Comparing Apple's 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro versus the 17-inch MacBook Pro

Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited February 2020
Apple has loudly championed the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, but a decade ago it had a similar machine in the 17-inch MacBook Pro. Here's how the two compare.

Comparing the 16-inch MacBook Pro (right) and the discontinued 17-inch MacBook Pro (left)
Comparing the 16-inch MacBook Pro (right) and the discontinued 17-inch MacBook Pro (left)


The now-discontinued, yet still much beloved, 17-inch MacBook Pro was last updated in late 2011 and was discontinued by mid 2012. Eight years have passed, with all that entails technologically, between the end of the 17-inch MacBook Pro availability and the launch of the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

While these machines aren't even remotely comparable in terms of performance or data transfer speeds today, it is still interesting to see how these two, large, portable Macs compare.




The extinct 17-inch MacBook Pro

The last time we saw Apple's 17-inch MacBook Pro, it weighed over 6.5 pounds and measured in at almost an inch thick, 10.5 inches wide, and almost 15.5 inches tall.

Ports on the 17-inch MacBook Pro
Ports on the 17-inch MacBook Pro


There was still the MagSafe power port, Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, three USB 2.0 ports, a first-generation Thunderbolt port, audio line-in and audio line out, an ExpressCard/34 slot and finally a Kensington lock slot.

It was also outfitted with Bluetooth 2.1, stereo speakers with subs, a single omnidirectional mic located under the left speaker, and had a resolution of 1920 by 1200.

17-inch MacBook Pro
17-inch MacBook Pro


Back then, it could be configured with an optical drive, and a 750GB 7200RPM hard drive or a 512GB 2.5-inch SSD.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro on top of the 17-inch MacBook Pro
The 16-inch MacBook Pro on top of the 17-inch MacBook Pro


The 17-inch MacBook Pro had an optical SuperDrive for physical media and could go up to 7 hours on the built-in battery -- but in reality, a bit less. And, that 17-inch MacBook Pro had user upgradeability -- users can and did replace the optical drive with another 2.5-inch drive.

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro

Conversely, Apple has just released the 16-inch MacBook Pro, replacing the 15-inch model in the lineup, and splitting the difference between that and the 17-inch screen size.

16-inch MacBook Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro


The 16-inch MacBook Pro weighs less than 4.5 pounds, is only .64 inches thick, 14 inches wide, and just over 9.5 inches tall when opened.

Apple has, of course, transitioned to USB-C power delivery in place of MagSafe for charging. Charging can be done through any of the four Thunderbolt 3 ports that are equally distributed on the left and right sides.

Though many ports have disappeared over the years, the headphone jack is still available on the new 16-inch MacBook Pro.

16-inch MacBook Pro ports comapred to that of the 17-inch MacBook Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro ports comapred to that of the 17-inch MacBook Pro


The new MacBook Pro is setup with Bluetooth 5, a six-speaker sound system with dual force-canceling woofers and support for Dolby Atmos as well as a studio-quality three-mic array. The resolution is a massive 3072 by 1920.

During the ordering process through Apple, buyers can include up to an 8TB SSD -- which are about seven times faster than the best speed that SATA SSDs delivered in 2011 -- and work for up to 11 hours with the new, higher-capacity battery.

There are also Apple's latest new features incorporated into the 16-inch MacBook Pro, such as Touch ID, the T2 chip, the divisive Touch Bar, the updated keyboard with physical escape key, and of course macOS Catalina.

16-inch MacBook Pro versus 17-inch MacBook Pro performance

Geekbench 5 results for the late 2011 17-inch MacBook Pro
Geekbench 5 results for the late 2011 17-inch MacBook Pro


In performance, the late-2011 machine with a four-core 2.5GHz i7 earned 723 single-core and 2658 multi-core scores. Those are vastly eclipsed by the 1128 and 5641 that the 16-inch MacBook Pro outfitted with the 2.4GHz i9 processor earned on Geekbench 5.

When using both machines, the keyboard is distinctly different. The 17-inch MacBook Pro utilizes a scissor-switch design but the keys are far thicker and have more travel than they do on the 16-inch MacBook Pro. As a reminder, the keyboard on the 17-inch MacBook Pro isn't even the keyboard that Apple used on the 2012 Retina MacBook Pro, and is far clunkier.

For us, what that meant was that the 17-inch keyboard felt slower to type on and occasionally would trip our fingers as we traveled between keys. This is, of course, a muscle training issue at this point, as we've grown accustomed to the new keyboard, and the one introduced on the 2012 Retina MacBook Pro.

Comparing the 16-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros
Comparing the 16-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros


For pros, there is also a use discrepancy in external data transfer speeds. The 17-inch still relies on USB 2.0 at up to 480Mbps while the new MacBook Pro supports USB 3.2 type C speeds of up to 10Gbps. Original Thunderbolt on the 17-inch was capable of two channels of data transfer at up to 10Gbps per channel -- but realistically, only the one. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 supports transfers up to 40Gbps.

