14 v 16 - practical screen comparison

[MrGimper]

I have the intel 2019 16” MBP. I’m considering an M3 or more likely M2 refurb.

I’ve noticed the resolution of the 14 is pretty much the same as my 16 (and the M 16’s are somewhat higher)

Is anyone aware of any practical comparisons of how much content extra you can show on the 16 over the 14.

For example, open a window with the same dimensions on both the 14 and 16 and see what space is left around it?

No 14 v 16 review shows anything around practical screen difference. It’s all about throttling, benchmarks etc.

Thanks.

 

[Kottu]

I wish I took some photos before I sold my 16" to replace with 14". It did take a while for me to adjust to the 14". Especially working with spit screens were easier with 16". Can't believe that 2" could make that much difference.

 

[gwhizkids]

I have the intel 2019 16” MBP. I’m considering an M3 or more likely M2 refurb.

I’ve noticed the resolution of the 14 is pretty much the same as my 16 (and the M 16’s are somewhat higher)

Is anyone aware of any practical comparisons of how much content extra you can show on the 16 over the 14.

For example, open a window with the same dimensions on both the 14 and 16 and see what space is left around it?

No 14 v 16 review shows anything around practical screen difference. It’s all about throttling, benchmarks etc.

Thanks.

I don’t the answer to your question specifically but what I will say is that the MBP 14” screen is stunning. It’s more or less the Pro Display XDR display. And it shows.

 

[MrGimper]

I don’t the answer to your question specifically but what I will say is that the MBP 14” screen is stunning. It’s more or less the Pro Display XDR display. And it shows.

Thanks. I have a 12.9 M1 iPad Pro so I have an idea of how awesome the display will be. That’s why I’m considering the Pro rather than an air. Pixel for pixel, the 14 should be the same real estate as my intel 16” because the resolution is around the same with a higher DPI.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I don’t the answer to your question specifically but what I will say is that the MBP 14” screen is stunning. It’s more or less the Pro Display XDR display. And it shows.

Color me impressed with the 14" screen. I have been back and forth about the two sizes. I originally ordered the 16" and cancelled to get the 14" which I am using now. I then decided maybe I shouldn't miss out on the larger screen and speakers so I ordered the 16" with the intent of doing hands on between the two when the 16" arrived. I then started looking at and picking up my 15" M2 MBA and noticed it was a lot different to pick up than the 14". That got me thinking that the 16" would be even more noticeable. Even though I won't be leaving the house with the M3 Pro, I finally decided to cancel the 16" again and order another 14" with more RAM and bigger SSD. Carrying the 14" around the house feels a lot easier and more natural (so to speak) than with the 15" MBA and trying that with the 16" would definitely not feel as natural to pickup and carry as the 14." I have HomePods for good sounding speakers. Granted, the M3 may come in handy during the winter if we have an outage but, I rather focus on the smaller form factor than the 16."

 

[lJoSquaredl]

I've only worked with FCPX on a 13" M1 MBA and my old 15", and all I can say is I remember having a lot more extra room to work with compared to now where everything feels tight and cramped. 14 isn't 13 but I doubt it's gonna be enough to get past that cramped feeling I get on smaller laptops, they're gonna be better for travel but not as useful if you're using the screen so often.

It also hasn't done anything for my eyes, another reason I'm moving back to a 16" MBP.

 

[MrGimper]

I wish I took some photos before I sold my 16" to replace with 14". It did take a while for me to adjust to the 14". Especially working with spit screens were easier with 16". Can't believe that 2" could make that much difference.

Yeah, but for me it would only be a 1.7” difference as the 14” is actually 14.3” and the intel 16” IS 16”

 

[Mac Hammer Fan]

The 16" not only has a better screen, it has a better cooling, lesser fan noise and is faster too. Worth the money IMO.

 

[curnalpanic]

For example, open a window with the same dimensions on both the 14 and 16 and see what space is left around it?

You could do that yourself. Just open two Safari windows, and set their sizes so that they would fit each size.

Paste this into Script Editor and run it.

tell application "System Events"
    tell application "Safari"
        activate
        set bounds of window 1 to {0, 0, 1728, 1080}
        set bounds of window 2 to {0, 0, 1512, 945}
    end tell
end tell

 

[MrGimper]

You could do that yourself. Just open two Safari windows, and set their sizes so that they would fit each size.

Paste this into Script Editor and run it.

tell application "System Events"
    tell application "Safari"
        activate
        set bounds of window 1 to {0, 0, 1728, 1080}
        set bounds of window 2 to {0, 0, 1512, 945}
    end tell
end tell

Thanks

Agreed that I could do that, but unless I order both devices or go to an Apple Store, it would be much easier seeing a review covering it.

Edit: I read that incorrectly, I’m guessing this opens 2 windows to give a representation of the difference. I’d still prefer a review.

 

[gigapocket1]

I’ll have a 14”. Just bought a 16”. Man. The 16” is big. But I still prefer it. Huge multicaster and I think if you are used to having space. You will regret it. Attached below is a comparison I did at Best Buy before I bought… this is also at default screen resolution/zoom

 

[Kottu]

Yeah, but for me it would only be a 1.7” difference as the 14” is actually 14.3” and the intel 16” IS 16”

According to Apple 14" is actually 14.2" and MX 16 is 16.2".

