MacBook Pro OLED vs MacBook Pro M6: Which laptop should you buy?

Apple has introduced two new flagship laptops: the MacBook Pro OLED and the MacBook Pro M6. Both are positioned as excellent choices for professional users, but which one is the better option for you? While we haven't had a chance to test these laptops yet, based on the available information, they are expected to make the best MacBooks list.

This article provides a detailed comparison of the MacBook Pro OLED and MacBook Pro M6, focusing on their specifications, price, display, and design to help you make an informed decision.

The MacBook Pro OLED is the first MacBook to feature a touchscreen OLED panel, whereas the MacBook Pro M6 retains the mini-LED screen currently used in other MacBook models. The OLED panel on the MacBook Pro OLED offers a superior visual experience, with true per-pixel blacks and zero blooming around UI elements. The display can deliver peak SDR and HDR brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring eye-scorching viewing experiences.

Additionally, the OLED display replaces the notch with a Dynamic Island, bringing Live Activities to MacBook for the first time. The MacBook Pro OLED also introduces a touchscreen, designed specifically for Macs with touch sensors built directly into the display panel. However, it's worth noting that the touchscreen does not support the Apple Pencil.

In contrast, the MacBook Pro M6 maintains the mini-LED screen found in current MacBook models. While the display remains excellent in terms of color representation and accuracy, it lacks the cutting-edge features of the OLED panel on the OLED MacBook. The M6 MacBook Pro features a 14.2-inch Mini-LED display with ProMotion at 120Hz and a notch cutout, but without the Dynamic Island functionality or touchscreen support.

Design-wise, the MacBook Pro OLED is thinner and lighter than the current MacBook Pros. The 14-inch model weighs half a pound less at 3 pounds, while the 16-inch model is just slightly over four pounds. This slim profile, combined with slimmer borders, results in a more portable laptop that's easier to carry. On the other hand, the MacBook Pro M6 retains the same design since late 2021, with no significant changes introduced.

The port selection remains consistent between the two models, supporting up to three external displays on the M5 Pro and up to four on the M5 Max. Both laptops also offer Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, MagSafe, and a headphone jack.