Can't Decide Between 14" and 16"

[Fomalhaut]

Any reason why you went with the Max? From the reviews I saw, 14" with the M1 Max has atrocious battery life.

As the saying goes "opinions vary". I've seen reviews claiming anything for zero difference to over 40% difference between Pro and Max in the 14" depending on workload.

Some of the these comparisions (most?) have been relatively uncontrolled, comparing machines with different amounts of RAM / CPU binning of even comparing 14" to 16" models.

A few trends emerged:

1) There doesn't appear to be a large difference (i.e it's < 10%) between 16-core Pro and 24/32-core Max for workloads that do not use the GPU.

2) the 32-core Max is only marginally faster (3-5%) than the 24-core version for many tasks (benchmarks excepted), but probably uses more power proportionally than the performance increase. 24-core seems to be the sweet spot for the 14".

3) The Max has some clear performance advantages over the Pro for a couple of use cases - video editing and gaming.

4) The Max will use more power when using all the GPU cores, but to some extent the increased performance will offset the power consumption by finishing these tasks faster.

My take is that in most cases you will be plugged-in if doing heavy-duty tasks and that light use when unplugged does not appear to lead to substatially reduced battery life on the 14" with M1 Max.

There were enough data points for me to confidently order this model. When I get it, I'll let you know if I was right

 

[arvinsim]

As the saying goes "opinions vary". I've seen reviews claiming anything for zero difference to over 40% difference between Pro and Max in the 14" depending on workload.

Some of the these comparisions (most?) have been relatively uncontrolled, comparing machines with different amounts of RAM / CPU binning of even comparing 14" to 16" models.

A few trends emerged:

1) There doesn't appear to be a large difference (i.e it's < 10%) between 16-core Pro and 24/32-core Max for workloads that do not use the GPU.

2) the 32-core Max is only marginally faster (3-5%) than the 24-core version for many tasks (benchmarks excepted), but probably uses more power proportionally than the performance increase. 24-core seems to be the sweet spot for the 14".

3) The Max has some clear performance advantages over the Pro for a couple of use cases - video editing and gaming.

4) The Max will use more power when using all the GPU cores, but to some extent the increased performance will offset the power consumption by finishing these tasks faster.

My take is that in most cases you will be plugged-in if doing heavy-duty tasks and that light use when unplugged does not appear to lead to substatially reduced battery life on the 14" with M1 Max.

There were enough data points for me to confidently order this model. When I get it, I'll let you know if I was right

I guess it really depends on how much you use it. If one uses the laptop docked most of the time, then the point is moot.

Also, more than one reviewer has said that they can simply bring a high capacity powerbank to power the 14" if battery life is a concern.

 

[Fomalhaut]

I guess it really depends on how much you use it. If one uses the laptop docked most of the time, then the point is moot.

Also, more than one reviewer has said that they can simply bring a high capacity powerbank to power the 14" if battery life is a concern.

Agreed. I was a bit concerned when I saw some early reviews (Verge and a couple of others) that suggested I might only get 6-7 hours from an MBP14 with the M1 Max, even doing "light productivity" tasks. The problem is that these tests are so particular to individual usage that it's impossible to say whether this would reflect my own usage.

In any case, it will be better than my current MBP16, and the reality is that I rarely use a laptop for an extended period without being connected to power. I'm nearly always at a desk or table near power sockets, so unplugged use is really only for traveling, and if I had to have power for longer than 8 hours, I'd probably take a power-bank as backup.

I might get a smaller USB-C charger to allow me to trickle charge the machine to maintain battery levels when doing light tasks. This might be a good solution where I want to use the computer in several places (home, office, on-the-go), but don't want to have to buy multiple expensive Apple magsafe chargers. I would leave the fast Magsafe charger wherever I most need the high power and fast charging capabability (e.g. in the office, and use my USB dock to charge the computer overnight at home)

 

[Pokolasko]

I guess it really depends on how much you use it. If one uses the laptop docked most of the time, then the point is moot.

Also, more than one reviewer has said that they can simply bring a high capacity powerbank to power the 14" if battery life is a concern.

Yes power bank is the solution. But not getting to the weight that comes close to the MacBook 16 ”?

 

[arvinsim]

Yes power bank is the solution. But not getting to the weight that comes close to the MacBook 16 ”?

