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Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&A
Published April 11, 2015
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What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "Early 2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the "Mid-2014" models replaced?
There are three different 13-Inch "Early 2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.7 13" and "Core i5" 2.9 13" as well as the BTO/CTO "Core i7" 3.1 13" option.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro)
Early 2015 MacBook Pro Differences
These three 13-Inch "Early 2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models all use the same "Broadwell ULT" architecture and integrated Intel Iris 6100 graphics. They vary from one another only by processor, standard storage, order number, and price:
| Processor Speed: | 2.7 GHz | 2.9 GHz | 3.1 GHz |
| Processor Type: | I5-5257U | I5-5287U | I7-5557U |
| Standard SSD: | 128 GB 256 GB |
512 GB | BTO/CTO |
| Order Number (US): | MF839LL/A MF840LL/A |
MF841LL/A | BTO/CTO |
| Price (US): | US$1299 US$1499 |
US$1799 | US$1499-US$1999 |
Early 2015 & Mid-2014 MacBook Pro Differences
There are many differences between the "Early 2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the "Mid-2014" models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.6 13", "Core i5" 2.8 13", and "Core i7" 3.0 13" -- that they replaced.
The newer models have a more advanced processor and architecture, more advanced graphics processor, faster RAM, a faster SSD, and a higher capacity battery as well as a more advanced trackpad. There are different identifiers for each line, too.
External Similarities & Differences
Both the "Mid-2014" and "Early 2015" models use similar -- and essentially "sealed" -- aluminum and glass cases that are uniformly thick -- 0.71 of an inch thick, 12.35 inches wide, and 8.62 inches deep. Both lines weigh a little under 3.5 pounds, but the "Early 2015" models are two hundredths of a pound heavier, if you're a stickler for details.
All of these models have the same high-resolution LED-backlit widescreen "Retina" display. Specifically, they each have a 13.3" widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi) "Retina" display that runs "pixel doubled" at 1280x800.
Both lines also have a full-size "chiclet-style" backlit keyboard, integrated stereo speakers, dual microphones, and an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, but the "Mid-2014" line uses a glass "no button" trackpad with "inertial scrolling" support, whereas the "Early 2015" models pack a more advanced "Force Touch" trackpad.
Apple explains that this trackpad has "built-in force sensors that allow you to click anywhere and haptic feedback that provides a responsive and uniform feel" and enables a new gesture called "Force Click" which is a "click followed by a deeper press" for additional functionality over the "inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities" of the earlier trackpad.
Connectivity Similarities
The 13-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Early 2015" MacBook Pro models have identical connectivity.
Both lines have two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt 2" ports, an HDMI port, an audio out port, an SDXC card slot, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a "MagSafe 2" power connector port.
Identification Differences
The 13-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Early 2015" MacBook Pro models share the A1502 Model Number.
Although the "Early 2015" models can be uniquely identified by the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier in software, the "Mid-2014" models share the MacBookPro11,1 identifier with earlier systems.
Consequently, the easiest way to uniquely identify models in these two lines is by EMC Number on the bottom of the notebook toward the hinge in tiny type. Specifically, the "Mid-2014" models are 2875 and the "Early 2015" models are 2835.
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can uniquely identify each one of the Retina Display MacBook Pro models by their serial numbers and other identifiers.
Internal Differences
Internally, the 13-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Early 2015" MacBook Pro models have little in common except that both have soldered memory, "blade" SSDs, and batteries that are glued in place.
The "Mid-2014" models use the "Haswell" architecture, Intel Iris 5100 graphics (which supports two external 2560x1600 displays), 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM memory, and a PCIe 2.0 2-lane interface for the SSD. The 71.8-watt-hour battery provides estimated battery life of nine hours.
The "Early 2015" models, on the other hand, use a more advanced "Broadwell" architecture, Intel Iris 6100 graphics (which supports two external 3840x2160 displays), 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM memory, and a PCIe 2.0 4-lane interface for the SSD. The 74.9-watt-hour battery provides estimated battery life of ten to twelve hours.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the 13-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Early 2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details:
 13" Mid-2014 |
13" Early 2015 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 2.6, 2.8, 3.0 GHz | 2.7, 2.9, 3.1 GHz |
| Processor Type: | Core i5 (I5-4278U) Core i5 (I5-4308U) Core i7 (I7-4578U) |
Core i5 (I5-5257U) Core i5 (I5-5287U) Core i7 (I7-5557U) |
| System Architecture: | Haswell | Broadwell |
| Standard RAM: | 8 GB† | 8 GB† |
| Maximum RAM: | 16 GB† | 16 GB† |
| RAM Type: | 1600 MHz DDR3L | 1866 MHz LPDDR3 |
| Standard Storage: | 128, 256, 512 GB | 128, 256, 512 GB |
| Storage Interface: | PCIe 2.0 (2-Lane) | PCIe 2.0 (4-Lane) |
| Integrated Graphics: | Iris 5100 | Iris 6100 |
| VRAM (Shared): | 1.5 GB | 1.5 GB |
| Display Size: | 13.3" Widescreen | 13.3" Widescreen |
| Display Resolution: | 2560x1600 (227 ppi) | 2560x1600 (227 ppi) |
| Max External Display: | 2560x1600 (x2) | 3840x2160 (x2) |
| Battery Capacity: | 71.8 W h | 74.9 W h |
| Battery Life: | 9 Hours | 10-12 Hours |
| Trackpad: | Inertial | Force Touch |
| Dimensions: | 0.71 x 12.35 x 8.62 | 0.71 x 12.35 x 8.62 |
| Weight: | 3.46 lbs (1.57 kg) | 3.48 lbs (1.58 kg) |
| Order Number (US): | MGX72LL/A MGX82LL/A MGX92LL/A |
MF839LL/A MF840LL/A MF841LL/A |
| EMC Number: | 2875 | 2835 |
| Model Identifier: | MacBookPro11,1 | MacBookPro12,1 |
| Intro. Price (US): | US$1299 US$1499 US$1799 |
US$1299 US$1499 US$1799 |
| Intro. Price (UK): | £999 £1199 £1399 |
£999 £1199 £1399 |
| Intro. Price (CA): | C$1399 C$1599 C$1899 |
C$1549 C$1799 C$2199 |
| Intro. Price (AU): | A$1599 A$1849 A$2199 |
A$1799 A$2099 A$2499 |
† RAM can be upgraded only at the time of initial purchase. RAM is soldered in place.
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, the "Early 2015" 13-Inch MacBook Pro models provide both performance and battery life improvements and are a welcomed upgrade. A computer can never be too fast or have the battery last too long.
However, in the real world, the performance boost can be modest, and the "Mid-2014" models remain well worth considering, particularly given discount prices on the used market.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
Please also see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Pro model to any other Mac.
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