractive discounts—sometimes even up to a few hundred dollars—as the new model launches. If you’re considering purchasing the MacBook Pro M4, keep searching for deals and offers.
If you don’t need the extra AI performance or GPU boost, buying the M4 model right now can offer incredible value. It’s still one of the fastest laptops for creative professionals and developers.
SEE ALSO: New MacBook Pro M5 vs Old MacBook Pro — What’s the Real Difference?
Who should buy the M5 MacBook Pro?
- For machinists and data scientists who need the fastest neural network performance, the new MacBook Pro m5 can get their work done up to 5X faster.
- If you’re looking for a MacBook Pro M5 right now and are professional video editors, 3D artists, and designers who rely on GPU-intensive apps, Apple’s new MacBook Pro M5 is one of the best options for you.
- Let us tell you that if you are a power user and want to future-proof your laptop investment for the next 3-5 years.
- Traveling professionals are looking for long battery life and consistent performance. For them, the MacBook Pro M5 is a great choice, as I don’t think any laptop can match it.
Apart from this, this laptop can be a game-changer for many other users. Apart from this, if you do not need AI features, then the M4 MacBook Pro is the best option for you right now.
Who should choose the M4 MacBook Pro?
- If you’re a student, writer, or office professional who primarily uses productivity apps and browsers, the MacBook Pro M4 is a great choice.
- For budget-conscious buyers who want pro-level performance without paying a premium, the Apple MacBook Pro M4 is a great option.
- But if you’re a current M4 owner who doesn’t need AI-heavy features or next-generation GPU performance, there’s no need to upgrade to the new MacBook M5 just yet.
- If you’re a content creator for YouTube or any other social media platform, you can still get great results from the M4’s powerful CPU and GPU.
Apart from this, if you feel that you are getting less performance from the M4 MacBook Pro and you need a new laptop, then you should buy the M5 MacBook Pro.
Final Verdict
If you’re buying a laptop for the long term—especially for creative or AI-intensive work—the MacBook Pro M5 is the best choice. Its faster GPU, improved efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities make it a true next-generation laptop.
However, if you want the best balance of power, battery, and price in 2025, the MacBook Pro M4 is still one of Apple’s smartest choices. It delivers excellent performance and battery life at a low price, making it a better choice for most users right now.
SEE ALSO: New MacBook Pro M5 vs Old MacBook Pro — What’s the Real Difference?
