MacBook Pro M4 review: Everything you need to know

April 4, 2025

9 mins read

Miguel G.

Miguel G.

Sr. Tech Copywriter (US)

The MacBook Pro M4 has officially entered the chat, and it's here to remind Windows PCs who's boss. With the new model, Apple builds on its previous M-series chips, delivering a professional-grade portable computer that enhances performance, efficiency, and value across the board. It's noticeably faster, offers clever Apple Intelligence features, promises 24 hours of battery life, and includes an optional nano-texture display for a glare-free experience. In this article, we review the MacBook Pro M4, covering everything you need to know about its design, performance, features, and specs.

Verdict: 4.5/5: The MacBook Pro M4 is the complete package

The bottom line

It is a near-perfect blend of price, performance, and utility. The M4 is the base edition of the latest and most-powerful generation of Apple Silicon, and it's got all the power you need. You don't need the M4 Pro or the M4 Max chip, as the M4 chip can do most of the heavy lifting you need from a professional-grade portable. The MacBook Pro M4 also offers impressive battery life and clever Apple Intelligence features, but the standout feature is the optional nano-texture display that obliterates glare. It retains the same elegant build, now available in Space Black, while adding an extra Thunderbolt port and a sharper 12MP Center Stage camera.
An open MacBook Pro M4 highlighting its sleek build and vibrant screen.
Buy refurbished MacBook Pro M4

Why you can trust this MacBook Pro M4 review

When considering getting a new laptop or upgrading your old one, you want reliable insights to make the best decision. At Back Market, we aim to provide reliable and affordable tech, which is why we've made this review for you. This MacBook Pro M4 review is based on thorough research, expert analysis, and comparisons with previous models to give you a clear picture of its performance and features. With tech journalism and engineering backgrounds, we've gathered information from real-world usage scenarios, industry benchmarks, and trusted sources to provide an honest and well-rounded perspective. Here's everything you need to know before getting the MacBook Pro M4.

MacBook Pro M4 specifications 

The MacBook Pro M4 is the base-level Pro laptop in Apple's lineup. It offers more power than the MacBook Air, and more ports if you're willing to upgrade to the M4 Pro or M4 Max. The performance of the M4 is better than that of most Windows laptops, and you get a sharper 12MP webcam, helpful Apple Intelligence, and all-day battery life. A game-changer for the MacBook Pro M4 is the nano-texture display, which provides a glare-free experience when working outdoors. The MacBook Pro M4 is the perfect laptop for creative pros and power users looking for a high-performance, portable laptop with exceptional battery life. Here's a breakdown of its specifications:

  • Chip: Apple M4 

  • CPU: 10-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores

  • GPU: 10-core GPU

  • Display: 14.2 in Liquid Retina XDR 

  • Panel technology: ProMotion

  • Display resolution: 3024 x 1964 pixels

  • Screen refresh rate: 120Hz

  • Memory: 16GB configurable to 24 or 35GB

  • Storage: 512GB SSD configurable to 1 or 2TB

  • Operating system: macOS 15.1 Sequoia

  • Ports: 3 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, 3.5mm headphone

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3

  • Webcam: 12MP Center Stage

  • Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 in

  • Weight: 3.4 lbs

Unchanged design, more ports

Unlike its predecessor, the MacBook Pro M3, you don't have to pay extra for black with this model. The entry-level MacBook Pro M4 is beautiful and available in Silver and Space Black. It is the Darth Vader of laptops, complete with a matching black MagSafe power cord. The Pro M4 retains its predecessor's sleek aluminum design (hardly a surprise as Apple maintains its designs for years on end), which is easy to carry and feels durable. The front lip on the lid continues to provide easy access to the laptop, and the Touch ID button lets you log in quickly. Weighing in at 3.4 lbs and measuring 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 in, the MacBook M4 Pro is relatively light, especially considering how powerful it is. The port selection has improved, and the entry-level Pro M4 now has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot. Stepping up to the M4 Max gives you more bandwidth with the Thunderbolt 5 ports. The M4 Pro also supports three displays in one, allowing you to connect dual displays simultaneously while having the laptop open.
A half-opened MacBook Pro M4 displaying its sleek design and available ports.

A stunning display with vivid colors, even outdoors

The MacBook Pro M4 screen is excellent. It features Apple's Liquid Retina XDR, which you've seen before on the M1, M2, and M3 Pro laptops. It has a high-resolution 3024 x 1964-pixel panel and mini-LED backlighting, offering OLED-like contrast and superb HDR quality. The screen's high refresh rate is impressive, with a peak of 120Hz for media creation and gaming. Apple's ProMotion adjustable refresh rate technology enhances this even further. The display also offers Extreme Dynamic Range features, including 1,000 nits of brightness for outdoor usability and a peak of 1,600 nits for some HDR images and video. However, the standout feature is the optional nano-texture glass layer, which provides a glare-free experience while working outdoors. This feature obliterates glares and reflections while maintaining the display's color, contrast, and brightness.
A close-up of the MacBook Pro M4 display showcasing vivid colors and sharp resolution.

