13" 2020 vs 16" 2019

[eimis993]

Hello,

So Im about to order a new macbook pro. I am looking at 2 models which makes sense to me.
1. Base 13inch with 16gb ram.
2. Stock base 16inch.

Theres is 1000eur difference between the 2.

My use case:
1. Light adobe stuff
2. Using remote desktop
3. Working with heavy MS Office documents
4. Having laptop connected to a 28inch 4k monitor.
5. Laptop would usually stay at home, but from time to time would be used outside and during travels.

Thanks for help!

 

[DougFNJ]

It all comes down to the size you are comfortable with, and how often you take it outside. If its primarily inside, the 16 inch might be the best for you, those specs are big upgrades. I have considered going 16" but the 13" size is so perfect, but I travel a lot.

 

[esphil]

I bought a new 16" mbp base for around $2000 off ebay that is arriving tomorrow. I have the i5/16gb/512gb Air I've owned for a week, and for me personally I found the display too small, and not bright enough. I'm trying to get into more music production and the screen space just isn't there for me. I"m used to my 27" imac and 34" ultrawide for my daily. I held my 2015 mbp and the Air, and while on paper there is a decent weight difference, the Air didn't feel THAT much lighter. The 16" is less than the 2015 in weight so I figured I'd be good with it. I'm a IT professional, and I appreciate the extra screen space. I don't personally travel.

 

[MrGimper]

Remember you can make massive savings on the 16" from the Apple Refurb store. I got my 2.3/64GB/2TB/8GB VRAM for £3369, and this is a £4100 machine RRP. You won't get any refurb 2020 13" for around 6 months, then they may appear on the refurb store.

Refurb really is a way to either save a packet, or get a much better spec for your cash.

 

[eimis993]

Remember you can make massive savings on the 16" from the Apple Refurb store. I got my 2.3/64GB/2TB/8GB VRAM for £3369, and this is a £4100 machine RRP. You won't get any refurb 2020 13" for around 6 months, then they may appear on the refurb store.

Refurb really is a way to either save a packet, or get a much better spec for your cash.

I am going to use student discount on both, so the prices are already down almost to the level of refurb.

 

[djkasmic]

What about the RAM speed? In the 16“ Apple built in 2666 MHz RAM, the new 10. Gen Intel CPU are using RAM with 3733 MHz.

If Apple will upgrade the 16“ to 10. gen CPUs, is the a noticeable difference?

 

[ctjack]

If Apple will upgrade the 16“ to 10. gen CPUs, is the a noticeable difference?

As for CPU - no big difference coming with 16 inch upgrade. Because 10th gen 45w TDP Intels are not true 10th gen - they are still 14nm.
RAM - could be faster, but will you notice it? That is a different story.

 

[MrGunnyPT]

I'd still go for the 16", for the price point especially in discount you can get a pretty good deal.

16" is just more complete in terms of specs and future proofing due to the dGPU and higher resolution screen in my case.

 

[badsimian]

I think the 13" would probably do you fine for your use cases, it also has the advantage of running much cooler when connected to an external 4K monitor. You will likely be running that monitor at a scaled resolution that "looks like" 2560x1440 or whatever and it seems the fact that all MBPs with discrete gfx for the past few years automatically switch on the GPU for external displays generates additional heat (there is a loooong thread about this in this forum - it doesn't bother me and I tend to run Turbo boost disabler anyway)

Now having said that I have a 16" almost base (32GB/1TB) and I love it. Before Coronovirus I travelled a lot and switched between a few different laptops like the Dell XPS and 2019 13" MBP and still landed on the 16" even for travelling. I actually *prefer* it for travelling. I find the 13" screen too cramped. I simply cannot see enough content at once. Also I get RSI from the smaller deck. I am far more comfortable using the 16" on my lap or a table on a train or whatever than the 13". I. the scheme of things when travelling I don't think the weight is all that much extra.

YMMV though, airplane travel would definitely favour the 13" as would occasional trips to the coffee shop. My travelling was using it as my main machine for 3 days a week away from home. An awful lot of people though love the form factor of the 13" and I can understand why. it just isn't for me.

The extra horse power of the 6 core 16", bigger screen, amazing speakers, better gfx for small amounts of gaming are what swung it for me.