Yes, but it is optional. You don't need it if you foresee that it can last while you work

 

[Philllllip]

It sucks so much and it's really depressing that I find my 16" to be perfect with the exception of the display. It's absolutely gorgeous when but the slow refresh response and all the ghosting on text being scrolled is a total deal breaker for me. I have no choice but to sell it and go back to a 14" which seems to be more tolerable. Such a shame because I love the 16" screen format, going back to 14" just seems too small now.

Interestedly enough, the first 16 max I had also had AWFUL ghosting/smearinf.. very noticeable and all the 14 inchers I have had have been perfect. BUT my new 16 Max has no smearing/ghosing at all. Must be a few bad panels out there I guess. I certainly was so disappointed with the first 16 and sent it straight back after seeing the lovely 14. Currently using 2 X 14 and 1 X 16. all perfect at last!

 

[Fomalhaut]

Yes, but it is optional. You don't need it if you foresee that it can last while you work

Do PowerBanks for the MBP need to output a certain voltage or current? e.g. 20V @ 3A? Or can they charge (albeit slowly ) with a standard 5V USB output? Do they require "power delivery" over USB-C?

 

[Pokolasko]

Hello. My Macbook 16 ”max Space gray was returned due to an error in the display. Since the macbooks are still unavailable, they offered me a 16 ”same configuration, but in Silver. How do you feel with Silver at 16 ”? I'm afraid that the large silver area at 16 "will be even more disturbing, even though I like the silver color. Space gray looked at me like a dark windows laptop.

 

[norwaypianoman]

Hello. My Macbook 16 ”max Space gray was returned due to an error in the display. Since the macbooks are still unavailable, they offered me a 16 ”same configuration, but in Silver. How do you feel with Silver at 16 ”? I'm afraid that the large silver area at 16 "will be even more disturbing, even though I like the silver color. Space gray looked at me like a dark windows laptop.

Hi!
I think the only factor you need to relate to is time.
Do you have a mac, which you can use for 6-8 weeks while waiting for a replacement -
- or do you want to use a Macbook with a different color than your choice for 6-8 years ?

 

[Pokolasko]

Hi!
I think the only factor you need to relate to is time.
Do you have a mac, which you can use for 6-8 weeks while waiting for a replacement -
- or do you want to use a Macbook with a different color than your choice for 6-8 years ?

The floods I chose Space gray because it was available in the exact configuration I wanted after a long time. I also like the color silver and it even seems to me that it will be better for long-term use, I'm just worried about that silver color on the xdr display, so I'm wondering if anyone feels this is a disadvantage.

 

[ctjack]

I'm just worried about that silver color on the xdr display, so I'm wondering if anyone feels this is a disadvantage.

Those are some OCD stories. So if you don't have clinically proven case of OCD, then brighter foreground(keyboard) shouldn't disturb you.
Only case when i realized that silver is too bright(shiny reflective to the eye) is when watching max brightness video content in the dark. Obviously you shouldn't stare at any display while in the dark by default, so that is not a CON of the silver color.

 

[Jl006p]

Hello. My Macbook 16 ”max Space gray was returned due to an error in the display. Since the macbooks are still unavailable, they offered me a 16 ”same configuration, but in Silver. How do you feel with Silver at 16 ”? I'm afraid that the large silver area at 16 "will be even more disturbing, even though I like the silver color. Space gray looked at me like a dark windows laptop.

I love my silver 16"
I would do it.

 

[kaspergn]

Okay, thought I will share my two cents. Sorry in advance if my English is a bit broken, it’s not my first language.

I’ve been on a 13” the last many years and thought it was a no brainer for me to get the 14”. But I suddenly started to flirt with the 16” after seeing it in the store. The screen was just gorgeous, but I had som other concerns about it. I ended up ordering both, since I could not decide. Both in silver and with 1TB.

When I received them, I actually thought I knew, that I was going to keep the 14 inch. But after a week of usage I must admit, that I decided to keep the 16 inch. Now I’ve had it for three weeks and I just absolutely LOVE everything about it.

Here is my thoughts, hope it will help others to decide:

Keyboard​

Since I write a lot, the writing experience is very important to me. In the store I thought that the 14” was easier to write on, so that was my biggest concern with the 16”. The 16" felt a little awkward to write on in the store, but having the machine in the right position at home on my desk or on my lap in the couch, the writing experience is really great. Actually I like the 16” better than the 14” because of the bigger “palm rest area”. I’ve had some pain issues with my palm when I’m a lot on the 13 inch. It seems to have disappeared after switching to the 16 inch with a bigger trackpad and “rest area”.

