Image rights top-right: Apple
Benchmarks: Our analysis explained
GEEKBENCH 4
SINGLE–CORE TEST
This tests the capability of a single
processor core. Many more common
tasks on a Mac will only use a single
core at a time. Intel’s Turbo Boost
technology comes into play here.
Index score (higher is better)
MacBook Pro 13in 1.4GHz 4–core i5 (2019)
MacBook Pro 15in 2.4GHz 8–core i9 (2019)
MacBook Pro 16in 2.3GHz 8–core i9 (2019)
> HANDBRAKE
VIDEO ENCODING
We transcode a Blu–ray–quality
video file into H.264 format using
Handbrake to test the multicore
processor performance, which
pushes all cores to max output.Duration (lower is better)MacBook Pro 15in 2.4GHz 8–core i9 (2019)MacBook Pro 16in 2.3GHz 8–core i9 (2019)MacBook Pro 13in 1.4GHz 4–core i5 (2019)> RISE OF THE
TOMB RAIDER
For a real–world gaming test, we
use the benchmarking tool in this
game, with the graphics quality set
to High and the display resolution
set to 1920x1200 pixels.Frames per second (higher is better)MacBook Pro 15in 2.4GHz 8–core i9 (2019)MacBook Pro 16in 2.3GHz 8–core i9 (2019)MacBook Pro 13in 1.4GHz 4–core i5 (2019)> DAVINCI RESOLVE
In Blackmagic Design’s editing tool
for video professionals, we exported
an effects–laden, 2.5–minute project
to the H.264 format. We limited the
app’s hardware acceleration to use
one graphics processor at a time.Duration (lower is better)MacBook Pro 15in 2.4GHz 8–core i9 (2019)MacBook Pro 16in 2.3GHz 8–core i9 (2019)MacBook Pro 13in 1.4GHz 4–core i5 (2019)
477613 mins7 mins 31 secs5764520925 mins 10302918 mins 32 secs11 mins 27 secs1 hr 23 mins 32 secsless memory than the 15–inch flagship
we tested before.
When it comes to gaming, the 16–
inch Pro is no slouch either, chalking
up a respectable 29 frames per second
(fps) in Rise Of The Tomb Raider at the
default settings and 26 fps at the
highest preset. In 2019 sequel Shadow
Of The Tomb Raider, it performed
better, scoring an average 70 fps using
the built–in benchmarking tool, while in
our new Unigine Hunter 4.0 benchmark
it averaged 96 fps.
Finally, there’s the 16–inch MacBook
Pro’s battery life, and we’re pleased to
report that it’s just as long–lasting as
Apple claims. Despite the fact that it’s
now driving a bigger display, boosting
the capacity of the battery to 100Whr
has made a difference. Expect it to last
11 hours between recharges when
watching movies, listening to music
and web surfing, but more intensive
work or gaming sessions could cut that
time in half. It’s a lot longer–lasting
than the 15–inch, which could only
manage about seven–and–a–half hours.
The 100Whr battery is now the largest that
can be fitted in a portable computer. Battery
life is around 11 hours.
The 16–inch MacBook Pro is a huge
improvement over the 15–inch version
that preceded it. Not only does it have
a bigger and better display that’s
within touching distance of the 17–inch
MacBook Pro of yore, but it combines
that with a huge increase in really
usable power, longer battery life, and
a massively improved keyboard. Even
the lack of Wi–Fi 6, reliance on ninth–
gen Intel Core processors and the
paucity of connectivity options don’t
stop this from being one of the best
MacBook Pros we’ve ever tested. If the
horror stories surrounding the
previous generation have held you
back, there’s no longer a reason towait. The 16–inch MacBook Pro is the
machine the fourth–gen always could
have been. We’ll take two, please.
THE BOTTOM LINE. A huge
improvement over its predecessors,
even if it doesn’t quite reach
perfection. ROB MEAD-GREEN.MACBOOK PRO
(16–INCH, LATE 2019)
Gorgeous 16–inch display
Fantastic keyboard
Real–world power
No Wi–Fi 6
AWESOMEmaclife.com FEB 2020 43