Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Expert rating8.1 / 10
- Chip:
- Apple M5, 10-core CPU / 10-core GPU
- RAM:
- 16GB unified memory
- Storage:
- 512GB soldered SSD
- Display:
- 14.2" Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz
- Weight:
- 1.55kg
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated: 2026-10-10
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch Review
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base Apple M5 chip ships with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, a 512GB SSD and a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display running up to 120Hz.
This is the entry point into the M5 MacBook Pro line, not the Pro or Max chip. You're paying the MacBook Pro premium mainly for the mini-LED XDR display, active cooling and extra ports over the Air, since the base M5's CPU and GPU core counts match the MacBook Air's higher-end configuration.
Performance
Active cooling in the Pro chassis lets the base M5 chip sustain higher clocks for longer than the fanless MacBook Air under the same silicon-adjacent workloads. This is still the entry chip in the M5 lineup, well below the Pro and Max variants sold in the same chassis.
Upgradability
RAM: no. 16GB of unified memory is fixed on package, same as every MacBook. Storage: no. The 512GB SSD is soldered with no M.2 slot. The base M5 configuration tops out at 32GB of RAM, well below what the Pro and Max chips support.
Battery life
Apple rates the 72.4Wh battery for up to 24 hours of video playback, among the longest in this category, helped by the M5's efficiency and the larger battery this chassis allows over the Air.
Display
The Liquid Retina XDR panel is a mini-LED display capable of 1000 nits sustained full-screen brightness and higher HDR peaks, plus ProMotion up to 120Hz. This is a genuine step up from the MacBook Air's standard LCD panel.
Design and ports
At 1.55kg this is heavier than the 14-inch weight class average due to the active cooling and larger battery. Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, an SD card slot and MagSafe 3 are all present, a meaningfully fuller port selection than the Air.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.1 / 10
The 14 inch MacBook Pro with M5 offers 16GB of unified memory, 512GB of storage and a Liquid Retina XDR display at 1000 nits and 120Hz. It weighs 1.55 kg with a 72.4Wh battery and Thunderbolt 4, and it suits creators who want the XDR screen and active cooling.
Memory and storage cannot be expanded later. The base M5 chip also has fewer CPU and GPU cores than Pro or Max options, so heavy pipelines may want more.
Best for
- Buyers who want the XDR display and active cooling over the Air
- Users who need HDMI and an SD card slot built in
- Long battery life for all-day creative or office work
Not for
- Anyone who wants to add RAM or storage later
- Buyers who need the Pro or Max chip's extra CPU/GPU cores
- Budget shoppers, the MacBook Air covers similar CPU performance for less
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity and variant
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Series | MacBook Pro 14 |
| Series ID | macbook-pro-14-m5 |
| SKU Name | M5 / 16GB / 512GB |
| Region Sold | Global |
Class and platform
| Laptop Class | Thin and Light |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Operating System | macOS |
| Weight | 1.55 kg |
Processor
| CPU Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| CPU Model | Apple M5 |
| CPU Cores | 10 |
Graphics
| GPU Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| GPU Model | Apple M5 GPU (10-core) |
| VRAM | 0 GB |
| Graphics Switching | Integrated Only |
Memory
| RAM Capacity | 16 GB |
|---|---|
| RAM Type | Unified Memory |
| Memory Form Factor | On Package Unified |
| Memory Soldered | Yes |
| Max RAM Supported | 32 GB |
Upgradability
| RAM Slots | 0 |
|---|---|
| RAM Slots Free | 0 |
| Storage Slots | 0 |
| Storage Slots Free | 0 |
| Storage Form Factor | Soldered |
| SATA Bay Present | No |
Storage as shipped
| Storage Capacity | 512 GB |
|---|---|
| Storage Type | Soldered NVMe |
Display
| Display Size | 14.2 inches |
|---|---|
| Resolution Width | 3024 px |
| Resolution Height | 1964 px |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Panel Type | Liquid Retina XDR |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Brightness Condition | SDR Sustained Full Screen |
| sRGB Coverage | 100 % |
| Touchscreen | No |
Battery and ports
| Battery Capacity | 72.4 Wh |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt Support | Thunderbolt 4 |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6E |
FAQs
Can you upgrade the RAM in the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch?
No. The memory (16 GB of Unified Memory) is on the processor package and there are no memory slots, so it cannot be upgraded after purchase. Choose the capacity you need when you buy.
Can you upgrade the SSD in the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch?
No. The storage is not in a replaceable slot, so it cannot be swapped after purchase.
What display does the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch have?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch has a 14.2-inch, 3024x1964, Liquid Retina XDR, 120 Hz non-touch display.
Does the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch have Thunderbolt?
Yes. It supports Thunderbolt 4.
How big is the battery in the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch has a 72.4 Wh battery.
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