Do you think the new 16" MacBook Pro is worth the upgrade?

[Hieveryone]

I have a 2019 15" MacBook Pro currently.

I know the 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro is really nice.

I was wondering if I should upgrade? I would like to see if I could trade my computer in.

 

[dpny]

Depends what you do. My 2018 MBP works fine as my daily driver, using CC and the Affinity apps with no problems.

 

[dumastudetto]

The new MacBooks Pros are no-brainer upgrades for even M1 owners tbh. 40% performance gains in the latest generation are absolutely incredible, plus you get best-ever WiFi and an amazing improvement with Bluetooth

 

[skardvin]

The new MacBooks Pros are no-brainer upgrades for even M1 owners tbh. 40% performance gains in the latest generation are absolutely incredible, plus you get best-ever WiFi and an amazing improvement with Bluetooth

If one needs more power or benefits from having WIFI 6E/Bluetooth 5.3 greatly, then I would agree with your assessment. However, many people do not "need" more performance as what they have right now is more than they need. Even just the basic M1 chip suits most people's needs quite nicely.

 

[skardvin]

I have a 2019 15" MacBook Pro currently.

I know the 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro is really nice.

I was wondering if I should upgrade? I would like to see if I could trade my computer in.

That depends. You must ask yourself if this is a need or want-based decision/question. Do you need to upgrade, or do you want to? If what you have works then you don't need to upgrade however that does not mean you should not if you have the funds and want to. If you think upgrading will benefit you enough then go for it.

 

[smirking]

I'm firmly of the yes opinion for one reason and one reason alone... better battery life. Unless you're crunching hardcore data, the year over year performance increases don't really translate into anything life changing. I gave my old 2018 MBP to my wife when I upgraded to a 16" M1 Pro. I still use it occasionally and really it's not a day and night difference for the most part.

But the battery life of the M series? Different story. Yeah, that's life changing. I can work unplugged almost all day and still have power. More importantly, I can do any kind of work I want without a power cord without worrying about running out of juice. On the Intel Macs, I had to avoid doing real work when I was traveling and didn't have a power cord on me.

Well, I'm of the yes opinion because I need a real workhorse. If you just need a decent computer and don't need a mobile workstation or don't do things that'll deplete your battery in an hour, it's just a personal choice. There's nothing wrong with a 2019 MBP. They're still great machines and will still be great machines for most people 4 years from now.

 

[Fishrrman]

It probably will be a nice upgrade.

But realize up front that you're not going to get much "trade-in value" on the old one.
Not much at all...

 

[Hieveryone]

It probably will be a nice upgrade.

But realize up front that you're not going to get much "trade-in value" on the old one.
Not much at all...

With taxes I think I paid like 2400 or 2500 for it. I better get some value. It’s only 3 years old and works great!

 

[Hieveryone]

That depends. You must ask yourself if this is a need or want-based decision/question. Do you need to upgrade, or do you want to? If what you have works then you don't need to upgrade however that does not mean you should not if you have the funds and want to. If you think upgrading will benefit you enough then go for it.

It is more of a want than a need.

Right now I’m using my 2019 as a workhorse and it can handle everything great.

I’ve got a TV attached via HDMI, external monitor, printer, scanner, iPhone charger, pen drive. I also charge my 12” MacBook with it.

So yeah it’s a lot but no issues

 

[Hieveryone]

Whether or not you should upgrade your 2019 15" MacBook Pro to the 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro depends on your specific needs and preferences. The 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro is a powerful and high-performance machine that has some notable improvements over the 2019 15" MacBook Pro.

Here are some of the key differences between the two models:

• The 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro has a faster processor and more powerful graphics, which can improve performance and allow for more intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming.
• The 2022 model has a larger display with a resolution of 3072 x 1920 and a higher refresh rate of 60Hz, which can make for a better viewing experience.
• The new model has a longer battery life, which can be beneficial for those who are on the go frequently.
• The 2022 model has a Touch Bar and Touch ID, which can make for a more convenient and secure user experience.

If these features are important to you and you feel like you would benefit from them, then upgrading to the 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro may be a good option. However, if your current computer is meeting your needs and you don't feel like you would benefit from the new features, then upgrading may not be necessary.

Regarding trade-in, you can check the trade-in options with Apple, or other retailers, to see if your 2019 MacBook Pro is eligible, and what would be the trade-in value.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade should be based on your specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget.

Thank you for this information. Very helpful. The better screen is definitely compelling

 

[UbuntuFu]

• The 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro has a faster processor and more powerful graphics, which can improve performance and allow for more intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming.
• The 2022 model has a larger display with a resolution of 3072 x 1920 and a higher refresh rate of 60Hz, which can make for a better viewing experience.
• The new model has a longer battery life, which can be beneficial for those who are on the go frequently.
• The 2022 model has a Touch Bar and Touch ID, which can make for a more convenient and secure user experience.

