Quality

There's not much to differentiate between them in terms of appearance. Both models sit on my desk, looking very much like classic Macs. Mine are both silver, enhancing their similarity. The latest MacBook features a slightly larger logo, which oddly adds to its premium feel. There's been plenty of discussion about the weight of the 2021 MacBook release. While I wouldn't say it hampers portability, it does feel substantial.

The additional hardware has added nearly half a pound to its weight. It’s evident that this machine has been beefed up! The 16-inch Apple Silicon MacBook weighs in at 4.8 pounds (2.18 kg), compared to the 4.02 pounds (1.82 kg) of my 15-inch Intel model. I tried carrying both in my backpack on the way to the office today—definitely not advisable! However, each is manageable on its own. A key reason I was drawn to the new MacBook was the flexibility it offers; I can work on any project from anywhere. Also, a small but delightful feature is the debossed logo on the base of the new model—what a nice touch!

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Connectivity

Gone are the days when Jony Ive prioritized aesthetics over practicality. The latest MacBooks are thicker, giving them a more robust presence that screams productivity. The thickness has increased from 0.61 inches (1.55 cm) to 0.66 inches (1.68 cm), and this added heft makes you want to pick it up. My Intel MacBook is limited to just four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, one of which is used for charging—something you'll be doing frequently (more on that later). In contrast, the Apple Silicon MacBook offers nearly all the ports you'd need for daily use: three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports (capable of 40Gb/s), an SD card slot, and an HDMI port. Charging is done via MagSafe, which I rarely use due to the excellent battery life; my MacBook is usually connected to my Studio Display, which charges it through its Thunderbolt 4 port. The only significant port that’s missing is an Ethernet port, so a dongle is still necessary.

Keyboard

The newer MacBook scores a win here, mainly due to the reintroduction of function keys. I was actually fond of the much-criticized Touch Bar; I found it useful and appreciated how it adapted to my tasks. That said, I’m not shedding any tears over its removal! The 16-inch MacBook features a backlit Magic keyboard that feels more balanced and ready for serious work. This machine seems built for productivity. Both devices boast excellent trackpads that are tactile and responsive, remaining industry leaders. Touch ID is available on both models, although the latest iteration feels more satisfying to use.

Camera & Display

The camera has received a notable upgrade from 720p on the 15-inch model to 1080p on the Apple Silicon version. This improvement was necessary and makes it perfectly usable for Zoom or FaceTime calls, though neither supports Center Stage.

I've praised the display on the 16-inch Mac before. In a recent comparison between the Studio Display and the 5K LG Ultrafine, the MacBook was the clear victor. Both are Retina Displays with P3 color support, but the latest Mac features XDR technology. The larger screen also offers improved resolution at 3456×2234 compared to the 2880×1800 of its predecessor. The only display I've seen that surpasses this one was the Pro Display XDR in-store. Once you experience the display on this new MacBook, there’s no going back. Another impressive feature is the always-on display; the moment you lift the lid, it lights up, ready for action. Productivity truly defines this Mac.

Battery & Performance

When I first started using my new Mac, I was skeptical about the battery life living up to its reputation. To my surprise, it absolutely does! Transitioning from an Intel machine that I’ve taken good care of, it’s astonishing how much battery performance has improved. Thanks to the new chip, this MacBook just keeps going. I'm not just talking about basic office tasks; I mean demanding creative applications like Audition and Premiere Pro.

Previously, I struggled with under two hours of battery life on Intel while performing similar tasks. Now, I can comfortably edit all morning without worrying about plugging it in. It’s that impressive! Moreover, there’s no drop in performance when operating on battery, and fan noise is minimal. Apple Silicon has revolutionized laptop computing. With my Intel Mac, I was always conscious of the need for a power outlet, often plagued by battery anxiety!

When it comes to exporting videos for my YouTube channel, my older Macs took around 35 minutes to render and export a 10-minute 4K video. Now, that time has been reduced to approximately 10 minutes—a tremendous time-saving on every project.

Audio

Both models deliver solid performance for everyday use. The newer version features a six-speaker setup that supports Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. The headphone jack now accommodates high-impedance headphones as well. Both devices produce balanced audio with good mids and not excessive bass, making them great for casual listening. You won't feel the need to attach external speakers anytime soon. The microphones are sufficient for video calls in quiet settings but aren’t suited for professional podcasting.

Conclusion

These new MacBooks are truly remarkable. However, I consider myself fortunate to own one; they represent a significant investment. I paid £3500 for mine, and the delivery times were continuously pushed back by Apple. I was lucky to find one with the specifications I wanted at Jigsaw24. I’m thrilled with its performance and believe it has considerable untapped potential—headroom, so to speak. Yet, I may not be the average user; I push it hard every day with demanding applications like Photoshop, Audition, and Premiere Pro.

The older Intel MacBook, which cost around £2500 in 2019, now sells on eBay for between £1050 and £1400. At that price, it offers outstanding value. I’ve used it for broadcasting and editing both podcasts and videos, and it handles demanding creative tasks competently. While you might sacrifice some speed and enjoy less quiet operation, you'll save around £2500. For that amount, you could also acquire a Studio Display and still have £1000 left over.

Consider your needs carefully and don’t be swayed by the allure of the latest model. The newer Apple Silicon MacBooks will amaze you with their capabilities, but the 2019 model, priced at just over £1000, is still an excellent option. With good audio, a decent keyboard, a usable camera, and sufficient ports, it’s worth your consideration.

These Macs are tools designed for our productivity. Ensure you're making a purchase that meets your needs and not just enriching Apple's coffers.

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