A new 12MP Center Stage webcam with smart features

The MacBook Pro M4 webcam takes one of the most significant leaps in performance, now featuring a 12MP Center Stage camera, up from the 1080p FaceTime camera from previous models. This means a massive improvement in image quality and it introduces new features like Desk View and Center Stage. With the new webcam, you can take sharper, more vibrant, and more detailed images. Center Stage support ensures you'll always remain centered in the frame even as you move around during video calls. With the addition of Desk View, you can now use the webcam's lower field of vision and intelligent image processing to show your desk like a document camera.
A close-up of the MacBook Pro M4's Center Stage camera.

Rapid M4 power for demanding tasks

Under the hood, the MacBook Pro M4 features Apple's latest M4 chip, first seen in the iPad Pro M4. The base model gets the 10-core version of the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM, a welcome upgrade. According to Apple, the M4 is 25% faster than the outgoing M3 chip and 1.8 times faster than the original M1 chip, making it impressively fast. The MacBook Pro M4 is noticeably quicker when conducting everyday tasks and should provide more than enough power for most use cases. However, if you want to author code, render 3D objects, or crunch numbers, you can upgrade to the high-performance M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, better suited for handling performance-heavy tasks.

macOS Sequoia and Apple Intelligence

The MacBook Pro M4 runs the new macOS Sequoia, which has various new features in line with iOS 18.1. The new operating system has a handy window tiling system that snaps windows to the sides or full screen when dragged to the edges of the display, similar to what is present on Windows 11. Another highlight is iPhone Mirroring, which lets you see a virtual representation of your iPhone on your Mac and use it. With the new update, you can also have notifications from your iPhone show up in your Mac's notification center. However, Apple Intelligence is the highlight, and it comes with many handy features. These include AI writing tools capable of summarizing, proofing, and rewriting text, as seen on iOS 18.1 devices. Moreover, these tools are built straight into the OS, making them faster and easier to use. The MacBook Pro M4 also features a smarter Siri, which you can type to or talk to. Other AI tools are available in various apps, like the Photos app, which now features an AI Clean Up tool for deleting unwanted objects in pictures. Smart replies are also available in the Mail and Messages apps, which can now provide conversation summaries.
A MacBook Pro M4 screen showing iPhone Mirroring in use.

Class-leading battery life

The MacBook Pro M4 offers class-leading battery life, with Apple claiming it can last up to 24 hours when streaming video and up to 16 hours for casual browsing. Battery life has been impressive on Mac laptops ever since the M1 was released in 2020. The MacBook Pro M4 is very efficient, and unless you're doing something taxing, the battery barely seems to drain at all. It also offers excellent standby battery life, draining about 1% overnight while closed.

The keyboard and trackpad feel familiar

If you loved the MacBook Pro's keyboard from past iterations, you will love the keyboard on the MacBook Pro M4. Many people appreciate the current iteration of Apple's MacBook Magic Keyboard, and so do we. Although the 1mm key travel might feel shallow, the typing experience is solid, with easy-to-read legends, good feedback, and effective key backlighting. The keyboard also features a Touch ID sensor, full-height function keys, and an ambient light sensor that adjusts the backlight automatically, making it one of the most advanced keyboards available. The Force Touch trackpad also remains unchanged, providing much room for swiping and scrolling. Moreover, the haptic feedback is so clean and precise that it feels like a mechanical click.
A collage of two stacked images showing the MacBook Pro M4's ports on either side.

Pros and cons 

The MacBook Pro M4 is close to being the perfect laptop. It impresses in every area, is a joy to use, and rises to meet virtually any challenge. It joins Apple's list of excellent portables and is one of the best laptops you can buy. 

Pros ✅

Cons ❌

Class-leading M4 performance

The keyboard and trackpad remain unchanged

Unmatched battery life

No Wi-Fi 7

Stunning display with HDR

12MP Center Stage camera

Anti-glare nano-texture display

Versatile port selection

How to buy an affordable MacBook Pro M4 

If you want to buy a budget-friendly MacBook Pro M4, you can do this in several ways. One option is buying in February, when a new model drops, as prices for the previous generation devices usually drop when a new version is released. You can also wait for major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday or utilize the bundle discounts that some retailers offer when you bundle accessories with the device bought. All these are good ways to save when shopping for a MacBook Pro M4, but the best way to save is by shopping on Back Market. 

