2021 M1 Max 16" MacBook Pro VS 2019 Intel i9 16" MacBook Pro! Compared!

Summary

In this comparison, the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro is pitted against its 2019 predecessor. The 2021 model boasts a larger 16.2-inch mini-LED display with higher resolution and brightness, ProMotion technology, and a controversial notch. It's slightly heavier, with options for M1 Pro or M1 Max chips, offering improved performance over the 2019's Intel processors. The new model ditches the Touch Bar for traditional function keys, includes more ports like MagSafe and an SD card reader, and features a 1080p FaceTime camera. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and comes with a 140-watt GaN charger.

Takeaways

• 📏 The 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro has slightly larger dimensions and weighs more than the 2019 model, with the new model being either 4.7 or 4.8 pounds compared to the 4.3 pounds of the 2019 model.
• 🖥️ The 2021 model features a larger 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a higher resolution of 3456 by 2234 pixels and a higher brightness level, including a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits.
• 🔋 The 2021 MacBook Pro introduces a new mini-LED technology for the display, offering better color accuracy and contrast compared to the LED display of the 2019 model.
• 🚀 Both the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips in the 2021 MacBook Pro offer significant performance improvements over the Intel processors available in the 2019 model.
• 🔩 The 2021 model does away with the Touch Bar and reintroduces a full row of physical function keys, responding to user feedback.
• 🔌 The 2021 MacBook Pro includes more ports, such as MagSafe for charging, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• 📸 The 2021 model upgrades the front-facing camera to 1080p and improves the image signal processor for better video quality.
• 🎥 Both models feature high-quality audio with six speakers supporting spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, along with three microphones for clear audio input.
• 🌐 The 2021 MacBook Pro supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, an upgrade from the Wi-Fi AC found in the 2019 model.
• 🔌 The 2021 model ships with a 140-watt USB-C power adapter, which is GaN-based for a more compact design compared to the 96-watt adapter of the 2019 model.

Q & A

What is the main difference in screen size between the 2019 and 2021 16-inch MacBook Pros?

The 2021 MacBook Pro has a slightly larger screen, being technically a 16.2-inch MacBook Pro, compared to the 2019 model, which is a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

How does the display quality differ between the 2019 and 2021 16-inch MacBook Pros?

The 2021 MacBook Pro features a mini LED display with a higher pixel resolution of 3456 by 2234 and a sustained brightness of 1000 nits, compared to the 2019 model's LED display with a resolution of 3072 by 1920 and a brightness of 500 nits.

What is the refresh rate capability of the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro's display?

The 2021 MacBook Pro supports ProMotion, which allows for a variable refresh rate that can range from 24 Hz to 120 Hz.

What is the weight difference between the 2019 and 2021 16-inch MacBook Pros?

The 2021 MacBook Pro weighs either 4.7 or 4.8 pounds, depending on the processor, which is heavier than the 2019 model that weighed 4.3 pounds.

What are the processor options for the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro?

The 2021 MacBook Pro offers two processor options: the M1 Pro and the M1 Max, both of which are 10-core processors.

What is the significant design change regarding the keyboard in the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro compared to the 2019 model?

The 2021 MacBook Pro does not have a Touch Bar and instead has a physical row of function keys, which was removed from the 2019 model.

What are the new ports introduced in the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro that were not present in the 2019 model?

The 2021 MacBook Pro introduces MagSafe charging, an HDMI port (HDMI 2.0), and an SDXC UHS-II card reader, which were not present in the 2019 model.

What is the resolution of the FaceTime camera in the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro?

The 2021 MacBook Pro has a 1080p FaceTime camera, an upgrade from the 720p camera in the 2019 model.

What type of Wi-Fi does the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro support that the 2019 model does not?

The 2021 MacBook Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, while the 2019 model only supports Wi-Fi AC.

What is the wattage of the power adapter included with the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro?

The 2021 MacBook Pro ships with a 140-watt USB-C power adapter, which is an upgrade from the 96-watt adapter included with the 2019 model.