Review: The 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 10th generation processor is the one to buy

Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited January 2021
The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro with new tenth-generation Intel processors is a powerful machine for the pro on the go, and is an ideal mix of power and portability.

The updated 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro
The updated 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro


It's not often that two products under the same umbrella vary so much that they need to be examined separately. But, the 13-inch MacBook Pro lineup for 2020 is that.

The differences, while profound, are not as pronounced as they have been previously. This year's releases are closer in features than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with function keys and the model with Touch Bar, but the gap is profound.

We've already examined the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with eighth-generation Intel processors, and found it lacking. Fortunately, the model with the 10th generation processors is an entirely different story.




Low-end versus high-end MacBook Pro

After that first examination, we're now looking at the 10th generation 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, the higher of the two tiers. Where the lower tier has that eighth-generation processor and two Thunderbolt ports, the upper-tier has four Thunderbolt 3 ports in total, and better Intel Iris Plus graphics. Thanks to those better graphics, the upper-tier is capable of powering an external 6K display while the lower-tier is limited to only an external 5K display.

Aside from the aforementioned changes, the higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro with 10th-generation Intel processors uses much faster 3733MHz LPDDR4 memory, starts at 16GB, and can be updated to 32GB. Internal storage can also be maxed out at 4TB.

We're examining the model with the quad-core 2.3GHz tenth-gen Intel Core i7-1068NG7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.

Changes are on the inside

Distinguishing the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch from the 2019 with the naked eye is difficult. It looks the same as the last generation, and the generation before that. While some may want to wait another year for the 14-inch MacBook Pro to arrive, some users need to upgrade now -- and this upgrade is a good one.

It has a gorgeous P3 wide color gamut Retina display, four Thunderbolt 3 ports split between the two sides instead of two on the lower-end 13-inch MacBook Pro, a headphone jack, the Touch Bar, and the still-unchanged 720p FaceTime camera which we'd really like Apple to replace with something better.

Closeup of the MacBook Pro logo below the gorgeous Retina display
Closeup of the MacBook Pro logo below the gorgeous Retina display


Another holdover includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi (or, Wi-Fi 5) rather than Wi-Fi 6. For the average user, this isn't a big deal today, but there are implications for the future. Apple was quick on Wi-Fi 6 adoption on mobile devices but the same can't be said for the Mac line. A Mac should last six years or more and while Wi-Fi 6 isn't widely adopted now, it will be in a couple years.

About that keyboard... again

In case you missed it, or have skipped all coverage of it, Apple has updated the keyboard design. After several false starts, Apple's kicked its butterfly switch mechanisms to the curb in favor of Apple's latest version of a scissor-switch design.

We have spoken at some length on the updated Magic Keyboard again, and again. It still has a full millimeter of key travel. It still feels more responsive to type on and not all that different from the 16-inch MacBook Pro which also has Apple's Magic Keyboard embedded into its aluminum body.

Magic Keyboard on the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020)
Magic Keyboard on the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020) has a scissor switch design, a physical escape key, and an inverted T design for the arrow keys


We truly do like the feel of the updated keyboard. While the extra key travel at times makes us feel like we are slightly slower than on the previous design that we've been hammering away on for nearly five years, it is an improvement. It isn't enough to cause us to trip up while typing that often, and is enough to make the keys feel more responsive when depressed.

Aside from moving to the Magic Keyboard, other changes are also notable. Specifically, Apple has included a standalone physical escape key and also returned the inverted "T" design for the arrow keys. Depending on a user's work, these may be more impactful than a shift from the previous-gen keyboard.

13-inch MacBook Pro with tenth generation Intel processor performance

Geekbench scores for the 2019 and 2020 high-end MacBook Pro 13-inch
Geekbench scores for the 2019 and 2020 high-end MacBook Pro 13-inch


In terms of performance, our 13-inch MacBook Pro with the 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-1068NG7 garnered a 1311 and a 4862 in the Geekbench 5.1.1 single-and multi-core test. Graphics earned a 8408 in the Metal compute benchmark. The previous-gen, which relied on the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 of the eighth-generation chipset, scored a 7240 in the graphics benchmark.

The old 2.8GHz quad-core i7 which was the high-end processor configuration from the 2019 line only scored a 1076 and a 4038. That's roughly a 25 percent gain in those single and multi-core tests.

Cinebench R20 results for the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch high-end
Cinebench R20 results for the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch high-end


Turning to Cinebench R20, we saw scores of 2071. Our entry-level model only scored a 1588 -- another 25 percent gain here as well. While testing in Cinebench which does tax the processors, we did have the fans kick on partially through the test but according to Intel Power Gadget, it was easily able to maintain its advertised clock speed after dropping down from its turbo boosted speed.

