The 15's have always been too big for me as well. The 13 is the perfect size. This time around I like the size of the 15. That coupled with the OS runs miles better with a quad core, I would have a tough time going back to the less powered 13's.
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2016 MacBook Pro 13" vs 15"
- Thread starter JerTheGeek
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The 15's have always been too big for me as well. The 13 is the perfect size. This time around I like the size of the 15. That coupled with the OS runs miles better with a quad core, I would have a tough time going back to the less powered 13's.
Do you still have the 13",if so, could you post a pic comparing them in size? Is the new 15" still too big to be used in the bed?
Thanks, unfortunately it's not what I was asking for. The video is comparing both 2016 models, but I was wondering how big is the size difference between the 13" 2013-2015 with the 2016 15".
Ah, yes I see that further up now. The 2015 13" is actually 2.5 mm (.1 in) thicker, but also 3.6 cm (1.4 in) less wide and 2.2 cm (.76 in) less deep. It weighs 250 g (.54 lb) less. Not as much difference as I thought, but certainly noticeable. Would be fun to see a side-by-side photo.
I no longer have the 13 inch. All I can offer is that the newer 15 inch feels better balanced I need terms of weight than the old 13 inch. It feels lighter but I'm guessing it probably isn't. I thought the 13 inch was already too uncomfortable for bed but for example if your comfortable using the 13 inch in the bed, I can't imagine someone saying the new 15 inch cannot be used.
The 15" is big. It feels big in the coffee shop, on the plane, in the library, on the go, in bed, on the train. It takes longer to take out, longer to put it, much easier to drop. The 13" is a lot more portable. The 2015 is amazing to work on, however, it is snappier and the screen size is significantly more comfortable, yet I would much prefer 13" on the go, while 15" is better at the desk. All of this is about 2015 model, but the footprint seems very similar on the 2016 as well.
That is my biggest thing with the 15". It is like you said, big. To me it seems like the footprint is big enough that it feels like it should stay at a desk; granted a lot of my work and usage of it is done at a desk, but certainly not all my usage of it. I think then it makes sense as long as I don't need the power and have an external display, stick with the 13" cause it is gonna be a much better experience everywhere away from the desk.
I have both, but rarely take the 15" outside. You can feel the difference in performance, but not enough to compensate for discomfort of using a larger footprint laptop in a limited space environment
The 13" also only has 1 fan which spins much slower than each of the two fans in 15", which makes it less noisy if you need to spin it, battery lasts longer etc.
I would say so. If you don't need the power of the 15" then go with the portability and compactness of the 13" (and get a better experience with the bigger screen of the monitor).
The thing with "need" is that you don't even "need" what you currently have. You could do everything you mention with a 2010 MacBook.
So any choice you make isn't based on need. It's based on benefit, value, and wants. The faster 15" is a benefit. The larger screen is definitely a benefit, and sounds like a want. The smaller size of the 13" is a benefit, doesn't sound like a want.
Of those, it sounds like the 15" is the right choice for you right now.
But that leaves value. If you can afford it, you probably should go with your wants (assuming you can really afford it and not simply can pay for it--that's where needs become more important, as if you can't really afford it, you shouldn't exceed your needs, though that means sticking with what you currently have!).
All of this you already know, which is why the decision is so hard. And that boils down to:
If you pick the one you want, it might be too big. If you pick the one you are familiar with, you might have preferred the larger one. It sounds like price really isn't an issue, but a hopeful excuse.
So with that all said, I'd recommend the 15". If for no other reason than that once you've owned it for a while, you'll KNOW FOR CERTAIN instead of just wondering (which will nag at you indefinitely).
The bonus points here are that if the screen is as nice as you are hoping, you can possibly sell your monitor to help pay for it (tidying up your workspace in the process) and if you don't like it, you have 14 days to return it with zero financial loss.
Also, the performance difference is noticeable. You don't need it, but you will enjoy it (but only if you can afford it).
If you've read this far, your gut should know the answer. If the 15" sounds good, go for it, it's the one you want. If I sound like I'm full of ****, then I think your gut knows you really do want the 13".
Good luck!
(and one last thing, to help ease your mind, no matter which you pick, you'll be happier than you are now, so don't sweat it too much, even a mild mistake in choosing the "wrong" one is not going to be a bad outcome)
Thanks for the advice. Price really isn't an issue; if I want the 15" I can easily save for two months longer and get it. I honestly think thats the biggest thing that was pushing away from the 15"....but I must have patience! I need to make the decision based on what my preferences are, not how soon I can buy it.
I don't require the performance so that's not a reason to get the 15". But the screen size could easily be. I like connecting to my monitor but I don't think I do it enough to say the size of my laptop's screen is irrelevant. It still is used a lot. And for all those times, specifically when I'm at my desk, it would do nothing but improve the experience by making everything roomier and easier to work with; plus it would be a larger surface for typing, a nice little plus. Also when sitting on my bed and using it, same benefits would apply.
