Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021)

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Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021)
ManufacturerApple
Product familyMacBook Pro
Release dateOctober 2021;
4 years ago (2021-10)
Introductory priceUSD 2499 to 6099
DiscontinuedNo
Operating systemmacOS Ventura
System on a chipApple M1 Pro
Apple M1 Max
CPU10-core CPU with 8 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores
Memory16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB unified memory
Memory slotsNone (soldered)
Storage512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB SSD
Storage slotsNone (soldered)
Removable storageSDXC card slot
DisplayScreen size: 16.2 inch
Panel type: Mini-LED
Coating: Glossy
Resolution: 3456 x 2234
PPI: 254
Aspect ratio: 16:10
Refresh rate: Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion)
Brightness: 500 Nits (SDR), 1000 Nits (XDR), 1600 Nits (peak HDR)
Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1
P3: 100 %
VRR: ProMotion
GraphicsApple M1 Pro 16-core GPU
Apple M1 Max 24-core or 32-core GPU
SoundHigh-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers
Wide stereo sound
Support for spatial audio with Dolby Atmos
Camera1080p FaceTime HD camera
TouchpadForce Touch trackpad
Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth 5.0
3 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
1 x HDMI
1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
SDXC card slot
DimensionsW: 14.01 inches (35.6 cm)
D: 9.77 inches (24.8 cm)
H: 0.66 inches (1.7 cm)
Mass4.8 pounds (2.2 kg)
Power brick140W USB-C Power Adapter
Battery100 Wh Li-Polymer
KeyboardBacklit Magic Keyboard
ChassisColor: Silver, Space Gray
Materials: 100% recycled aluminum
Number padNo
Fingerprint readerYes (Touch ID)
Facial recognitionNo
PredecessorApple MacBook Pro 16 (2019)
WebsiteApple

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is a high-performance laptop designed for professionals, featuring Apple's M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. It is available in various configurations and is known for its exceptional performance, high-quality display, and long battery life.[1]

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) can be configured with the following processors[1]:

  • Apple M1 Pro chip: 10-core CPU with 8 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores, 200GB/s memory bandwidth.
  • Apple M1 Max chip: 10-core CPU with 8 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores, 400GB/s memory bandwidth.

Apple claims that these processors deliver exceptional performance with efficient power usage. The M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are designed to handle demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development.

Reviewers have noted that the M1 Max processor delivers performance comparable to Intel's 45W CPUs, with efficient power usage and solid performance on battery power. The M1 Max shows slightly higher consumption values compared to the M1 Pro due to its larger chip with additional GPU cores, larger cache, and more RAM.[2] The M1 Pro also shows stable performance under sustained workloads and on battery power, comparable to modern mobile processors from AMD and Intel but with much lower power consumption.[3]

Benchmarks:

  • Cinebench R23 Multi Core: 12385 Points (M1 Max), 12370 Points (M1 Pro)[2][3]
  • Cinebench R23 Single Core: 1530 Points (M1 Max), 1534 Points (M1 Pro)[2][3]
  • Geekbench 5.5 Multi-Core: 12708 Points (M1 Max)[2]
  • Geekbench 5.5 Single-Core: 1782 Points (M1 Max)[2]

Graphics

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) can be configured with the following GPUs[1]:

Apple claims that these GPUs provide significant performance improvements over previous models, with the M1 Max offering up to 32 GPU cores for demanding graphics tasks. The GPUs feature hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, making them suitable for video editing and other creative applications.

Reviewers have noted that the 16-inch model with the M1 Max outperforms the 14-inch model in graphics tests, achieving higher frame rates and better performance in sustained workloads. The M1 Max's GPU performance is comparable to high-end dedicated GPUs while consuming less power.[4][2]

Benchmarks:

  • 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited: 20228 Points (M1 Max)[2]
  • Geekbench 5.5 OpenCL Score: 60482 Points (M1 Max)[2]
  • GFXBench 2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen: 310.3 fps (M1 Max)[2]
  • GFXBench 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen: 752 fps (M1 Max)[2]

Memory

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) can be configured with the following memory options[1]:

  • Apple M1 Pro chip: 16GB unified memory (configurable to 32GB or 64GB).
  • Apple M1 Max chip: 32GB unified memory (configurable to 64GB).

