M5 MacBook Pro Review: When Apple dropped the M5 MacBook Pro, I wasn’t expecting much. Honestly, I thought this would be another small spec bump, one of those updates you skip without regret. But after using the base model for a few days, I was wrong. Dead wrong.
This “minor” update might just be Apple’s most underrated MacBook in years. The design hasn’t changed one bit, but the inside? That’s where things get interesting.
The Design That Refuses to Change
- Same Look, Same Feel – Why Apple Didn’t Bother Redesigning It
If you’ve seen the M4 MacBook Pro, you’ve basically seen the M5. Apple didn’t touch the exterior, and I get it. The aluminum chassis still feels premium, the keyboard still clicks like a dream, and the design already screams “professional.”
No new colors, no thinner bezels, nothing fancy. But also, nothing wrong with that. It still looks better than most laptops out there.
- The Display and Ports – Still a Win
The 14-inch mini-LED 120Hz display remains one of the best in the business. It’s insanely bright, has gorgeous contrast, and supports HDR that makes even YouTube videos pop.
The ports are also unchanged: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SD card slot, MagSafe, and a headphone jack. Sure, no Thunderbolt 5 yet, but unless you’re pushing 8K external monitors daily, you’re not missing much.
- Why the 120Hz Mini-LED Panel Still Rocks in 2025
This panel is still stunning. Smooth scrolling, punchy colors, and brightness that can blind you in a coffee shop, it’s the same display tech that made the M4 model incredible. Apple knows not to mess with a good thing.
What’s New Under the Hood
- The Jump from M4 to M5 – What Really Changed
The M5 chip doesn’t just make this MacBook faster; it makes it smarter. Built on Apple’s refined 3-nanometer architecture, the M5 delivers higher efficiency and blistering single-core speed.
This means opening apps, rendering previews, or switching between workflows feels instant. You don’t just notice the speed, you feel it.
- Geekbench Numbers That Blew My Mind
I ran Geekbench the minute I booted it up. The single-core score hit 4,133, making it the fastest chip Apple’s ever shipped in any Mac, yes, even faster than the pricey M4 Max.
That means everyday tasks, from launching Photoshop to editing 4K video, feel buttery smooth. Multi-core scores came in at 15,437, which still beats the older M3 Pro chip.
- M5 vs. M4 Pro and M4 Max – The Twist Nobody Expected
The base M5 MacBook Pro actually beats the M4 Pro and M4 Max in single-core performance. That’s right, the cheapest model is snappier for day-to-day tasks than Apple’s “pro” machines.
Of course, the M4 Pro and Max still win on multi-core and GPU grunt, but for 90% of users, the M5 feels faster where it counts.
Real-World Performance
- Everyday Speed – Single-Core Power That Makes a Difference
If you live in productivity apps, Pages, Chrome, Notion, Final Cut, or Lightroom, you’ll love this. I noticed apps launch almost instantly. It’s the kind of responsiveness that spoils you.
- Multicore Results – Where the M5 Holds Its Own
Heavy video editing or compiling large code projects? The M5 holds up impressively well, even against M4 Pro territory. And it does all this while staying whisper-quiet and cool to the touch.
- GPU Gains – 36% Faster Graphics Performance
Apple claims a 36% GPU performance boost, and that’s not marketing fluff. Playing with DaVinci Resolve and Blender, I noticed smoother scrubbing, faster renders, and fewer thermal slowdowns.
In fact, the base M5 GPU now performs roughly on par with the M3 Pro’s graphics from two years ago. That’s serious progress.
Storage and Memory Upgrades
- Double the Storage, Double the Speed
The new base model now supports up to 4TB of storage, double what last year’s M4 offered. Apple also says SSD speeds are twice as fast.
I tested it. Copying a 20GB 8K video file took seconds. That’s not just fast, it’s workflow-changing.
- Why Faster SSDs Matter More Than You Think
Faster drives mean faster caching, quicker exports, and shorter loading times across the board. When you’re editing or rendering, those seconds add up.
- Bandwidth Bump – How It Improves Multitasking
The new M5 chip increases memory bandwidth from 120GB/s to 153GB/s. Translation? Apps like Final Cut, Logic, and Lightroom can juggle bigger files more efficiently without lag.