 

[FastLaneJB]

What about the RAM speed? In the 16“ Apple built in 2666 MHz RAM, the new 10. Gen Intel CPU are using RAM with 3733 MHz.

If Apple will upgrade the 16“ to 10. gen CPUs, is the a noticeable difference?

I considered between the 13 and 16 last night. Not the base models but just in general and I've gone 13 inch. My reasons are as follows:

• When I'm at home (Which is all the time currently of course) I'll have it connected to external screens and likely with it's lid closed so its screen size doesn't matter at that point
• When travelling, the smaller form factor and weight is a big deal at least to me
• The iGPU on the 13inch is twice the performance roughly of the 16inch iGPU. Yes it has a dGPU but then it sucks the battery more and / or can become loud fan wise
• When at home, the one place I might wish for a dGPU, I'm planning on getting an eGPU instead (Will see what the performance is like without first of course). This way I can have more performance and it can be a quieter setup
• Latest CPU tech on 10nm, RAM speed, etc. on the 13 inch
• I've gone 32GB RAM as I do run some VM's on and off however my workflow doesn't tend to tax the CPU heavily so a 6 or 8 core CPU isn't likely to make much difference to me
• It's cheaper

The 16 is still a compelling package of course, neither is a bad choice. I'd ultimately say it comes down to size and weight. If your travelling quite a bit then the 13 is more likely to be the better choice. If your mostly working from home and / or just driving to work and plonking it on a desk there then the 16 inch could be a better choice.

 

[enthawizeguy]

I considered between the 13 and 16 last night. Not the base models but just in general and I've gone 13 inch. My reasons are as follows:

• When I'm at home (Which is all the time currently of course) I'll have it connected to external screens and likely with it's lid closed so its screen size doesn't matter at that point
• When travelling, the smaller form factor and weight is a big deal at least to me
• The iGPU on the 13inch is twice the performance roughly of the 16inch iGPU. Yes it has a dGPU but then it sucks the battery more and / or can become loud fan wise
• When at home, the one place I might wish for a dGPU, I'm planning on getting an eGPU instead (Will see what the performance is like without first of course). This way I can have more performance and it can be a quieter setup
• Latest CPU tech on 10nm, RAM speed, etc. on the 13 inch
• I've gone 32GB RAM as I do run some VM's on and off however my workflow doesn't tend to tax the CPU heavily so a 6 or 8 core CPU isn't likely to make much difference to me
• It's cheaper

The 16 is still a compelling package of course, neither is a bad choice. I'd ultimately say it comes down to size and weight. If your travelling quite a bit then the 13 is more likely to be the better choice. If your mostly working from home and / or just driving to work and plonking it on a desk there then the 16 inch could be a better choice.

where did u get these specs on igpu , also on ram comparisons

 

[trojans10]

I actually was pondering the same thing. I am kind of a digital nomad. I have always used a 13in. I ended up ordering both the 2020 13 and the 2019 16, I'm going to decide when they arrive next week. Anyways, i'm actually leaning towards th 16in. Since I do travel a lot, its nice to work on a larger screen as I don't always have a monitor to connect to when staying at airbnbs or what not. Also, the 16in is only an inch wider than my 2012 13in macbook pro which is crazy. So if I can handle mine currently, I can handle a 16 no problem. We shall see. I will update this thread with my decision

 

[eimis993]

Ive ordered base 13inch with 16gb ram in the end. Will let you know how it feels once I receive it. The thing is that im used to 12inch macbook for the last 5 years since it lauched, so I got scared of the size of the 16...

 

[drxcm]

I considered between the 13 and 16 last night. Not the base models but just in general and I've gone 13 inch. My reasons are as follows:

• When I'm at home (Which is all the time currently of course) I'll have it connected to external screens and likely with it's lid closed so its screen size doesn't matter at that point
• When travelling, the smaller form factor and weight is a big deal at least to me
• The iGPU on the 13inch is twice the performance roughly of the 16inch iGPU. Yes it has a dGPU but then it sucks the battery more and / or can become loud fan wise
• When at home, the one place I might wish for a dGPU, I'm planning on getting an eGPU instead (Will see what the performance is like without first of course). This way I can have more performance and it can be a quieter setup
• Latest CPU tech on 10nm, RAM speed, etc. on the 13 inch
• I've gone 32GB RAM as I do run some VM's on and off however my workflow doesn't tend to tax the CPU heavily so a 6 or 8 core CPU isn't likely to make much difference to me
• It's cheaper

The 16 is still a compelling package of course, neither is a bad choice. I'd ultimately say it comes down to size and weight. If your travelling quite a bit then the 13 is more likely to be the better choice. If your mostly working from home and / or just driving to work and plonking it on a desk there then the 16 inch could be a better choice.

