Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (2021) Review: Powerful, Premium, and Priced Accordingly – Z14W00109
Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (2021) Review: Powerful, Premium, and Priced Accordingly – Z14W00109
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (2021) with the M1 Pro chip is a powerhouse of a laptop designed for professionals who demand the very best in performance and portability. With its stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, a blazing-fast processor, generous RAM and storage options, and a bevy of connectivity ports, this MacBook Pro is a force to be reckoned with. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Let’s dive in.
Features
The 16″ MacBook Pro is packed with features that make it a dream machine for creative professionals and power users. Here are some of the highlights:
- Liquid Retina XDR Display: This stunning 16.2-inch display boasts an incredible 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz ensures smooth scrolling and animations.
- M1 Pro Chip: This powerful chip features a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, offering exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. The unified memory architecture allows for lightning-fast data transfer, resulting in an incredibly responsive system.
- 32GB of RAM: With 32GB of unified memory, the MacBook Pro can handle multiple applications and large files without breaking a sweat. This is more than enough for even the most demanding workflows.
- 4TB SSD: The 4TB SSD provides ample space for storing your files and applications, and its blazing-fast speeds ensure quick loading times and smooth multitasking.
- Thunderbolt 4 Ports: With three Thunderbolt 4 ports, you can connect multiple external displays, peripherals, and storage devices simultaneously.
- 1080p FaceTime HD Camera: The high-quality camera ensures clear video calls, whether you’re working from home or collaborating with colleagues.
- System of Six Hi-Fi Speakers: The MacBook Pro boasts a powerful six-speaker sound system that delivers immersive audio for movies, music, and games.
- MagSafe 3 Power Connector: The MagSafe 3 connector provides a secure connection for charging, while also preventing damage to your MacBook Pro in case of accidental trips.
Performance
In terms of performance, the 16″ MacBook Pro lives up to the hype. The M1 Pro chip delivers a significant leap in speed compared to previous Intel-based models. I put the laptop through a rigorous set of tests, including video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming, and it consistently impressed me with its speed and efficiency.
Video editing was a breeze, even with complex projects and multiple layers of effects. The M1 Pro chip handled everything effortlessly, and I was able to export videos significantly faster than on previous models. 3D rendering was also extremely fast, with complex scenes rendering in a fraction of the time it took on other machines.
While not designed as a gaming machine, the 16-core GPU was still able to deliver a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience on modern titles.
The 32GB of RAM and 4TB SSD provided ample space and speed for multitasking and handling demanding applications. The MacBook Pro was able to switch between applications seamlessly without any noticeable lag.
Pros & Cons
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (2021):
Pros
- Powerful M1 Pro chip
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
- Generous RAM and storage options
- Excellent battery life
- Versatile connectivity options
- High-quality sound system
- MagSafe 3 power connector for added security
Cons
- Expensive
- Not upgradeable
- No SD card slot
Final Verdict
The Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (2021) is a premium laptop that delivers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. It’s a dream machine for professionals who demand the very best, but its high price tag might be a deterrent for some.
If you’re a creative professional or a power user who needs the ultimate in performance and portability, then the 16″ MacBook Pro is a worthy investment. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t require the same level of processing power, there are other more affordable options available.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model line | MacBook Pro 16 (2021) |
| Display | 16 inches |
| Display options | Liquid Retina XDR (3456 × 2234) 254ppi / IPS with LED backlight / Color gamut (P3) / True Tone / 1 billion colors / Brightness 1000 cd/m² in peak 1600 cd/m² / Contrast: 1,000,000:1 / ProMotion technology with adaptive part |
| Processor | Apple M1 Pro |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Wireless communication | Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax / Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Graphics processor | M1 GPU (16-core) |
| CPU parameters | 10-core CPU M1 Chip |
| GPU settings | 16-core GPU M1 Chip |
| Drive type | SSD |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
| Sound | System of six Hi-Fi speakers, including low-frequency with resonance suppression / Wide stereo / Spatial audio support when playing music and videos in Dolby Atmos format through built-in speakers / Spatial audio with dynamic tracking |
| Connectors and ports | SDXC card slot / HDMI x 1 / 3.5mm headphone jack / MagSafe 3 power connector / Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) x 3 |
| Battery | 100 W ∙ h (Up to 21 hours when playing movies from the Apple TV program / Up to 14 hours of work on the Internet via a wireless network) |
| Dimensions | 24.81 x 1.68 x 35.57 cm |
| Weight | 2.15 kg |
| Delivery set | MacBook Pro 16 / USB-C adapter / USB-C cable / MagSafe 3 (2 m) |
| Producer | Apple |
