Apple MacBook Pro 2021 with Apple M1 Pro chip (14-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) – Space Gray (Renewed)
- Display Size: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Processor: Apple M1 Pro chip with up to 200GB/s memory bandwidth
- Memory (RAM): 16GB unified memory
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Integrated GPU with ProRes accelerator
- Battery Life: Long-lasting battery with optimized power efficiency
- Connectivity: Multiple ports including Thunderbolt, HDMI, and SD card reader
- Weight & Dimensions: 3.53 pounds; 0.61 x 8.71 x 12.31 inches
As a seasoned reviewer with years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I understand what matters most when choosing a powerful and reliable machine. In this review, I share my honest and detailed insights on the Apple MacBook Pro 2021 with the M1 Pro chip, a model that stands out for professionals and everyday users alike. I have carefully researched and personally tested this renewed 14-inch Space Gray MacBook Pro to provide you with clear, easy-to-understand information. My goal is to help you make a confident and informed decision before buying this advanced laptop, known for its stunning display, exceptional performance, and excellent battery life.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
- ✅ Powerful M1 Pro chip with fast unified memory
- ✅ Wide range of ports for advanced connectivity
- ✅ Best-in-class audio system with spatial audio support
- ✅ Long-lasting battery life
- ✅ Advanced thermal design for quiet operation
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Higher price point even for a renewed model
- ❌ Limited to 512GB SSD storage without upgrade
- ❌ Heavier compared to smaller laptops
Who Should Buy This
This Apple MacBook Pro 2021 with the M1 Pro chip is perfect for creative professionals and students. If you need a powerful laptop for video editing, graphic design, or coding, this model can handle it smoothly. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD give you plenty of speed and storage for your work. It is also great for those who want a reliable, high-quality laptop that lasts long. The 14-inch size is easy to carry, making it a good choice for people who move around a lot.
If you only use your laptop for basic tasks like browsing the internet, checking emails, or watching videos, this might be more laptop than you need. Also, if you want the latest brand-new model, buying a renewed one might not be the best choice. People who need a bigger screen or more storage might want to look for other options. Overall, this MacBook Pro is best for users who want strong performance in a compact design without paying full price for a new device.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MKGP3LL/A
- Size: 0.61″ x 8.71″ x 12.31″
- Weight: 3.53 pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Color Options: Space Gray
- Special Features: Apple M1 Pro chip, 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, Renewed condition
- Warranty: Varies by seller (typically 90 days to 1 year for renewed products)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first took the Apple MacBook Pro 2021 out of its box, I was immediately impressed by its sleek Space Gray finish and surprisingly light weight for a laptop this powerful. Setting it up was quick and easy, and the Liquid Retina XDR display caught my eye right away with its vibrant colors and sharp details. The size felt just right on my desk, not too bulky but still substantial enough to feel like a serious machine. I was eager to dive in and see how the M1 Pro chip would handle my usual tasks.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Pro every day felt like a breath of fresh air. Whether I was switching between multiple apps, editing photos, or streaming videos, everything ran smoothly without any lag. The 1080p FaceTime HD camera made video calls look crisp, which was a nice surprise during remote meetings. I also appreciated the variety of ports, which meant I didn’t have to carry extra dongles for my external drives and monitors. Plus, the keyboard was comfortable for long typing sessions, making work feel less tiring.
Key Features in Action
The standout feature for me was definitely the performance of the M1 Pro chip. When I edited 4K videos, the ProRes accelerator made the process incredibly fast and power-efficient—something I hadn’t experienced on other laptops before. The audio system was another highlight; listening to music or watching movies felt immersive thanks to the six-speaker setup and spatial audio support. The memory bandwidth and 16GB RAM meant I could keep many programs open without the system slowing down, which was a huge help during busy workdays.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Pro for several weeks, I noticed it maintained its speed and responsiveness even during heavy workloads. The battery life was impressive, lasting me through long work sessions without needing to plug in constantly. The laptop stayed cool and quiet, which made it comfortable to use on my lap or in meetings. Overall, it felt like a reliable and powerful companion that matched my daily needs perfectly, proving that the renewed model was just as good as new.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple MacBook Pro 2021 (14-inch, M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Renewed | 2021 Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) | 2021 Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, industry-leading studio-quality mics, high-fidelity six-speaker sound system, 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and best audio system in a notebook. | Massive leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning with up to 10-core CPU and 14-core GPU; excellent for pro workflows with powerful performance. | Enhanced CPU and GPU power with 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, delivering even faster performance and improved graphics for demanding applications. |
| Features | Apple M1 Pro chip with up to 200GB/s memory bandwidth, ProRes accelerator for fast video processing, wide range of ports, unrivaled battery life, and support for spatial audio. | Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip; up to 10-core CPU and 14-core GPU; up to 3.7x faster CPU performance; optimized for professional workflows. | Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip; up to 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU; up to 3.7x faster CPU performance; larger 1TB SSD for more storage. |
| Best For | Developers, photographers, filmmakers, 3D artists, scientists, music producers, and anyone seeking the world’s best notebook with top performance and audio quality. | Professionals needing powerful CPU and GPU performance for complex workflows and graphics-intensive tasks. | Users requiring maximum CPU and GPU power with larger storage for heavy-duty professional applications and projects. |
In my opinion, this Apple MacBook Pro 2021 with Apple M1 Pro chip (14-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) – Space Gray (Renewed) stands out because it combines phenomenal performance with industry-leading audio quality and a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, all while offering excellent connectivity and battery life. If you’re like me and prioritize a balanced blend of professional-grade power, best-in-class display, and audio features in a renewed option, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Apple MacBook Pro 2021 with Apple M1 Pro chip (14-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) – Space Gray (Renewed)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.78/5 and positive feedback on performance and value.
Most Praised Features
- Exceptional processing power and speed thanks to the M1 Pro chip.
- High-quality Retina display with vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
- Long battery life that supports extended use without frequent charging.
Common Concerns
- Some buyers noted minor cosmetic imperfections due to the product being renewed.
- Higher price point compared to other refurbished laptops was mentioned by a few customers.
Who Loves It Most
This MacBook Pro appeals especially to creative professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts who need reliable, high-performance hardware without purchasing brand-new models.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $719 for a renewed Apple MacBook Pro 2021 with M1 Pro chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, this deal is significantly cheaper than the brand-new models, which typically start well above $2,000. Considering the specs, the price is very competitive and affordable for a high-performance professional laptop.
Value Features
- Liquid Retina XDR display – offers stunning visuals and color accuracy, ideal for creative professionals.
- M1 Pro chip with up to 200GB/s memory bandwidth – ensures fast, efficient performance for demanding workflows.
- Advanced thermal design – maintains high performance without overheating, extending device longevity.
- Wide port selection and superior audio system – enhances connectivity and multimedia experience, reducing need for extra accessories.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other professional laptops in this category, the renewed MacBook Pro offers a premium build and superior performance at a fraction of the new price. Alternatives with similar specs often cost more or lack the same ecosystem integration and display quality.
Final Verdict
This renewed MacBook Pro 2021 is an excellent value for money, especially for professionals needing high-end performance on a budget. It combines power, portability, and top-tier features at a very reasonable price.