The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is generally more expensive and offers better performance for engineering and 3D/machine learning tasks because of its higher-end processor and more graphics cores. Compared to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023), it also has more RAM, which is crucial for intensive multitasking. On the other hand, the newer MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) is somewhat less expensive and has a slightly longer battery life, making it more suitable for extended use without charging. Both have similar build quality, screen performance, and portability, but if you prioritize overall performance for heavy tasks, the older model has the edge. However, if battery life and cost are more important considerations for you, the newer model might be the better option. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023).
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023)
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
Screen Quality
9.2/10
9.2/10
14.2in
SIZE
14.2in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
489.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 have similar screen quality.
The Apple Macbook Pro 14 models offer screens with exceptional resolution and brightness, making their display wonderfully sharp and vivid for everyday tasks and professional design work where detail and color accuracy are paramount. Their screens cover a wide range of colors, including the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB spectrums, ensuring that graphics and design professionals can work with a palette that closely matches industry standards for print and digital media. However, for 3D applications which prioritize how quickly the screen can refresh – crucial for smooth motion – these MacBooks fall short as they prioritize color accuracy and resolution over high refresh rates.
Battery
13.5 Hours
17.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 17 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Cost
$1,905
$1,499
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) costs $1,499.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) with its higher amount of RAM and Apple M1 Pro CPU is very well-suited for general use, allowing for smooth multitasking and robust performance in everyday tasks, complemented by a high-quality keyboard, speakers, and excellent battery life. In comparison, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) boasts improvements such as an even better battery life and enhanced portability due to its slightly lower weight, but it has less RAM which may affect performance in demanding multitasking scenarios, though it continues to offer high-quality input devices and display.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.7/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) excels in handling 3D tasks due to its powerful GPU and high-quality screen, but the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) surpasses it by offering an even more advanced GPU and a faster screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smoother visuals and rendering performance. Although both have robust CPUs and exceptional screen quality, the latest model's enhancements provide a more fluid experience for demanding 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.1/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is better for engineering and design use due to its more powerful CPU and GPU; specifically, it features an Apple M1 Pro with a higher core count and additional graphics cores compared to the Apple M3 in the late 2023 model. Although both laptops offer high-quality Mini LED displays and similar screen characteristics, the additional computing power and memory in the 2021 MacBook Pro enhance performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering or compiling code, which can be critical for engineering and design work.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.4/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both very good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.3/10
8.2/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both very good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.2in
SIZE
14.2in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
10.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) both have best in class build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) compare to other laptops
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023)
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.