Apple Macbook Pro M5 Review: Evolutionary Not Revolutionary

How does it perform?

The M5 chip delivers significant performance gains across the board. Its single-core CPU performance is, on average, 11.17% faster than the M4, reaching up to 14% faster in some tests, with a Cinebench 2024 score of 200 points {6}. Multi-core performance sees an even greater boost, averaging 20% faster than the M4, and up to a 25% improvement {1, 2, 4, 6}. For users upgrading from an M1 Mac, the overall speed is approximately twice as fast {2}.GPU performance is also significantly enhanced, showing an average improvement of 38.5% over the M4 {1, 2} and nearly matching the M1 Ultra’s GPU at 97% of its capability {6}. This translates to impressive gaming performance, with titles like Cyberpunk 2077 achieving 30 fps at 1200p Ultra settings and 58 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider {4, 5}.The new Neural Accelerators provide a massive leap in AI capabilities, making AI tasks like Topaz Video and Premiere Pro 3.5 times faster compared to the M4 {1}. The Neural Engine itself is 19.5% faster than the M4 and 40% faster than the M3 in Geekbench AI benchmarks {2, 6}.The MacBook Pro M5 features a substantial memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s, which is a nearly 30% increase over the M4, facilitating smoother multitasking and larger local AI models (spec). Storage performance is exceptionally fast with PCIe Gen 5 SSDs, achieving sequential read speeds of 6500 MB/s and write speeds of 6728 MB/s {6}. This means quicker load times and faster handling of large project files.The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display remains a standout feature, offering vibrant colors, strong contrast, and a smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate {5, 4}. It provides excellent peak brightness, measuring 400 nits for SDR content {4}, ensuring great visibility in various lighting conditions. While specific Delta E measurements and gamut coverage for color accuracy aren’t provided for the M5, the display is consistently lauded as one of the best available (spec).Under sustained load, the CPU internal temperature reaches a maximum of 89°C {6}, indicating efficient thermal design despite the M5 chip’s increased power draw for heavy CPU tasks compared to the M4 (28W vs. 17W during Handbrake encoding) {1, 2}. The integrated cooling fan effectively manages heat, contributing to sustained performance while maintaining remarkably quiet fan noise and cool surface temperatures even during intensive tasks like gaming {6, 3}.Battery life is a major highlight, with the MacBook Pro M5 delivering up to 24.1 hours during 720p video playback {4} and an impressive 19.63 hours when looping 4K video {5}. This provides best-in-class endurance for mobile professionals and extended productivity without constant recharging, although some reviewers noted it’s largely similar to the M4 model {4}.The laptop offers a versatile selection of ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot {2, 5}. However, wireless connectivity remains at Wi-Fi 6E, with no upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 or Bluetooth 5.4, which is a minor drawback for a premium device {4, 2}. Input latency is not specifically measured (spec).The MacBook Pro M5 maintains Apple’s reputation for world-class build quality and an attractive, functional design {2, 6}. While no specific environmental resistance ratings like MIL-STD-810H are provided, its robust construction ensures durability for daily use (Not Measured).

What’s it do best?

The Apple MacBook Pro M5 excels as an all-purpose creative workstation, offering a powerful combination of CPU, GPU, and AI performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design {4, 5}. Its best-in-class Liquid Retina XDR display, extended battery life, and superior port selection make it an ideal choice for content creators and mobile professionals who need reliable power and visual accuracy on the go {2, 5}.

Ergonomics and Physical Comfort

The MacBook Pro M5 maintains Apple’s reputation for excellent ergonomics. Reviewers consistently praise the “nice keyboard and trackpad” {2}, highlighting their responsiveness and comfort for extended typing sessions and precise navigation. Display viewing angles are also stellar, contributing to a comfortable user experience for various working positions and multi-user scenarios (spec).

Build Quality and Aesthetics

While the M5 MacBook Pro boasts “world-class build quality” {6} and an “attractive and functional design” {2}, its physical aesthetics remain unchanged from the M4 model, leading to criticisms of a “snoozer of an update” {1}. Some reviewers noted the Space Black finish can still be prone to smudges {1}, and the chassis, while sturdy, feels a bit thick for its class with an outdated screen notch {6}. Port placement is practical, offering convenient accessibility for daily connectivity needs {2}.

User Experience and Usability

Apple’s software integration and ease of setup are generally top-tier (spec), providing a seamless user experience that is intuitive for new and existing users. However, typical for Apple, upgrade and repair accessibility for components like RAM and storage remains limited, making DIY upgrades nearly impossible (spec). This is a common trade-off for integrated, high-performance systems.

Audio and Multimedia Experience

The MacBook Pro M5 delivers an exceptional audio experience, featuring a “stellar six-speaker audio setup” {5} that produces rich, clear sound. This makes it ideal for multimedia consumption, whether watching movies or listening to music. While specific microphone and webcam quality details aren’t consistently highlighted, Apple typically includes high-quality components for video conferencing and content creation (spec).