So i have a 13.3" 2015 MBP (8gb, 256) and was looking at upgrading. Was thinking about the new air, but was wondering if it is worth it? I do not do much heavy lifting with my computer (youtube, email, docs/slides, etc). Would the air be a noticable upgrade over the MBP?
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13" MBP (2015) to Macbook air worth it?
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According to Geekbench scores, both machines are pretty close performance-wise.
MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina Early 2015)
Single-Core Score: 3739
Multi-Core Score: 7082
MacBook Air (Late 2018)
Single-Core Score: 4006
Multi-Core Score: 7399
It is possible that Air's graphics score is lower than MBP's. However, it might be a noticeable upgrade when it comes to portability, battery life and extra features such as Touch ID, faster SSD, HEVC (for Apple Sidecar) and more.
But let's hear other opinions.
MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina Early 2015)
Single-Core Score: 3739
Multi-Core Score: 7082
MacBook Air (Late 2018)
Single-Core Score: 4006
Multi-Core Score: 7399
It is possible that Air's graphics score is lower than MBP's. However, it might be a noticeable upgrade when it comes to portability, battery life and extra features such as Touch ID, faster SSD, HEVC (for Apple Sidecar) and more.
But let's hear other opinions.
In addition to @DevMops analysis, you could upgrade the SSD in your 2015 MBP yourself. There is a long sticky thread about this in the MacBook Pro forum. I tested this for myself with the short black Sintech adapter and a 2TB SSD. If you don't need Thunderbolt 3, my advice would be to stick with your current model!
Downgrade for the keyboard and ability to upgrade storage, if the second matters. The first certainly does.
I feel like the keyboard isn't a downgrade if it fails. Stupid, but hear me out. I thought the butterfly keyboard sucked too until I got the 2018 model for myself and honestly I feel faster on this keyboard than my 2013 MBP.
Significantly slower wifi, slightly faster CPU (bit not under sustained loads due to cooling limitations) unproven (at best keyboard). I like the Air but I think it would be questionable to consider it an “upgrade” from the Pro.
HEVC handling is better, it has to touchID. You might even prefer the keyboard. But that’s a lot of money to spend for a machine that performs basically the same, or worse for wifi.
HEVC handling is better, it has to touchID. You might even prefer the keyboard. But that’s a lot of money to spend for a machine that performs basically the same, or worse for wifi.
The first is a personal opinion. Personally, I love my butterfly keyboard. I type much faster and more accurately. I have had nothing go wrong with it...as I currently eat a sandwich while typing this...it's not even treated like it should be.
Your anecdote is indeed an opinion. I am glad that you love your new keyboard however long it may provide you with sterling service. However, the fact that Apple has had to initiate a repair programme for the butterfly keyboard, which was not the case for its predecessor, is proof enough of a lowering of standards.
Proof of a quality control lapse, yes. But the fact that they did initiate a repair program I think is proof that their standard is still there. But I digress. I just think people should try the keyboard out for themselves before they swear off an entire (very good) notebook.