High-End 2018 13-Inch MBP Vs. Base 2017 15-Inch MBP

[donster28]

If the 2018 high-end 13-inch MBP is configured to have 16GB of RAM (the same 2133Mhz DDR3 as 2017 MBP), do you think it will match/exceed the performance of the Base 2017 15-Inch MBP? What will you choose if you're not going for the 2018 15-inchers?

The prices are:
2017 15-Inch MBP (Refurbished) - US$1,909
2018 13-Inch MBP configured with 16GB RAM - US$1,999

Difference: $90

 

[bradl]

My opinion may not matter because I'm coming from a 13" mid-2011 MBA (4GB, 256GB), so anything for me would be a significant upgrade. I like the form factor of the 13", and the 15" would be a bit too much for me. If it were my wife, who needs the 15" due to her being blind, I'd go with that, as $90 isn't much difference. However, you didn't mention the specs of the 2017 15" that you're referring to.

Now again, I'll admit that I'm out of the loop because I haven't needed to buy a new Mac because my MBA has been a workhorse for 7 years, but now that I'm using it more for our business, and the fact that it was just made obsolete by Mojave and that High Sierra was horrible on it (my MBA runs best with Sierra), I'll need the MBP over the MBA.

Again, form factor is winning out for me; otherwise, it would be an even push.

BL.

 

[donster28]

My opinion may not matter because I'm coming from a 13" mid-2011 MBA (4GB, 256GB), so anything for me would be a significant upgrade. I like the form factor of the 13", and the 15" would be a bit too much for me. If it were my wife, who needs the 15" due to her being blind, I'd go with that, as $90 isn't much difference. However, you didn't mention the specs of the 2017 15" that you're referring to.

Now again, I'll admit that I'm out of the loop because I haven't needed to buy a new Mac because my MBA has been a workhorse for 7 years, but now that I'm using it more for our business, and the fact that it was just made obsolete by Mojave and that High Sierra was horrible on it (my MBA runs best with Sierra), I'll need the MBP over the MBA.

Again, form factor is winning out for me; otherwise, it would be an even push.

BL.

Thanks for chiming in...I did mention it’s the Base 2017 15-Inch.

 

[maerz001]

More importantly is the keyboard performance

 

[donster28]

More importantly is the keyboard performance

I do understand your concern but let’s just put aside the keyboard issues for this comparison.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Hard to compare performance, I think this decision should be more based on size needs or preference. Doesn't answer your question though so apologize.

 

[shyam09]

Don’t forget dedicated graphics on the 15”.

depends on your use though. I’d take larger screen and dGPU any frickin day.

 

[donster28]

Hard to compare performance, I think this decision should be more based on size needs or preference. Doesn't answer your question though so apologize.

No worries...thanks for your reply. Just want to add that I do prefer the additional screen real estate on the 15-inch and its dedicated graphics. It's just a matter of comparing the speeds of the old Kaby Lake vs. the new Coffee Lake on the 13-inch.
[doublepost=1531460599][/doublepost]

Don’t forget dedicated graphics on the 15”.

depends on your use though. I’d take larger screen and dGPU any frickin day.

I hear ya...I kinda forgotten about the dedicated graphics on the 15 which is an added plus. It's the difference bet. the old and new CPU then...would there be a considerable difference in speed?

 

[Naimfan]

Graphics on 15" smoke the 13".

And there's no substitute for screen space.

 

[Schranke]

I do prefer the additional screen real estate on the 15-inch and its dedicated graphics.

There you have it. Personally I do not believe many will use the CPU one either machine to their full capabilities a high enough % of the time to make a difference in overall performance perception. I would go with the 15" due to the larger screen which I can not be without.

What is your intended use?

 

[donster28]

There you have it. Personally I do not believe many will use the CPU one either machine to their full capabilities a high enough % of the time to make a difference in overall performance perception. I would go with the 15" due to the larger screen which I can not be without.

What is your intended use?

I agree!

I will use it for Final Cut Pro X 4K editing and Logic Pro/Grageband which I think it is capable without much hiccups.

 

[Schranke]

I agree!

I will use it for Final Cut Pro X 4K editing and Logic Pro/Grageband which I think it is capable without much hiccups.

I think so too, and the dGPU just gives a better graphic performance then the iGPU would have.
Looked at the Geekbench scores and single core is not different while the multi core was a little higher. but so far there really isn't a range of datapoints for the 13"

 

[donster28]

I think so too, and the dGPU just gives a better graphic performance then the iGPU would have.
Looked at the Geekbench scores and single core is not different while the multi core was a little higher. but so far there really isn't a range of datapoints for the 13"

Do they have the 2018 TB 13-inch scores yet?

