How long do M4 MacBooks last? | ULTIMATE BATTERY TEST

Summary

In this detailed review of Apple’s new MacBook models featuring the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, the performance and battery life under various power modes are thoroughly tested. The M4 Pro stands out, lasting longer than its M4 Max counterpart, especially in high-performance mode. While the M4 chip is efficient in low-power mode for light tasks like coding and email, its lower core count results in slower performance during heavy workflows. The review also compares the MacBooks to other devices like the Snapdragon X+ and Surface laptops, offering valuable insights into how these Macs stack up in real-world usage and travel scenarios.

Takeaways

• 😀 The newest MacBook Pro models (M4 Max, M4 Pro, M4) were tested for battery life and performance across different power modes.
• 😀 The M4 Pro outperformed other devices, including Snapdragon X+ and Surface Laptops, in high performance mode, providing the longest battery life.
• 😀 The M4 Max, despite having a larger screen and battery, did not last as long as the M4 Pro in high performance mode.
• 😀 The M4 chip lacks a high performance mode and only offers low power or automatic settings, limiting its power management options.
• 😀 The battery tests simulated real-world developer tasks like writing code, browsing documentation, and watching videos.
• 😀 Low power mode significantly extended battery life but reduced performance, especially in tasks like code compilation.
• 😀 The M4 Pro lasted significantly longer in high performance mode than other tested devices, including previous MacBook models.
• 😀 Despite the longer battery life in low power mode, performance drops were noticeable in tasks requiring intensive processing, like code compilation.
• 😀 The test also compared battery performance between macOS and Windows devices to assess cross-platform power consumption.
• 😀 The M4 Pro and M4 Max showed similar efficiency levels in low power mode, but both still lagged behind other devices like the Snapdragon X Elite in terms of work output per battery use.
• 😀 Users should consider switching to low power mode during long trips for extended battery life, but it may not be ideal for performance-heavy tasks.

Q & A

What was the primary focus of the battery test in the video?

The primary focus of the battery test was to assess how long the new MacBook Pro models (M4 Max, M4 Pro, and M4) last under different power modes: High Power, Automatic, and Low Power.

How were the tests conducted in terms of workload simulation?

The tests simulated real software development tasks, including file copying, code building, writing, browsing documentation, and compiling code, all run in half-hour automated chunks to simulate the daily activities of a developer.

What power modes are available on the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max MacBooks?

The M4 Pro and M4 Max models offer three power modes: Low Power, Automatic, and High Power. The M4 model only has Low Power mode, without the High Power option.

Which MacBook model outlasted the others in high performance mode?

The M4 Pro outlasted both the M4 Max and M4 models in high performance mode, becoming the longest-lasting model in that mode.

How did the M4 perform in Automatic mode compared to the other models?

In Automatic mode, the M4 performed well but was outlasted by the M4 Pro, which remained the longest-lasting model, despite having fewer cores.

Why is the M4 Pro considered the most impressive in terms of battery life?

The M4 Pro impressed by lasting longer than competitors like the Snapdragon X+ and Surface Laptop 7, even in high performance mode, making it the new champion in this test for battery life in that mode.

What were the main differences between the battery life of the M4 Max and M4 Pro?

The M4 Max lasted slightly shorter than the M4 Pro in both high performance and automatic modes. Despite the M4 Max having a larger battery and screen, it could not outlast the M4 Pro in terms of battery longevity.

How did Low Power mode impact performance on these MacBooks?

Low Power mode extended battery life but had a noticeable effect on performance, especially during tasks like code compilation. It caused slower results in benchmarks, with the M4 (which has fewer cores) taking significantly longer than the M4 Pro and M4 Max.

What was the test’s approach to efficiency, and how did the MacBook M4 models compare to competitors?

The efficiency of each machine was measured by comparing the amount of work done to the time each machine lasted. While the M4 Pro performed well in terms of battery life, its efficiency was lower than competitors like the X Elite and other high-performance laptops.

Why does the speaker suggest using Low Power mode during long trips or when outlets are unavailable?

The speaker suggests using Low Power mode to extend battery life on long trips when wall outlets are not available, as it provides a more balanced battery performance for light tasks like email and web browsing without significant performance degradation.