Refreshed 2020 MBP vs. 2020 Air: what you get for an extra $300

[roncron]

Apple has just refreshed the 13" MB Pro. All models are getting the magic keyboard and bigger SSD in the base model, like the 2020 MBA.

The lower models stick with the 8th gen processors. The $1799 model gets 10th gen processors.

I'm interested in a config with quad-core 10th gen processor / 512GB SSD / 16GB ram. In case some of you are, too, here are your options:

	2020 13" MB Air	2020 13" MB Pro
price	$1499	$1799
processor	1.1GHz quad-core 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz	2.0GHz quad-core 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz
RAM	16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory	16GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory
SSD	512GB	512GB
ports	Two Thunderbolt 3 ports	Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
battery life	up to 11 hours	up to 10 hours
weight	2.8 pounds	3.1 pounds
camera	720p FaceTime HD camera	720p FaceTime HD camera
display	400 nits	500 nits, P3 wide color gamut
wifi 6?	no	no

I like the MB Air form factor better and dislike the Touch Bar, so I ordered the 2020 model when it was announced, got it 3 weeks later.

My unit ran much hotter than the 2018 MB Air I was hoping to replace. When doing day to day tasks, the 2020 with 10th-gen quad-core i5 model was no faster than my 2018 Air with 8th gen dual-core processor. When doing processor-intensive tasks, the 2020 model was also no faster than the 2018 model, because the 2020 model got very hot and throttled down.

I loved the typing experience on the 2020 Air and I like the true-tone display (which my 2018 Air doesn't have but the 2019 Air does).

I decided to return the 2020 Air and wait to see what the 13" MB Pro refresh looked like. I'm glad I did, and I ordered the configuration above.

For an extra $300, I'm getting a brighter display with P3 gamut, an extra 2 Thunderbolt ports on the right side so I can plug things into either side, and faster performance due to a much faster processor and better thermals. That's worth $300 to me.

I know some of you aren't concerned about the thermals or have a 2020 Air and aren't having a problem with thermal throttling. I'm happy for you, truly. (Though, are you sure your machine is offering better performance than the 2019 Air?)

For those who have concerns about the 2020 Air's thermals, take a look at the newly refreshed 2020 13" Pro. Yes, it's more expensive. But for some of you, what you get for the extra money might be worthwhile.

 

[Spinning Fan]

For an extra $300, I'm getting a brighter display with P3 gamut, an extra 2 Thunderbolt ports on the right side so I can plug things into either side, and faster performance due to a much faster processor and better thermals. That's worth $300 to me.

I know some of you aren't concerned about the thermals or have a 2020 Air and aren't having a problem with thermal throttling. I'm happy for you, truly. (Though, are you sure your machine is offering better performance than the 2019 Air?)

That's awesome (very happy for you) and if I had these choices when I was contemplating, I would have seriously contemplated the new MBP 10th gen. also because the specs look great and I tend to go for higher-spec if the price range is not completely different (in my case, it would be about a $600 difference as I have a i5/16/256 MBA.. so, a bit more different than your case).

I am in a position now where (a) my return period has elapsed so I would have to trade-in/spend more to get a 2020 MBP, (b) comparing to a 2019 MBA is not an option due to unavailability of BTO requirements and not wanting the "keyboard" even if there were other benefits, and (c) the MBA seems to fit what I do decently in the few weeks that I've had it.. even when compared to doing the same tasks on a 13 inch MBP 2018 i7/16 (which basically means I don't really do anything that requires sustained horsepower I suppose).

I will not get into "why I am happy with my MBA" as that sort of discussion has been had elsewhere, but all things considered, I will pretty happily stay with my MBA 2020 i5, personally not really concerned about the thermal situation.

Now, if I were still within my return window .. I would probably be running different scenarios in my head, as the MBP is obviously the higher spec machine and tempting, and it would cover my only gripe with the MBA (no TB ports on the right side) 😅.