There's just the factor of using it outside of these two scenarios. Those occasional times I use it in the car, outside, or on the go. These aren't very frequent, and I suppose they shouldn't influence my decision all that much. Additionally, I do take it to work 2-3 days a week, but the sleeve and bag I use now can easily fit the 15" no problem and the weight difference isn't all that much. When I actually take it out at work, that could be a slight inconvenience, but just like the above use cases this isn't extremely frequent (I mainly have to take it just to transfer files to another Mac I work with).
SO, I really don't think portability is enough of a factor for me to say "I'm gonna give up a nice screen size cause I need this laptop to be used on the go."
On the other hand, to switch gears in a different direction, I could argue that I've never really felt like my 13" is too small. I've never really felt cramped while I'm working. So, I could say that the primary reason I want the 15" is a simple "gotta have the top of the line machine" thing, which is kinda silly, but I could see myself thinking that. When I think of it that way, I tend to think, "just go with the 13" its a great little convenient machine."
Apparently I can make arguments both ways. Depending on how I think its like I see a reason either is better for me. I guess that means I can't really go wrong perhaps.
Hey, I have been using the 15-inch MacBook Pro (2016) for a couple of months now, plus I had 13-inch tbMBP for a couple of weeks as well. I had the same difficulty to decide which one should I keep (and I am kinda still undecided, although I am pretty sure I will keep the 15-inch), so after comparing every aspect of both machines, this is my comparison:
- Design: 13-inch wins (in my opinion)
- Portability: 13-inch wins
- Performance: 15-inch wins (but, 99% of the time, I have no problem with performance of 13-inch)
- Ports: 15-inch wins (for 2016 models. 13-inch has less bandwidth on the right-side ports)
- Screen: 15-inch wins (bigger size helps for work, plus my eyes tire faster on 13-inch)
- Speakers: 15-inch wins
- Battery: 15-inch wins (8~9 hours on 13-inch vs 9~11 hours on 15-inch for my workflow)
- macOS: 13-inch wins (15-inch model is more buggy, for sure. Mostly because of dGPU.)
Other things like RAM, SSD, Keyboard, Screen (quality, not size), Trackpad are almost identical, so no winner here.
To summarize, although I really like the form-factor of 13-inch model, bigger screen size really makes the difference when I work on the go or even when I watch a movie/soccer. By the way, I also use external monitor at home (32-inch), but at work I only work on my laptop (for at least 5 hours everyday). Battery life is another important factor for me, and 15-inch always delivers 2 hours more than 13-inch.
I hope Apple fixes all the issues with Sierra, so I can say that macOS works perfectly fine on both models. It leaves me at the point where a little bit more beautiful design and better portability are the only pros of the 13-inch. (Apart from price, which I am not taking into consideration)
- Design: 13-inch wins (in my opinion)
- Portability: 13-inch wins
- Performance: 15-inch wins (but, 99% of the time, I have no problem with performance of 13-inch)
- Ports: 15-inch wins (for 2016 models. 13-inch has less bandwidth on the right-side ports)
- Screen: 15-inch wins (bigger size helps for work, plus my eyes tire faster on 13-inch)
- Speakers: 15-inch wins
- Battery: 15-inch wins (8~9 hours on 13-inch vs 9~11 hours on 15-inch for my workflow)
- macOS: 13-inch wins (15-inch model is more buggy, for sure. Mostly because of dGPU.)
Other things like RAM, SSD, Keyboard, Screen (quality, not size), Trackpad are almost identical, so no winner here.
To summarize, although I really like the form-factor of 13-inch model, bigger screen size really makes the difference when I work on the go or even when I watch a movie/soccer. By the way, I also use external monitor at home (32-inch), but at work I only work on my laptop (for at least 5 hours everyday). Battery life is another important factor for me, and 15-inch always delivers 2 hours more than 13-inch.
I hope Apple fixes all the issues with Sierra, so I can say that macOS works perfectly fine on both models. It leaves me at the point where a little bit more beautiful design and better portability are the only pros of the 13-inch. (Apart from price, which I am not taking into consideration)
That is so true. I have many colleagues who work with the 15" rMBP and it is too big and heavy in my point of view, that is why I chose the 13" one. BUT: The new 15" is smaller than the old one and, of course, still way bigger than the new 13" model, but it is smaller and lighter than the old 15" model and only a bit bigger and heavier than the old 13" model. So it might be the best compromise this year
After spending the last 3 months with a 13" TBMBP, both the 2016 15" and 2014 13" feel enormous.
Does anyone do any photo editing on the 13 model? Is it manageable? Would you prefer the 15 for such tasks?
Unfortunately I can't fit a desktop in my current apartment so looking at getting one of the new models to replace my rMacbook and desktop.
I'm a hobby photographer and worry about not having my 27inch 1440p monitor for Lightroom and Photoshop (unfortunately the monitor and desktop has to go).
Edit: I checked out both models today and preferred the 13, coming from the rMacbook. The 15 felt disproportionately awkward, would it grow on me? The thing also has to be lugged around a military academy daily.
