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Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M6) Review: Performance and New Features

Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro gets the new M6 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support. Here is a breakdown of performance improvements, connectivity, and hardware.

·2 min read
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M6) Review: Performance and New Features

Apple has refreshed its 14-inch MacBook Pro lineup, introducing the M6 chip and the N1 chip for advanced connectivity. While the chassis remains identical to previous iterations, the internal hardware upgrades focus on raw performance and future-proof networking.

  • Features a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU M6 SoC.
  • Integrates Apple N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.
  • Starting price is $1,999 for the base configuration.
  • Maintains the classic design with the same ports and display specs.

Performance Benchmarks The M6 chip delivers a solid performance boost over the M5 predecessor. In synthetic tests like Geekbench 6, the M6 shows a 10% improvement in single-core performance and an 18% jump in multi-core performance. Video transcoding tasks in Handbrake were completed 20% faster than on previous hardware, confirming the efficiency of the new silicon.

Graphics performance has also seen a significant 30% uplift. During stress tests and gaming benchmarks, the device maintains higher frame rates and cooler temperatures under load, outperforming Windows-based laptops in the same category.

Display and Connectivity The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display remains top-tier with 120Hz ProMotion technology and a peak brightness of 571 nits. While the notch design remains a point of contention for some, the display's color accuracy and contrast ratios remain excellent for professional color grading and media consumption.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 via the Apple N1 chip ensures the device is ready for next-generation network standards. The port selection remains unchanged, offering three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, and an SDXC card slot, preserving its status as a pro-grade machine.

Source: Latest from Tom's Hardware

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