Is the M5 MacBook Pro Worth Buying in 2025?
Apple has released the M5 MacBook Pro with a surprising twist: only the base 14-inch model receives the new chip, while higher-end configurations retain the M4 Pro and Max processors. This comprehensive review explores whether the M5 MacBook Pro justifies an upgrade from older models.
What's New in the M5 MacBook Pro?
Design and External Changes
The M5 MacBook Pro maintains the same design language as its predecessor, featuring:
- Identical chassis dimensions and thickness
- Same port configuration
- No new color options (the teased blue finish did not materialize)
- Minor keyboard logo alignment adjustments
Storage Performance Breakthrough
The base M5 model introduces significant storage improvements:
- PCIe Gen 4 SSDs for the first time on base models
- Transfer speeds up to 6,800 MB/s (approximately twice as fast as M4)
- Maximum storage capacity increased to 4TB (up from 2TB on M4)
- Same $1,600 starting price as previous generation
Enhanced Memory Bandwidth
Memory performance sees substantial gains with the M5 chip offering:
- 153 GB/s memory bandwidth (compared to 120 GB/s on M4)
- 27.5% increase in memory speed
- Improved performance for graphics-intensive tasks
M5 Chip Performance Analysis
CPU Performance: World's Fastest Single-Core
The M5 chip achieves remarkable CPU benchmarks:
- Single-core score: 4,333 points (world's fastest CPU for single-core performance)
- Multi-core performance: 15,437 points with 9-core CPU configuration
- Base model includes 10-core CPU as standard
- Performance comparable to M3 Pro with 12-core CPU
- Multi-core speed approaches M3 Max with 14 CPU cores
Performance Comparison Across Generations
Single-Core Improvements:
- More than 2x faster than M1 (2020)
- Significant gains across all common tasks including web browsing and professional applications
Multi-Core Improvements:
- Over 2x faster than original M1 chip
- Substantial performance boost for multitasking and professional workloads
Graphics Performance: The Biggest Leap in Years
The M5 delivers exceptional GPU improvements:
- Geekbench Metal Graphics score: 75,000 points
- 34% faster than M4 with same 10-core GPU configuration
- Most significant graphics upgrade since M1 to M2 transition
Historical GPU Performance Context:
- M4 to M5: 34% improvement
- M3 to M4: 20% improvement
- M2 to M3: 14% improvement
AI and Machine Learning Capabilities
Neural accelerators integrated into each GPU core provide:
- 6x faster AI performance compared to M1
- 3.5x faster LLM prompt processing than M4
- Potentially faster than M4 Pro for AI workloads
Real-World Performance Benchmarks
3D Rendering (Blender):
- 6.8x faster than M1
- 75% faster than M4
Gaming Performance (Cyberpunk 2077):
- 44% faster than M4 without ray tracing
- Most significant year-over-year gaming improvement
Technical Specifications
What's Included
- 10-core CPU (standard configuration)
- 10-core GPU with neural accelerators
- Up to 4TB SSD storage (PCIe Gen 4)
- 14-inch XDR display
- 12-megapixel Center Stage camera
- Six-speaker sound system
- Up to 24 hours battery life
What's Missing
- Wi-Fi 6E only (no Wi-Fi 7 or N1 chip)
- No design changes or new colors
- Base model only; higher tiers use M4 Pro/Max
Should You Upgrade to the M5 MacBook Pro?
Recommended Upgrades
Definitely upgrade if you have:
- M1 or M2 MacBook Pro: Experience more than 2x performance improvement across CPU, GPU, and AI tasks
- 13-inch older models: Benefit from the modern 14-inch design with edge-to-edge XDR display, better battery life, improved speakers, and faster storage
Consider Upgrading If:
- M3 MacBook Pro users: Only if you rely heavily on AI workloads or require maximum performance
- Users wanting the 14-inch redesign with significantly better features
Skip This Generation If:
- M4 MacBook Pro owners: Minimal gains don't justify the cost
- Waiting for 2026 redesign: OLED high-end models coming next year with complete redesign
Future MacBook Pro Models: What to Expect
M6 MacBook Pro (Base Model)
- Will maintain current design (no redesign)
- Model number J804 indicates incremental update
- Expected release timeline: 2026
High-End MacBook Pro Redesign
- Complete redesign coming with M5 Pro and M5 Max
- New model numbers (K114 and K116) confirm fresh start
- OLED displays expected
- Thinner chassis design
- Likely release: 2027
M5 MacBook Pro: The Value Proposition
The base M5 MacBook Pro offers exceptional value at $1,600:
- World's fastest single-core CPU performance
- AI performance rivaling more expensive M4 Pro
- PCIe Gen 4 storage matching higher-tier models
- Sufficient power for most professional workflows
- Best upgrade opportunity for M1/M2 users
Conclusion: Best Time to Buy the Base 14-inch Model
For users considering the base 14-inch MacBook Pro, the M5 represents the optimal purchasing opportunity. With no redesign expected for the M6 base model and the high-end redesign not arriving until 2027, upgrading now provides:
- Maximum performance gains over older models
- Latest technology at base pricing
- Several years before next significant update
The M5 MacBook Pro successfully positions the base model as a compelling option that rivals more expensive configurations in specific workloads, particularly AI and graphics tasks, making it an excellent choice for professionals, creators, and power users seeking exceptional performance without premium pricing.
M5 macbook pro price in Nepal
macbook m5 pro price in Nepal is Starting at $1,600 ( NPR 2,66,990 ) Availability: Now available Best For: M1/M2 upgraders, AI workload users, content creators, professionals needing portable power