 

[AirBud]

I don’t think most MBA users require 16gb of RAM.

As for 2018 vs 2020 performance, the i5 2020 (w/ the heatsink mod) has 100% better multi-core performance and 50% better single-core performance than the 2018 model.

Personally if I was using a laptop for work needs I would get the 16” MBP.

 

[deeddawg]

I am in a position now where (a) my return period has elapsed so [...]

Now, if I were still within my return window .. I would probably be running different scenarios in my head, as the MBP is obviously the higher spec machine and tempting, and it would cover my only gripe with the MBA (no TB ports on the right side) 😅.

Are you a bettin' man?

Per https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/store/temporary_closures

Q. How can I return an order I bought online while under shelter in place orders?
A: Start a return online at apple.com/orderstatus, where you can create a return shipping label to ship your product from a drop off point or schedule a pickup at your location. You can also return your product to an Apple Store within 14 days of the store's reopening.

 

[RED84]

That's awesome (very happy for you) and if I had these choices when I was contemplating, I would have seriously contemplated the new MBP 10th gen. also because the specs look great and I tend to go for higher-spec if the price range is not completely different (in my case, it would be about a $600 difference as I have a i5/16/256 MBA.. so, a bit more different than your case).

I am in a position now where (a) my return period has elapsed so I would have to trade-in/spend more to get a 2020 MBP, (b) comparing to a 2019 MBA is not an option due to unavailability of BTO requirements and not wanting the "keyboard" even if there were other benefits, and (c) the MBA seems to fit what I do decently in the few weeks that I've had it.. even when compared to doing the same tasks on a 13 inch MBP 2018 i7/16 (which basically means I don't really do anything that requires sustained horsepower I suppose).

I will not get into "why I am happy with my MBA" as that sort of discussion has been had elsewhere, but all things considered, I will pretty happily stay with my MBA 2020 i5, personally not really concerned about the thermal situation.

Now, if I were still within my return window .. I would probably be running different scenarios in my head, as the MBP is obviously the higher spec machine and tempting, and it would cover my only gripe with the MBA (no TB ports on the right side) 😅.

I recently ordered the same config, i5/16/256 and it's still in "processing" so I could cancel, but I'd really only be considering the base model MBP with a ram upgrade which would be $100 more. If it had the updated cpu and ram as the 1799+ models i'd probably pull the trigger but considering they didn't update that in the base models I think I'll stick with my MBA order. I guess I still have time to decide but idk.

 

[Falhófnir]

Yeah the $1,799 model has become a bit of a sweet spot, the updated chips, RAM and storage bumps really add value... the Air remains an overall better choice over the $1,299/$1,499 Pro though IMO.

 

[Spinning Fan]

Are you a bettin' man?

Per https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/store/temporary_closures

Not really a betting man, but.. I live in Japan, and checked with the Apple people just today while getting my iPhone warranty repair in order.
You could read the FAQ (which is similarly written in Japanese) in multiple ways, but the person's comment was "only applies to items bought in store". I don't know how the rules are enforced in other countries.

I know they tend to make contradictory or lazy statements depending on the person you talk to.. but that was the initial answer. I completely forgot what the exact issue was, but I also had a previous experience where they told me that "that's only for the US" or "it does not apply to Japan" or something to that effect.

##Added Edit
I see now that the US language says "bought online" specifically, whereas the Japanese site does not say "online".. huh..

 

[deeddawg]

Not really a betting man, but.. I live in Japan, and checked with the Apple people just today while getting my iPhone warranty repair in order.
You could read the FAQ (which is similarly written in Japanese) in multiple ways, but the person's comment was "only applies to items bought in store". I don't know how the rules are enforced in other countries.

I know they tend to make contradictory or lazy statements depending on the person you talk to.. but that was the initial answer. I completely forgot what the exact issue was, but I also had a previous experience where they told me that "that's only for the US" or "it does not apply to Japan" or something to that effect.

