TLDR Review: MacBook Pro 2021 M1 Pro 14-inch
Verdict
The Apple MacBook Pro 2021 with the M1 Pro chip in Space Gray is an absolute powerhouse, especially for creative professionals or power users who crave speed, a stunning display, and exceptional battery life. However, if you're looking for a brand-new device, be cautious about the renewed condition and the non-OEM charger. For those willing to accept some minor cosmetic flaws and the slightly higher price, this device is a top-tier choice that balances performance, portability, and Apple's premium ecosystem. If you want a similar model with perhaps a more pristine condition, you might want to consider the <component-button-product identifierProduct="B0CP4KZQZX">which offers excellent reviews and a newer chip with slightly different features.</component-button-product>
- Top pro:
- The M1 Pro chip delivers blazing-fast speeds, handling demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking without breaking a sweat.
- Top con:
- Comes with a third-party power adapter instead of the original, which may impact charging reliability over time.
Pros
- •The M1 Pro chip delivers blazing-fast speeds, handling demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking without breaking a sweat.
- •Bright, colorful 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with over a billion colors and a 120Hz refresh rate makes everything look stunning.
- •Excellent battery life—up to 14 hours on a single charge—perfect for working on the go.
- •Durable and premium build quality with a sleek Space Gray design, making it both stylish and sturdy.
- •A great balance of portability and usability with a compact 14-inch size that’s lighter than the 16-inch.
- •The redesigned keyboard is quiet, comfortable, and highly responsive, with physical function keys and no Touch Bar.
- •Impressive selection of ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SD card slot, and MagSafe 3 for versatile connectivity.
- •The speakers are top-notch, offering exceptional sound quality, and the webcam now provides sharp, clear 1080p footage.
- •User-friendly features like Touch ID and seamless MacOS Monterey integration add to its appeal.
- •The MacBook’s display is designed with precision, boasting incredible brightness, color accuracy, and a high refresh rate.
Cons
- •Comes with a third-party power adapter instead of the original, which may impact charging reliability over time.
- •Minor scratches and aesthetic imperfections are noted, and some users feel the condition may not match the advertised 'like new.'
- •Keyboard and the device can get dirty easily, and some reviews mention it arriving less clean than expected.
- •The condition not as advertised (according to some reviews) and a few felt disappointed with the overall aesthetic.
- •Price is high, especially considering it’s renewed; overpowered for casual tasks but might be more than most need.
- •Slight weight increase compared to some ultra-portables, though still manageable.
- •Concerns about repair costs for potential issues down the line, as with most Apple products.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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More Answers
If you're still curious about the MacBook Pro 2021 M1 Pro 14-inch, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
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