Do UI elements (like fonts/buttons) appear physically smaller on the 16" MacBook Pro vs 14" at default scaling?

I’m comparing the 2024 M4 MacBook Pro 14” and 16” models. I know they both use 2× Retina scaling and have the same PPI (~254), but default “Looks like” resolutions are different:


  • 14": 1512×982
  • 16": 1728×1117


That means the 16” shows more points on a slightly bigger screen — which should make UI elements (fonts, buttons, etc.) appear slightly smaller in physical size, right?


Some Apple reps say UI looks larger on the 16", some say it’s the same, others admit they don’t know. So I’m hoping someone here can confirm based on actual use or pixel math.


Would really appreciate input from anyone who’s used both or has done a side-by-side.


Thanks!


Important: I’m not asking how much content fits on screen — only how fonts and UI elements physically look different at a default 2× scaling.

MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Aug 5, 2025 6:58 PM

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Do UI elements (like fonts/buttons) appear physically smaller on the 16" MacBook Pro vs 14" at default scaling?

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