MacBook Pro 2015 vs 2017

[Tex-Twil]

Hi,
at work I'm currently using a macbook pro 15" with the following specs

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
2,2 GHz Intel Core i7 (4 cores)
16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB
256 SSD

Geekbench

and I have the possibility to replace it with this one

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2017)
2,3 GHz Intel Core i5 (2 cores)
16 GB 2133 MHz DDR3
Iris Plus Graphics 640
512 SSD

Geekbench

I wonder which one is better for a developer usage (Xcode, AppCode, Android Studio, IntelliJ, Slack ..)

Even if I prefer a 15", I use the mac often with an external monitor + keyboard and mouse

One annoying thing with the 15" that I currently have is that the graphic card does not seem to be powerful enough to handle a 4k screen: even during normal usage, the keyboard typing becomes laggy and I suspect the GPU to be weak.

I did a Cinebench with both and the 13" has indeed 10 FPS more that the 15" (41 FPS vs 30 FPS).
The Geekbench for a single core is better for the 13" but obviously worse for the 4 Core 15"

what would be your choice?

 

[maflynn]

what would be your choice?

If you feel the GPU is better in the 13" and you clearly get more storage, then why not?

Personally, I wouldn't do it, because giving up the 15" display would be too much of an issue for me. If your laptop is connected to a monitor most of the time, and/or don't mind the display size while mobile, then why not.

 

[Tex-Twil]

yeah at work I always use the monitor. I use my work mbp at home as well without an external screen but I’m planning anyway to get a personal 2018 mbp soon.

I ll just try it for a couple of days and will see

cheers

 

[Fishrrman]

I guess I'm a "retro" kind of guy.

I want a keyboard with nice feedback and "travel in the keys" when I hit them.
I want "real ports" that can connect to what I have without dongles. I haven't yet bought or encountered a "USB-c" plug anywhere.
I like connecting cables that have plugs that help identify what the cable is for, rather than plugs that are all-the-same and "you have figure out what they're used for"...

But again, that's just me.

 

[Tex-Twil]

you have a point with the cables. The 13" has only two USB-C ports and it's hell to find a proper adapter/hub especially if I want to have 4k @ 60Hz

 

[1050792]

If you can get used to the smaller screen then the 13" is better machine in every way, talking about future proof too.

 

[svgn]

I love the size of 13", but if I will use the macbook on a desk all day long, I wouldn't choose the 13". If you can get a monitor then definitely > 13".