All-Day Battery Life and Powerful Performance: The New MacBook Pro M3
Unprecedented Battery Performance
The latest MacBook Pro M3 model has set a new standard for battery life. Contrary to expectations, the power-hungry performance of this laptop does not drain the battery as anticipated. WIRED previously reported a running time of only 12 hours for the older M2 model, but during testing, I was able to achieve an impressive maximum of 19 hours and 20 minutes of YouTube video playback on the new MacBook Pro M3. This means you can comfortably watch movies during a long-haul flight from New York to London and back without needing to recharge, even on High Power Mode. However, it’s worth noting that battery life may vary depending on screen brightness levels. During my tests, I managed just over 15 hours with a fully bright, all-white screen.
The Impact of High Power Mode
While High Power Mode on the MacBook Pro M3 significantly enhances battery life, it does come with a drawback. The fan speed noticeably increases when this mode is activated. Under full load, the fan volume reached 60 decibels, which is the loudest measure since I began measuring fan volume formally. So, while the laptop may not remain whisper-quiet under heavy usage, the substantial boost in battery performance makes it a trade-off worth considering.
Premium Features That Remain Unchanged
The MacBook Pro M3 retains its best-in-class qualities and brings minimal changes to existing features. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina display continues to impress with its sharpness and brightness, although there are even brighter options available in the market. It’s important to note that the display does not include touch functionality and still features the prominent “notch” in the top center, housing the 1080p webcam.
Amped-Up Sound and Familiar Connectivity
The six-speaker sound system on the MacBook Pro M3 remains exceptional and perhaps more than most users would ever need in a laptop. The trackpad and keyboard continue to provide a solid user experience, with the full-height function key row and power button incorporating an embedded fingerprint reader. In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Pro M3 offers familiar options including three USB-C-Thunderbolt-USB 4 ports, a full-size HDMI output jack, an SD card slot, and the beloved MagSafe port. Additionally, the MagSafe cable now matches the color of the device, but the power adapter remains a standard white color.
Pricing and Conclusion
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max starts at $3,499, making it slightly more expensive than its comparable competitor, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2. However, it’s worth noting that you can further customize your MacBook Pro to exceed $5,000 by upgrading memory and storage options. To keep your investment looking pristine, Apple offers a $19 polishing cloth for added protection.
In conclusion, the new MacBook Pro M3 surpasses expectations with its all-day battery life, powerful performance, and retained excellence in existing features. While the fan noise may become noticeable under heavy workload, the extended battery runtime makes it a worthwhile compromise. Whether you’re a creative professional or a tech-savvy user, the MacBook Pro M3 sets a new benchmark for productivity and reliability.