Apple claims that the unified memory architecture improves performance by allowing the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine to access the same memory pool. This architecture is designed to handle intensive applications and multitasking efficiently.

Reviewers have noted that the large memory capacity allows for smooth multitasking and efficient handling of large files in creative applications.[2][3]

Storage

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) can be configured with the following storage options[1]:

  • Apple M1 Pro chip: 512GB SSD (configurable to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB).
  • Apple M1 Max chip: 1TB SSD (configurable to 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB).

Apple claims that the SSD storage provides fast data access and enhances overall system responsiveness. The storage is soldered and not user-upgradable.

Reviewers have noted that the SSD offers excellent read and write speeds, with transfer rates exceeding 5 GB/s, making it suitable for demanding applications and large file transfers.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Blackmagic Disk Speed Test Write: 6243 MB/s (M1 Max), 5888 MB/s (M1 Pro)[2][3]
  • Blackmagic Disk Speed Test Read: 5340 MB/s (M1 Max), 5334 MB/s (M1 Pro)[2][3]

Co-processors

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) includes a 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning tasks.[1]

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features a backlit Magic Keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 full-height function keys and 4 arrow keys in an inverted-T arrangement. It also includes Touch ID for secure authentication and an ambient light sensor for automatic keyboard backlighting.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience with responsive keys and good travel distance, suitable for long typing sessions.[2][3]

Touchpad

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features a large Force Touch trackpad that provides precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities. It enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the touchpad is highly responsive and accurate, enhancing navigation and productivity.[2][3]

Webcam

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an advanced image signal processor and computational video for improved image quality.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the webcam provides good quality for video conferencing, with clear and sharp images.[2][3]

Microphone

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features a studio-quality three-mic array with a high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming for clear audio capture.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the microphone quality is good for video calls and recordings, providing clear audio capture.[2][3]

Output Devices

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Display

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a native resolution of 3456 x 2234 pixels at 254 pixels per inch. The display supports XDR (Extreme Dynamic Range) with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 1000 nits sustained full-screen brightness, 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR content only), and 500 nits SDR brightness. It also supports 1 billion colors, wide color (P3), True Tone technology, and ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the display offers excellent color accuracy, high brightness levels, and smooth motion handling, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption.[2][3]

Audio

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, wide stereo sound, and support for spatial audio with Dolby Atmos.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the sound quality is impressive for a laptop, with good bass and clarity, making it suitable for media consumption and content creation.[2][3]

Connectivity

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WiFi

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the Wi-Fi performance is fast and reliable, supporting modern networking standards.[2][3]

Bluetooth

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features Bluetooth 5.0.[1]

SD Card Reader

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features an SDXC card slot.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the SD card reader is functional, but some units reported issues with the card reader's performance.[2][3]

USB

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features the following USB ports[1]:

  • 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s), USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s).
  • 1 x HDMI port.
  • 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack with advanced support for high-impedance headphones.

Reviewers have noted that the USB ports support high-speed data transfer, but the lack of USB-A may require adapters for some users.[2][3]

Display Outputs

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) supports the following display outputs[1]:

  • Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz (M1 Pro) or up to three external displays with up to 6K resolution and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz (M1 Max).
  • Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C.
  • HDMI digital video output supporting one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz.

