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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published December 11, 2020
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What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models? Which is best for me?
The 13-Inch "2 TB 3 2020" MacBook Pro models have been discontinued. The 13-Inch "4 TB 3 2020" MacBook Pro models still are sold as new.
There are two stock 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 1.4 13" 2020 2 TB 3 and MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.0 13" 2020 4 TB 3.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (2020 Retina MacBook Pro 13")
With even a detailed inspection, these models look nearly identical -- so much so that Apple only released a single promo photo for both notebooks -- but there is one telltale external difference as well as major internal differences that Apple largely glosses over in official comparisons. Accordingly, a detailed, objective comparison can be particularly helpful.
External Differences
The "2020" 13-Inch MacBook Pro models use nearly identical "sealed" aluminum and glass case designs. Both share the same dimensions, weigh the same amount, and are offered in either a silver color or a darker "Space Gray" option. There only is one external difference.
Both models have high-resolution 13.3" (2560x1600) LED-backlit, True Tone, P3 color gamut, widescreen "Retina" displays, integrated stereo speakers and three microphones, and an integrated 720p webcam.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro Keyboard)
Both model use the same massive "Force Touch" trackpad and the same "scissor switch" keyboard with a physical esc key and a "Touch ID" sensor that are separate from the "Touch Bar" and 4 arrow keys provided as a classic "inverted-T arrangement."
Both models have 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 as well as a "traditional" 3.5 mm headphone jack that does not support optical audio, but the entry-level model only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports (size compatible with USB-C), whereas the higher-end model has four Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Identification Differences
The "2020" 13-Inch MacBook Pro models have different Model Numbers. Specifically, the models with two Thunderbolt 3 ports use the A2289 Model Number whereas the models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports use the A2251 Model Number.
However, because they are more unique, the EMC Number on the bottom of the case or the Model Identifiers in software are better for long-term identification.
Just as the site has done for decades, EveryMac.com has diligently hand documented these details from the hardware itself for your convenience:
MacBook Pro |
EMC |
Model ID |
13-Inch (2020, 2 TB 3) |
||
13-Inch (2020, 4 TB 3) |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can uniquely identify each one of the Touch Bar MacBook Pro models by their serial numbers, which are listed in software as well as on the bottom of the system.
Internal Differences
The "2020" 13-Inch MacBook Pro models use different architectures and have little in common internally, although both do provide an Apple-estimated 10 hours of battery life.
Specifically, the entry-level models with two Thunderbolt 3 ports use the increasingly vintage 8th Generation Intel "Coffee Lake" architecture with comparatively slow 2133 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM whereas the higher-end models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports use the current 10th Generation "Ice Lake" architecture with faster 3733 MHz LPDDR4X SDRAM. Both models use relatively slow integrated graphics that share system memory, but the higher-end models are more capable and support a larger 6K (6016x3384) external display.
All of these models have soldered RAM and storage that cannot be upgraded after the initial system purchase.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details:
 13" 2020 (2 TB 3) |
13" 2020 (4 TB 3) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Architecture: | 8th Gen Coffee Lake | 10th Gen Ice Lake |
| Clockspeed: | 1.4 (i5), 1.7 (i7) | 2.0 (i5), 2.3 (i7) |
| Processor Cores: | 4 | 4 |
| Standard RAM: | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 16 GB† | 32 GB† |
| RAM Speed: | 2133 MHz | 3733 MHz |
| RAM Type: | LPDDR3 | LPDDR4X |
| Standard Storage: | 256 GB, 512 GB | 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Graphics Processor(s): | Iris Plus Graphics 645 | Iris Plus |
| GDDR5 VRAM: | None | None |
| Ext. Display Support: | 5120x2880 (5K) | 6016x3384 (6K) |
| Battery W Hrs: | 58.2 W Hr | 58.0 W Hr |
| Battery Life: | 10 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Keyboard: | Scissor Switch | Scissor Switch |
| Touch ID: | Separate Key | Separate Key |
| Esc Key: | Separate Key | Separate Key |
| Arrow Keys: | Inverted-T | Inverted-T |
| Thunderbolt: | 2 (3.0) | 4 (3.0) |
| EMC Number: | 3456 | 3348 |
| Model Identifier: | MacBookPro16,3 | MacBookPro16,2 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1299, US$1499 | US$1799, US$1999 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £1299, £1499 | £1799, £1999 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$1699, C$1949 | C$2399, C$2649 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$1999, A$2299 | A$2999, A$3299 |
† These MacBook Pro models could be upgraded with more RAM, but only at the time of initial purchase. RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase in any of these models.
For introductory pricing in dozens of other countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each Mac as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryMac.com.
So, which 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro is best for me?
Just compared to one another -- and ignoring contemporary and subsequent models -- you should buy the more powerful, and more recent, 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro model with four Thunderbolt 3 ports (A2251).
The 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro model with four Thunderbolt 3 ports is a solid option for those who want more power and connectivity than the MacBook Air and who either find the 16-Inch MacBook Pro too large or too expensive. Although the value proposition may have changed somewhat on the used market, the 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports originally was US$500 more expensive than its entry-level sibling; a not insignificant amount. However, that extra US$500 got the buyer (1) a faster, and current, architecture, (2) faster performance, (3) twice the RAM, (4) twice the storage, (5) twice as many Thunderbolt 3 ports, and (6) better external display support. Those six advantages represent a great deal of additional value for the price.
The entry-level 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro model with two Thunderbolt 3 ports (A2289) is a bit of an odd duck. It really only was worth considering for someone who wants (1) much better multicore performance than the MacBook Air as well as (2) a second Thunderbolt 3 port and (3) the underutilized "Touch Bar" feature and yet does not mind a modestly larger and heavier case and spending an extra US$300.
The Retina MacBook Air is lighter, cheaper, and has both better battery life and larger external display support (6K instead of just 5K). Accordingly, most users would be best served with either a Retina MacBook Air or a 13-Inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports.
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.
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