The Apple MacBook Pro with M5 chip in this $1,849 configuration is one of the better-equipped 14-inch MacBook Pro builds Apple sells, with a faster baseline of memory and storage than the entry-level model and the same 10-core M5 processor that’s been the centerpiece of every review of the new generation. The M5 is the biggest single performance jump Apple has shipped between MacBook generations since the M1 launched. Its new Neural Engine has been rebuilt to handle on-device AI tasks at roughly 3.5 times the throughput of the M4. It also comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion 1-to-120 Hz refresh, MagSafe 3 charging, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, and the same all-aluminum chassis Apple has used since the M1 Pro generation.
A powerful MacBook that can handle any task you give it
Apple’s M5 processor offers a significant boost in its ability to perform tasks that leverage artificial intelligence. Tasks such as local image generation in Pixelmator Pro, transcription from voice to text in applications such as MacWhisper, and on-device language model inference via Apple Intelligence achieve substantial boosts in processing speed over the M4. In addition, both CPU and GPU performance have increased by 15-20% across most benchmarks. So, you’ll get faster exports of videos using Final Cut or DaVinci Resolve, faster compilation in Xcode, and an overall improvement in frame rate for games that use native macOS versions.
Battery life ranges from up to 24 hours of video playback to approximately 18 hours for a mixed workload of productivity and creativity applications. For heavy app use, many users report real-world results in the 14-16 hour range. The fast-charging option, using either the 70W or 96W USB-C adapter, can replenish the battery to 50 percent in just over 30 minutes. The Liquid Retina XDR screen reaches a peak brightness of 1000 nits for SDR content and 1600 nits for HDR content. In addition, it supports ProMotion variable refresh rates up to 120Hz and full P3 wide color gamut.
I/O remains the same as it has been since the M1 Pro generation. Three Thunderbolt 5 ports run external storage, hubs, eGPU enclosures, and high-bandwidth video gear at up to 80 Gbps. HDMI, SDXC, and a 3.5mm jack with high-impedance support fill out the right side. MagSafe 3 charging frees up the Thunderbolt ports during a full workday.
The MacBook Pro M5 is currently $250 off Apple’s $2,099 sticker price on Amazon. Most buyers will find that the M5’s AI gains alone justify upgrading from an older M2- or M3-equipped MacBook, and the 14-inch chassis is light enough at 3.4 pounds to fit in a slim backpack without feeling like a desktop replacement.