Our opinion on the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020: complete technical sheet and prices

Since the arrival of the 16″ MacBook Pro in November 2019, hypotheses about a version with a 14-inch panel have continued to arouse the interest of those who were hoping for a display with new dimensions. Unfortunately, this was actually not planned: we are sticking to a diagonal of 13.3″ for this new MacBook Pro model,without change.

Buy the MacBook Pro 13″ (2020)

This new Apple laptop is the ideal PC in terms ofsize/performance ratio, and today offers the smallest size in its rangealongside the fourth iPad Pro (2020) with a 12.9″ touchscreen. They are also less thick than the duo with a Magic Keyboard, even though their power is better provided.

Key Features of the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch

Here is a detailed description of the official technical sheet put online by Apple for its new 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020), via a simple press release and without a keynote.

A design and a screento theiPhone SE

The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro therefore broadcasts images thanks to an IPS Retina screen whose borders do not seem to have been reduced since the previous version. We also have the same definition, with 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, for a density of227 ppionly. The luminance reaches 500 nits, and True Tone technology is responsible for automatically adapting the brightness according to the user's environment.

These features, which are identical to the 2019 13″ MacBook, also demonstrate that the process chosen by the manufacturer to design its new low-cost iPhone has been used with this PC. The concept chooses to be based on a reference already validated on the market (iPhone 8), to only partially optimize it.

In addition, the shell of the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) also integrates the T2 chip. This component, also present on the iPad Pro released a few weeks earlier, allows you to physically disconnect the microphone when you close the screen by lowering the cover. A true guarantee ofconfidentiality, which fits perfectly with Apple's positioning in favor of privacy protection.

Finally regarding the appearance, for the colors, it isargentor graysidereal.

Buy the MacBook Pro 13″ (2020)

Keyboard: modified ✅?

With the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, we find much more functional and historicalMagic Keyboardwhich replaces the butterfly button mechanism introduced in 2015 on these items, to the great regret of many users at the time. The cause was regular technical problems which seriously hampered keyboard speed.

An ambient light sensor is integrated into the Magic Keyboard of the 13″ MacBook Pro, so its letters and symbols automatically light up if it is dark. To finish with the control modules, there is also a fingerprint sensor to unlock the PC (alwaysno Face ID, even if Apple patented it), the return of the physical escape key which had previously become virtual in the Touch Bar and a Force Touch trackpad.

Performance: nothing to complain about

The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro uses processorsIntel Corei5 quad-cores from the latest (eighth and tenth) generations of the Santa Clara founder, and offers8 to 32 GB of RAMon its variations.The Turbo Boost of CPUs can even reach4,5 GHzwith an optioni7. The graphics card comes from the same subcontractor, while the storage starts with a 256 GB SSD, expandableup to 4 TBdepending on the configuration chosen by customers.

MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) connection, audio and photo

13-inch MacBook Pros come with two to four Thunderbolt 3 portsUSB-Cto reload them and transfer files to them. They support DisplayPort and their throughput can reach 40 Gb/s. A jack socket still allows (fortunately) to connect a wired headset,otherwise you can always turn to Sony Bluetooth headphones, but the price will not be the same as for the EarPods!

Buy the MacBook Pro 13″ (2020)

For the network,no Wi-Fi 6on the horizon, but simply 802.11ac/a/b/g/n. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is delivered in 5.0. And the photo, then? The 720p FaceTime HD front camera should guarantee selfies that are still a little grainy, but good enough for an exchange on Slack or Whereby.

Audio is limited to two stereo speakers located on either side ofTouch Barand keyboard, supporting Dolby Atmos coupled with three microphones with directional beam to reduce noise during calls.

Price of the MacBook Pro 13″

The amount you have to pay to buy a 13″ MacBook Pro changes depending on the parts that are integrated into the cabin. Here are the characteristics which are subject to change depending on your investment:

• versionfrom 1,499 euros
  • Intel Core i5 quad-core 8th gen processor. at 1.4 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz)
  • GPU Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
  • RAM: 8 GB LPDDR3 at 2133 MHz
  • 256 Storage (SSD)
  • two Thunderbolt 3 ports
• version from 1,749 euros
  • Intel Core i5 quad-core 8th gen processor. at 1.4 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz)
  • GPU Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
  • RAM: 8 GB LPDDR3 at 2133 MHz
  • 512 Go Storage (SSD)
  • two Thunderbolt 3 ports
• version from 2,129 euros
  • Intel Core processori5 quad-core 10th gen. at 2 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.8 GHz)
  • GPU Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • RAM :16 Go to LPDDR4Xat 3 733 MHz
  • 512 Go Storage (SSD)
  • quatre ports Thunderbolt 3

Buy the MacBook Pro 13″ (2020)

What are the advantages compared to a Windows computer?

Unlike PCs of the same size, Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pros feature several clear differentiations with many devices using the operating system of their historic competitor, Microsoft. Among them, we can note that the brand has here the opportunity to simultaneously develop the hardware and software of its product, and therefore to harmonize theirsynchronized optimization.

On the other hand, the 13-inch MacBook Pros are known for their long-term reliability and theiruser experienceoften more fluid and intuitive than elsewhere, with responsive customer service. With this, thecontinuitywhen you have an iPhone, an iPad, an Apple TV, a HomePod or AirPods also accounts for a lot of positive feedback from buyers.

To conclude, as it ismacOSwhich is included in the 2020 MacBook Pro 13″, we can exclusively benefit from the latest version of Catalina which offers access to apps like Apple TV, Apple Music and FaceTime. Tools like AirDrop, AirPlay or Photos make it easier to share content with other users.

For my part, I have been using a 15-inch version dating from 2018 for a few months. From an outside perspective, this edition is very similar to the new 13-inch MacBook Pro. If inside the components change, it is only forimprove, or to resolve a size problem linked to the keyboard: Apple listened to the disappointed testimonies of previous consumers. And being part of it is not an easy task every day.

Buy the MacBook Pro 13″ (2020)

However, this 13-inch MacBook Pro may betoo smallfor those who are used to being entertained with streaming services like Amazon Prime Video or Disney+. It will also be criticized for not offering a touch screen: we must then turn to theiPad Pro. As for the most formidable professionals, they will rather rely on the iMac Pro or the Mac Pro, the figures of which may surprise the general public. Ultimately, if you move around a lot, you value your personal data and you are looking for the lowest budget to afford a high-performance portable Mac, then don't hesitate: this13-inch MacBook Prois the one you need.