At Back Market, we deal in Verified Refurbished tech that offers premium quality at only a fraction of the price of new. Our prices are low every day of the year, and you don't have to wait for sales events or new releases to get the device you want. Here's what one of our satisfied customers had to say about us:

"I received my MacBook Pro quickly and in an excellent condition, as promised in the description. The MagSafe adapter looks new and also the battery only had 1 cycle. I've been working with my MacBook Pro for some days and it runs perfectly. I easily could transfer a Time Machine backup and restored my old work flow. I'm very satisfied with this product and the service of Back Market. For me it's totally worth it to look for a refurbished MacBook and again Back Market delivered. The customer service is outstanding. I'd definitely recommend anyone looking for high quality refurbished (Apple) products to visit Back Market. Saludos."

Kim ho L. - Purchased on February 10, 2025

Some wait for price drops, and others chase deals, but with Back Market, you get top-quality devices all year round.

Why buy refurbished 

At Back Market, we sell Verified Refurbished tech. What does that mean, exactly? Verified Refurbished devices are pre-owned devices that have been inspected, tested, and restored to complete working condition by industry professionals. Before we offer any product for sale, it goes through quality checks and repairs to ensure it functions like new, and it comes with a 1-year warranty for your protection. Experts verify all our products, meaning you get high-quality devices at only a fraction of the price. Moreover, buying refurbished devices positively impacts the environment, reducing e-waste and carbon emissions. It is a smart, sustainable choice that saves you money while also helping the planet. But don't take it from us; take it from this Reddit user who had a positive experience shopping at Back Market.

"I bought an m1 mbp last summer from back market and couldn't be happier. It said it was in good condition and looked flawless to me. I was able to get more than I needed since the price was considerably cheaper than Apple refurbished. Went and ordered an Apple Watch after the good experience with them. The only downside is their inventory is small and items can get sold out pretty quickly and if you need the latest and greatest, it won't work too well for you. Overall, used them, had used them again, probably will again if the need arises."

Trade in your old tech for cash

Do you have old tech that's gathering dust? Take advantage of Back Market's Trade-in program and give your devices a second life. Our trade-in program lets you sell your old devices for a fair price and earn cash for your gadgets, or make upgrading more affordable by putting your trade-in value towards your next device. You get all these benefits in addition to saving the planet by keeping tech out of landfills. The process is simple and involves only three steps. Start by taking an online assessment and getting a quote from one of our refurbishers. Ship the device to us for free; once verified, you get paid. Here are some of the latest trade-in values for a MacBook Pro M3:  

Model 

Trade-in value

MacBook Pro 14" (Late 2023) - Apple M3 - 8 GB - 512 GB - 10-core GPU

$697*

MacBook Pro 14" (Late 2023) - Apple M3 Pro - 18 GB - 1000 GB - 14-core GPU - QWERTY

$815*

MacBook Pro 16" (Late 2023) - Apple M3 Max - 36 GB - 1000 GB - 30-core GPU - QWERTY

$1,201*

MacBook Pro 16" (Late 2023) - Apple M3 Pro - 36 GB - 1000 GB - 18-core GPU - QWERTY

$1,195*

MacBook Pro 16" (Late 2023) - Apple M3 Pro - 36 GB - 2000 GB - 18-core GPU - QWERTY

$1,501*

*Trade-in value taken at the date of publication - these are subject to change.

Price and availability

The MacBook Pro M4 was released in October 2024. It is available with a 14-inch or a 16-inch display, with either the M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chip. You can also get it with the 512GB or 1TB SSD, with your storage option influencing the price. A new entry-level MacBook Pro M4 costs $1,600, with the most expensive model costing $3,200. However, you can buy verified refurbished MacBook Pro M4s on Back Market for a cheaper price. Here are some of the available devices: 

Model

Back Market price

New price

14-inch MacBook Pro M4 - 10-core - 16GB RAM - SSD 512GB

$1,499* 

$1,599

14-inch MacBook Pro M4 - 10-core - 16GB RAM - SSD 1000GB

$1,699* 

$1,799

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication - these are subject to change.

Final Thoughts: One of the best Pro laptops just got better

Once again, we emphasize that the MacBook Pro M4 is the complete package. While it may not look drastically different from the M3, it delivers impressive performance with all-day battery life and the power of Apple Intelligence, making it a top-choice laptop. The 14-inch model offers the best screen size and portability mix, complemented by Apple's class-leading keyboard, trackpad, and display. Notable upgrades include the 12MP Center Stage webcam, an extra USB-C port, 16GB of RAM, and, of course, the M4 chip. The MacBook Pro M4 remains a premium laptop with a premium price tag — but you can get it for far less on Back Market.

Miguel G.

Written by Miguel G., Sr. Tech Copywriter (US)

Miguel is always looking for new ways to provide unique perspective on popular tech and has taken his writing to the refurbished industry to promote sustainability. Outside of creating content, you might find him travelling the globe, coaching a fitness class, or cheering on his favorite sports teams (Go Dolphins!)

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