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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Published November 22, 2019
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What are all the differences between the 16-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models and the 15-Inch "2019" models replaced?
There are two standard 15-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15" Touch/2019 and "Core i9" 2.3 15" Touch/2019 -- as well as two standard 16-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 16" 2019 (Scissor) and "Core i9" 2.3 16" 2019 (Scissor).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (2019 MacBook Pro - Left 15" and Right 16")
Although with a quick glance they look similar, there are major differences between the 15" and 16" MacBook Pro models both released in 2019. Not all differences are obvious and a detailed comparison can be helpful accordingly.
External Differences
The "2019" 16-Inch MacBook Pro models and the 15-Inch models replaced use similar "sealed" aluminum and glass case designs. Both are offered in either a silver color or a darker "Space Gray" option.
However, the dimensions are not identical. The 15-Inch models are 13.75 inches by 9.48 inches and 0.61 of an inch thick and weigh 4.02 pounds (1.83 kg). The 16-Inch models are slightly larger and heavier. They are 14.09 inches by 9.68 inches and 0.64 of an inch thick and weigh 4.3 pounds (2.0 kg).
Both sizes have high-resolution LED-backlit, True Tone, P3 color gamut, widescreen "Retina" displays, but the 16-Inch MacBook Pro models have a larger screen, as you would expect. The 15-Inch models have a 15.4" display (2880x1800, 220 ppi, 500 nits) whereas the 16-Inch models have a 16.0" display (3072x1920, 226 ppi, 500 nits).
Both models have integrated speakers and three microphones, but the 16-Inch models have much better quality audio. Specifically, the 16-Inch MacBook Pro has a six-speaker system and a "studio-quality three-mic array with high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming."
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (16" MacBook Pro Keyboard Detail)
Perhaps the most important external difference between the "2019" 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models is the keyboard.
Both models use the same gigantic "Force Touch" trackpad, but the 15-Inch models use a "butterfly keyboard" that has demonstrated some reliability issues, whereas the 16-Inch models return to a generally more liked "scissor switch" design that also provides more travel when pressed.
Furthermore, the 16-Inch MacBook Pro keyboard provides an esc key and a "Touch ID" sensor that are separate from the "Touch Bar" and the 4 arrow keys are again provided as a classic "inverted-T arrangement." Although time will tell if the new keyboard design is more reliable, it definitely is more functional.
Connectivity Differences
All "2019" 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models have the same modest connectivity.
All have four full-speed Thunderbolt 3 ports (size compatible with USB-C), a "traditional" 3.5 mm headphone jack that does not support optical audio, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Identification Differences
The "2019" 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models have different Model Numbers on the hardware and different Model Identifiers in software. Specifically, these 15-Inch MacBook Pro models use the A1990 Model Number and the 16-Inch MacBook Pro models use the A2141 Model Number.
However, "2019" 15-Inch models share their Model Number with earlier notebooks and the 16-Inch models likely will share their Model Number with subsequent ones, so the Model Number is less precise than ideal for identification. It is possible to uniquely identify these models by EMC Number on the bottom of the case, though.
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 |
15-Inch (2019, Touch Bar) |
|
16-Inch (2019) |
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 "2019" 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models are similar internally in many respects. Both lines use Intel's 9th Generation "Coffee Lake" architecture and the same processors, right down to clockspeeds. However, the 16-Inch models use faster memory and better graphics and provide a larger battery that delivers an extra hour of runtime (11 hours instead of 10 hours).
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 "2019" 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details:
 15" 2019 |
 16" 2019 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Display Size: | 15.4" | 16.0" |
| Resolution: | 2880x1800 | 3072x1920 |
| PPI: | 220 PPI | 226 PPI |
| Architecture: | 9th Gen Coffee Lake | 9th Gen Coffee Lake |
| Clockspeed: | 2.6 (i7), 2.3 (i9) | 2.6 (i7), 2.3 (i9) |
| Processor Cores: | 6, 8 | 6, 8 |
| Standard RAM: | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 32 GB† | 64 GB† |
| RAM Speed: | 2400 MHz | 2666 MHz |
| RAM Type: | DDR4 | DDR4 |
| Standard Storage: | 256 GB, 512 GB | 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Graphics Processor(s): | UHD Graphics 630 AMD Radeon Pro 555X/560X* |
UHD Graphics 630 AMD Radeon Pro 5300M/5500M* |
| GDDR5 VRAM: | 4 GB | 4 GB, 8 GB |
| Ext. Display Support: | 5120x2880 x2 | 6016x3384 x2 |
| Speakers: | Stereo | Six-Speaker |
| Microphones: | 3 | 3 Array |
| Battery W Hrs: | 83.6 W Hr | 100 W Hr |
| Battery Life: | 10 Hours | 11 Hours |
| Keyboard: | Butterfly | Scissor Switch |
| Touch ID: | Integrated | Separate Key |
| Esc Key: | Integrated | Separate Key |
| Thunderbolt: | 4 (3.0) | 4 (3.0) |
| Wi-Fi: | 802.11ac | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth: | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions: | 0.61 x 13.75 x 9.48 | 0.64 x 14.09 x 9.68 |
| Weight: | 4.02 lbs (1.83 kg) | 4.3 lbs (2.0 kg) |
| EMC Number: | 3359 | 3347 |
| Model Identifier: | MacBookPro15,1/15,3 | MacBookPro16,1 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$2399, US$2799 | US$2399, US$2799 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £2349, £2699 | £2399, £2799 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$3199, C$3699 | C$2999, C$3499 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$3499, A$4099 | A$3799, A$4399 |
† These MacBook Pro models can be upgraded with more RAM, but only at the time of initial purchase. RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase in any of these models.
* All of these MacBook Pro models have dual graphics, a battery life-saving graphics processor that shares memory with the system and a faster graphics processor with dedicated memory.
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.
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, the "2019" 16-Inch MacBook Pro models provide a bigger display, a much better keyboard, improved audio capabilities, and higher performance graphics.
However, for those on a tight budget, the "2019" 15-Inch MacBook Pro models remain well worth consideration given discounts 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.
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