Also Read: HP Omen 16 Max Review – The CRAZIEST Gaming Laptop I’ve Ever Tested!
What Apple Didn’t Upgrade
- Still No Wi-Fi 7 – And Why That’s Annoying
Apple’s decision to skip Wi-Fi 7 stings a little. The M5 iPad Pro got it. The MacBook didn’t. It’s not a deal-breaker, but when you’re paying this much, you expect the latest standard.
- Same Chassis, Same Speakers, Same Everything Else
No new webcam, no slimmer bezels, no fresh design. But hey, at least the speakers are still some of the best on any laptop, deep bass, clear vocals, and balanced mids. Watching a movie on this thing still sounds cinematic.
The M5 Chip – Power With a Purpose
- How It Changes Productivity Tasks
The M5 chip isn’t just faster, it’s more capable. Video editing in Final Cut, music production in Logic Pro, and even machine learning tasks feel more fluid. AI workflows, in particular, benefit from the M5’s new neural engine improvements.
- Why Creators Should Care About the GPU Leap
The GPU bump finally gives the base MacBook Pro enough headroom for serious creative work, graphic design, video color grading, and even light 3D modeling without breaking a sweat.
Pricing and Configurations
- The $1,600 Question – Is It Worth It?
At $1,599 for the base 512GB model with 16GB RAM, this laptop is a steal compared to the Pro and Max variants. You’re getting top-tier single-core speed, an amazing display, and excellent battery life, all in the same sleek package.
- Why the Base Model Is a Better Deal Than You Think
Unless you’re editing 8K RED footage or developing massive apps, the M5 base model is more than enough. Most users simply won’t tap into the Pro or Max’s full power.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the M5 MacBook Pro
- Students, Professionals, and Creators
If you’re a student, content creator, or pro on a moderate budget, this is your sweet spot. It’s portable, reliable, and future-proof for at least 5 years.
- When It Makes Sense to Go for M4 Pro or M4 Max Instead
If you’re running large 3D simulations or high-end motion graphics, stick with the M4 Pro or Max. But honestly, most users won’t need that horsepower.
My Hands-On Experience
- The Speed Difference You Can Actually Feel
After a week of editing videos, writing scripts, and multitasking with dozens of tabs open, the M5 feels smoother than any Mac I’ve used before. Apps open instantly, the fan rarely spins up, and the battery easily lasts over 18 hours.
- Everyday Use – Editing, Multitasking, and AI Workflows
Using Logic, Final Cut, and Lightroom side by side? No lag. Even AI photo upscaling tasks run faster thanks to the M5’s neural engine bump. This thing just doesn’t slow down.
Looking Ahead – What Comes Next
- Rumors of OLED Redesign in 2026
Leaks suggest Apple’s saving a big redesign (with OLED screens) for late 2026. So if you crave something visually new, that might be worth waiting for.
- Why It Might Be Worth Waiting (or Not)
But if you need a laptop now, don’t wait. This M5 MacBook Pro is fast, quiet, and built like a tank. Waiting for an OLED model just for a new look doesn’t make sense for most buyers.
Conclusion – Why the “Base” MacBook Pro Is the Smart Choice
The M5 MacBook Pro might look the same, but it’s far from boring. You’re getting better performance, faster storage, and improved efficiency, all without spending a dime more.
If you want a reliable machine that delivers top-tier performance without going into “Pro Max” territory, this is the one to buy. Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel, but they made it spin faster than ever.
FAQs
1. Is the M5 MacBook Pro worth upgrading from the M4 version?
If you already have the M4 model, probably not. But if you’re coming from M2 or earlier, absolutely yes.
2. Does the M5 chip run hotter than the M4?
No, the M5 is more efficient. It stays cooler even under load.
3. How much faster is the M5 compared to the M4?
About 20–25% faster in single-core tasks and up to 36% better in GPU performance.
4. Is the base 16GB RAM enough?
Yes, for most users. Only heavy multitaskers or 3D editors might need more.
5. Should I wait for the OLED redesign in 2026?
Only if you care about looks, Performance-wise, this M5 MacBook Pro is already ahead of its time.