Screen​

The real reason I even started considering the 16” was because of the gorgeous screen. It’s just so nice to work on and to be able to have multiple windows open at the same time. I feel it a bit cramped when using my 13” MBP because I always have to tab around with the different windows. On the 16” I can easily have windows side by side. I actually have two 27 inch displays that I can connect my laptop to when I’m working at home, but after switching to the 16 inch I rarely use them. I use the monitors when I’m in Final Cut, but most of my other work can easily be done on the laptop.

Weight/size​

One of my biggest concerns was the weight. I’m travelling a lot with my laptop in my backpack, and I love to work sitting in the couch with my laptop on my lap. So I was “afraid” that it would be too heavy. It’s not. It’s heavier than my previous 13 inch, yes arguably. And a bit heavier than the 14 inch. But in reality I don’t care. I can’t tell the difference between the 14 and 16 inch when its on my back. The 16 is the 14 plus a small can of coke. Who cares

On my lap, I can work for hours without even thinking about it. To be fair, the first days of two, I was extremely aware of the weight, because my concern was, that it would be too heavy. And yes, I felt the weight difference coming from a 13 MBP. Truth is, it’s heavier, but not at all heavy. Actually, I find it easier to work on in the couch, than my previous 13 MBP. The extra weight and thickness makes it more solid and stable.

The only place, where I think you might prefer the 14 inch is if you commute a lot by train with small tables. I haven’t tested it, just a guess.

Conclusion​

If your tempted by the 16 inch screen, I will say go for it. I really don’t think you will regret it. I love every day with this gorgeous machine. Battery life is amazing, performance is out of this world, and watching movies in bed on this screen and with those speakers… it’s just mind blowing.

Oh and by the way… the notch is really a non issue. I installed TopNotch and after that, I totally forgot it’s even there. The black level on this screen is just so fantastic, that you can’t tell the difference between the black notch or the black screen.

Hope that helps.

 

[teerexx52]

Okay, thought I will share my two cents. Sorry in advance if my English is a bit broken, it’s not my first language.

I’ve been on a 13” the last many years and thought it was a no brainer for me to get the 14”. But I suddenly started to flirt with the 16” after seeing it in the store. The screen was just gorgeous, but I had som other concerns about it. I ended up ordering both, since I could not decide. Both in silver and with 1TB.

When I received them, I actually thought I knew, that I was going to keep the 14 inch. But after a week of usage I must admit, that I decided to keep the 16 inch. Now I’ve had it for three weeks and I just absolutely LOVE everything about it.

Here is my thoughts, hope it will help others to decide:

Keyboard​

Since I write a lot, the writing experience is very important to me. In the store I thought that the 14” was easier to write on, so that was my biggest concern with the 16”. The 16" felt a little awkward to write on in the store, but having the machine in the right position at home on my desk or on my lap in the couch, the writing experience is really great. Actually I like the 16” better than the 14” because of the bigger “palm rest area”. I’ve had some pain issues with my palm when I’m a lot on the 13 inch. It seems to have disappeared after switching to the 16 inch with a bigger trackpad and “rest area”.

Screen​

The real reason I even started considering the 16” was because of the gorgeous screen. It’s just so nice to work on and to be able to have multiple windows open at the same time. I feel it a bit cramped when using my 13” MBP because I always have to tab around with the different windows. On the 16” I can easily have windows side by side. I actually have two 27 inch displays that I can connect my laptop to when I’m working at home, but after switching to the 16 inch I rarely use them. I use the monitors when I’m in Final Cut, but most of my other work can easily be done on the laptop.

Weight/size​

One of my biggest concerns was the weight. I’m travelling a lot with my laptop in my backpack, and I love to work sitting in the couch with my laptop on my lap. So I was “afraid” that it would be too heavy. It’s not. It’s heavier than my previous 13 inch, yes arguably. And a bit heavier than the 14 inch. But in reality I don’t care. I can’t tell the difference between the 14 and 16 inch when its on my back. The 16 is the 14 plus a small can of coke. Who cares

On my lap, I can work for hours without even thinking about it. To be fair, the first days of two, I was extremely aware of the weight, because my concern was, that it would be too heavy. And yes, I felt the weight difference coming from a 13 MBP. Truth is, it’s heavier, but not at all heavy. Actually, I find it easier to work on in the couch, than my previous 13 MBP. The extra weight and thickness makes it more solid and stable.

The only place, where I think you might prefer the 14 inch is if you commute a lot by train with small tables. I haven’t tested it, just a guess.

