(Buying Advice) 2020 MacBook Pro 13; i5 vs i7 and 16GB vs 32GB?

[af4q]

I am currently using 2015 MBP 13 (Core i7, 16GB, 512GB) and planning to buy the 10th Gen version of the 2020 MBP 13 (the 1799USD one). However, I cant decide if its worth upgrading to i7 (extra 200USD) and/or RAM to 32GB (extra 400USD).

My usage is pretty general but I will be keeping this laptop for atleast 3-4 years. My usage includes browsing (Safari), 4K streaming, lots of excel (large files), one or twice a week of Photoshop/Illustrator. On the current laptop, RAM usage is usually around 10-11GB (after actively closing unused apps) and with photoshop it goes up to 13-14GB.

I understand that the difference between Core i5 and Core i7 might not be much as both are quad core with hyper threading and both have same GPU. However, I cant decide on the RAM. Whether the 16GB RAM will be enough for next 3-4 years or it wont be? And whether it is worth spending extra 400USD right now for 32GB instead of saving that towards getting a new MacBook in 2-3 years when 32GB is cheaper and possibly with newer CPU?

Thanks.

 

[af4q]

Anyone?

 

[oreganoinferno]

Why do you want to upgrade? There seems to be no obvious reason for it You could be happy with the 1799 'base' version. If you feel like you'll increase your Photoshop/Illustrator usage, 32 GB could be handy, though.

Just speaking for myself: I'll get the 1799 one and stay with 16GB Ram and the i5. Currently having a base 2017 MBP nTB 256 GB, the reasons for update is the keyboard & disk space. The new machine I want to keep for at least 5 years.
I think I'll start doing some hobby 4K video editing in the near future, which would be reasons for 32GB & i7. But I will not spend the extra money since I'm sure I will not feel the difference. And money's not coming in on its own

 

[af4q]

Why do you want to upgrade? There seems to be no obvious reason for it You could be happy with the 1799 'base' version. If you feel like you'll increase your Photoshop/Illustrator usage, 32 GB could be handy, though.

Just speaking for myself: I'll get the 1799 one and stay with 16GB Ram and the i5. Currently having a base 2017 MBP nTB 256 GB, the reasons for update is the keyboard & disk space. The new machine I want to keep for at least 5 years.
I think I'll start doing some hobby 4K video editing in the near future, which would be reasons for 32GB & i7. But I will not spend the extra money since I'm sure I will not feel the difference.

Thanks for the response.

My Photoshop/Illustrator usage wont be increasing however I am concerned that in 1-2 years, the RAM usage of general apps I use (like Excel) may increase. Especially MS Office which is notorious for high RAM usage on macOS.

 

[oreganoinferno]

I've been on 8 GB for almost 10 years now and almost never felt this to be a bottleneck. Only when playing with 4K video editing in iMovie... What I do is when I'm not sure about an investment, I calculate the hours I have to work extra to afford it, and how much lifetime & stress it will safe me. Then I decide yes or no.
In your case & with that uncertainty, you may want to wait with the new purchase. Wait what next year brings in terms of prices and maybe technology (switch to ARM or what ever).