MBP 13" 2.3 mhz (2018) or MBP 13" 1.4 mhz (2019)?

[Hans-C]

I'm looking to get a new Macbook Pro for my son for college. I'm deciding between the 2018 MBP 13" with 2.3 mhz, 256 SSD, and the just released 2019 MBP 13", 1.4 mhz, 256 SSD. For my situation, there is only a $100 difference between these two particular models, so in my mind the cost is essentially equal. Which is the better choice?


See updated I posted below for new choice that has come into the picture

 

[jiiikoo]

I just got the 2019 TB model and loving it a lot. I'd go with that, the i5 in the newer model is way better.

 

[Howard2k]

For $100 difference I'd take the 2018. Faster SSD, appears to be faster wifi (tbc), faster base clock.

CPU performance will be very similar, but given the other differences I think the 2018 is the better buy.
[doublepost=1563556969][/doublepost]

I just got the 2019 TB model and loving it a lot. I'd go with that, the i5 in the newer model is way better.

Did you get the 1.4?
Do you use wifi?

 

[jiiikoo]

Did you get the 1.4?
Do you use wifi?

Yup and yup. Not at home though at the moment so can't post in your thread. Will do when I get home though.

 

[Howard2k]

Yup and yup. Not at home though at the moment so can't post in your thread. Will do when I get home though.

Thanks!

 

[benobi]

I just got the 2019 TB model and loving it a lot. I'd go with that, the i5 in the newer model is way better.

Why do you think the new 1.4 ghz i5 is way better than the 2.3ghz in the 2018? Geekbench scores are pretty equal with the 2018 model being a tad faster on most runs. The 2018 model also has dual fans which theoretically should enable its processor to run at a higher clock rate for longer periods of time.

 

[jiiikoo]

Why do you think the new 1.4 ghz i5 is way better than the 2.3ghz in the 2018? Geekbench scores are pretty equal with the 2018 model being a tad faster on most runs. The 2018 model also has dual fans which theoretically should enable its processor to run at a higher clock rate for longer periods of time.

For some reason I read his post as it being the 2017 model (without TB) which only has a 2 core i5. On a side note, I haven't noticed any thermal throttling on mine, even with back to back cinebench runs.

 

[Hans-C]

Thanks for the comments. I'm leaning toward the 2018 13" MBP 2.3mhz for extra 100. It sounds like the 2018 edges out the 2019 slightly due to the better processor. I also like that it has 4 usb-c ports versus the 2 (on only one side) on the 2019. If the price difference was more in the $400 range, I'd probably lean in a different direction.

 

[benobi]

Thanks for the comments. I'm leaning toward the 2018 13" MBP 2.3mhz for extra 100. It sounds like the 2018 edges out the 2019 slightly due to the better processor. I also like that it has 4 usb-c ports versus the 2 (on only one side) on the 2019. If the price difference was more in the $400 range, I'd probably lean in a different direction.

I think this is the right call. For $100 you get a better cooling system, 2 more USBC ports, potentially better wifi performance (3x3 vs 2x2), and better speakers. That sounds very worth it in my opinion. The one caveat to this (and I am still trying to find some concrete tests) would be battery life. There is the possibility that the 2019 1.4ghz model will have better battery life due to the slightly larger battery size and the lower clock speed. I have been scouring the internet for some conclusive data but haven't found anything useful yet. The 2018 13" MBP was the battery champion in 2018 according to this video:

 

[kp98077]

The 1.4 is as good as the 2018, infant reviews are saying it is as good (5-8% less) than the mid/higher end 2019....
Also, you do not want that 2018 keyboard! Full of issues.

 

[Hans-C]

So, let me spin this a little different to see what everyone thinks. With some sales that started today, price for the 2018 dropped another $100 and also the 2019 2.4mhz comes into play. It looks like I could get the 2018 13" MBP 2.3 mhz 256 SSD for $1400, or I could get the 2019 13" MBP 2.4mhz 256 SSD for $1550. Basically, $150 more for the 2019. With that new info in mind, which is the better choice - the 2018 or the 2019?

 

[benobi]

So, let me spin this a little different to see what everyone thinks. With some sales that started today, price for the 2018 dropped another $100 and also the 2019 2.4mhz comes into play. It looks like I could get the 2018 13" MBP 2.3 mhz 256 SSD for $1400, or I could get the 2019 13" MBP 2.4mhz 256 SSD for $1550. Basically, $150 more for the 2019. With that new info in mind, which is the better choice - the 2018 or the 2019?

the difference between the 2018 and 2019 4TB models is pretty minimal. With the 2019 you’ll get a ~5-7% faster processor and an updated keyboard. However keep in mind, that if you ever have a problem with the 2018 keyboard, Apple will replace it with the 2019 keyboard for free for the next 4 years. I personally don’t think that 5-7% processor jump is worth the extra $150 but if you/your son aren’t close to an Apple Store then it might be worth it for the *hopefully* more reliable keyboard.

 

[kp98077]

I totally think it is worth going for the 2019 for just $150, faster, newer, etc... what's not to like??