Reviewers have noted that the display output capabilities are robust, but HDMI only supports 2.0, limiting external monitor refresh rates.[2][3]

Case

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is available in two finishes: Silver and Space Gray. The chassis is designed with 100% recycled aluminum, providing a premium feel and robust build quality.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the chassis is high quality and feels robust, with no creaking noises and a solid hinge mechanism. The design is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for professional use.[2][3]

Maintenance

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) has limited upgradeability, with memory and storage options configurable at the time of purchase but not user-upgradable. The bottom panel is secured by pentalobe screws and is easy to remove.[2][3]

Cooling System

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features an efficient cooling system with quiet operation, maintaining low temperatures even under load.[1]

Heat

Reviewers have noted that the device remains cool under load, with surface temperatures not exceeding 41 °C, and the keyboard stays cooler than many competitors.[2][3]

Noise

Reviewers have noted that the fans are very quiet during idle and light workloads, with noise levels around 27 dB(A) under load, making it suitable for quiet environments.[2][3]

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) comes with a 140W USB-C Power Adapter. Apple claims that the device is energy efficient, with peak consumption around 135 Watts during stress tests, and average consumption of 115 Watts.[1]

Battery Life

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features a 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. Apple claims that the battery life can last up to 21 hours for Apple TV app movie playback, up to 14 hours for wireless web browsing, and battery life varies by use and configuration.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the battery life is excellent, lasting nearly 17 hours during web browsing and around 4.5 hours for HDR video playback. The 16-inch model lasted significantly longer during tests compared to the 14-inch model, with the 14-inch dropping to 16% battery compared to 33% for the 16-inch after extensive testing.[2][3][4]

Benchmarks:

  • Web Browsing: ~17 hours[3]
  • HDR Video Playback: ~4.5 hours[3]

Biometrics

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) features Touch ID integrated into the power button for secure authentication and easy access.[1]

Reviewers have noted that the fingerprint scanner is responsive and adds a layer of security, enhancing convenience for users.[2][3]

Software

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) ships with macOS Ventura and includes a variety of preinstalled software and utilities. The operating system supports Intel apps via Rosetta 2, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications.[1]

Preinstalled Software

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) comes with several preinstalled applications, including:

  • App Store
  • Books
  • Calendar
  • Contacts
  • FaceTime
  • Find My
  • GarageBand
  • Home
  • iMovie
  • Keynote
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • Messages
  • Music
  • News
  • Notes
  • Numbers
  • Pages
  • Photo Booth
  • Photos
  • Podcasts
  • Preview
  • QuickTime Player
  • Reminders
  • Safari
  • Shortcuts
  • Siri
  • Stocks
  • Time Machine
  • TV
  • Voice Memos

Linux Support

Linux support is limited, with potential compatibility issues for certain distributions. Users may need to rely on virtualization or dual-boot setups to run Linux on the MacBook Pro 16 (2021).[2][3]

Accessories & Warranty

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The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) comes with a 140W USB-C Power Adapter and paperwork.[1]

Apple offers a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Users can also purchase AppleCare+ for extended coverage and support.[1]

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is highly regarded for its exceptional performance, high-quality display, and long battery life. It is particularly suited for professionals in creative fields, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. The laptop's robust build quality, quiet operation, and superior audio system make it a top choice for demanding tasks.[2][3][4]

Problems Summary

  • Limited upgradeability for memory and storage.
  • Lack of USB-A ports may require adapters for some users.
  • SD card reader performance issues reported in some units.
  • HDMI port limited to 2.0, restricting external monitor refresh rates.
  • High price for higher configurations.[2][3][4]

Links

M1 Max, 32-core GPU, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: NoteBookCheck

M1 Pro, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NoteBookCheck

M1 Max, 32-core GPU, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: MaxTech

Community Reception

Overall Sentiment

Problems Summary

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 "MacBook Pro 16 (2021) Specifications". Apple.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 "Apple MacBook Pro 16 2021 M1 Max Laptop Review: Full Performance without Throttling". NotebookCheck.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 "Apple MacBook Pro 16 2021 M1 Pro in Review: The best Multimedia Laptop for Content Creators". NotebookCheck.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) Review". MaxTech.
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