13 in MacBook Pro Touch Bar 2019
If you’re looking to buy a new MacBook, then Apple only makes two different models having discontinued the regular MacBook (12in). That leaves you with the Apple MacBook Air, and Apple MacBook Pro (latest version for MacBook Pro) which have both been updated for 2019.
Here we’re comparing the MacBook models, focussing on the 13in size of Pro since that is the same size the Air comes in. Even so, there are various decisions to make. Would you rather a lighter, more portable laptop? How much power do you need? How much are you happy to spend?
Once you’ve made your mind up, you can head straight to Apple to buy the MacBook Air or 13in MacBook Pro (latest version for MacBook Pro). Both laptops have been updated with better specs and lower starting prices in 2019.
Price
Price is one area where there’s a stark difference between the MacBook Air and the 13in MacBook Pro, which is much more expensive.
Apple MacBook Pro Price
Apple has updated the latest version for MacBook Pro so that every single model now has the Touch Bar. This makes things less complicated than it used to be, even if the Touch Bar isn’t the greatest laptop innovation.
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Apple MacBook Air price
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Options to consider
For £1,099/$1,099 you get the following 13in Apple MacBook Air 2019:
- 1.6GHz dual-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- 128GB SSD
- 8GB 2133MHz RAM
- Intel UHD Graphics 617
- Touch ID
- Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) ports
- 720p FaceTime HD camera
For £1,299/$1,299 you get the following 13in Apple MacBook Pro 2019:
- 1.4GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- 128GB SSD
- 8GB 2133MHz RAM
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
- Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) ports
- 720p FaceTime HD camera
- Touch Bar
Which MacBook Pro is good for use?
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The key difference with the new 2019 models (latest version for MacBook Pro), apart from the Touch Bar, is that the Pro has a quad-core processor vs a dual-core in the Air although the Air has a higher base clock speed. The on-board graphics on the Pro are also better.
If you aren’t on such a tight budget, there are a lot of build-to-order options to consider for both machines. Each can be customised with a higher-spec processor, more memory, more storage and so on.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro comparison
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Dimensions and weight – latest version for MacBook Pro
When it launched in 2008 the MacBook Air was the lightest laptop available. Over the years that followed, the weight of the MacBook Pro has also declined, so the difference is a lot less than it was.
That said, the 2019 MacBook Air weighs less than the older MacBook Air model did; 1.25kg compared to 1.35kg. In comparison the 13in MacBook Pro weighs 1.37kg.
As for size, the 2019 MacBook Air is 30.41cm x 21.24cm, and 15.6mm thin, tapering to 4.1mm at its narrowest point. The 13in MacBook Pro is 30.41cm x 21.24cm so it has the same footprint but is a little thicker overall at 14.9mm as it doesn’t taper.
As both laptops come with Touch ID and things like the Force Touch trackpad, but the Touch Bar on the Pro is really the major design difference between the two. Whether or not you’ll find it useful comes down to a combination of personal preference and what software you use.
Processor and RAM – latest version for MacBook Pro
Although both Air and Pro come with 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processors, they are different models. The Air might have a more impressive speed of 1.6GHz but it’s only dual-core and Turbo Boosts to 3.6GHz.
The Pro meanwhile is 1.4Ghz quad-core and can Turbo Boost to 3.9GHz. This means it’s more powerful overall, hence being chosen for the Pro, while the chip in the Air is more about balancing power and efficiency. Moving to the two more expensive Pro models, you get a 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz (latest version for MacBook Pro).
It’s worth noting that only the Pro can be configured to a couple of different Core i7 processors so is the better choice if you need as much power as possible. The Air only has that one chip.
All the standard models come with 8GB of 2133MHz RAM so there’s no difference there but you can configure to 16GB if you need to on either laptop.
Latest version for MacBook Pro with higher Storage
When it comes to storage, the Apple MacBook Air 2019 and Apple MacBook Pro 2019 both start at 128GB and then double to 256GB for the next model up. The Pro then goes to 512GB if you get the most expensive standard model.
As usual, you can configure this when purchasing if you need more with the Air going up to 1TB. However, if you’re in need of as much storage as possible the Pro (latest version for MacBook Pro) goes even further at 2TB.
Battery life
Where processor speed is clearly in the Apple MacBook Pro 2019’s favour, another potentially critical feature is battery life, and this time it’s the Apple MacBook Air 2019 that wins – though not by much.