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro supports up to four 4096 by 2304 monitors or two 6016 by 3384 monitors at the same time as the internal display. The 17-inch MacBook Pro can only support a single 2560 by 1600 display.

And, the price. While a 17-inch MacBook Pro can be had relatively inexpensively these days, at the 2011 discontinuation of the model, it retailed for $2499 -- the equivalent of about $2850 today. That same $2499 price has been retained in the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Clearly, these two have a vast chasm separating the two when it comes to performance, but this was never about seeing if the new 16-inch MacBook Pro was as powerful as the long-gone 17-inch. It is curious to see how Apple's design has -- and hasn't -- changed over the years and how much more they can pack into a compact body.

Technology marches on.

Snag yours

Apple's 17-inch MacBook Pro is -- obviously -- no longer available to order. But, you can currently get several great deals on the new 16-inch machine.

Expercom is knocking up to $438 off select new configurations with coupon code appleinsider, while Adorama is taking up to $300 off every model with promo code APINSIDER (prices start at just $2,199 with code). Details can be found in our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide.

Meanwhile, at B&H, shoppers can save up to $250 on select systems, with the option of no interest financing when paid in full within 12 months with the B&H Financing Card or a sales tax refund in eligible states with its Payboo Credit Card. The latter can save many shoppers anywhere from $200 to $500 on average.

Amazon is also offering instant discounts on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, with prices as low as $2,198.

Those looking for the steepest discounts on earlier generations of Apple products can find deals at eBay and even at buyback providers, such as Gazelle.

Be sure to check out the AppleInsider Apple Price Guide for the latest deals and product availability on Apple hardware and accessories.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 45
    pscooter63pscooter63 Posts: 1,080member
    Also worth noting is that the 17" can only officially support up to High Sierra.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 45
    While the USB 2 port was anemic at 480 Mb/s you forgot about the 800 Mb/s FireWire port which was more often used.

    True, the Thunderbolt port was only 10 Gb/s given the generation it was way ahead of its time!

     
    baconstangwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 45
    Replying on my Macbook Pro 17" Mid 2010 .... still going strong. Actually considering an upgrade though for the first time.
    argonautviclauyycwatto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 45
    Also worth noting is that the 17" can only officially support up to High Sierra.
    Yup, this is bit annoying, another reason for upgrading.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 45
    linkmanlinkman Posts: 1,035member
    Oh, that MagSafe port is beautiful. Eliminating that was a mistake in my book.
    baconstangentropysMplsPredgeminipa
  • Reply 6 of 45
    sflocalsflocal Posts: 6,092member
    First and foremost, on this forum, I'm apparently one of the few that actually like the butterfly-style keyboard on my 2017 MBP.  I have zero issues with it.  Granted, I'd like the keys to be quieter but from a performance standpoint, I like the stiffer keys.  To each their own.

    That being said... I tried the 16" MBP at my local Apple store over the weekend and truth be told, I fell in love with the new keyboard.  It's MUCH quieter, yet still retains the shorter button travel.  Apple did a great job with it.

    I don't use my MBP that much anymore so I have no need to upgrade.  However, when my Apple-care expires at the end of 2020, I'll consider it for sure, and by then the next MBP revision will be hopefully be out.

    I hope Apple considers dumping Intel and using AMD's Ryzen / PCI 4.0 on their next systems.  
    StrangeDayswatto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 45
    wood1208wood1208 Posts: 2,905member
    16" MBP is much more portable than old 17". For argument, only thing to carry forward from 17" to 16" would have been good old mega safe power connector. All those ports look silly on 17". In my experience, only dongle needed useful is $7-$8 USB to type-c.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 45
    ktappektappe Posts: 823member
    Also worth noting is that the 17" can only officially support up to High Sierra.
    It will run Catalina just fine using dosdude1's patch.
    watto_cobracyberzombieDonEverest
  • Reply 9 of 45
    StrangeDaysStrangeDays Posts: 12,834member
    Mah ports! 
    watto_cobrafastasleepcornchip
  • Reply 10 of 45
    Replying on my Macbook Pro 17" Mid 2010 .... still going strong. Actually considering an upgrade though for the first time.
    I was still using my mid 2010 17 till few days ago. Now I am happy with my new 16” 2.4. Many things are faster and done in a snap.

    The 17” still using a 3 generation old OS. 
    However I am sure if I fresh install a new OS in my 17” it will run much more smoother and faster. I had installed way too many junk over the years.  

    Given my old 17” only worth ~$130, I will use it as back up and server. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 45
    My old 17-inch had been our home server for years. Still works great. 

