MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series)
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MacBook Pro (M3 series)
Starting at
£1,395.68£1,868.90 new
MacBook Pro (M4 series)
Starting at
£1,388.68£1,758.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Pro (M3 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series)?
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M4 series) starts at £1388.68, £7 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series). The MacBook Pro (M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a lighter build: 1500 g vs 1550 g.
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) specs
The MacBook Pro M3 series and M4 series share many core features like the same screen resolution, processor brand, and audio system. The M4 series offers a significant boost in RAM and storage capacity, making it suitable for users who keep multiple apps open or need extra space for large files. The M4 series also adds an IPS screen for wider viewing angles and an extra USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, which benefits those needing more connectivity options. The M3 series fits well for everyday use with solid performance and a lighter weight.
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) price
Colour
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) battery life and software updates
Their durability is on par, with each offering the same operating system support and repair score.
Latest Software Compatibility
This means you can expect access to the same software features and security updates on either device.
Repairability Index
This is useful for buyers who prefer devices that can be repaired rather than replaced.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) performance
Performance differences focus mainly on memory and storage. Both have the same processor brand and graphics capabilities, but the M4 series offers higher RAM and larger SSD options which affect multitasking and file handling.
Memory Capacity
The MacBook Pro M3 series comes with 8 GB of RAM, which suits everyday app use and standard multitasking. The M4 series offers 24 GB of RAM, suitable for users who run many apps at once or use demanding software requiring more memory.
Storage Size
The M3 series includes storage options up to 2 TB, while the M4 series offers up to 1 TB. The M3's available 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB options provide flexibility for users needing larger local storage. The M4 series' 512 GB and 1 TB options cater well to those who need fast SSD storage with a practical balance.
Graphics and Architecture
Both devices feature a 10-core GPU and 64-bit architecture. This ensures similar graphics performance and computing power for most creative and professional tasks.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) screen
The MacBook Pro M4 series introduces IPS technology to its Liquid Retina XDR display, while both models share the same resolution, brightness, and screen size. This difference affects viewing angles and colour consistency.
IPS Display Technology
The M4 series includes an IPS panel, which provides wider viewing angles and colour accuracy from different positions. This is particularly useful if you often work with colour-sensitive content or share your screen with others. The M3 series does not list IPS, which suits users focused on standard viewing conditions.
Screen Resolution and Brightness
Both MacBook Pro models have a 3024 x 1964 resolution with Liquid Retina XDR display technology. They also offer up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, ideal for clear, vivid visuals indoors and in bright environments.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) camera
Audiovisual features are consistent across both models, focusing on high-quality sound and 1080p front cameras. This delivers clear video calls and immersive audio for various uses.
Front Camera Quality
Both the M3 and M4 series have a 1080p front camera, providing sharp video for conference calls and online meetings.
Speaker System
Each model includes a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers. This setup offers rich, balanced audio suitable for music, video, and professional audio monitoring.
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) size and design
Additional features show some key differences in connectivity and weight, alongside shared strengths like Bluetooth version and card slot options.
USB-C Thunderbolt 4 Ports
The MacBook Pro M3 series has 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M4 series includes 3. More Thunderbolt ports on the M4 suit users who connect multiple high-speed peripherals simultaneously.
Wireless and Bluetooth
Both models support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, ensuring reliable wireless connections and compatibility with current accessories.
Card Slot and Ports
Both devices feature an SD, SDHC, and SDXC card slot, HDMI output, MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging compatibility, as well as a headphone jack. This provides a good range of connection options for media transfer and charging.
Weight and Dimensions
The M3 series weighs 1500 g and the M4 series 1550 g. Both share the same height, width, and depth measurements, making their sizes very similar. The slight weight difference may be noticeable if you carry your laptop frequently.
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Pro (M3 series) or MacBook Pro (M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (M3 series) if
- you want a lighter build (1500 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M4 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £1388.68, £7 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series)
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB)
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) FAQs
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a lighter build: 1500 g vs 1550 g.
The MacBook Pro (M4 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £1388.68 compared with £1395.68 for the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
The MacBook Pro (M4 series) adds more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB). Refurbished, it costs £7 less (from £1388.68 vs £1395.68).
Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Pro (M4 series) in 512GB and 1TB.
