Apple’s MacBook Pro has long been the gold standard for professional laptops, and with the release of the MacBook Pro M5, Apple has refined its flagship even further. While it mirrors its predecessor, the M4, in design, the M5 introduces subtle but meaningful upgrades, particularly with its processor.

But is the M5 truly the ultimate laptop, or does it still have limitations that Apple hasn’t addressed? Let’s break it down.

Processor upgrade: The power of the M5 chip

The standout feature of the MacBook Pro M5 is its processor. The new M5 chip delivers a 15.6% performance improvement over the M4 chip, according to real-world testing. Apple’s claims around its computational power are backed up by comparisons with top competitors:

• Intel Core Ultra 7268V: The M5 outpaces this processor by 61% in single-threaded tasks.
• AMD Ryzen 9 HX370: The new M5 chip delivers a 75.4% increase in single-threaded performance over AMD’s offering.

This kind of performance makes everyday computing tasks, from opening browsers to multitasking, feel instantly responsive. Even light creative workflows, such as video editing in Final Cut Pro, benefit from the speed. However, professional programs optimized for macOS platforms harness the true potential of the M5 chip.

For multi-threaded workloads, the M5 maintains its dominance. With four performance cores and six efficiency cores, it handles complex tasks and extended workloads effortlessly. Memory bandwidth has also seen a notable increase—jumping 27.5% from the M4—making GPU and CPU operations more fluid. Apple also boasts that the GPU in this machine is 28.5% faster than the M4. Enthusiasts of raw computing power are unlikely to be disappointed.

Design and build: A familiar friend

From the outside, the MacBook Pro M5 is indistinguishable from its predecessor, maintaining the same sturdy 14-inch CNC aluminum chassis. At 3.4 pounds, it feels substantial but not overly heavy, especially given its robust build. The laptop’s rigidity remains unmatched. Minor keyboard flex is detectable under heavy pressure, but by and large, Apple continues to lead the market in premium design.

For ports, the MacBook Pro retains the same configurations from the M4 model:

• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports
• A full-sized SD card reader
• HDMI 2.1
• MagSafe charging
• 3.5mm headphone jack

While adequate for most users, some may find the omission of a USB-A port mildly inconvenient. Professionals working with legacy peripherals would need adapters.

Display: Bright, vibrant, and industry-leading

The laptop’s 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display continues to dominate in brightness and color accuracy. The peak brightness of 1600 nits ensures the display is ideal for working outdoors or under direct light. Apple claims SDR and HDR color accuracy sets a new benchmark for laptops, and testing confirms this assertion. The device’s 3240x1968 resolution may not clock in at a full 4K, but at this size, the difference is negligible.

Apple’s ProMotion variable refresh rate technology, offering up to 120Hz, enables smoother scrolling and better battery optimization. However, it lacks integrated solutions like Nvidia G-Sync, making it less ideal for gaming.

If you need better anti-reflection, Apple offers a nano-texture coating for $150. However, most users will find the standard display adequate, even in brightly lit environments.

Gaming: Still not there

Apple attempted to bolster gaming performance with the updated GPU, but the results remain underwhelming. Synthetic benchmarks like GeekBench display strong gains over previous versions, yet real-world gaming benchmarks tell another story. The RTX 4070 mobile GPU in gaming laptops is over 437% faster than the M5’s GPU in titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Simply put, despite its improved performance, the MacBook Pro M5 is not a gaming machine. Gaming enthusiasts will find Windows laptops far superior in this department.

SSD storage and memory: Fast but non-upgradable

Storage performance sees a substantial boost, thanks to the upgraded PCIe 5.0 controller. Apple claims transfer speeds of 5,100 MB/s—leaps ahead of the M4’s speeds (3,100 MB/s). In testing, some users saw speeds exceeding this number, possibly because of reservoir space.

However, all storage and RAM remain soldered to the motherboard. While this improves efficiency and build integrity, it means no after-sale upgrades. For those planning to buy an M5, investing upfront in a configuration with higher RAM and storage is something to consider.

Keyboard, trackpad, and speakers: Continuing excellence

The typing experience strikes a balance between consistency and speed. While bursts of typing feel snappy, the short key travel may fatigue users working on lengthy documents or scripts. The EliteBook X, for example, offers a softer press, making it preferable for long typing sessions.

The trackpad, powered by Apple’s haptic feedback technology, remains the gold standard. Gestures are fluid, precise, and perfectly integrated with macOS. Even competing Windows laptops struggle to offer anything comparable.

Apple’s six-speaker configuration impresses yet again, with dynamic sound that feels balanced and rich. The force-canceling woofers reduce vibrations, providing a deep and resonant listening experience.

Battery life and operating system quirks

One aspect Apple nails continually is optimized battery performance. Variable refresh rate technology ensures impressive results during moderate workloads. While exact runtimes depend on configurations and intensity, users can expect industry-leading battery efficiency.

However, not all system updates are welcome. MacOS Tahoe introduces polarizing design changes, including widgets on the desktop and a disappearing top menu bar. While these don’t affect performance, they may frustrate long-time users.

Practical takeaways

• Strengths:

  • A 15.6% faster processor, giving a marked boost over competitors like Intel and AMD.
  • Unparalleled brightness and display accuracy for color-sensitive workflows.
  • Sturdy build with excellent port offerings.
  • Exemplary storage speeds and trackpad integration.

• Weaknesses:

  • Not suitable for AAA gaming titles, with average in-game GPU performance.
  • Non-upgradable storage and RAM limits customizability.
  • The notch, while forgivable, remains an aesthetic complaint, given its lack of added functionality.

Final verdict

The MacBook Pro M5 solidifies Apple’s reputation for producing ultra-premium, high-performance laptops. It leads the pack in build quality, display technology, and raw processing power. But for professionals requiring gaming compatibility or easily customizable parts, the M5 may not cover all bases. For most users, its strengths outweigh its limitations, but its rigid design choices suggest it won’t serve every use case.

Ideal for: Creative professionals and users prioritizing a powerful, portable workstation. Not ideal for gamers or those seeking an upgradable system.