Brian Westover's PCMag review of the new MacBook Pro 16" with M5 Max chip praises its incredible performance gains from the "Super core" architecture and 40-core GPU, but criticizes Apple for keeping the same chassis design since 2021 despite the powerful internal upgrades.
The new MacBook Pro 16" with M5 Max chip delivers jaw-dropping performance that pushes Apple's laptop lineup to new heights, but according to Brian Westover's review for PCMag, it's wrapped in a design that's starting to show its age.
Performance That Defies Expectations
The M5 Max's "Super core" architecture is the star of the show, delivering performance that Westover describes as "beast-like." The 40-core GPU handles demanding creative workloads with ease, making this machine a powerhouse for video editors, 3D artists, and anyone pushing their hardware to the limit.
The review highlights how Apple has managed to squeeze even more performance out of its silicon without increasing power consumption or thermal throttling. This is particularly impressive given that the MacBook Pro line has already been known for excellent performance-per-watt ratios.
The Elephant in the Room: Design Stagnation
Here's where things get interesting. While the performance metrics are stellar, Westover doesn't shy away from pointing out that the MacBook Pro's design hasn't changed since 2021. That's five years of the same chassis, same port layout, same display bezels.
This creates an interesting tension in the review. On one hand, you have a machine that's faster and more capable than ever. On the other, you're looking at hardware that visually and physically feels dated compared to what competitors are offering.
The Trade-offs
Westover breaks down the pros and cons methodically:
Pros:
- "Super core" architecture delivers incredible performance gains
- 40-core GPU handles professional workloads effortlessly
- Excellent thermal management despite the power
- Maintains the excellent keyboard and trackpad Apple is known for
- MagSafe returns, much to users' delight
Cons:
- Five-year-old design language feels stale
- Still no touchscreen option
- Price remains premium, though justified by performance
- Ports are still limited compared to some Windows competitors
Context in the Broader Market
This review comes at an interesting time in the laptop market. While Apple is pushing performance boundaries with its M-series chips, competitors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite are starting to close the gap in terms of performance-per-watt. The question becomes: how long can Apple rely on performance alone to justify its design choices?
Who Should Buy This?
Westover's recommendation is clear: if you need maximum performance for professional creative work and don't mind the dated design, this is the machine to get. The performance gains are substantial enough to justify the price for professionals who depend on their hardware for their livelihood.
However, for casual users or those who value modern design aesthetics, the review suggests waiting to see if Apple refreshes the chassis design in the near future.
The Bigger Picture
The MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) review encapsulates a broader question facing Apple: can the company continue to rely on silicon superiority to carry its laptop lineup, or will it need to address the growing perception that its designs are becoming stagnant?
The performance story is unequivocally positive. The design story? That's where Apple faces its biggest challenge in the coming years.
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion