When choosing your new MacBook, if we focus on the M4 chips, just as we already saw in the M3, we find 3 ranges, the Normal M4, the Pro, and the Maxwhich, as you can deduce, have different levels of power and performance, as well as price.
If you are here wondering which one to choose, you may make the mistake, like I did, because you will not need the power of an M4 Max, and only those who really need it will know it, so paying the extra price for the product will be unnecessary.
Differences between the M4, Pro and Max
If we analyze the power of all the processors, we can create an easy-to-show comparison, so we are going to see what each one has and then analyze if we really need it or not.
- M4: Base processor. Fewer cores (CPU 8-10, GPU 10-12), supports 16-32 GB RAM. Ideal for general tasks and productivity.
- M4 Pro: More powerful. More cores (CPU 12-14, GPU 16-20) and support up to 64 GB RAM. Perfect for video editing and demanding tasks.
- M4Max: Maximum performance. CPU similar to the Pro, but more powerful GPU (up to 40 cores) and up to 96 GB of RAM. Ideal for creative professionals and heavy loads.
As we can see, at the power level there is a big difference between these chips, however, at a practical level, is it so noticeable? And, as we have just mentioned, an M4 Max will be designed for certain jobs, where power is very necessary, and we are not talking about using Photoshop precisely.
This brings us to the same point we started, which is that such a processor will not be necessary for 99% of people. The Mac Minis even only have the M4 and M4 Pro, without reaching the Max, and they are so efficient that there is no need for something better, and even with the cheapest one, at 719 euros, and with the standard processor, you will have a computer capable of anything these days.
If we go to the M4 Max of the MacBook, we see a price of about 3,849 euros in its smallest version, reaching 4,749 euros in the largest case, which is a real outrage, and not only in terms of power and price, but, correlative to this, in battery consumption, since, despite performing the same action, it will have more impact on it. A car at 120 km/h does not consume the same if it is a mid-range car as a luxury car, even if they do the same thing, so if you do not need a Max for a very specific job, we even recommend an Air, lighter and with greater autonomyWell, the most expensive is not the best, and it will depend on each situation.
And you, are you one of those who always looks for the best even if you are not going to use it, or do you prefer to go for the quality and price option that best suits your needs? I made a mistake, but I learned from it, so I hope it doesn’t happen to you, and don’t think that the Max is going to be much better than another, because it is worth 3 or 4 times more.
