Apple MacBook Pro A2442 Review – The Compact Powerhouse with M1 Pro

When Apple released the MacBook Pro A2442 in 2021, it was designed for professionals who needed a balance of power and portability. Unlike its bigger sibling, the MacBook Pro A2485 (16-inch), the A2442 packs nearly the same performance in a more compact 14.2-inch form factor. Powered by the Apple M1 Pro chip, it delivered desktop-class performance in a portable body—making it one of the most talked-about laptops in 2021.

But in 2025, is the MacBook Pro A2442 still worth buying, especially with the newer M2 and M3 models out? Let’s find out in this detailed review.

Apple MacBook Pro A2442 – Key Features

Here’s a quick look at the main specifications of the Apple MacBook Pro A2442:

Design and Build Quality

The MacBook Pro A2442 brought back some of the most requested features from Apple users. Unlike older Intel MacBooks, it reintroduced MagSafe charging, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot—making it much more professional-friendly.

The 14.2-inch design makes it significantly lighter and more portable than the 16-inch model. At just 1.6 kg, it’s easy to carry around for students, business professionals, and digital nomads. Despite its smaller footprint, the A2442 does not compromise on durability, thanks to its aluminum unibody construction.

Display – Compact Yet Stunning

The Liquid Retina XDR display on the A2442 may be smaller than the 16-inch version, but it’s just as impressive.

• Mini-LED backlighting with 1,000 nits sustained brightness and 1,600 nits peak brightness
• ProMotion technology with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
• P3 wide color gamut and True Tone for accurate colors
• 3024 x 1964 resolution for crystal-clear visuals

Whether you’re editing 4K video, creating digital art, or just browsing, the display feels immersive and far better than most Windows laptops in its category.

Performance – The M1 Pro Advantage

The M1 Pro chip is what makes the A2442 so powerful. Featuring up to a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, this laptop is built for demanding tasks.

Real-world performance:

• Video Editing: Handles 4K and even 8K ProRes workflows in Final Cut Pro with ease.
• Music Production: Works seamlessly with Logic Pro, handling multiple tracks and effects.
• Coding & Development: Faster compile times, smooth multitasking.
• AI/ML Workloads: Apple’s Neural Engine accelerates machine learning tasks.

Benchmarks showed the M1 Pro outperforming Intel’s i9-based laptops from 2020 and even challenging some workstation-class machines.

Battery Life – Portability Meets Endurance

Apple claims up to 17 hours of video playback on the A2442, and in day-to-day usage, it easily lasts 8–10 hours with mixed workloads. For a performance-oriented laptop, this is exceptional.

Compared to the 16-inch A2485, the battery is slightly smaller, but the lighter weight and compact form make the A2442 more travel-friendly.

Keyboard, Trackpad, and Speakers

• Keyboard: The Magic Keyboard delivers a comfortable typing experience—perfect for long working hours.
• Trackpad: Apple’s Force Touch trackpad remains the gold standard in precision.
• Speakers: The six-speaker audio system with Spatial Audio offers clear and loud sound, excellent for video editing and entertainment.

Connectivity and Ports

The A2442 includes a strong set of ports for a 14-inch laptop:

• MagSafe 3 charging
• 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports
• 1 HDMI port
• 1 SDXC card slot
• 3.5mm headphone jack

This makes it versatile for creative professionals who rely on external displays, SD cards, or high-speed transfers.

Pricing and Competition in India

At launch in 2021, the MacBook Pro A2442 was priced at around ₹1,94,900 in India for the base model (M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD). Higher configurations went up well beyond ₹2.5 lakh.

By 2025, refurbished and pre-owned units are widely available, typically ranging between ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,30,000 depending on specs and condition.

Its competitors include:

• Dell XPS 13 Plus
• Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
• HP Spectre x360 14
• Apple MacBook Air M2/M3 (lighter, but less powerful)

For those seeking portability with pro-level performance, the A2442 remains one of the best options.

User Experience & Real-World Usage

Users praise the MacBook Pro A2442 for being the perfect balance between portability and power.

• Boot-up is instant, thanks to Apple silicon.
• Thermals are efficient, and the fans rarely spin up loudly.
• Video calls and streaming are excellent, aided by the 1080p FaceTime HD camera and three-mic array.
• Battery backup supports an entire workday without carrying the charger.
• Developers and designers especially love the 14-inch size, as it’s more portable than the 16-inch while still offering excellent performance.

Pros and Cons of the MacBook Pro A2442

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight design with premium build
• Stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Powerful M1 Pro chip for professional tasks
• Strong battery life despite smaller size
• Wide range of ports (MagSafe, HDMI, SD card slot)
• Excellent speakers and mic array

Cons:

• Expensive when new; still pricey compared to Windows laptops
• Not upgradeable (RAM and storage are soldered)
• Smaller display may not be ideal for professionals who prefer large screens
• Not suitable for gaming beyond macOS-supported titles

Should You Buy the MacBook Pro A2442 in 2025?

If you want a powerful MacBook that’s easy to carry around, the A2442 is still a great investment. It delivers pro-level performance in a 14-inch body, making it suitable for students, professionals, and creators alike.

For those on a budget, refurbished models offer excellent value in 2025—giving you flagship Apple performance at nearly half the launch price.

👉 Check Apple’s refurbished store or trusted sellers like Amazon India and Refurbo.in for deals.

Conclusion

The Apple MacBook Pro A2442 (2021, M1 Pro) is a near-perfect blend of performance, portability, and battery life. Even in 2025, it stands tall against competition and remains a strong choice for anyone who values both power and mobility.

If the 16-inch model feels too large, the A2442 is the compact powerhouse you’ll love.

FAQs About Apple MacBook Pro A2442 (2021)

1. Is the MacBook Pro A2442 still good in 2025?
Yes. It remains powerful enough for most professional tasks and offers a compact, travel-friendly design.

2. How much does the A2442 cost now in India?
Refurbished models cost between ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,30,000, depending on configuration and condition.

3. Does the A2442 support the latest macOS?
Yes. It ships with macOS Monterey but can be upgraded to macOS Sequoia (2025).

4. How does it compare with the MacBook Pro 16-inch A2485?
The 16-inch A2485 offers more screen space and slightly better battery life, while the 14-inch A2442 is more portable with nearly the same performance.

5. Is the A2442 good for students?
Yes. For students in fields like computer science, design, or media, it’s an excellent investment due to its lightweight design and professional-grade performance.