2013 Macbook Pro Vs 2015
Both the 13 inch MacBook Pro 2013 and 11 inch MacBook Air 2015 share three storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. However, the 11 inch MacBook Air 2015 does not have options for 768GB and 1 TB, as seen on the 13 inch MacBook Pro 2013.
On June 11, 2012, Apple Inc. introduced its third-generation MacBook Pro, which was sold as the MacBook Pro with Retina Display, in order to distinguish it from its predecessor, the third-generation MacBook Pro. On May 21, 2019, Apple Inc announced updated Touch Bar models featuring new CPUs, featuring the Core i9 standard eight-core processor on the top-end 15-inch models, as well as updated keyboards made of new materials throughout the MacBook Pro. On February 13, 2013, Apple Inc announced updated prices and processors, as well as bumping up memory on the higher-end 15-inch models to 16GB. Note that the 2013-13 MacBook Pro reviewed below has been discontinued, although $1,999 $15-inch models from this vintage are still available for those wanting all ports and few dongles.
Apple continues to sell the 15-inch Retina Display models of the middle of 2015, complete with integrated graphics, as new. All 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models feature the highest-resolution LED-backlit, 2880×1800 (220 pixels per inch) Retina display, with the screen running 1440×900, but with double the pixels, providing up to four times more detail than previous traditional displays. As on the Retina MacBook, the new models swap out the white Apple Inc. logo that is backlit on the screen on the rear, a feature dating to the 1999 PowerBook G3, for an opaque black glossy version. The most noticeable differences between the Mid-2015 models and their predecessors are that the Mid-2015 MacBook Pro models feature a more sophisticated trackpad, faster flash storage, and larger-capacity batteries.
The Mid-2014 models (as well as earlier ones) had a No buttons trackpad with Inertial Scrolling support, while the Mid-2015 models feature the more advanced Force Touch trackpad. This model also introduced the keyboard Second-generation Butterfly Mechanism, which provides greater travel compared to the first iteration implemented in the Retina MacBook. In 2015, Apple introduced the new ultra-thin 12″ MacBook, packing in a new type of keyboard, a thinner-than-ever keyboard that features a butterfly-style switching mechanism. Interestingly, Apple has yet to incorporate Apples new MacBook keyboard in its Pro models, so what you are getting is a familiar chiclet key, with the scissors mechanism below.
The 2015 MacBook Pro was a fast-growing fan favorite because it was one of the last models that came with a traditional scissor-switched keyboard, until Apple dropped that for Apples much-derided butterfly keyboard. The 2015 MacBook Pro has an awesome keyboard, vibrant screen, tons of ports, and an excellent trackpad, all combined with Apples signature build quality and impressive under-the-hood performance. The 13-inch refresh looks unimpressive on paper, and in hands-on testing, it definitely performs a lot like the same MacBook Pros we have been using for a couple years. Both this new model and 2014s 15-inch MacBook Pro led the pack in most of our tests (note the 15-inch Pro in 2014 has a beefier, albeit older Core i7 CPU and double the RAM, at 16GB), though Apples promise of a faster hard drive did not help this system in our Photoshop tests, where it was lumped with the other Broadwell systems and a MacBook Air.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2014 was probably Apples best laptop, and the 2015 model is better, too. Marco Arment believes the whole of the 2012-2015 Retina MacBook Pro line is the best laptop Apple has made, and the mid-2015 one is the pinnacle. Until yesterday, you could buy an entirely new mid-2015 15-inch Macbook Pro, complete with all-the-features-maxed-out specs (note that in the last year, Apple removed the ability to add AMDs custom Radeon R9 M370X GPU to the mid-2015 Macbook Pro), for only slightly more than the base, lower-end model of 2017s Touch Bar.
If you are on the fence, keep in mind you can get that same 10-core CPU in the M1 Pro and M1 Max. Both the M1 Pro and the M1 Max feature CPUs that are a maximum of 10 cores, consisting of 8 Performance Cores and 2 Efficiency Cores (the 14-inch base model with the M1 Pro has an 8-core CPU). The lower-end models in both lines that feature integrated graphics have the Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor sharing the system memory (and have also got 128MB of Crystalwell embedded DRAM in the CPU package for greater memory bandwidth), but the higher-end models feature an Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor with a second CPU with dedicated video memory. That is a major plus for the rMBP, since the 12-inch model uses one of Intels new Core M Broadwell chips, designed specifically for ultraportable machines such as these.
Core M allows smaller machines with longer battery life, but does not offer professional-level horsepower. MacBook laptops, particularly Pro models, that typically feature faster CPU options and more RAM, consistently performed well in our tests. Apple did not skimp on RAM on the new MacBook, since it comes standard with 8GB — same as on the Retina MBP. The starting price is also dead-even, although the new MacBook gives you twice the storage for the $1300 (256GB versus 128GB) cost.
The current Air models are held back by an ageing design and lower screen resolution, while the 15-inch MacBook Pro has not received the same updates and a new trackpad, and is just too large to carry more than once or twice a week (though great for a desktop-bound system). Sure, Apple has released the new MacBook, but those of us who need the power, ports, and everything else will still have appreciated the somewhat thinner model. The reason for this slight is because Apple has spent most of the past decade rolling out new MacBooks packed with mid-level upgrades, which I consider to be regressive.
The Retina models also had less available upgrade or swappable options for users compared to the older MacBooks. Previous MacBook Pros had the Iris Graphics 5100, with Apple saying that graphics performance was 20% to 40% better. Of course, Apple is going to inevitably retire the Retina Display-equipped MacBook Pro 13-inch at some point in time (early 2015), but even then, its legacy is not going to be forgotten.
MacBook Pro notebooks from mid-2015 onwards are identifiable via the model IDs within software–MacBookPro11,4 for models with integrated graphics, MacBookPro11,5 for models with dedicated graphics–but early models from mid-2014 shared the model IDs with earlier systems, and as a result, that ID is not universally useful.
How often should I replace my MacBook Pro?
When it comes to a production computer, every three to four years is a more reasonable life span. Different types of system hardware are needed to run new operating systems. Typically, Apple will upgrade MacOS once a year. For roughly 4 to 6 years, the majority of Macs can be upgraded to the most recent operating system.
Is my MacBook Pro 2012 too old to update?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the MacBook Pro 2012 is capable of running the latest version of macOS that was available at that time, which was macOS Big Sur. However, not all features may be available or function optimally due to hardware limitations. It’s always a good idea to check Apple’s website for compatibility before updating.
Will a Mac last longer than a PC?
Macs are known for their longevity and tend to have a longer lifespan than PCs. This is partly due to the high build quality and optimized software, which can result in less hardware failure and longer usability. However, proper maintenance and usage can also play a significant role in the longevity of a computer.