The company claims that the Air can handle 12 hours of wireless web browsing and 13 hours of video playback – essentially a full day. That’s compared to 10 hours of each from the 13in Pro; less, but not by a huge amount.
Screens
The display was previously an area where the Air and Pro were quite different, but Apple has brought them much closer in 2019. This is thanks to an upgrade on the Air to a Retina Display with True Tone.
They both have 13.3in LED-backlit displays with IPS technology at a resolution of 2560×1600 making them 227ppi. The only difference now is that the Pro boasts a 500nit brightness level and wide colour (P3), but does not quote these for the new Air.
Graphics and gaming
Unlike the higher-spec 15in models, the 13in MacBook Pro follows the Air in exclusively using integrated Intel graphics – though they’re not identical.
The first two Pro models use Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 then step up to 655 for the more expensive models. In contrast, the MacBook Air uses the lower grade Intel UHD Graphics 617.
As these are all integrated in the processor and it’s a similar story of more power with the Pro and a more balanced solution on the Air. If you need some extra grunt then you can plug in an eGPU via Thunderbolt on either laptop – or you can opt for the 15in MacBook Pro which has AMD Radeon Pro discrete graphics cards.
Ports and peripherals
Laptops used to come with a range of ports but Apple has gradually moved to a very simple approach using USB-C (which supports Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort) on MacBooks. Things like full-size USB (Type A) and even SD card slots are long gone.
The cheapest two MacBook Pro models have exactly the same setup at the 2019 Air so you get two USB-C ports along with a headphone jack. Bear in mind that one will be needed for charging.
The two most expensive MacBook Pro models come with four USB-C ports instead of two, which might come in useful depending on what you need the laptop for. This matches all the 15in Pro models.
It’s worth remembering that there are plenty of USB-C adapters and accessories on the market to expand the ports, allowing you to use HDMI, VGA, USB 3.0 and more.
Which latest version for MacBook Pro to buy?
With the upgraded MacBook Air for 2019, the range is closer than it was before thanks to an upgraded screen and new processors. Also factor in that the 12in MacBook has been discontinued.
Of course, the Air is the best choice if you’re looking for the cheapest MacBook but if you have more budget then things get quite tricky – especially as one Air model is the same price as a Pro.
If the Touch Bar doesn’t sway your decision then we can broadly say that the Pro is more suited for those who need more processing and graphics power. Meanwhile, the Air is better if you’re looking for an all-rounder which balanced, power, portability and battery life.
Customers frequently asked
Apple has still been releasing new MacBook Pros and other devices faster than our bank accounts can keep up. … However, things might be changing for the MacBookPro 2019. Famed Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo has produced some leaks that suggest Apple is going to release a 16-inch MacBook Pro 2019, with an “all-new” design.
Screen and resolution. One of the biggest differences between Apple’s 13inMacBook laptops is the display. The older MacBook Air doesn’t have a Retina display, so the pixel density is lower. … The older MacBook Air features a LED-backlit display, while the 2018 MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro adds IPS technology to this.
We wouldn’t expect Apple to update the MacBook Air before October 2019. It would be very unusual for the company to update something within a year.
Despite having six different versions split among the MacBook Pro 13-inch and 15-inch models, there are some features that are the same for each one. Retina Display – All MacBook Pro 13-inch and 15-inch models have retina display. … Playback Time – All MacBook Pro models offer up to 10 hours of video playback time.
Older MacBooks and MacBook Pros appear to last longer by approximately one year so on average – up to 6 years and often much longer. If you have a Mac that is no longer working and you are contemplating buying a new computer but are not certain we offer a $75 diagnostic service.
Apple’s New MacBook Air Is Its Cheapest One Ever. Apple just quietly introduced its cheapest MacBook ever to the public. The company put two new MacBook Airs on its website on Tuesday: an 11-inch laptop and 13-inch laptop, each available with either 128 GB or 256 GB of storage.
Everything you need to know about the Touch Bar for MacBook Pro. … But that doesn’t mean multitouch can’t have a place on the Mac: The company’s new Touch Bar (currently available on the new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro) is a touch-based OLED bar that replaces the row of function keys on your keyboard.
The MacBook Air might be the best MacBook for most students, but different people have different needs. If you’re looking for more power, then check out the MacBook Pro. … It’s still a MacBook Air, but it lacks the Retina display of the newer model, and its processors are older.
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