 

[Schranke]

Do they have the 2018 TB 13-inch scores yet?

there is one, guess its from an internal test
https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/search?q=8559U
We should get a better range during the next weeks so we will have an idea about the average performance

 

[donster28]

there is one, guess its from an internal test
https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/search?q=8559U
We should get a better range during the next weeks so we will have an idea about the average performance

Oh ok, that's the leak from a week ago. Thanks! Considering that's the 2.70Ghz config, which is a lot more money, it's clearer that the 2017 Base 15 is really a better choice.

 

[Schranke]

Oh ok, that's the leak from a week ago. Thanks! Considering that's the 2.70Ghz config, which is a lot more money, it's clearer that the 2017 Base 15 is really a better choice.

thought you were looking at the high end, but if you are not, then the 15" should be a no brainer at this point

 

[donster28]

thought you were looking at the high end, but if you are not, then the 15" should be a no brainer at this point

The 2.70 is the high end 2018 13-inch, isn't it?

 

[Schranke]

The 2.70 is the high end 2018 13-inch, isn't it?

yah, it is. what I read from here

Considering that's the 2.70Ghz config, which is a lot more money

It sounded to me that you were looking at maybe the i5?

But anyways, the performance is marginal compared to the 15" where you will get a bigger screen and a dGPU.
So as long as "Hey Siri", bluetooth 5.0 and True Tone display is not worth more to you, the 15" would be the best choice

 

[keysofanxiety]

I agree!

I will use it for Final Cut Pro X 4K editing and Logic Pro/Grageband which I think it is capable without much hiccups.

Definitely, definitely go with 15" for the dGPU. FCPX & LPX use Metal which utilises the dGPU for buttery performance.

 

[Minxy]

I also have a buying dilemma. I'd like to get the MBP 13" with 16GB ram and 512GB storage. It's the perfect form factor the big downer is integrated graphics. Will I be able to comfortably use it for editing 4k videos (nothing too demanding) with titles and graphics using Final Cut and Premiere Pro?

 

[maflynn]

I personally think you get more computer and more bang for your buck with the 15" model over the 13" So while the new 13" 2018 MBPs have quad cores, you don't get a dGPU, and the screen is smaller. I've gone back and forth in using a 13" and 15", I always seem to regret using or buying the 13" so from now on, its 15" at least for me.

 

[donster28]

yah, it is. what I read from here

It sounded to me that you were looking at maybe the i5?

But anyways, the performance is marginal compared to the 15" where you will get a bigger screen and a dGPU.
So as long as "Hey Siri", bluetooth 5.0 and True Tone display is not worth more to you, the 15" would be the best choice

Thanks again! And yeah, it's the 2018 i7 13-inch, which is the higher end option (regardless if it has a 512GB SSD), compared to the 2017 i7 15-inch. Sorry if I was confusing.
[doublepost=1531485521][/doublepost]

I also have a buying dilemma. I'd like to get the MBP 13" with 16GB ram and 512GB storage. It's the perfect form factor the big downer is integrated graphics. Will I be able to comfortably use it for editing 4k videos (nothing too demanding) with titles and graphics using Final Cut and Premiere Pro?

I think as keysofanxiety has mentioned, the 2015 15-inch has an dGPU that takes advantage of 'Metal' on FCPX for smooth 4K editing.
[doublepost=1531485556][/doublepost]

I personally think you get more computer and more bang for your buck with the 15" model over the 13" So while the new 13" 2018 MBPs have quad cores, you don't get a dGPU, and the screen is smaller. I've gone back and forth in using a 13" and 15", I always seem to regret using or buying the 13" so from now on, its 15" at least for me.

I agree...thanks!
[doublepost=1531485592][/doublepost]

Definitely, definitely go with 15" for the dGPU. FCPX & LPX use Metal which utilises the dGPU for buttery performance.

Great point...thanks!

 

[The Mercurian]

If resale value matters to you go for the 2018 one. The 2016/2017 are not going to maintina good second hand values due to the keyboard reputation (rightly or wrongly).

 

[donster28]

If resale value matters to you go for the 2018 one. The 2016/2017 are not going to maintina good second hand values due to the keyboard reputation (rightly or wrongly).

Good point but the verdict's still out on the 2018's keyboard so we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Naimfan]

For your use case, the 2017 is the better choice, because of the dGPU and larger screen, particularly with FCPX. And it's covered by the keyboard repair program.

If you can wait a week or so you're likely to see significant discounts from resellers on the 2017 models, which should make them even more attractive price-wise.