Pine64 Pinebook Pro vs MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Pine64 Pinebook Pro | MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 800 | 25,000 | -96.8% |
| Processor | Rockchip RK3399 | Apple M4 Max | — |
| Graphics | Mali T860 MP4 | Integrated 32-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 14.0" 1920x1080 | 14.2" 3024x1964 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 10 | 14 | -28.6% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.26 | 1.60 | -21.3% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 4GB / 64GB | 36GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | Manjaro Linux | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $199 | $3,199 | -93.8% |
- MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 97% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h).
- Pine64 Pinebook Pro is the more portable at 1.26 kg.
Verdict: Pinebook Pro or MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)?
Pine64 Pinebook Pro advantages
- Portability (+21%)
- Affordability (+94%)
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+97%)
- Battery life (+29%)
- Base memory (+89%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Pine64 Pinebook Pro if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Pine64 Pinebook Pro if you want the best value.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Pine64 Pinebook Pro vs MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max): which should you choose?
Pine64 Pinebook Pro — Pine64 mainstream laptop (2020) with the Rockchip RK3399 and Mali T860 MP4, 4GB RAM, a 14-inch 1920x1080 display, 1.26 kg and about 10 h battery; from $199.
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2024) with the Apple M4 Max and Integrated 32-Core GPU, 36GB RAM, a 14.2-inch 3024x1964 display, 1.6 kg and about 14 h battery; from $3,199.
Pine64 Pinebook Pro vs MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max): MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 97% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h). Pine64 Pinebook Pro is the more portable at 1.26 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (25,000 vs 800), pairing the Apple M4 Max with Integrated 32-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick. Note these serve different roles — a mainstream versus a ultrabook/creator machine — so raw speed is only part of the story.
Portability and battery
The Pine64 Pinebook Pro is easier to carry at 1.26 kg (vs 1.60 kg), and the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer unplugged (about 14 h vs 10 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 4 GB / 64 GB and 36 GB / 1024 GB. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pine64 Pinebook Pro better than the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 97% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h).
What is the main difference between the Pine64 Pinebook Pro and the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)?
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 97% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 10h). Pine64 Pinebook Pro is the more portable at 1.26 kg.
Which is better value?
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Pine64 Pinebook Pro if you carry it around all day. Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.