Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 12‑core vs HP 17.3" Laptop for Home, Students, Business,
Updated August 2026 — Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 12‑core wins on battery and performance, HP 17.3" Laptop for Home, Students, Business, wins on price.
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro excels in performance and display quality, while the HP 17.3" Laptop offers great value for everyday tasks.
Why Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 12‑core is better
Performance
M4 Pro chip outperforms Intel Core i3-N305
Display
Liquid Retina XDR display offers superior brightness and color accuracy
Battery Life
Up to 22 hours compared to typical 5-8 hours for HP
Why HP 17.3" Laptop for Home, Students, Business, is better
Price
Significantly lower cost at $549
Screen Size
Larger 17.3-inch display for general use
Weight
More affordable and accessible for students
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 12‑core | HP 17.3" Laptop for Home, Students, Business, |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M4 Pro 12-core | Intel Core i3-N305 |
| RAM | 24GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 128GB eMMC |
| Display Size | 14.2 inches | 17.3 inches |
| OS | macOS | Windows 11 |
Dimension comparison
Design and Display
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro features a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, while the HP 17.3" Laptop boasts a significantly larger 17.3-inch touchscreen. The MacBook Pro's display offers a peak brightness of up to 1600 nits, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details that cater to creative professionals. In contrast, the HP laptop's anti-glare touchscreen is ideal for general use, providing wide viewing angles and decent color accuracy. While the MacBook Pro's display is designed for high-end visual tasks, the HP's larger screen is more suited for everyday tasks and productivity, making it a great option for students and home use.
Performance
The MacBook Pro is equipped with the M4 Pro chip, featuring a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, designed for high-performance tasks and demanding workloads. In comparison, the HP laptop runs on an Intel Core i3-N305 processor with 8 cores, sufficient for basic computing tasks and multitasking. The MacBook Pro’s powerful processing capabilities make it suitable for professionals in fields like video editing and software development, while the HP laptop is aimed at users who need a reliable machine for browsing, document editing, and light entertainment. This difference in performance is reflected in their respective bestseller ranks, with the MacBook Pro at 671 and the HP at 434.
Memory and Storage
In terms of memory and storage, the MacBook Pro comes with 24GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD, providing ample space and speed for demanding applications. On the other hand, the HP laptop offers 8GB of RAM and a 128GB eMMC storage, which is adequate for basic tasks but may limit performance with larger files or multiple applications running simultaneously. The MacBook Pro’s superior specifications cater to power users who require fast load times and efficient multitasking, while the HP laptop is better suited for casual users who prioritize cost-effectiveness over high performance.
Battery Life
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro stands out with its exceptional all-day battery life of up to 22 hours, allowing users to work without worrying about frequent recharges. In contrast, the HP laptop’s battery performance is not specified, but laptops in this category typically offer around 5 to 8 hours of usage. This significant difference makes the MacBook Pro a more attractive option for professionals who need a reliable laptop for extended use, particularly in mobile or remote work settings.
Software and Ecosystem
The MacBook Pro runs on macOS, optimized for Apple’s hardware and software integration, ensuring a seamless user experience with applications like Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. The HP laptop operates on Windows 11, featuring a dedicated AI Copilot key that enhances productivity through AI-driven assistance. While both operating systems have their strengths, the choice largely depends on the user's preferences and the applications they intend to use. For creative professionals, the MacBook Pro's software environment may be more appealing, while the HP laptop’s Windows 11 caters to users who prefer a more traditional computing experience.
Price Point
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro is priced at $1,808.99, making it a significant investment compared to the HP laptop, which retails for $549.00. This means the MacBook Pro is approximately 229% more expensive than the HP model. While the higher price of the MacBook Pro reflects its advanced features and capabilities, the HP laptop’s lower price point makes it a more accessible option for students and budget-conscious consumers. Ultimately, the choice between the two products may come down to whether the user values performance and features over cost.
Portability and Weight
The MacBook Pro is designed with portability in mind, making it easy to carry around for professionals on the go. Although the exact weight isn’t specified, Apple laptops are generally known for being lightweight and slim. The HP laptop, while larger with its 17.3-inch display, may be less portable due to its size and weight, which is a consideration for users who need a laptop for travel or commuting. For those who prioritize portability and ease of use in various settings, the MacBook Pro is likely the better choice.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the Apple 2024 MacBook Pro and the HP 17.3" Laptop comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you require a powerful machine for intensive tasks, exceptional battery life, and a premium display, the MacBook Pro is worth the investment at $1,808.99. However, if you seek a more affordable option for everyday use, the HP laptop at $549.00 offers solid performance for basic tasks and is particularly suitable for students and home users. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your priorities in performance, price, and intended use.