Disk speeds were consistent, averaging just above 1250 megabytes per second for write speeds and 1600 megabytes per second for read speeds using the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test.

For comparison, the 16-inch MacBook Pro at just about any capacity will peak at 3150 megabytes per second read speeds, and about 2900 megabytes per second write speeds. The 2020 MacBook Air delivers about 1250 megabytes per second read, and 1000 megabytes per second write.

Should you buy the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro with tenth generation Intel processors?

There is no doubt -- you get more for your money with the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 10th generation Intel processors, and by a wide margin.

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro


If you start with the lower-level 13-inch MacBook Pro and make some basic upgrades such as doubling the RAM to 16GB and the storage to 512GB it puts your total at $1,599. $200 shy of the high-end MacBook Pro that still has a faster processor.

Upgrade that processor too to the quad-core 1.7GHz i7 13-inch MacBook Pro and just like that you are at $1,899 -- $100 more than the base high-end 13-inch Pro. Even though you are paying $100 more, you still have an eighth-generation Intel processor instead of a 10th-generation, two Thunderbolt 3 ports instead of four, slower DDR3 RAM, worse graphics, and have no support for external 6K displays.

Not to mention, the eighth-generation lacks higher-end options for RAM or storage.

It makes more sense to opt for the one of the higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro models if you're looking for power and capability. If you don't need that power, skip the 13-inch MacBook Pro line altogether and buy the MacBook Air. The latter is a bit lighter, thinner, and still wonderfully capable.

The upper-tiered 13-inch MacBook Pro is a solid buy in Apple's portable Mac lineup. Apple has made some good changes, and even though a rumored 14-inch revamp is upcoming, if you need a powerful Mac laptop now, with more portability than the 16-inch MacBook Pro, this is a great option.

Pros
  • Sleek, aluminum body

  • Great Retina display

  • Four Thunderbolt 3 ports

  • Updated Magic Keyboard

  • Faster 10th-gen Intel chips

  • Faster LPDDR4 RM

  • 6K display support

  • Support for 32GB RAM

  • Upgradable to 4TB storage
Cons
  • No 14-inch redesign

  • No dedicated graphics cards

  • 720p FaceTime camera is still poor quality

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

How to save on the 13-inch MacBook Pro

Apple resellers are offering discounts on the new 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, with exclusive bonus savings of up to $200 off every configuration, plus bonus savings on AppleCare.

For the best deals, be sure to visit the AppleInsider Apple Price Guides to find the lowest 13-inch MacBook Pro prices.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 41
    bluefire1bluefire1 Posts: 1,301member
    My 2017 13” MacBook Pro still meets all of my needs, but when the 14” model comes out, I may upgrade, especially if the FaceTime camera is upgraded from 720p.
    edited May 2020 chemengin1
  • Reply 2 of 41
    kpomkpom Posts: 660member
    The 10th gen i5 base model is a very good configuration at a reasonable price (it’s $1649 at Adorama right now with the AppleInsider promo). It is faster than the 8th-gen i7 model at a lower price, with better speakers, better graphics, and more ports. I’m surprised that Apple still sells that configuration. I’m not surprised they kept the 8th gen model around, but in my opinion, it would have been better to keep only a few configurations (e.g. i5 only, 8/16GB RAM, and 256/512/1TB). Those looking for the extra power of the i7 are almost certainly better off with the 10th gen i5.
  • Reply 3 of 41
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,858administrator
    kpom said:
    The 10th gen i5 base model is a very good configuration at a reasonable price (it’s $1649 at Adorama right now with the AppleInsider promo). It is faster than the 8th-gen i7 model at a lower price, with better speakers, better graphics, and more ports. I’m surprised that Apple still sells that configuration. I’m not surprised they kept the 8th gen model around, but in my opinion, it would have been better to keep only a few configurations (e.g. i5 only, 8/16GB RAM, and 256/512/1TB). Those looking for the extra power of the i7 are almost certainly better off with the 10th gen i5.
    The dichotomy here is why we decided to review the two models separately.
  • Reply 4 of 41
    jjljjjlj Posts: 1member
    I appreciate the review on this very different configuration. However, I didn’t see anything on battery life. Is there any info on this specific model yet?
  • Reply 5 of 41
    GG1GG1 Posts: 483member
    Waiting for 10th gen to arrive in the Mac Mini. Can lightning strike twice? (update twice in one year)
    mobird
  • Reply 6 of 41
    KITAKITA Posts: 392member
    It seems very late to the party for what it offers.