Unfortunately I can't fit a desktop in my current apartment so looking at getting one of the new models to replace my rMacbook and desktop.
I'm a hobby photographer and worry about not having my 27inch 1440p monitor for Lightroom and Photoshop (unfortunately the monitor and desktop has to go).
Edit: I checked out both models today and preferred the 13, coming from the rMacbook. The 15 felt disproportionately awkward, would it grow on me? The thing also has to be lugged around a military academy daily.
I went back and forth between the two and ultimately decided on the 15". The extra screen lets me do so much more increasing productivity for me. The 13" is definitely more portable though. The 15" is still surprisingly portable for its size though IMO. Only weighs 4 lbs which is only .5 lb more than my 2015 13" I upgraded from. Overall I'm happy with the 15" and would recommend it. Only con is the price tag
I eventually decided for the 15" model as well and I loved it from the moment I booted up my Windows 10 VirtualBox. Performance is just so much better than on my old 13". It is bigger, yes, but for a 15" laptop it is still small. Guys next to me have Lenovo T560 15" Notebooks and they are bigger, WAY thicker and heavier then the 15" MacBook Pro (the Lenovos, not the guys ) and they have dual cores only. And, I think, they come at the same price...
I think the 13 vs. 15 is a completely personal choice, where one can't be wrong or right. It's all preference.
Throughout the last 5 years, I've had an 11'' MBA, 13'' MBA, 12'' MacBook, 15'' rMBP, and 13'' rMBP. I do not have one of the 2016 models yet as I'm waiting for the 2017 refresh. However, my point being that I've owned a variety of machines and it took me several tries to strike the right balance and find the right combo, for me. For many others, I suspect the same may be true when they realize 2-3 months in that they'd prefer a larger or smaller laptop. I'm currently with my 12'' MacBook and 2012 15'' rMBP, however the rMBP will be retired as soon as the 2017 15'' models come up. I prefer a work computer and a personal computer, and for me this strikes the right balance. For many others, they'll prefer a single work/personal combo laptop.
Some people don't need the power of the 15'' but they buy it purely based on the size. And some people buy the 13'' but would benefit from the power the 15'' offers. It all depends on your use cases, preference for size, and need for power. I will say that if you're planning to mainly use your MBP with an external monitor that it may be wise to consider the 15'', as it will provide a much more smooth/fluid experience. There are reports on the forum about the 13'' struggling to power external displays, particularly hi-res variants. I will also say that my 15'' 2012 rMBP has aged extremely well for being almost 5 years old, which is something to consider when you're dropping $2.5k+ on these machines. Had I spent a similar amount on a 2012 13'' rMBP, I can't say with confidence that I'd feel my machine aged well. Over a long period of time, the 15 inch is less likely to show its age being quad-core in nature.
Of course, these are just some things to consider. Obviously, the new 13" MBP is extremely thin and portable. The fact that it's comparable to a MBA in terms of weight/size is impressive. Its benefits mainly lie in the realm of portability & being lightweight. However, I think it's important to ask yourself these questions about the 15'' and in what way that machine would benefit you. By answering those questions, I think you should be able to decide on which one is right.
Throughout the last 5 years, I've had an 11'' MBA, 13'' MBA, 12'' MacBook, 15'' rMBP, and 13'' rMBP. I do not have one of the 2016 models yet as I'm waiting for the 2017 refresh. However, my point being that I've owned a variety of machines and it took me several tries to strike the right balance and find the right combo, for me. For many others, I suspect the same may be true when they realize 2-3 months in that they'd prefer a larger or smaller laptop. I'm currently with my 12'' MacBook and 2012 15'' rMBP, however the rMBP will be retired as soon as the 2017 15'' models come up. I prefer a work computer and a personal computer, and for me this strikes the right balance. For many others, they'll prefer a single work/personal combo laptop.
Some people don't need the power of the 15'' but they buy it purely based on the size. And some people buy the 13'' but would benefit from the power the 15'' offers. It all depends on your use cases, preference for size, and need for power. I will say that if you're planning to mainly use your MBP with an external monitor that it may be wise to consider the 15'', as it will provide a much more smooth/fluid experience. There are reports on the forum about the 13'' struggling to power external displays, particularly hi-res variants. I will also say that my 15'' 2012 rMBP has aged extremely well for being almost 5 years old, which is something to consider when you're dropping $2.5k+ on these machines. Had I spent a similar amount on a 2012 13'' rMBP, I can't say with confidence that I'd feel my machine aged well. Over a long period of time, the 15 inch is less likely to show its age being quad-core in nature.
Of course, these are just some things to consider. Obviously, the new 13" MBP is extremely thin and portable. The fact that it's comparable to a MBA in terms of weight/size is impressive. Its benefits mainly lie in the realm of portability & being lightweight. However, I think it's important to ask yourself these questions about the 15'' and in what way that machine would benefit you. By answering those questions, I think you should be able to decide on which one is right.