Apple's MacBook Pro M5 arrives with the company's most powerful chips yet, offering unmatched performance and exceptional battery life in a sleek, portable design. The latest iteration comes in two screen sizes and a wide range of configurations, starting at £1,699 for the 14-inch M5 model and escalating for the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants.
Design and Display
The MacBook Pro retains its iconic all-aluminium design, which remains as elegant and durable as ever. The 14.2-inch mini LED display with ProMotion 120Hz technology delivers stunning brightness and crispness, making it ideal for outdoor use. The nano-texture glass option effectively reduces glare, enhancing usability in direct sunlight.
Performance Tiers
Three chip options create distinct performance levels. The base M5 chip offers a 20% improvement over the M4, while the M5 Pro boosts multicore performance by 70% and doubles graphics capability. The M5 Max rivals desktop-grade GPUs, matching Nvidia's GeForce 5070 and 5080 in raw power. Notably, the M5 Pro and Max models include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thunderbolt 5, while the base M5 lacks these features.
Battery Life
Battery performance remains stellar. In light use, the MacBook Pro lasts up to 18 hours, and even under heavy workloads, it easily endures a full workday. The M5 Max model tested managed 16 hours of mixed use, with 90 minutes of intensive tasks before needing a charge.
Sustainability and Repairability
Apple uses 45% recycled materials in the MacBook Pro, including aluminium and rare earth elements. The battery lasts over 1,000 charge cycles and is replaceable for £225. Apple offers trade-in and free recycling programs.
Verdict
The MacBook Pro M5 delivers workstation-level power with exceptional battery life, a top-tier display, and excellent speakers. While expensive, it remains the best choice for professionals needing high performance on the go. However, the base M5 model misses some connectivity upgrades, and RAM/SSD cannot be upgraded post-purchase.