    My new 16-inch runs rings around it. Duh.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 12 of 45
    cpu has only doubled in performance?

    in 8yrs?

    it also had a removable battery and could run without if in on live power. which i often did to improve cooling in summer.

    i was a 17” owner back in the day. mine died hard, it was a sad day .
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 45
    entropysentropys Posts: 4,152member
    wood1208 said:
    16" MBP is much more portable than old 17". For argument, only thing to carry forward from 17" to 16" would have been good old mega safe power connector. All those ports look silly on 17". In my experience, only dongle needed useful is $7-$8 USB to type-c.
    They perhaps look a bit silly from a form perspective, true, but extremely functional and useful in a work machine just the same. I have to carry dongles with me everywhere and they end up hanging off my MBP these days. Now that looks silly.
  • Reply 14 of 45
    entropys said:
    wood1208 said:
    16" MBP is much more portable than old 17". For argument, only thing to carry forward from 17" to 16" would have been good old mega safe power connector. All those ports look silly on 17". In my experience, only dongle needed useful is $7-$8 USB to type-c.
    They perhaps look a bit silly from a form perspective, true, but extremely functional and useful in a work machine just the same. I have to carry dongles with me everywhere and they end up hanging off my MBP these days. Now that looks silly.
    What on earth would you need dongles hanging off your Mac everywhere for?
    StrangeDays
  • Reply 15 of 45
    entropys said:
    wood1208 said:
    16" MBP is much more portable than old 17". For argument, only thing to carry forward from 17" to 16" would have been good old mega safe power connector. All those ports look silly on 17". In my experience, only dongle needed useful is $7-$8 USB to type-c.
    They perhaps look a bit silly from a form perspective, true, but extremely functional and useful in a work machine just the same. I have to carry dongles with me everywhere and they end up hanging off my MBP these days. Now that looks silly.
    What on earth would you need dongles hanging off your Mac everywhere for?
    No doubt. Just get the proper cables already. 
  • Reply 16 of 45
    ...a few points of possible note on the 2010 17" mbp:
    - 4K/30 is working on an external monitor
    - eSATA is the fastest transfer connection maxing out the SATA II bandwidth (faster than FW800)
    - SSD drives and RAM can be changed in 10~20m (1TB SSD @ $99, or 2 for RAID with adapter kit)

    ...and on the macOS limitation of High Sierra I find it great relief from the now annual upgrade(s) fatigue...
    edited December 2019
  • Reply 17 of 45
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 3,911member
    linkman said:
    Oh, that MagSafe port is beautiful. Eliminating that was a mistake in my book.
    Totally agree - I got a magnetic USB C charging cable to try with my new MBP and it failed within a few months. I still miss the old MagSafe charging cable.

    BigDann said:
    While the USB 2 port was anemic at 480 Mb/s you forgot about the 800 Mb/s FireWire port which was more often used.

    True, the Thunderbolt port was only 10 Gb/s given the generation it was way ahead of its time!

     
    You really have to evaluate the computer in context - The ports that were included reflected what was in use at the time. the USB 3 spec had only recently been released, wifi was not nearly as prevalent or as fast and physical ethernet connections were much more the norm making the ethernet jack much more practical/necessary than it is today.
  • Reply 18 of 45
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 3,911member

    entropys said:
    wood1208 said:
    16" MBP is much more portable than old 17". For argument, only thing to carry forward from 17" to 16" would have been good old mega safe power connector. All those ports look silly on 17". In my experience, only dongle needed useful is $7-$8 USB to type-c.
    They perhaps look a bit silly from a form perspective, true, but extremely functional and useful in a work machine just the same. I have to carry dongles with me everywhere and they end up hanging off my MBP these days. Now that looks silly.
    What on earth would you need dongles hanging off your Mac everywhere for?
    No doubt. Just get the proper cables already. 
    still caught up in the semantic difference between a dongle and a cable, I see. If I get a 3 foot cable for the USB A items I use does that make it any less inconvenient? (I'll give you a hint - no!)
    chia
  • Reply 19 of 45
    ktappe said:
    Also worth noting is that the 17" can only officially support up to High Sierra.
    It will run Catalina just fine using dosdude1's patch.

             I just got the 17” model.  Where can I find this patch?   Thanks

  • Reply 20 of 45
    entropysentropys Posts: 4,152member
    entropys said:
    wood1208 said:
    16" MBP is much more portable than old 17". For argument, only thing to carry forward from 17" to 16" would have been good old mega safe power connector. All those ports look silly on 17". In my experience, only dongle needed useful is $7-$8 USB to type-c.
    They perhaps look a bit silly from a form perspective, true, but extremely functional and useful in a work machine just the same. I have to carry dongles with me everywhere and they end up hanging off my MBP these days. Now that looks silly.
    What on earth would you need dongles hanging off your Mac everywhere for?
    Other people’s USB sticks,  hdmi for projector, seem to be the two main requirements. I can’t expect the other person’s workplace have the right cable.
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