I think the 13" 2020 MBP is still using a 14nm, not a 10nm, chip

 

[FastLaneJB]

where did u get these specs on igpu , also on ram comparisons

The RAM speed is on Apple’s Spec sheet and we’ll mentioned in reviews, similar to the iGPU speed. The iGPU (630) in the 16in is years old, it first hit the market in 2016.

I think the 13" 2020 MBP is still using a 14nm, not a 10nm, chip

The base model is 14nm, the 4 Thunderbolt port models are 10nm.

 

[Dhock_Holiday]

I'm facing the same dilemma, I'm leaning more towards the 13 inch due to the newer architecture and faster iGPU. It doesn't inspire confidence reading about all the problems with the 16 inch MBP like fan noise, high temperatures and random freezing.

 

[KPOM]

Hello,

So Im about to order a new macbook pro. I am looking at 2 models which makes sense to me.
1. Base 13inch with 16gb ram.
2. Stock base 16inch.

Theres is 1000eur difference between the 2.

My use case:
1. Light adobe stuff
2. Using remote desktop
3. Working with heavy MS Office documents
4. Having laptop connected to a 28inch 4k monitor.
5. Laptop would usually stay at home, but from time to time would be used outside and during travels.

Thanks for help!

Have you considered the Base 4 port 13” with the Ice Lake chips? It is about halfway between the two models in price.

 

[FastLaneJB]

I'm facing the same dilemma, I'm leaning more towards the 13 inch due to the newer architecture and faster iGPU. It doesn't inspire confidence reading about all the problems with the 16 inch MBP like fan noise, high temperatures and random freezing.

Assuming you’ve no preference for the different screen sizes or weight which would obviously push you towards one or the other. I’d then consider are you doing any workloads that needs a dGPU and if so would you be doing that on the go? If not an eGPU is also an option on the 13.

If none of that applies then I’d be surprised if the 13 wouldn’t be more than quick enough. I’m also hoping it’ll be nice and quiet when plugged into external monitors which we know the 16 doesn’t tend to be.

 

[eimis993]

Have you considered the Base 4 port 13” with the Ice Lake chips? It is about halfway between the two models in price.

I have felt like its just not worth it. It was almost 500eur difference from base 8th gen with 16gb ram vs base 10th gen.

 

[Abaganov]

Call me crazy but I just can’t stand the thought of having those huge outdated bezels if I will get the 2020 13”... the machine just looks old tech (specially when you place it next to something like the latest Dell XPS 13)

 

[BoneHead001]

Call me crazy but I just can’t stand the thought of having those huge outdated bezels if I will get the 2020 13”... the machine just looks old tech (specially when you place it next to something like the latest Dell XPS 13)

1. The bezels are a non-factor on the MBP. They are virtually the same width on the iPad Pro.
2. Bezels are unobtrusive and are not noticeable at all. It is much to do about nothing.

 

[naturalstar]

Call me crazy but I just can’t stand the thought of having those huge outdated bezels if I will get the 2020 13”... the machine just looks old tech (specially when you place it next to something like the latest Dell XPS 13)

Ok, I’ll call you crazy. You sound like the MBP has bezels like watching movies unformatted for widescreen.

 

[drxcm]

The bezels are a good place to put your fingerprints from opening or adjusting the screen!

 

[Abaganov]

The bezels are a good place to put your fingerprints from opening or adjusting the screen!

right this will suck so bad with all the all the fingerprints...

[automerge]1589355004[/automerge]

Ok, I’ll call you crazy. You sound like the MBP has bezels like watching movies unformatted for widescreen.

it’s more about paying premium price for 2016 outdated design

 

[ascender]

I've got a 2020 13" on order, mainly because when I do travel, the 16" is unusable on trains, planes etc. But I'm now thinking that given the price of the 13" (16GB/512GB SSD), compared to the specs of the 16", I'd be better off getting a refurb 16" and just use my 11" iPad Pro (with a Magic Keyboard) for when I need something ultralight.