Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023)
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023)
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GENERAL USE: Best in Class—10.0/10
GAMING/AI: Excellent—9.0/10
ENG/DESIGN: Best in Class—9.8/10
SOFTWARE DEV: Best in Class—10.0/10
CONTENT CREATION: Best in Class—10.0/10
PORTABILITY: Good—7.5/10
BATTERY: Best in Class—9.5/10
OVERALL SCREEN QUALITY: Best in Class—9.5/10
OVERALL PERFORMANCE: Best in Class—9.5/10
SIZE: 16.2"
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023) is a premium laptop that offers high-end performance suitable for demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, engineering software, and machine learning, owed in large part to its powerful Apple M3 Max processor and ample RAM. Known for its stunning Mini LED display, the resolution provides sharp visuals and supports a wide range of colors, making it ideal for creatives and professionals who require accurate color representation, though it is not touchscreen. The large screen and processor do mean it weighs more, so it's less portable than lighter models. It features a long battery life for extensive use between charges, a quality build, a quiet and effective cooling system, a highly-rated keyboard, and excellent speakers. This model is optimal for those needing high performance and a superior display, who do not prioritize gaming as it isn't designed for that purpose. The MacBook Pro 16 also comes with multiple USB-C ports including Thunderbolt 4 support for connectivity, though it lacks an HDMI port and an Ethernet port. If you need a laptop primarily for general use and portability with modest performance needs, there may be more cost-effective options available. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Evaluation
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Outstanding speaker and webcam
- High-resolution, bright screen
- Powerful Apple M3 Max chip
- Long battery life
Cons
- High price point
- No USB-A or Ethernet ports
- No touchscreen
- Heavy, less portable
Ratings by Category
General Use:5.0
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023) stands out for general use due to its long battery life and high-quality display, enhancing user experience over extended periods. Additionally, its top-tier keyboard, speaker quality, and solid build make it a comfortable and reliable choice, although it's less portable than lighter options.
Engineering & Design:5.0
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023) excels for engineering and design due to its high-performance CPU and GPU that can handle demanding tasks, complemented by a substantial amount of RAM for multitasking. Additionally, the Mini LED screen delivers exceptional quality with high brightness and a wide color gamut, ensuring precise color work and detailed visuals.
Software Development:5.0
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software development.
In addition to a strong emphasis on overall performance, this score also places very high importance on screen quality. Heat management, storage, keyboard and speaker quality are also incorporated, with fan noise rounding out this score.
Content Creation:5.0
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, and video editing work.
In addition to a strong emphasis on overall performance, this score also places very high importance on screen quality. Heat management, storage, keyboard and speaker quality are also incorporated, with fan noise rounding out this score.
Build Quality:5.0
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, chassis rigidity, and overall reliability.
Our assessment of build quality includes many details that are difficult to quantify.
Our laptop experts use their best judgment to produce the final score.
Battery Life:4.9
PerfectRec’s Battery Life rating is based on hours of battery life in typical usage scenarios.
General Use Screen Quality:4.9
The general use screen score is based on the screen technology, contrast ratio, resolution, brightness, color gamut and color accuracy. This score does not take into account specialized display features for specific use cases, such as high refresh rate for gaming.
Keyboard Quality:4.9
The Keyboard Quality score is based on the PerfectRec experts’ assessment of tactile feedback, typing comfort, keyboard reliability and typing noise.
Gaming & AI:4.7
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023) excels in 3D because it features a powerful 40-core GPU, which is crucial for rendering complex graphics quickly. Additionally, its screen has a high refresh rate of 120Hz, providing smoother visuals which is very beneficial for 3D applications.
Operating Noise:4.6
PerfectRec’s Operating Noise Score is based on fan noise measurements. Laptops with a fanless design, such as Macbooks, receive the maximum score.
Portability:4.2
PerfectRec’s portability rating takes into account the volume and thickness of the laptop as well as its weight.
Full Specs
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Price | $3,799 | ||
Release Date | November 1, 2023 | ||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.8'' x 0.66'' | ||
Weight | 4.8 lbs | ||
Width | 14.01" | ||
Depth | 9.77" | ||
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | Apple M3 Max (16C) | ||
RAM | 48 GB | ||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | ||
RAM Slots | 0 | ||
Storage | 1024 GB | ||
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | 17.5 Hours | ||
Battery Capacity | 99.6 Wh | ||
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | 16.2" | ||
Display Technology | Mini LED | ||
Resolution | 3456 x 2234 | ||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | ||
Display Brightness | 487 nits | ||
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score  | 10/10 | ||
Portability Score | 7.6/10 | ||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | ||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | ||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | ||
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | ||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | ||
Webcam | 1080p | ||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | ||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | ||
Number Pad | No | ||
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | 0 | ||
USB-C ports | 3 | ||
USB-C Charging | Yes | ||
Display Outputs | 4 | ||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | ||
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023)
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NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | February 2023
"The Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023: M2 Max challenges GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. The new MacBook Pro 16 2023 with the M2 Max SoC is the most powerful laptop Apple has on sale right now. While we do not get the expected performance and efficiency improvements from completely new 3 nm chips, which we expected ahead of the launch, the 2023 model is still a solid update. The CPU of the M2 Max can be up to 20 % faster than the old model and we also see an advantage of 25-30 % for the GPU with 38 cores. However, both components also consume more power, so the efficiency did not change that much under maximum load."
Comparison charts
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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 is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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