3 min to read
M3 MacBook Pro Review - Space Black
Original video published on Nov 6, 2023
After spending a few days with the new space black M3 MacBook Pro, I’m ready to dive into the details of this decked-out machine. With an M3 Max chip, a whopping 128 GB of RAM, and a fresh color option, this MacBook Pro is turning heads.
The New Hue: More Than Meets the Eye
The first thing I did after unboxing was to test the much-touted fingerprint resistance of the new space black color. It’s more of a dark gray than a true black, but it’s impressive how resistant it is to smudges.
Compared to the previous space gray and even the black Razer Blade, which also claims fingerprint resistance, the MacBook Pro stands out.
Compare color with Space Grey MacBook and Razer Blade
A nose-grease test (yes, a bit gross) showed that smudges on the MacBook Pro could be easily wiped away, while they lingered on the Razer Blade.
Compare fingerprint resistance with Razer Blade
Under a microscope, the anodization process didn’t look different, but the proof is in everyday use. While it’s easy to get caught up in the color, it’s the tangible change you notice first. However, buying a new device just for the color might seem excessive unless it’s a color that truly speaks to you.
The M3 Chip: A Tough Act to Follow
The M3 chip, especially the M3 Max, is incredibly fast and energy-efficient. But with the M1 and M2 already setting high standards, the M3’s improvements, while significant, aren’t revolutionary. The battery life is great, but we’re not seeing massive year-on-year improvements.
For CPU-centric tasks, upgrading from an older Apple silicon might be worth considering if it aligns with your budget and goals. But the real game-changer is the GPU.
GPU: The Powerhouse
The base M3’s GPU is impressive, but the M3 Max with its 40-core GPU is where the power truly ramps up. It excels in benchmarks, gaming, and GPU-intensive workflows like Adobe Premiere. The addition of hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, supported by apps like the Blender 4.0 beta, showcases the potential of this hardware.
The M3 Pro: A Different Beast
I didn’t get my hands on the M3 Pro, but from the specs, it seems Apple has tuned it differently this year, possibly to create a clearer distinction in their product lineup. I’ll be taking a closer look at the entire M3 range in a future post, so stay tuned for that.
Final Thoughts
The M3 MacBook Pro, particularly in its space black variant, is not just a visual treat but a testament to Apple’s continuous push for innovation. While its aesthetics are certainly a draw, the real star is the power under the hood, especially with the GPU advancements. As for whether it’s worth the upgrade, that will depend on your specific needs and how much you value the cutting-edge features it offers.
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