16' MacBook Pro (M1 Pro & M1 Max) Review 2021

Apple has finally released M1 versions of the 16” MacBook Pro for creatives. The 2021 model is available with M1 Pro and M1 Max processors, and we tested both for this review so you can see the performance differences. The macOS laptop has a striking 16.2” Mini LED XDR display with 120Hz refresh (aka Pro Motion), Magic Keyboard with Fn row (no more touch bar), Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 fast charging, and the return of HDMI and an SD card slot. It’s available with up to 64GB unified memory, up to 8TB storage and your choice of a 16, 24 or 32 core GPU (we test the 16 and 32 core GPUs). A 100 WHr battery, compact charger and long battery life round up the features. We compare these new 16” models’ performance to the outgoing 2019 model as well as competing Windows laptops like the Razer Blade 15, Dell XPS 15, Surface Laptop Studio and desktop replacement gaming laptops.

[mobiletechreview]

Looks like we had a Final Cut Pro fail and the display metrics got blanked. Here are those metrics:
506 nits
100% P3 and sRGB, 89% Adobe RGB
2.2 gamma, 6700K
37, 500:1 contrast ratio. 0.001 black level.

[yousuckatcooking]

How have I not seen her before? Great review.

[curtis]

I've been watching your videos since I was a freshman in high school, asking my mom to give me rides to the local AT&T store so I could test out the keyboards on the display models! Your content hasn't missed a step after all these years! I have to pinch myself and acknowledge how incredible your reign has been. The greatest!

[ciscotorres]

Lisa has to be the most trustworthy, down-to-earth tech reviewer out there. Sincerely, thank you very much for your balanced approach to these products.

[lifefulfilled]

There are a very few that comes close to this talented reviewer, who is trusty and professional and fair in her review. If you watch only three reviews, watch her for sure. Thank you for all that you do.

[Charonic]

A proper battery report between the M1 Pro and Max!! What a godsend!

[ericluna]

The only review I trust before I make my purchase decision.

[jacobcdefg]

I picked up the 16" M1 pro (16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, silver) and I couldn't be happier with it! I agree with everything you said in the review, Lisa! I'm seeing similarly amazing battery life and I don't think I've heard the fans come on yet!

[avichaielimelech]

Hi! You need to fix the display specification in 8:11 min in, shows all zeros… but other than that - great review as always!

[sergiocamara]

“It runs on unicorn farts” 🦄 😂😂😂 Love your reviews and all the humor Lisa. Waiting to see your thoughts on the 14”!

[LetsBuildThatApp]

16" Pro seems like the ultimate dream machine. I'm thinking about trading in my 2019 16" before the value starts to really deteriorate over time. Currently working full time on a M1 Mini, this thing is a beast already and I really have no need for a laptop since WFH mostly.

[AlbyTheMovieCreator]

I have to say it. Your videos are what I look for when looking for reviews. No fancy stuff, no colored backgrounds or fancy shots. Just pure and plain review. Also you’re a lovely lady, I can see you being like a kind mum/grandma.

[RzeskiGrzeski]

Thank you!
I was waiting for the battery life comparison after reading The Verge review where they stated that Apple confirmed that the Max consumes more power on idle and when active.

[raptornomad]

I....I just got called out for buying the laptop to watch TV. More specifically, watching Lisa's reviews.

[misterhoeflak]

It's always such a joy to see you giddy with excitement Lisa. Great to finally see a MacBook Pro review with useful performance insights.

[SaitoLogan]

Man, Lisa has such a good information summary skill, a great voice to convey them too. She’s so underrated!!

[Sean-zvjc]

Most underrated channel, this video deserves more view!
No product placement, no stupid sponsor, how could you get better than this?

[uptown]

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your thorough, thoughtful review. In this case, I've already ordered my machine, so this review just whetted my appetite, but your reviews have helped me make many purchasing decisions in the past. You've got the technical skills of a coder and the social skills of a non-coder 😉

I appreciate your hard work and sunny demeanor.

[deadsetgg]

the only review i've been waiting for

[RobRussellCM]

Love you, Lisa!! You always do the best reviews - I always love your videos and use them for making my tech decisions! 🌻