The 2020 13" MacBook Pro Impressions: Wait a Minute!
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In this video, Marques Brownlee reviews the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh, framing it as a mostly minor update that nonetheless matters for users who want a practical balance between portability and performance. He recalls his long-time preference for the 13-inch model over the 16-inch for daily carry, explaining that the refreshed keyboard and updated internals change the value proposition. The centerpiece update is the return of a better keyboard, incorporating the 16-inch MacBook Pro butterfly keyboard design, including a real escape key and inverted-T arrow keys, which improves typing feel and reliability. Internally, the model receives a processor and RAM bump, with up to quad-core 10th-gen Intel CPUs, Iris graphics, and faster RAM, along with larger storage options starting at 512 GB and configurable up to 4 TB. Brownlee highlights that these enhancements apply only to the higher-end configurations, while baseline models retain older chips, cheaper RAM, less storage, and fewer ports, making the update feel uneven across the lineup. He discusses the ongoing trade-offs between performance and cost, noting that the 16-inch MacBook Pro offers far more thermal headroom and a dedicated GPU, which justifies its higher price for power users, whereas the 13-inch remains a middle-ground option. The video also covers design continuity, such as the unchanged chassis with a slight thickness increase to accommodate the updated keyboard, the Touch Bar, large trackpad, battery life, 720p webcam, and improved speakers and microphone that bring them closer to the 16-inch experience. Brownlee concludes that while the update is modest, it is a welcome refresh that keeps the 13-inch relevant for photo editing and daily tasks, and he muses about future 14-inch or ARM-based MacBooks while expressing a desire for more frequent minor updates across Apple’s lineup. He ends by noting availability of Apple merch and inviting viewers to share whether they would choose the 13-inch Pro or the MacBook Air, while hoping for more regular updates in the future.
Topics · technology · product_reviews · apple · hardware
Questions answered
- What are the main updates in the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh?
- The main updates are the new keyboard derived from the 16-inch model, a spec bump to the latest 10th-gen Intel quad-core CPUs, faster RAM up to 32 GB, higher base storage starting at 512 GB up to 4 TB, and improved graphics via Iris graphics. The update also includes a small thickness increase to fit the new keyboard and retains the large trackpad, Touch Bar, and overall design. Baseline models keep older components and fewer ports, while higher-end configurations receive the full upgrades.
- How does the 13-inch MacBook Pro compare to the 16-inch model after the refresh?
- The 16-inch MacBook Pro remains the more powerful option with a better thermal design, a dedicated GPU, and an 8-core CPU option, offering significantly higher performance for demanding workloads. The 13-inch Pro after the refresh is positioned as a mid-market choice with improved keyboards and internals, suitable for users who want more performance than the MacBook Air but do not need the extra power or larger footprint of the 16-inch model, especially considering price differences.