MacBook Pro M4: Why the Nano-Texture Display Upgrade is Worth the Investment

The New MacBook Pro M4: Why the Nano-Texture Display is Worth Every Penny

When I unboxed the new MacBook Pro M4, I was struck by the crisp look of the device. I knew this model came with the nano-texture display option (an additional $150), but I didn’t anticipate just how impactful this upgrade would be on my daily use.

I’ve been using a MacBook Pro M1 Pro since 2021. While it’s powerful and dependable, the display has always struggled in bright environments. Working outdoors or during my bus commute often meant dealing with significant glare and pushing the brightness to its limit just to see clearly. Enter the M4 MacBook Pro with its nano-texture display—a real game changer.

What Makes the Nano-Texture Display Special?

Apple’s nano-texture display is more than your standard matte screen. Initially introduced with the Pro Display XDR in 2019, this technology reduces glare by etching the glass at a nanometer level. This process scatters incoming light, maintaining high contrast and accurate color representation even in bright conditions.

The result? A display that’s optimized for working outdoors and in direct sunlight without suffering from harsh reflections. Side-by-side comparisons with my older M1 model confirmed it: while the older screen showed clear reflections of surrounding trees and objects, the M4’s display had none. It’s also worth noting that the new M4 offers significantly wider viewing angles, making it perfect for sharing screens and presenting work.

Impressive Performance Stats

Here’s how the M4 compares to its peers:

Despite a slight decrease in brightness compared to the M3 model, the M4 shines with an excellent Delta-E score of 0.19, indicating better color accuracy. The DCI-P3 color test showed similar performance between the M4 and M3, but don’t expect the same vibrant saturation that an OLED screen provides, like that of the Dell XPS 13.

Final Thoughts: Is the Nano-Texture Display Worth It?

If you’re considering purchasing the MacBook Pro M4, I strongly suggest upgrading to the nano-texture display. While $150 may seem like a substantial add-on, it’s a worthwhile investment—more so than opting for extra storage or memory, depending on your workflow. The nano-texture display enhances the visual experience significantly, reducing glare and maintaining high-quality image clarity in all lighting conditions. For someone who values productivity and clarity in various environments, this feature is a must-have.

In my opinion, the nano-texture display transforms the MacBook Pro M4 into the ultimate productivity powerhouse.