MacBook Pro M4 Review: Subtle Upgrades for Power Users
The new MacBook Pro M4 continues to close the performance gap with its Air counterpart, making it harder to justify the more expensive Pro model for basic tasks like word processing or browsing. However, for those working with demanding tasks—such as AI development, production-level 3D programming, or heavy Adobe editing—the M4 base model offers a solid performance boost over the MacBook Air, thanks to its 10-core GPU and 16GB RAM.
Apple has finally addressed the long-standing complaint of insufficient RAM, making 16GB the baseline. For most everyday users, including students or indie developers, the base M4 model will be more than adequate, offering a cooler and snappier experience compared to the previous M3 Pro.
However, for those working in more resource-intensive fields, the M4 Pro chip and 24GB of RAM would be a better option, future-proofing the device for the next few years. While the M4 Max chip caters to the high-end, like 3D artists or heavy video editors, it’s overkill for most users.
The MacBook Pro M4’s standout feature is its XDR display, delivering superior color accuracy and video editing satisfaction over the MacBook Air’s Liquid Retina. For those working outdoors, the optional nano-texture display (for an additional RM640) reduces glare, making it more usable in bright environments.
Battery life is impressive too, with users able to easily get through an 8-hour workday, even with demanding tasks. AI features, like the integration into Apple Notes, show Apple's push to include more intelligent tools, but it’s still more useful on mobile.
Overall, the MacBook Pro M4 is a great choice for power users who need more than what the MacBook Air can offer but don’t require the extreme power of the M4 Max. With improved performance, a better display, and enhanced battery life, the M4 offers a strong package for those working with AI or heavy software.
Prices start from RM6,999 for the base M4 model, RM8,499 for the M4 Pro, and RM13,999 for the M4 Max.
