Older macbook pro in 2020?

[Susieso5]

Hey I just made an account to ask this, please help me...
I'm debating on buying a renewed/refurbished macbook pro (Because of price I am unable to buy a new one from apple).
I found two from trusted sources that are around the price I can afford, one is a 2015 15" Intel core i7 processor, 16 gb RAM,256 GB SSD.
2nd option is a 2017 13" intel core 15 processor 8gb RAM, 128 gb.
So should I go with the newer one with less power+storage? Or older?
I am a student and sometimes need to use heavier programs BUT I am pretty sure both of them could handle the programs I need... just the wimpy regular laptop I have right now cant...

1 minute ago
Thank you so much! Just purchased the 2015 model and I'm feeling very confident about it now!

 

[ryanmillercg]

The 2015 15" will have the more reliable keyboard, and would feel faster overall (cpu, ram, and gpu are all better than the 2017 13" option). It might have worse battery life, but still respectable. You can upgrade the SSD in it with a kit from OWC https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro I think Transcend had an upgrade solution too.

Stay away from 2016-2018 Macbooks! They're lemons.

 

[Longkeg]

It comes down to personal preference but all other things being equal (fit, finish, screen, battery life expectancy, etc.) I’d go with the 17 inch. Bigger screen, bigger SSD, more RAM and faster processor would make me inclined to do choose the older machine.

 

[NikeNikon]

15" is a way better choice. Unless you really need something light. I'm using a 2012 15" with i7 as a personal machine (daily is a much newer Macbook Pro 13). It doesn't feel that slow because speeds haven't gained that much lately.
13" pros : newer by a bit, lighter
15" pros: bigger ram & CPU will feel faster, epecially in media/photo apps. keyboard is better

 

[gnasher729]

The 2015 MBP 15" with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD is the perfect machine.

 

[Susieso5]

Thank you so much! Just purchased the 2015 model and I'm feeling very confident about it now!

 

[Fishrrman]

Agree with everything ryan miller advised in reply 2 above.

The 2015, even though a little older, is the better buy.

Looks like you bought it, so... be happy!