    Meanwhile, Ryzen 4000 U chips are coming out to market now offering significant power and performance advantages:

    Cinebench R20:

    i7-1068NG7 (4 cores / 8 threads) 28 W - 2071
    4700U (8 cores / 8 threads) 15 W - 2214
    4800U (8 cores / 16 threads) 15 W - 2658
    4800U (8 cores / 16 threads) 27 W - 3573



    As well, Intel's Tiger Lake U is only a few months away, again with a massive performance jump in areas such as graphics:

    i7-1068NG7 should be just slightly above the i7 Iris Plus G7 15 W.


  • Reply 7 of 41
    phredphred Posts: 19member
    Regarding reviews of 2020 MacBook Pros
    The comparison high end vs. low end gives numerical scores,But it doesn't say in terms of TIME,how much faster high end, nor does it giv examples, such as web browsing.
  • Reply 8 of 41
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,858administrator
    GG1 said:
    Waiting for 10th gen to arrive in the Mac Mini. Can lightning strike twice? (update twice in one year)
    I'm not sure the discontinuation of a low storage model can be considered an update...
    dysamoria
  • Reply 9 of 41
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,858administrator
    phred said:
    Regarding reviews of 2020 MacBook Pros
    The comparison high end vs. low end gives numerical scores,But it doesn't say in terms of TIME,how much faster high end, nor does it giv examples, such as web browsing.
    A web browsing benchmark or time serves no useful purpose, as any machine less than about six years old will surf the web at effectively the same speed.

    Any time measurement on any given workflow is highly subjective, and depends greatly on any individual's workflow.
    fastasleepkpom
  • Reply 10 of 41
    jdb8167jdb8167 Posts: 626member
    My 2018 13” MacBook Pro seems to be faster (at least under Geekbench 5) than the 2019 Core i7 which is weird. But I get about 1150/4600 (GB 5.1.1, macOS 10.15.4) average for my Core i7-8559U at 2.7 GHz. And somewhat slower for graphics at around 6620 for Metal Compute (with a much older version of GeekBench 5.0.2). I haven’t tested on Cinebench.

    This makes me think that there is little point to upgrading unless I need the graphics performance (which I don’t.) Pretty much the only change besides modest performance improvement is a slightly better keyboard.

    Edit: Just tested Compute on my 2018 13” MacBook Pro Core i7-8559U 2.7GHz Iris Graphics 655 on Geekbench 5.1.1 Metal Compute under macOS 10.15.4 and got much higher numbers than my previous result. I averaged 7 runs, dropped the top and bottom numbers, and averaged the other 5 and got ~7370. So even the Metal Compute numbers are very close to the 2020 ~8410. 
    edited May 2020
  • Reply 11 of 41
    wood1208wood1208 Posts: 2,905member
    In absent of 14" 10nm Intel based 13" macbook Pro; Instead of buying 2020 Intel 8th gen based 13" Macbook Pro, take alook at 2020 Intel 10th gen  based 13" Macbook Air and save money. Can't say the same for 2020 Intel 10th gen based 13" Macbook Pro. Just more money.
  • Reply 12 of 41
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,858administrator
    wood1208 said:
    In absent of 14" 10nm Intel based 13" macbook Pro; Instead of buying 2020 Intel 8th gen based 13" Macbook Pro, take alook at 2020 Intel 10th gen  based 13" Macbook Air and save money. Can't say the same for 2020 Intel 10th gen based 13" Macbook Pro. Just more money.
    We agree with what I've bolded. We've already addressed this in the review of the eighth generation 13-inch MacBook Pro.

    https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/05/12/review-apples-entry-level-2020-13-inch-macbook-pro-is-yesterdays-tech-for-todays-prices
  • Reply 13 of 41
    Again with the terrible headlines and inconsiderate approach - same as the original YouTube video's title before it was edited.

    What about people who's main work is document processing, web browsing and the occasional creative work (i.e. photo/video editing). The MacBook Air doesn't cut it for them and the version you're recommending is overkill and most probably way over their budget.

    Is the base model still "lacking" for them?

    Do they have to purchase the top level laptop as well?

    No more AppleInsider for my product reviews for sure
  • Reply 14 of 41
    Do the Geekbench and Cinebench tests stress the processor to measure how they perform under a sustained load once the thermal cap is hit and they throttle down to the base frequency? That's where the 10nm and 28W should show their value, right? Burst speed vs sustained speed?
    edited May 2020 dysamoria
  • Reply 15 of 41
    Small file read/write speeds are more important for general system performance that large files for most people. What are the benchmarks for the SSD in the 32K to 512K range? 
  • Reply 16 of 41
    kpomkpom Posts: 660member
    Again with the terrible headlines and inconsiderate approach - same as the original YouTube video's title before it was edited.

