Apple MacBook Pro M3: The recent upgrade to Apple’s MacBook Pro introduces an expanded selection of chip options, a more affordable price point, and a stylish new black color variant. Noteworthy improvements include enhanced performance and extended battery life, making this iteration of the MacBook Pro a compelling choice for users seeking both power and aesthetics.
The beloved laptop now has a starting price of £1,699 (€1,999/$1,599/A$2,699), making it a more budget-friendly option with a reduction of £450 compared to its predecessor. This substantial price drop significantly lowers the entry barrier for potential users.
The exterior of the device maintains the appealing blend of the retro and modern design seen in its predecessor, constructed from high-quality aluminum with precision befitting its price. The port configuration stays consistent, featuring the appreciated inclusion of an HDMI port and a full-size SD card slot.
The display remains among the top-tier offerings in the laptop market: crisp, seamless, and exceptionally bright, especially when handling or viewing HDR content. Notably, it is now 20% brighter during regular use compared to its predecessor, a difference that became evident while working on documents in bright winter sunlight.
In 2023, a fresh addition to the lineup is the space black color choice, presenting itself as a deep shade of grey but effectively achieving the darkest tone achievable with anodized aluminum. This color option is not only aesthetically pleasing but also exhibits improved resistance to fingerprints compared to its predecessors. It’s worth noting that the new color variant is exclusively available for the mid-and high-end configurations of the machine, starting at £2,099 (€2,499/$1,999/A$3,499).
MacBook Pro M3 Price in India
The 14-inch MacBook Pro has an initial price of ₹169,900 for a configuration featuring an M3 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Versions equipped with the M3 Pro are priced from ₹209,900 whereas models with the M3 Max start at ₹329,900.
For reference, the MacBook Air M2 begins at ₹114,900, while Windows laptops with similar specifications, like the Dell XPS 15, are priced at around ₹199,900 The Razer Blade 14 comes in at ₹250,000, and Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts from ₹205,800.
MacBook Pro M3 Specifications
- Screen: 14.2inch mini LED (3024×1964; 254 ppi) ProMotion (120Hz)
- Processor: Apple M3, M3 Pro or M3 Max
- RAM: 8, 18 or 32, or up to 128GB
- Storage: 512GB, 1, 2, 4 or 8TB SSD
- Operating system: macOS 14.1 Sonoma
- Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
- Connectivity: wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2/3x USB/Thunderbolt, HDMI 2.1, SD card, headphones
- Dimensions: 221.2 x 312.6 x 15.5mm
- Weight: 1.55 to 1.62kg
MacBook Pro M3 Chip choices
A significant innovation lies in the incorporation of Apple’s latest M3 family of chips, produced at a state-of-the-art scale currently unmatched by other manufacturers. This advancement contributes to heightened performance levels, coupled with reduced power consumption and heat generation.
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro now features an M3 chip, with options to upgrade to the M3 Pro or M3 Max for increased performance requirements.
Compared to the MacBook Air and other devices utilizing the M2 chip, the M3 chip boasts approximately 20% higher speed. Furthermore, it outperforms the original M1 chips from 2020 by about 40%. The base model supports a single external monitor and comes with 8GB of memory. While this configuration may suffice currently, it could pose limitations in the future. It’s worth noting that doubling the memory incurs an additional cost of ₹ 20,900 and cannot be retroactively upgraded.
MacBook Pro M3 Sustainability Test
The MacBook Pro is made using 32% recycled materials, encompassing recycled aluminum, rare earth elements, tin, gold, and plastic. Apple provides a detailed breakdown of the computer’s environmental impact in its report.
The laptop is designed with repairability in mind and offers repair manuals. Apple facilitates battery replacements for ₹ 25,700. While the machine received praise from repair specialists “iFixit” for its modular design, criticism was directed at Apple for employing software locks on replacement parts, artificially restricting third-party repair options. Consequently, the repairability score awarded was only four out of 10. Apple extends support through trade-in programs and free recycling initiatives, which also cover non-Apple products. In light of Apple’s current technological endeavors, such as their shift towards 6G development, the company faces challenges in-house regarding 5G modem development.
MacBook Pro M3 Pros and Cons
Pros
The MacBook Pro boasts a selection of high-performance chips, delivering impressive speed, coupled with an exceptionally long battery life. The fantastic miniLED ProMotion screen, now even brighter, enhances the visual experience. Ample ports, including an SD card slot, cater to versatile connectivity needs. The laptop features brilliant speakers, a Touch ID for enhanced security, and a great keyboard and trackpad for efficient input. The 14-inch form factor is deemed an excellent size by many users, and the introduction of a new black color option adds to its appeal.
Cons
The MacBook Pro, however, lacks USB-A ports, Face ID functionality, and a Centre Stage camera. Notably, both RAM and SSD are non-upgradable post-purchase, and the device is on the expensive side. The base model may be considered to have insufficient memory for its price point.
MacBook Pro M3 Chip: Agame Changer For Power Users
Priced at Rs 1,69,900, the 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M3 chip has become the ultimate choice for power users and creators. For those seeking an upgrade from an Intel-era MacBook, now is the optimal moment to make the switch. However, if you are already using a device with M series silicon, it is advisable to refrain from upgrading unless significant changes in your workflows necessitate a boost in raw power. The current MacBook Pro is well-equipped to handle professional workflows for the foreseeable future, making it an opportune time to future-proof your work.
