Apple MacBook Pro M5 Review

Apple has introduced the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip in 2025. Instead of changing the main design like previous models, the focus is on improving performance. At first glance, it looks similar to earlier MacBooks, but the technology inside is special. This MacBook Pro model based on the new M5 chip features a faster CPU performance, enhanced graphics, modern AI capabilities, and power optimization management.

Firstly, it should be noted that the M5 MacBook we receive is not the most powerful MacBook currently available. The MacBook Pro M4 Pro released by Apple in 2024 is still considered the most powerful MacBook as it is powered by the Pro chip. However, the MacBook Pro released in 2025 comes with the standard M5 chip, known as the MacBook Pro M5. The MacBook Pro M5 Pro version is expected to be released by the end of 2026. Therefore, even though it is a year older, the MacBook Pro M4 Pro version is still sold at about Rs. 100,000 more (24GB RAM, 512GB storage).

The M5 chip includes a 10-core CPU combining performance and efficiency cores, a 10-core GPU, and a Neural Engine for hardware-based AI tasks, making it a powerful system. In practical use, this laptop is very fast and responsive. Applications open instantly (Application Startup/Load time), multitasking runs smoothly, and heavy tasks like 4K video editing or coding operate flawlessly. In Geekbench 6 tests, it scores around 4000 in single-core and approximately 18,000 in multi-core, placing the M5 chip among the fastest laptop chips available today. Although the MacBook Pro M5 operates with a single fan, excellent heat management is observed. Additionally, each GPU core contains neural accelerators that provide enhanced AI performance, making it much easier to run local AI models.

A standout feature of the MacBook Pro M5 is its display. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR panel is one of the best laptop screens on the market, offering high brightness, accurate colors, HDR, and ProMotion technology supporting up to 120Hz. The quality of this display is immediately noticeable during video editing, graphic design, or web browsing.

Battery life remains a significant advantage. Apple claims up to 24 hours of video playback. Although this varies in practical use, many users can get a full day or even longer on a single charge. This makes the MacBook Pro M5 especially attractive for students and professionals who work on the go.

Regarding ports, Apple has shown increased consideration. It includes MagSafe 3, HDMI, an SD card reader, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack. This means that even while charging, all three Type-C ports remain available. It also supports connecting up to two external displays, either two 6K 60Hz monitors or one 6K 60Hz and one 4K 144Hz monitor simultaneously. The 12MP Center Stage camera, powerful speakers, and high-quality keyboard and trackpad are also noteworthy features.

In terms of pricing, it is available at a lower starting price compared to Pro-chip models. The base M5 version with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is a worthwhile choice for many buyers. Compared to the M4 Pro, the M5 model offers daily fast performance, good battery life, and future AI capabilities, making it a valuable device for users who do not require extremely high multi-core performance.

Overall, the MacBook Pro M5 model, while not a completely new design, can be considered a meaningful update. It combines higher performance, better battery life, and one of the best displays available in laptops today. For those ready to upgrade from Intel or first-generation Apple Silicon Mac models, the MacBook Pro M5 in 2025 is definitely a choice to consider.

The SL Geek review of the MacBook Pro M5 can be viewed below.