    What about people who's main work is document processing, web browsing and the occasional creative work (i.e. photo/video editing). The MacBook Air doesn't cut it for them and the version you're recommending is overkill and most probably way over their budget.

    Is the base model still "lacking" for them?

    Do they have to purchase the top level laptop as well?

    No more AppleInsider for my product reviews for sure
    In that case the Air is fine. If video editing is more than occasional, then the Pro is the better option, and the Ice Lake has a clear advantage. 
  • Reply 17 of 41
    Again with the terrible headlines and inconsiderate approach - same as the original YouTube video's title before it was edited.

    What about people who's main work is document processing, web browsing and the occasional creative work (i.e. photo/video editing). The MacBook Air doesn't cut it for them and the version you're recommending is overkill and most probably way over their budget.

    Is the base model still "lacking" for them?

    Do they have to purchase the top level laptop as well?

    No more AppleInsider for my product reviews for sure
    The  10th Gen Air is perfect for home office and photo and video editing with its short term burst speeds, no worries. The 13" MBP is really for people who need some heavy lifting like developers or editors who run lots of apps at the same time but don't need a powerful dGPU for heavy graphics use, as in rendering or high frame rates for gamers. If you're into multi-stream 4K editing, 3D development or big time gaming then the 16" is your only choice.

    I'm still on a 2013 15" MBP Quad-Core 2.7 GHz with 16GB RAM and 1.5GB dGPU (Nivida). I've edited 4K (iPhone) video on this laptop for a project and 20 mega pixel photos for work and it wasn't much of a hassle at all. I ordered a 16" MBP and then cancelled. I'm getting a 13" tomorrow with 32GB ram.

    If I had 32GB of RAM on my machine I wouldn't even bother to upgrade. The cool thing is that I have several Thunderbolt 3 devices connected over a TB-3 hub to include a 2K monitor using Display Port.
    edited May 2020
  • Reply 18 of 41
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,858administrator
    Do the Geekbench and Cinebench tests stress the processor to measure how they perform under a sustained load once the thermal cap is hit and they throttle down to the base frequency? That's where the 10nm and 28W should show their value, right? Burst speed vs sustained speed?
    Cinebench does. Geekbench does a better job of simulating the other 95% of computing jobs that a computer spends most of its life doing.
  • Reply 19 of 41
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,858administrator

    Again with the terrible headlines and inconsiderate approach - same as the original YouTube video's title before it was edited.

    What about people who's main work is document processing, web browsing and the occasional creative work (i.e. photo/video editing). The MacBook Air doesn't cut it for them and the version you're recommending is overkill and most probably way over their budget.

    Is the base model still "lacking" for them?

    Do they have to purchase the top level laptop as well?

    No more AppleInsider for my product reviews for sure
    This, like your other comment, is an incredibly bad hot take, and demonstrates that you didn't read either review nor the follow-up comments to your post on the first review.

    Buy the Air, like this, and the other review said.

    From this article: "It makes more sense to opt for the one of the higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro models if you're looking for power and capability. If you don't need that power, skip the 13-inch MacBook Pro line altogether and buy the MacBook Air. The latter is a bit lighter, thinner, and still wonderfully capable."

    From the other review: "The newest MacBook Air is a more enticing option versus the 13-inch MacBook Pro at the low-end. It is cheaper, slimmer, and more portable. Not to mention, the MacBook Air has those updated tenth generation Intel processors that the entry-level MacBook Pro lacks."

    I'm not sure how it could be clearer, given that we've demonstrated that the Air performance is very, very close to the eighth generation 13-inch MacBook Pro, and still overkill for your described workflow. We literally told you that the price difference for the MBP wasn't worth it, so your claims of an "inconsiderate approach" is total nonsense now, as it was a week ago.
    edited May 2020 commentzilla
  • Reply 20 of 41
    bengbeng Posts: 34member
    Just for the heck of it, I downloaded the Cinebench R20 to test on my MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013) / 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 / 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 / 1TB HD / 

    NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2 GB / Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB running Mojave 10.14.6.  I can't run Catalina because of one essential 32bit program (circa 2010 - emulator anyone?).  

    I have the computer hooked to a 28” 4K Yamakasi M280PU and a 28” I-INC iH282 monitor.  Cinebench recorded 1298.

    I disconnected the two monitors and Cinebench recorded 1425.

    Then I noticed I had Safari and Mail running.  Don’t know what difference they made.

    My main drain is a big CAD program.

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