Yep. I agree it is not entirely clear and I personally would operate on the side of caution.

It may still be worth going into a store and attempting a return/exchange once they reopen. You might get lucky.

 

[Adelphos33]

Yeah the $1,799 model has become a bit of a sweet spot, the updated chips, RAM and storage bumps really add value... the Air remains an overall better choice over the $1,299/$1,499 Pro though IMO.

Why? If you upgrade the MBP $1,299 model to 16GM ram for $100, don’t you get a significantly better computer than a comparable MacBook Air for $1,399?

 

[Falhófnir]

Why? If you upgrade the MBP $1,299 model to 16GM ram for $100, don’t you get a significantly better computer than a comparable MacBook Air for $1,399?

Give and take. The Pro has better CPU performance, especially sustained performance, but the Air has better graphics performance which is what I think is more sorely lacking in these iGPU only machines. The Air will also come with 512GB storage over 256 at that price, which is the difference between just enough and comfortable. Evening them out to i5/16GB/512GB, the Pro comes in at $1,599 with the Air at $1,499 - but at that point you really had just as well get the $1,799 model for $200 extra anyway which has the best of both worlds. It's quite an aggressive upsell on Apple's part but that's business I guess.

 

[jpadhiyar]

Give and take. The Pro has better CPU performance, especially sustained performance, but the Air has better graphics performance which is what I think is more sorely lacking in these iGPU only machines. The Air will also come with 512GB storage over 256 at that price, which is the difference between just enough and comfortable. Evening them out to i5/16GB/512GB, the Pro comes in at $1,599 with the Air at $1,499 - but at that point you really had just as well get the $1,799 model for $200 extra anyway which has the best of both worlds. It's quite an aggressive upsell on Apple's part but that's business I guess.

I quite agree the $1,799 does offer the best of both worlds. And when you are buying a performing machine, the $300 is recovered quite efficiently.

 

[ARJR84]

Give and take. The Pro has better CPU performance, especially sustained performance, but the Air has better graphics performance which is what I think is more sorely lacking in these iGPU only machines. The Air will also come with 512GB storage over 256 at that price, which is the difference between just enough and comfortable. Evening them out to i5/16GB/512GB, the Pro comes in at $1,599 with the Air at $1,499 - but at that point you really had just as well get the $1,799 model for $200 extra anyway which has the best of both worlds. It's quite an aggressive upsell on Apple's part but that's business I guess.

The pro actually has better graphics as well, despite having fewer CUs. Seems as though the thermal performance is holding the air back again. It's very much less of a give and take, the MBP, while disappointing in some regards, is a straightup upgrade to the MBA.

 

[Herrpod]

Comparing the Air to the 1700+ dollar MBP is ridiculous. The Air is a much better computer than the lower end MBP, which shouldn't be the case but unfortunately is. Also the Air doesn't have that stupid Touch Bar, which easily makes it the winner for me.

 

[RusHayer]

What about base Air and Pro models? How do you compare 10th-generation i3 vs 8th-generation i5? And I see base Pro model has LPDDR3 memory. Is it significant for 300$ price difference? Can someone explain please?

 

[Herrpod]

What about base Air and Pro models? How do you compare 10th-generation i3 vs 8th-generation i5? And I see base Pro model has LPDDR3 memory. Is it significant for 300$ price difference? Can someone explain please?

The base Air is better than the base MBP.

 

[Falhófnir]

The pro actually has better graphics as well, despite having fewer CUs. Seems as though the thermal performance is holding the air back again. It's very much less of a give and take, the MBP, while disappointing in some regards, is a straightup upgrade to the MBA.

Well it's up to you what you buy. If it was me, if I wanted power it would definitely be the $1,799/ $1,999 model and if I wasn't so concerned about the power I'd go with the Air and save the money.

 

[ctjack]

but at that point you really had just as well get the $1,799 model for $200 extra anyway which has the best of both worlds.

