Apple
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray
M4 Max · 16GB · 2024
96
/ 100
From $3,699
VS
Apple
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
M5 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
96
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray lands at 96 and MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) at 96. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) if…
- ✓18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- ✓Up to 22 hours video playback
- ✓Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray 96
vs 96 MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Score breakdown
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray
96 cpu 96
gpu 91
display 86
battery 86
portability 79
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
96 cpu 98
gpu 92
display 98
battery 96
portability 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray | MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M4 Max | — |
| RAM | 16GB | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Storage | ▲ 2TB SSD | 1 / 2 / 4 / 8 TB SSD |
| Color | Space Gray | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 Max chip (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU base, configurable to 40-core GPU) |
| Display | — | 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 at 254 ppi |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 22 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 16 hours |
| Weight | — | 2.15 kg |
| Ports | — | 3× Thunderbolt 5, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray
Pros
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Pros
- +18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- +Up to 22 hours video playback
- +Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
Cons
- −Heavy at 2.15 kg
- −Premium pricing unchanged
- −Limited gaming library on macOS
FAQ: MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray vs MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Which is better, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +
Both score 96 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray worth the price? +
At $3,699, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.