New 16-inch MacBook Pro features OLED display and touch functionality

The new 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro weighs 1.84kg, a 310g reduction from the previous version, and introduces the first touch functionality in the MacBook series. Testing of the model reveals that the Tandem OLED display provides a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits.

Following Apple's introduction of the new MacBook Pro equipped with an OLED XDR display, an analysis has emerged regarding how the changed hardware specifications impact actual work environments. YouTuber Shindongdengdong tested the 16-inch M5 Max model, borrowed from Apple Korea, to personally verify four key changes: weight, display, touch functionality, and Dynamic Island.

16-inch model sheds the weight of an iPhone, reducing both weight and thickness

The most noticeable changes are the reduction in weight and thickness. The 16-inch M5 Max model tested by Shindongdengdong is approximately 310g lighter than the previous 2.15kg version, weighing 1.84kg. This weight reduction is equivalent to removing an entire iPhone 18 Pro Max (249g) and still being 60g lighter, representing a greater weight saving than taking an iPad mini (255g) out of a bag. The thickness has also decreased from 1.68cm to 1.60cm.

However, the analysis suggests that this weight reduction does not completely change the product's portability category. Since the absolute size of the product remains nearly identical to the previous version, it is noted that the physical volume has not decreased. Nevertheless, users are expected to feel a difference in practice as the burden of weight during movement is lessened compared to using the previous model. This is interpreted as a result of weight reduction following the removal of the lighting panel behind the screen.

Tandem OLED contrast increases reliability for video professionals

The inclusion of OLED, the core of the display, showed a distinct difference in image quality. This new model adopts "Tandem OLED," which stacks two light-emitting layers. This enables a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1 and a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. Unlike the previous MacBook Pro's mini-LED method, which had a phenomenon where white text appeared blurry against a black background, the OLED, where each individual pixel controls its own light, expresses text more clearly.

This is read as a meaningful change, particularly for video editors requiring color correction. The device supports both PC and Adobe RGB and includes a reference mode for HDR video, which is cited as a strength because users can work in external environments with confidence that the colors will be similar to an XDR monitor in a studio. Additionally, when the product is turned on, the Apple logo on the back lights up again; this is a feature that had disappeared since 2016, and the logo brightness changes in accordance with the screen brightness.

Introduction of Mac's first touch functionality and harmony with Dynamic Island

The touch functionality, introduced for the first time in the MacBook series, accompanied a change in hinge design. To prevent the top cover from pushing back when the screen is pressed with a finger, the hinge was newly designed; actual testing showed the screen remains steady without shaking during scrolling or light touches. The touch operation method consists of one-finger scrolling and two-finger zooming, similar to a trackpad, and since macOS converts touch input into clicks, existing apps can be used without significant friction. However, the screen may push back when using multiple fingers to finely control pressure.

The Dynamic Island, which replaced the notch, demonstrates interface scalability beyond a simple visual change. It naturally transplants the iPhone user experience (UX) to the Mac, such as using the screen as a button by touching it or calling up the Control Center and Siri by swiping down. The method of notifications appearing smoothly in the center is also evaluated to harmonize with the macOS UI. However, precise drawing using Apple Pencil remains optimized for the iPad, so the touch functionality is analyzed to provide auxiliary convenience rather than completely replacing existing primary work methods.

600,000 won difference based on M5 Max model; choice depends on performance and display

The new 16-inch M5 Max model incurs an additional cost of approximately 600,000 won compared to the existing model. Specifically, the existing 16-inch M5 Max model is priced at 7.49 million won, while this new model is set at 8.09 million won. The value of the product is expected to depend on whether users choose to pay the additional cost for the OLED display quality, weight reduction, touch convenience, and Dynamic Island features.

In conclusion, for video professionals where external color reliability is important, or for users who have felt the weight burden of the 16-inch model, this is a product worth serious consideration. On the other hand, for users who only value high performance, it may be more rational to choose the existing model rather than investing extra cost into the display.

Source: original video (YouTube)