Conclusion​

If your tempted by the 16 inch screen, I will say go for it. I really don’t think you will regret it. I love every day with this gorgeous machine. Battery life is amazing, performance is out of this world, and watching movies in bed on this screen and with those speakers… it’s just mind blowing.

Oh and by the way… the notch is really a non issue. I installed TopNotch and after that, I totally forgot it’s even there. The black level on this screen is just so fantastic, that you can’t tell the difference between the black notch or the black screen.

Hope that helps.

Well said. Thanks

 

[sionell]

Okay, thought I will share my two cents. Sorry in advance if my English is a bit broken, it’s not my first language.

I’ve been on a 13” the last many years and thought it was a no brainer for me to get the 14”. But I suddenly started to flirt with the 16” after seeing it in the store. The screen was just gorgeous, but I had som other concerns about it. I ended up ordering both, since I could not decide. Both in silver and with 1TB.

When I received them, I actually thought I knew, that I was going to keep the 14 inch. But after a week of usage I must admit, that I decided to keep the 16 inch. Now I’ve had it for three weeks and I just absolutely LOVE everything about it.

Here is my thoughts, hope it will help others to decide:

Keyboard​

Since I write a lot, the writing experience is very important to me. In the store I thought that the 14” was easier to write on, so that was my biggest concern with the 16”. The 16" felt a little awkward to write on in the store, but having the machine in the right position at home on my desk or on my lap in the couch, the writing experience is really great. Actually I like the 16” better than the 14” because of the bigger “palm rest area”. I’ve had some pain issues with my palm when I’m a lot on the 13 inch. It seems to have disappeared after switching to the 16 inch with a bigger trackpad and “rest area”.

Screen​

The real reason I even started considering the 16” was because of the gorgeous screen. It’s just so nice to work on and to be able to have multiple windows open at the same time. I feel it a bit cramped when using my 13” MBP because I always have to tab around with the different windows. On the 16” I can easily have windows side by side. I actually have two 27 inch displays that I can connect my laptop to when I’m working at home, but after switching to the 16 inch I rarely use them. I use the monitors when I’m in Final Cut, but most of my other work can easily be done on the laptop.

Weight/size​

One of my biggest concerns was the weight. I’m travelling a lot with my laptop in my backpack, and I love to work sitting in the couch with my laptop on my lap. So I was “afraid” that it would be too heavy. It’s not. It’s heavier than my previous 13 inch, yes arguably. And a bit heavier than the 14 inch. But in reality I don’t care. I can’t tell the difference between the 14 and 16 inch when its on my back. The 16 is the 14 plus a small can of coke. Who cares

On my lap, I can work for hours without even thinking about it. To be fair, the first days of two, I was extremely aware of the weight, because my concern was, that it would be too heavy. And yes, I felt the weight difference coming from a 13 MBP. Truth is, it’s heavier, but not at all heavy. Actually, I find it easier to work on in the couch, than my previous 13 MBP. The extra weight and thickness makes it more solid and stable.

The only place, where I think you might prefer the 14 inch is if you commute a lot by train with small tables. I haven’t tested it, just a guess.

Conclusion​

If your tempted by the 16 inch screen, I will say go for it. I really don’t think you will regret it. I love every day with this gorgeous machine. Battery life is amazing, performance is out of this world, and watching movies in bed on this screen and with those speakers… it’s just mind blowing.

Oh and by the way… the notch is really a non issue. I installed TopNotch and after that, I totally forgot it’s even there. The black level on this screen is just so fantastic, that you can’t tell the difference between the black notch or the black screen.

Hope that helps.

This is super helpful! I have both the 14" and 16" right now as well. I spent the past year working on a 13" M1 - that worked fine but felt crowded screen wise. (Before that it was 15" MBP). The 14" is BTO and would be a keeper (it's configured correctly) but the 16" I have is a base model I picked up locally to try as the correctly configured 16" isn't showing up until mid January. I'm 95% sure I'm going with the 16" as I've really really enjoyed using this one over the past week. I need to return both the 14" and base 16" before Jan 8 though and then wait really impatiently for the BTO 16" I have coming!

 

[sofakng]

Okay, thought I will share my two cents. Sorry in advance if my English is a bit broken, it’s not my first language.

...

When I received them, I actually thought I knew, that I was going to keep the 14 inch. But after a week of usage I must admit, that I decided to keep the 16 inch. Now I’ve had it for three weeks and I just absolutely LOVE everything about it.

This story is almost exactly like mine. I've ordered both and was almost certain I was going to return the 16". I even packaged it up to return, but after testing it a bit longer it's growing on me a lot and the 14" seems too small now...

