M5 MacBook Pro vs. M4 MacBook Pro: What’s New?

Apple’s new M5 MacBook Pro is here, and as usual, everyone’s asking the big question: “Should I upgrade from the M4?” At first glance, both laptops look nearly identical, but under the hood, Apple’s new M5 chip promises better performance, improved AI capabilities, and a little more efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll compare 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro vs. M4 MacBook Pro to see what’s actually changed, what hasn’t, and whether it’s worth upgrading for the M5.

M5 MacBook Pro vs. M4 MacBook Pro: Specs Comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the key specs to set the stage:

Feature	M4 MacBook Pro	M5 MacBook Pro
Chip	Apple M4	Apple M5
CPU Cores	10-core (4 performance + 6 efficiency)	10-core (updated architecture)
GPU Cores	Up to 10-core GPU	Up to 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators
Neural Engine	16-core	16-core (faster, AI-optimized)
Memory Bandwidth	120 GB/s	153 GB/s
Maximum Unified Memory	32 GB	32 GB
Storage Options	Up to 2 TB SSD	Up to 4 TB SSD
Battery Life	Up to 24 hours	Up to 24 hours
Display	14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR	14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
Ports	3× Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3	3× Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3
Starting Price	$1,599	$1,599

Now you may think both devices are completely similar in terms of specs. However, there’s more in the picture. Keep reading!

FaceTime Like a Pro:

Get our exclusive Ultimate FaceTime Guide 📚 — absolutely FREE when you sign up for our newsletter below.

Design and Display

Let’s get this out of the way, as the design and build haven’t changed at all.

The M5 MacBook Pro retains its sleek, 0.61-inch-thin aluminum body, comfortable 3.4-pound weight, and offers color options (Silver and Space Black), along with an excellent 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. That means you get:

• Bright mini-LED screen with up to 1,600 nits of brightness for HDR content
• Smooth ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
• Same thinner bezels and notch

So, if you were looking for a design update, this isn’t it. Apple evidently prioritized what goes inside in this iteration. But to be honest, the M4’s design was nearly flawless anyway, so it’s not a deal-breaker.

Performance

The M5 chip‘s cutting-edge performance takes the limelight in the new MacBook Pro. Apple has made it especially for people who use heavy creative apps or do AI-related work.

CPU and Multitasking

Apple claims the M5 is up to 20% faster in CPU performance compared to the M4. Although it still houses a 10-core CPU, you get better multitasking and faster completion of heavy workflows like compiling code, rendering videos, or running simulations.

For light everyday stuff (emails, writing, browsing), you’ll barely notice a difference. But if you push your machine hard, the M5 will feel smoother and a bit more responsive under pressure.

GPU and Graphics

Here’s a bigger win for the M5. The new 10-core GPU architecture delivers up to 1.6x faster performance in demanding tasks such as 3D modeling, animation, and video rendering.

Apple also added third-generation ray tracing, second-generation dynamic caching, and improved mesh shading, which helps the M5 handle realistic lighting and complex scenes much faster than the M4. For AAA games, it offers up to 1.6x higher frame rates.

So, if you’re a designer, video editor, or gamer, the M5 will feel noticeably stronger.

AI and Neural Engine

AI is the buzzword of the year, and Apple leaned into it with the M5.

The Neural Engine is still 16 cores, but it’s faster and more efficient. Plus, each GPU core now includes an AI Neural Accelerator like the A19 Pro chip in iPhone 17 Pro. So, it speeds up tasks like image enhancement, text-to-image generation, and real-time translation.

Apple claims M5 achieves 3.5x better AI performance versus M4 in certain tools. Therefore, the M5 is better built for the AI-heavy future.

Memory, Bandwidth & Storage

This section might sound nerdy, but it matters more than you think.

The M5 bumps Memory Bandwidth from 120 GBps to 153 GBps. More bandwidth means the chip can move data faster between memory and processors. Moreover, Apple boosted the SSD performance up to 2x for faster read and write speeds.

It also supports up to 4 TB of SSD storage, compared to 2 TB on the M4 MacBook Pro. Ideal for professionals handling large project files or high-resolution media.

Unified Memory (RAM) still tops out at 32 GB for both models. However, with that improved bandwidth, the M5 makes better use of what it has.

Battery Life and Efficiency

Surprisingly, Apple didn’t change its official battery claims. Both promise up to 24 hours of video playback.

However, the M5 chip is made with a refined 3-nanometer process, meaning it’s more power-efficient. That could translate into better real-world battery life during intensive work, like 30–45 minutes longer, depending on the task.

Heat management also seems slightly improved thanks to this efficiency. So, less fan noise and fewer warm laps during heavy workloads.

Which Features Remained the Same?

Let’s recap what Apple didn’t change:

• Design and Display: Identical to the M4 model
• Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, and MagSafe charging.
• Webcam: 12MP Center Stage for crisp video calls with auto-framing.
• Audio: Six-speaker system with Spatial Audio for immersive sound.
• Keyboard and Trackpad: Enjoy the same comfy typing experience and a massive, responsive trackpad.
• Connectivity: Same Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols

So, from the outside, it’s hard to tell an M4 and an M5 apart. All the changes are integrated into the chip and system architecture.

Which One Should You Buy?

Let’s be real: not everyone needs the M5.

Buy the M5 MacBook Pro if:

• You work with AI tools, 3D graphics, or video editing regularly
• You want the best possible performance for creative workloads
• You’re planning to keep your laptop for 5+ years (better future-proofing)

Stick with the M4 MacBook Pro if:

• You mostly do coding, writing, browsing, and office tasks
• Your current M4 is running smoothly and doesn’t slow you down
• You’d rather save a few hundred dollars than chase small performance gains

If you are upgrading from an older Mac (such as M1 or Intel), the M5 is a no-brainer. But if you already have an M4, upgrading may not be worth it unless you’re dealing with AI-heavy tasks or require that 4TB storage.

Finally, if you are just starting out and have a tight budget, I recommend the M4 MacBook Pro at a discount, as it’s still a powerhouse for most users. In the end, the M5 is all about AI and creative workloads, but the M4 remains awesome for everyday pros.

What’s your vibe: ready to splurge on the M5’s extra power, or happy with what you’ve got? Let me know what you’re thinking!