 

[kp98077]

I got both. Prefer 16 at this point for full screen. And just looks sexy. I was so surprised when I got the box it was smaller than usual. Don’t feel that heavy to me. In Portland this week and in coffee shops most have large laptops. Esp. College age.

 

[lJoSquaredl]

The 16" not only has a better screen, it has a better cooling, lesser fan noise and is faster too. Worth the money IMO.

Watching tons of reviews, and it definitely feels like they designed the 16" case for these chips and then just made a smaller version for people that need it. 16" stays cool with temps 95 or well below while the 14" has em blasting past 100 seemingly often in comparison. If only we had a 15" version we could have a nice middle ground again.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I have the intel 2019 16” MBP. I’m considering an M3 or more likely M2 refurb.

I’ve noticed the resolution of the 14 is pretty much the same as my 16 (and the M 16’s are somewhat higher)

Is anyone aware of any practical comparisons of how much content extra you can show on the 16 over the 14.

For example, open a window with the same dimensions on both the 14 and 16 and see what space is left around it?

No 14 v 16 review shows anything around practical screen difference. It’s all about throttling, benchmarks etc.

Thanks.

Take a ruler, compare displays, and do the math. The 16" has much more viewable area. How one uses that viewable area (changing resolution settings, split screens, etc.) depends on all kinds of things, but the basic screen real estate improvement is simple and obvious.

Plus display quality matters, and in that regard newer is pretty much always better. Look particularly at available brightness.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Thanks

Agreed that I could do that, but unless I order both devices or go to an Apple Store, it would be much easier seeing a review covering it.

Edit: I read that incorrectly, I’m guessing this opens 2 windows to give a representation of the difference. I’d still prefer a review.

Most "reviews" today are just seeking clicks to make money, so they tend to sensationalize which means the commentary is usually skewed. Unless one is already expert (in which case one does not need the review...) it is easy to be misled. <sigh>

 

[JPack]

Just do the math. The exact display glass dimensions are available on the Apple website. You don't need to rely on descriptions or photos.

14.2-inch = 11.91" x 7.73" = 92.06 sq. inches.
16.2-inch = 13.61" x 8.80" = 119.77 sq. inches.

You're getting nearly 28 sq. inches more glass area.

 

[maerz001]

Just do the math. The exact display glass dimensions are available on the Apple website. You don't need to rely on descriptions or photos.

14.2-inch = 11.91" x 7.73" = 92.06 sq. inches.
16.2-inch = 13.61" x 8.80" = 119.77 sq. inches.

You're getting nearly 28 sq. inches more glass area.

Nice. Thats 30% more real estate on the 16“

 

[Apple_Robert]

Nice. Thats 30% more real estate on the 16“

The real question is whether or not the OP would really make use of the extra screen size, given the significant price for the 16."

 

[Timpetus]

I take my MBP with me to work every day, and I commute by train, so it's on my back in my backpack for over an hour. My wife has a 16" M1 Pro and bought it before I got my MBP, so I'm very familiar with the size and weight of the 16" model. I went with a 14" for my own machine, upgrading from a 2016 15" MBP that was really starting to show its age. No regrets so far, I love the little beast (it's an M1 Max with 64GB/2TB) and I'm sure this thing will still scream years from now.

 

[kp98077]

Color me impressed with the 14" screen. I have been back and forth about the two sizes. I originally ordered the 16" and cancelled to get the 14" which I am using now. I then decided maybe I shouldn't miss out on the larger screen and speakers so I ordered the 16" with the intent of doing hands on between the two when the 16" arrived. I then started looking at and picking up my 15" M2 MBA and noticed it was a lot different to pick up than the 14". That got me thinking that the 16" would be even more noticeable. Even though I won't be leaving the house with the M3 Pro, I finally decided to cancel the 16" again and order another 14" with more RAM and bigger SSD. Carrying the 14" around the house feels a lot easier and more natural (so to speak) than with the 15" MBA and trying that with the 16" would definitely not feel as natural to pickup and carry as the 14." I have HomePods for good sounding speakers. Granted, the M3 may come in handy during the winter if we have an outage but, I rather focus on the smaller form factor than the 16."

still enjoying the 14?

 

[kp98077]

I’ll have a 14”. Just bought a 16”. Man. The 16” is big. But I still prefer it. Huge multicaster and I think if you are used to having space. You will regret it. Attached below is a comparison I did at Best Buy before I bought… this is also at default screen resolution/zoom

View attachment 2314079 View attachment 2314078

hopefully you got the great Best Buy Black Friday price?

 

[Apple_Robert]

still enjoying the 14?

I am I am waiting on my 14" BTO (36GB / 2TB) to arrive. It is slated for 11/30-12-4. I hope it comes earlier.

 

[kp98077]

I am I am waiting on my 14" BTO (36GB / 2TB) to arrive. It is slated for 11/30-12-4. I hope it comes earlier.

oh ok cool.. yeah hopefully it will come sooner!

 

[MrGimper]

According to Apple 14" is actually 14.2" and MX 16 is 16.2".

Yes but the 2019, which I'll be coming from, is 16"