# TLDR Review: MacBook Pro 2023 M3 Pro 16-inch

*Published: 2026-01-16 | Updated: 2026-01-16 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/macbook-pro-2023-m3-pro-16-inch*

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## Product: MacBook Pro 2023 M3 Pro 16-inch
**Brand:** Apple

## Pros
- The M3 Pro chip with 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU delivers extremely fast and smooth performance, especially compared to previous Intel MacBook Pro models.
- The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is bright, clear, and offers impressive screen quality with vibrant colors, enhancing multitasking and viewing experiences.
- The keyboard is excellent, offering great feedback and a comfortable, well-backlit typing experience.
- The trackpad is highly responsive with customizable right-click placement, minimizing accidental clicks.
- The laptop comes with generous 36GB of unified memory, which ensures smooth multitasking and workflow.
- The black Space Black finish is visually appealing and a fresh change from the usual metallic colors.
- Battery life is notable, with some users experiencing long-lasting power (claims of lasting almost a week in light-use scenarios), and it charges quickly.
- Sound quality is outstanding with some of the best speakers Apple has offered, enhancing movie watching and media consumption.
- The sturdy build quality, including solid and tight hinges, makes the device feel premium and durable.

## Cons
- Film editing and certain multimedia tasks can perform slower than expected on this machine despite the powerful specs.
- macOS Sonoma, the latest operating system pre-installed, is reported to be less intuitive and harder to use than older macOS versions, with annoying complications in simple tasks like drag and drop.
- The absence of a touchscreen frustrates some users who naturally expect to interact with the screen like a phone or tablet.
- Screen colors can be overly saturated, with some users finding yellows unnaturally bright and unpleasant.
- iCloud integration is intrusive, consumes bandwidth, constantly prompts for paid upgrades, and creates data management headaches.
- Apple customer service experiences are widely criticized for poor communication, especially in handling iCloud issues and hardware problems.
- Lack of traditional USB-A ports means users need adapters for many peripherals, adding inconvenience and extra cost.
- The laptop is heavier and bulkier compared to some competitors, making it less convenient for frequent travel or portability.
- Some users experienced hardware defects such as a faulty hard drive shortly after purchase, compounded by poor after-sales support.
- Certain default apps like Mail and Pages are seen as a downgrade in usability compared to previous macOS versions, pushing users towards third-party alternatives.

## Bottom Line

The 2023 MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip is a sleek, powerful, and visually stunning machine tailored for professionals and creatives who prioritize performance and display quality. However, don't expect flawless multimedia workflow on all software, and be prepared for macOS Sonoma's learning curve and iCloud frustrations. Its premium price reflects the build and power, but the extra bulk, limited ports, and occasional customer support headaches might make you want to also consider alternatives if you need better compatibility or portability. If you want a Windows-based powerhouse with more ports and similar screen size, the Dell XPS 17 9730 could be worth a look.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| The M3 Pro chip with 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU delivers extremely fast and smooth performance, especially compared to previous Intel MacBook Pro models. | Film editing and certain multimedia tasks can perform slower than expected on this machine despite the powerful specs. |
| The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is bright, clear, and offers impressive screen quality with vibrant colors, enhancing multitasking and viewing experiences. | macOS Sonoma, the latest operating system pre-installed, is reported to be less intuitive and harder to use than older macOS versions, with annoying complications in simple tasks like drag and drop. |
| The keyboard is excellent, offering great feedback and a comfortable, well-backlit typing experience. | The absence of a touchscreen frustrates some users who naturally expect to interact with the screen like a phone or tablet. |
| The trackpad is highly responsive with customizable right-click placement, minimizing accidental clicks. | Screen colors can be overly saturated, with some users finding yellows unnaturally bright and unpleasant. |
| The laptop comes with generous 36GB of unified memory, which ensures smooth multitasking and workflow. | iCloud integration is intrusive, consumes bandwidth, constantly prompts for paid upgrades, and creates data management headaches. |
| The black Space Black finish is visually appealing and a fresh change from the usual metallic colors. | Apple customer service experiences are widely criticized for poor communication, especially in handling iCloud issues and hardware problems. |
| Battery life is notable, with some users experiencing long-lasting power (claims of lasting almost a week in light-use scenarios), and it charges quickly. | Lack of traditional USB-A ports means users need adapters for many peripherals, adding inconvenience and extra cost. |
| Sound quality is outstanding with some of the best speakers Apple has offered, enhancing movie watching and media consumption. | The laptop is heavier and bulkier compared to some competitors, making it less convenient for frequent travel or portability. |
| The sturdy build quality, including solid and tight hinges, makes the device feel premium and durable. | Some users experienced hardware defects such as a faulty hard drive shortly after purchase, compounded by poor after-sales support. |
|  | Certain default apps like Mail and Pages are seen as a downgrade in usability compared to previous macOS versions, pushing users towards third-party alternatives. |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Dungarees | $107.99  | Check |
| Great Lakes Work Wear | $179.99  | Check |
| Amazon | $2399.00  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*