Yeah, and you could also add another $200 and get MBP 16 for $2000 for base refurbished model(or education $2200-$200 headphones).
Strategy is that you always want to add another extra $200.
At this moment, for the price of $1799 Pro, i can get 2 laptops - i5 Air for me, i3 for my wife. 2 Airs > 1 MBP at least for me for now.

 

[Falhófnir]

Yeah, and you could also add another $200 and get MBP 16 for $2000 for base refurbished model(or education $2200-$200 headphones).
Strategy is that you always want to add another extra $200.
At this moment, for the price of $1799 Pro, i can get 2 laptops - i5 Air for me, i3 for my wife. 2 Airs > 1 MBP at least for me for now.

Yep Apple have always been very good at making each step up seem more of a no-brainer than the last, until you suddenly find you've stepped all the way up from a $999 Air to a $2,399 16"! Still impressed with both the current Air configurations, they are probably the best value machines Apple have put out since the 2015 13" Pro at £999...

 

[RED84]

Yep Apple have always been very good at making each step up seem more of a no-brainer than the last, until you suddenly find you've stepped all the way up from a $999 Air to a $2,399 16"! Still impressed with both the current Air configurations, they are probably the best value machines Apple have put out since the 2015 13" Pro at £999...

and after you step up to the 16” it’s only a hop skip and a jump before you got yourself a shiny new Mac Pro!

 

[KPOM]

The base Air is better than the base MBP.

No it isn’t. The base Pro with 8th gen chips will run circles around the 10th gen i3 in multicore or sustained tasks.
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Yep Apple have always been very good at making each step up seem more of a no-brainer than the last, until you suddenly find you've stepped all the way up from a $999 Air to a $2,399 16"! Still impressed with both the current Air configurations, they are probably the best value machines Apple have put out since the 2015 13" Pro at £999...

I agree the base Air (and $100 i5 upgrade) is a solid machine for many people.

 

[SeeG]

MBP 2k20 i5 (10th gen), 16G DDR4X, 512G SSD looks the best “balanced” choice (if you can afford it) if you want a solid laptop for long years of use.

 

[thadoggfather]

Comparing the Air to the 1700+ dollar MBP is ridiculous. The Air is a much better computer than the lower end MBP, which shouldn't be the case but unfortunately is. Also the Air doesn't have that stupid Touch Bar, which easily makes it the winner for me.

Yeah I was never jealous of users with Touch Bar when I was rocking my 2016 NTB Pro.

Ok cool, the escape key is physically separated now. Doesn't change my view of Touch Bar that I don't like dynamic functionality, I think its a gimmick, and I don't even want static function keys displayed I just want real function keys and tactile feedback I've been used to for my entire life.

If I did a lot of navigating videos for editing or something, I could see it being nice at times. But I don't even do that. Extra steps to adjust volume and brightness is lame to me.

 

[IngerMan]

Extra steps to adjust volume and brightness is lame to me

actually you have 4 keys on the right you can choose, always on. On my 2017 MBP I have brightness, Volume, screen capture and I have a Automater task to close all apps. You can choose what you want but there always there.

 

[Herrpod]

No it isn’t. The base Pro with 8th gen chips will run circles around the 10th gen i3 in multicore or sustained tasks.
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I agree the base Air (and $100 i5 upgrade) is a solid machine for many people.

As if anyone buying these low level models give a crap. The Air has better speakers, better memory, no idiotic Touchbar, and is significantly cheaper on the low end. People buying these are doing so for web browsing, mail, Word etc. The Air is better.

 

[thadoggfather]

actually you have 4 keys on the right you can choose, always on. On my 2017 MBP I have brightness, Volume, screen capture and I have a Automater task to close all apps. You can choose what you want but there always there.

thats cool but still not a fan.

not trying to rain on anyone's Touch Bar parade. it just aint for me. I was hoping, even not being in the market for a new Pro, that they offered no touchbar options. Enough people would be interested I suspect.