M3 16" laptop has smaller battery than 2019 one

[ndouglas]

Just an FYI that I found surprising and interesting, perhaps M1 and M2 users have also noticed this? Coming from a much thinner Macbook 2019, 16", to this M3 2023 with the same screen size, I find it quite odd that according to System Info app, and Coconut battery, their sizes are the following:

M3 16" 2023 Macbook Pro Battery DesignCapacity: 8579 mAh

Intel 16" 2019 Macbook Pro Battery DesignCapacity: 8790 mAh

So I guess that is "just" a 2.5% difference, but isn't it strange that a significantly heavier and bulkier frame in 2023 (and I assume in recent years for M1, M2) has a smaller battery than was put into the very thin frame of the 2019 Intel model? It just makes me wonder what all the extra weight and space is used for, if not the battery.

Perhaps some more knowledgeable, more tech savvy folks than me have some ideas.

 

[Aenean144]

Intel 2019 MBP16 on top, Apple Silicon 2021 MBP16 on bottom.

It's a 0.4 lb difference and the 2021 model is 0.02" (0.5mm) thicker. Visually, it looks like the cooling system in the 2021 model is larger: bigger fans, bigger heat pipes, bigger heat sinks. If the heatsinks in the 2021 model are copper and the old one is aluminum, it will be doubly heavier.

What's more difficult to tell is that the 2021 model may have a thicker aluminum shell. The display/lid is stiffer than the old model, as I recall with the 2018 MBP15 model I had. So, some portion of the weight increase may be due to that.

 

[maerz001]

Now you see why Jony Eve axed the SD card reader

 

[CWallace]

Perhaps some more knowledgeable, more tech savvy folks than me have some ideas.

Looks like changes were made for packaging within the chassis. Notice how the M3 model has things like speakers located in a different area then the Intel model and therefore battery locations are flipped on the edges. The Apple Silicon systemboard layout (along with it's extra peripherals) probably plays a role, as well. There is a wider gap between the forward battery packs that results in each being smaller than the packs on the Intel model.

The FAA limits how large (in terms of total capacity) the battery of a laptop can be to allow it to be carried in the cabin and both the Intel and Apple Silicon 16" MacBook Pros come in just under the maximum allowed size, so even if Apple had more space available in an ASi MBP to fit a larger battery, they would not have as then it would require the laptop to be flown as checked luggage in the hold.

 

[macduke]

Yeah I was gonna say the same thing as above, the FAA limits it, so they're probably just packaging whatever is most affordable and close to the limit at the time and since the M3 is so much more efficient than Intel by a mile so it doesn't make any difference.

Also, there isn't an M3 in the 16" size? Only M3 Pro.

Also, IDK what you're on about with saying these newer machines are more bulky. The height of the Intel 16" is 0.64" and the M3 Pro 16" is 0.66". That's a difference of half a mm. Then on width, the Intel 16" is 14.09" and the M3 Pro 16" is 14.01", so it's actually smaller in width by 2mm. Then you have the depth and the Intel 16" is 9.68" while the M3 Pro 16" is 9.77", just over 2mm. So that's a wash. As for weight, the Intel 16" is 4.3lbs M3 Pro 16" is 4.7lbs. So I would say you're right about it being heavier, but not really about it being bulkier.

I know there are several advancements such as better speakers and there are like 10,000 local dimming zones on the newer display which might be bulkier, and there are more ports and a better camera and much newer WiFi. Didn't they also make a big deal about the new casing being sturdier too when they first came out? Not sure on that one.

If it's an issue for you, why not go with the 14" Pro? It's cheaper and much lighter.

 

[ndouglas]

Intel 2019 MBP16 on top, Apple Silicon 2021 MBP16 on bottom.
View attachment 2309433

It's a 0.4 lb difference and the 2021 model is 0.02" (0.5mm) thicker. Visually, it looks like the cooling system in the 2021 model is larger: bigger fans, bigger heat pipes, bigger heat sinks. If the heatsinks in the 2021 model are copper and the old one is aluminum, it will be doubly heavier.

What's more difficult to tell is that the 2021 model may have a thicker aluminum shell. The display/lid is stiffer than the old model, as I recall with the 2018 MBP15 model I had. So, some portion of the weight increase may be due to that.

Interesting, thanks for the images.

 

[ndouglas]

Yeah I was gonna say the same thing as above, the FAA limits it, so they're probably just packaging whatever is most affordable and close to the limit at the time and since the M3 is so much more efficient than Intel by a mile so it doesn't make any difference.

Also, there isn't an M3 in the 16" size? Only M3 Pro.

Also, IDK what you're on about with saying these newer machines are more bulky. The height of the Intel 16" is 0.64" and the M3 Pro 16" is 0.66". That's a difference of half a mm. Then on width, the Intel 16" is 14.09" and the M3 Pro 16" is 14.01", so it's actually smaller in width by 2mm. Then you have the depth and the Intel 16" is 9.68" while the M3 Pro 16" is 9.77", just over 2mm. So that's a wash. As for weight, the Intel 16" is 4.3lbs M3 Pro 16" is 4.7lbs. So I would say you're right about it being heavier, but not really about it being bulkier.

I know there are several advancements such as better speakers and there are like 10,000 local dimming zones on the newer display which might be bulkier, and there are more ports and a better camera and much newer WiFi. Didn't they also make a big deal about the new casing being sturdier too when they first came out? Not sure on that one.

If it's an issue for you, why not go with the 14" Pro? It's cheaper and much lighter.

Fair points, I appreciate the details. I don’t intend the original post as a complaint, just found it surprising about the less mAh for the battery. Maybe I shouldn’t monitor such specs, it’s more of a nerdy interest / hobby than a genuine worry, although having devices crap out on me in the past, I do feel it‘s a good practice to keep logs on data like battery on arrival, and once a year at least. Especially since I don‘t plan to get Apple Care for this machine. It will stay home nearly always so the added weight is OK, just an adjustment. I must say I prefer the slim profile of the 2019 model, but I’ll send that in when they send me a box for it, it served me well for a few years. And certainly I will enjoy the vastly better battery life, screen, and other improvements. It is tempting to consider the Air for less $$ and weight. I have 10 more days or so to think about it. Thanks for the post!