MacBook Pro M5 review: serious power, still long battery life
The Lead
Apple's MacBook Pro has been upgraded with the fastest, most powerful M-series chips, offering serious power and long battery life. The new MacBook Pro comes in two screen sizes and a range of chip and configuration options.
The Event Details
The latest MacBook Pro features the M5 chip, which is about 20% faster than the M4 version from 2024 and faster in all metrics than the MacBook Pro M1 Pro from 2021. The M5 Pro version offers significantly greater performance for demanding workloads and faster wifi 7. The M5 Max chip provides twice the graphics power and up to 128GB of memory.
The Data Analysis
- Screen: 14.2in mini LED (3024x1964; 254 ppi) ProMotion (120Hz)
- Processor: Apple M5, Pro or Max
- RAM: 16, 24, 32, 36, 48, 64 or 128GB
- Storage: 1, 2, 4 or 8TB SSD
- Operating system: macOS 26.4 Tahoe
- Camera: 12MP Centre Stage
- Connectivity (M5): wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 3x Thunderbolt 4/USB 4, HDMI 2.1, SDXC, headphones
- Connectivity (M5 Pro/Max): wifi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, 3x Thunderbolt 5/USB 4, HDMI 2.1, SDXC card, headphones
- Dimensions: 221.2 x 312.6 x 15.5mm
- Weight: 1.55 to 1.62kg
The Impact Analysis
The MacBook Pro's exterior hasn't changed much since the design launched in 2021, but it has stood the test of time very well. The solid aluminium body looks great and travels well, slipping easily into backpacks and resisting the kind of flexing that causes screen and other issues.
The Prediction
The MacBook Pro M5 is a rapid machine in its own right, and stepping up to M5 Pro improves multicore processing by about 70% and effectively doubles graphics performance. The M5 Max doubles the number of GPU cores again for workstation-level performance.