 

[Marathonianbull]

I’m of the opposite mind of many in this thread, I am so thrilled with how large the 16” is!

I also do not travel often, and purchased the computer to be a “home away from home”.

Sold, sold, sold!!! I returned my 16" M1 Pro out of fear of having to perhaps travel with it, but now realize that I can't live without its spectacular "desktop-caliber" screen real estate. For anything photography, the 14" (screen) isn't much bigger than the 13" but its chassis isn't as light and slim either; better opt for a 13" if mobility and battery life matter (emergency work during transit by bus, train, plane), or for a 16" if comfortable work over longer periods matters either at home or away (vacation, hotel, friend's place, office, chalet, camping, etc.) Not only for the better screen size, thermal qualities, battery life, but also for the awesome TouchPad dimensions!

 

[spiderpumpkin]

I chose the 16" M1 Pro after comparing the screen sizes found the larger one can display much more and is easier to read for me. I also noticed that the 14" screen looked a lot dimmer compared to the 16". I also like the larger area touchpad and surrounding area to rest wrists while typing. Works great as a laptop while sitting on the couch, the large footprint and weight just seem perfect for what we are getting. Yes, the 16" is heavy when carrying it around but once you get where you are going to use it you will be glad you hauled it along.

 

[ssls6]

If you sit down at a desk and play with both, you'll always chose the 16". Only after carrying both each day/week/month/year will you know which was best for you.

 

[sionell]

If you sit down at a desk and play with both, you'll always chose the 16". Only after carrying both each day/week/month/year will you know which was best for you.

No desk here! I'm purely a couch surfer with this laptop. . I still liked the 16" better than the 14". Part of my justification is that I have the 13" M1 MBP and if I need a laptop with me when I travel, I can just take that one! (I don't travel often)

I'm now waiting for my 16" M1 Max to be delivered mid January. If it tracks with the previous orders I've gotten, they will hopefully charge my card next week and the shipping process will have begun. ?

 

[TimothyJohn]

I carried the 17" around for years. Work, gigs, two hour flights. I'd see other teachers with their 15" screens and think, How can they stand that? And the 13"? Like a toy. Get an iPad!! But with the new Air in Nov 2020, and no other choice, I HAD to go that direction temporarily. No fan? No heat? Incredible battery life? Killer features for a musician; ESPECIALLY one who lived with that incredibly hot, noisy 17". So hot, it fried TWO graphics chips. These features, PLUS the fact I had no other choice, almost had me getting used to the smaller screen. But nope. This 16" is significantly smaller than the 17", and is more than a pound lighter. If I want small, maybe I'll get one of the new ones. But I am covered now. This thing is a beast. I'll be running Protools, w/UAD & Izotope plus a few decent VI's. In addition, I took advantage of the free Speed Editor with Davinci Resolve 17. Other than the usual Productivity apps, browsing and emailing, that's about it. BTW, if anyone is interested in using a decent stereo audio file editor, check out https://www.ocenaudio.com. I've been using it in place of SoundBlade SE (32bit). Audacity has had issues, and frankly, even if it didn't, Ocenaudio is much more appealing to use... (but it does NOT do multi-track recording. Audacity could).

Whatever you decide, enjoy!! These things are powerful! But still a bit too far out front. I've got a number of apps that simply do not work yet. But if they want to survive, they'll have to soon ...

 

[ssls6]

This is exactly why it's a personal choice. I carried a 15" for years and I will never do that again. A personal choice is exactly that....personal.

 

[arvinsim]

I used my previous Macbook before docked 90% of the time. You would think the right choice would be to get the 16".

But I found out that if I wanted to carry it around, I really value portability. So I bought the 14". The 16" screen size wouldn't matter much docked anyway.

 

[ascender]

Am loving this 16" M1 Pro, which makes it all the more annoying that my latest client is going to need me to go in to actual offices in a couple of different cities from the start of the year which is going to mean flying... which will mean I probably have to sell this and get a 14" one. The 11" iPad Pro won't cut it for the work I need to do on the move unfortunately.

Dammit!

 

[panzer06]

Am loving this 16" M1 Pro, which makes it all the more annoying that my latest client is going to need me to go in to actual offices in a couple of different cities from the start of the year which is going to mean flying... which will mean I probably have to sell this and get a 14" one. The 11" iPad Pro won't cut it for the work I need to do on the move unfortunately.

Dammit!

Get a back brace and toughen up those muscles. 16” is the only way!