Description
MacBook Pro (16-inch, M3 Pro, 2023) Review: A Powerhouse for Professionals
The 2023 MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M3 Pro chip is a performance beast, offering outstanding capabilities for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, software development, and more. Priced at KSh 245,000 for the 18GB RAM / 512GB storage configuration, this machine offers an excellent balance between power, portability, and premium features.
MacBook Pro (16-inch, M3 Pro, 2023) tech specs and price
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Price | KSh 245,000 (18/512GB) |
Finish | Space Black, Silver |
Chip | Apple M3 Pro or M3 Max |
CPU (M3 Pro) | 12-core (6 performance, 6 efficiency) |
GPU (M3 Pro) | 18-core GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing |
GPU (M3 Max) | 30-core or 40-core GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing |
Neural Engine | 16-core |
Memory | 18GB unified (configurable to 96GB or 128GB with M3 Max) |
Storage | 512GB SSD (configurable up to 8TB) |
Display | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 resolution, 1 billion colors, 120Hz ProMotion |
Battery | Up to 22 hours movie playback, 100W-hour battery, 140W USB-C charger |
Ports | SDXC card slot, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3, 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
Audio | Six-speaker sound, Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio, studio-quality 3-mic array |
Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
OS | macOS Sequoia |
Size & Weight | Height: 0.66″, Width: 14.01″, Depth: 9.77″, Weight: 4.7 lbs (M3 Pro) / 4.8 lbs (M3 Max) |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Charging | Fast-charge capable, USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable |
Display Support | M3 Pro: Up to 2 external 6K displays, M3 Max: Up to 4 external displays (3x 6K, 1x 4K/8K) |
Audio Formats | AAC, MP3, FLAC, Dolby Atmos, Apple Lossless, and more |
Built-in Apps | GarageBand, iMovie, Safari, Photos, Messages, Notes, Music, Maps, Siri, Calendar, and more |
Environmental Impact | 36% recycled materials, carbon-neutral corporate operations, ENERGY STAR® certified |
Design & Build
Apple has stuck with the sleek and sturdy design that has made its MacBook Pro line iconic. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is the standout feature — offering stunning color accuracy and high brightness (1600 nits peak) for HDR content. Whether you’re a creative professional or someone who values a crisp, clear screen for productivity, this display doesn’t disappoint.
Performance
Equipped with the Apple M3 Pro chip, the MacBook Pro is incredibly fast, with a 12-core CPU (6 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores) and an 18-core GPU. Whether you’re multitasking across demanding applications or handling complex media workflows, the performance is smooth and lag-free. The 16-core Neural Engine ensures that machine learning tasks are handled efficiently, and the hardware-accelerated ray tracing gives the MacBook Pro an edge in creative workflows like video editing and graphic design.
Additionally, the M3 Pro’s memory bandwidth of 150GB/s makes this machine great for handling large datasets or video files, ensuring that even the most resource-intensive applications perform optimally. See also MacBook Pro (14-inch, M3 Pro, 2023).
Battery Life
The MacBook Pro is all about longevity, with up to 22 hours of Apple TV movie playback. For those long workdays or travel sessions, you’ll appreciate the 100W-hour battery that powers through your tasks without constantly searching for an outlet. It also supports fast charging, meaning you won’t have to wait long to get back to work.
Connectivity & Ports
With a variety of ports including SDXC, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, and a MagSafe 3 charging port, this MacBook Pro offers excellent connectivity options. This is perfect for creative professionals who need to connect external displays (up to four, including 8K support) and various peripherals.
Audio & Video
The six-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos support provides rich, immersive audio, ideal for both work and entertainment. Additionally, the 1080p FaceTime HD camera, paired with Apple’s advanced image processing, ensures your video calls are crystal clear, even in low light.
Storage & Memory
Starting at 18GB of unified memory and 512GB SSD, this MacBook Pro is more than capable for most professionals. But if you require more, you can configure it to up to 128GB of RAM and 8TB of SSD storage, offering flexibility to suit different needs.
Price & Recommendation
At KSh 245,000, the 18GB/512GB model represents a great value, especially considering the cutting-edge M3 Pro chip and the premium build quality. If you’re in Kenya and looking for a laptop that can handle everything from intensive software development to media creation and everyday productivity tasks, the 2023 MacBook Pro is a clear winner. With its exceptional display, powerful performance, long battery life, and robust connectivity, it’s an investment that will keep you ahead of the curve for years.
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