There seems to be some errors in your comparison,

1) the M2 16 inch MBP does not have a touch bar
2) the M2 16 inch MBP has a resolution of 3456-by-2234 with ProMotion adaptive refresh up to 120hz, the late 2019 16 inch has a resolution of 3072-by-1920, OP has a 15 inch 2019 MBP which has a resolution of 2880-by-1800.

If I was OP I would upgrade just for the fact that I hate the butterfly keyboard.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I have a 2019 15" MacBook Pro currently.

I know the 2022 16" M2 MacBook Pro is really nice.

I was wondering if I should upgrade? I would like to see if I could trade my computer in.

I moved from a 2019 15” MacBook Pro to a M1 Max 16” a few months ago. MASSIVE upgrade. Of course, I didn’t have to pay for it it’s my work computer, so I can’t really speak to the “Value” side of the equation.

But man, this new computer ROCKS!

 

[smirking]

It is more of a want than a need.

Right now I’m using my 2019 as a workhorse and it can handle everything great.

Personally, if your current machine is just fine, I'd stick with it. I said I was a firm YES, but that was for my scenario. I'm also a "HELL NO" for upgrading when your current machine has nothing lacking because I find the headaches that inevitably pop up when you switch daily drivers to be such a huge pain that I'm not willing to suffer just for minor speed bumps.

 

[Clix Pix]

I have a 2018 15" MBP that has been wonderful but which also was starting to show her age a little bit, and of course after three years she no longer had AppleCare. In another year or two she would no longer be eligible to download and install whatever the latest MacOS will be. So while ago I started thinking about a new machine....

I kept seeing and hearing rumors about the upcoming M2 MBPs but they seemed to be delayed and delayed and delayed, and this December I said, "OK, that's it, I'm buying an M1 16" MBP Max and Apple can dawdle all it wants with brining out the M2 version!"

So just over a month after I happily brought my new machine home from the Apple Store and got her all set up, what happens? Apple announces the new M2 versions of the Mac Pro MBP and Mac Pro Max MBP. You know what, though? I con't care. I've had my new M1 MBP Max purring along smoothly for this past month and she is doing exactly what I needed and wanted. What more could I ask?

Making the change from the 2018 15" MBP to the new one has been definitely worth it for me, as I had specific things I needed and wanted to do, such as increase the amount of storage and the amount of RAM from what I'd had previously, and I was looking forward to moving on from the Intel platform to Apple's implementation of its own processor and "system on a chip."

The new machine is cool -- literally. She doesn't break a sweat no matter what I throw at her and I have yet to hear the fans come on. It's really rather startling to touch her and feel how cool she remains.

At the moment I still have my 15" Intel 2018 MBP because I haven't quite decided what to do with her. I know that Apple has significantly cut down on the amount they will give anyone for their old machine as a trade-in. I don't particularly need or want to keep the older machine and I don't really have the space, either, so probably will wind up selling it to a friend or perhaps passing it along to a family member.

So, yes, if you have the need, the itch for something new and the financial resources to go with one of the just-released M2 machines, I'd say go for it!

 

[skardvin]

It is more of a want than a need.

Right now I’m using my 2019 as a workhorse and it can handle everything great.

I’ve got a TV attached via HDMI, external monitor, printer, scanner, iPhone charger, pen drive. I also charge my 12” MacBook with it.

So yeah it’s a lot but no issues

If it is a want rather than a need, then it is entirely up to you how much that want is worth. Would you benefit more from upgrading something else? Phone? Watch? iPad etc.? If so, maybe spend your funds on something you need more. But again, your call. Good luck!

 

[maflynn]

I was wondering if I should upgrade? I would like to see if I could trade my computer in.

Worth is subjective.

If you want too, do it, if you want to hold on, then hold on.

the 15" MBP has some advantages over the M1/M2 whether you take advantages is really up to you to discern. Do you use bootcamp, play games, windows? Then the 15" is still better. If you just use macOS and mac apps, then the M1/M2 options are better, provided you want to spend the money

 

[randy85]

I think you'll be blown away by even the base M1 Pro. Everything is nicer on it.

Prepare to be appalled by the trade-in value though.

 

[jerryk]

Is your 2019 an i7 MBP? Is so, I think the difference can be significant.

 

[CalMin]

The new computer can't do anything new over the 'old' one in terms of software, so be aware that once you get past the 'shiny, newness' of it all, it will just be a new Mac. It will just faster, smoother, better though and that may/may not be important to you.

I jumped from a 16" 2019 MacBook Pro (Intel) to an M1 Pro. It's night and day. I tend to work with a gazillion apps and windows. The M1Pro never breaks a sweat. I never hear the fan, and it is has been reliable. I work mostly docked at my desk, but the battery life is very good when I am traveling. It's literally the best computer I have ever owned. But that said my old machine did all the same things, just not quite as smoothly and the fans were running constantly.

Values of Intel Macs have dropped recently and they aren't going higher. A private sale will yield you more than a trade-in.

It really comes down to money. If you can afford it, you will love the new machine. If the cost is a bit of a stretch, then don't do it.

 

[tstafford]

The new computer can't do anything new over the 'old' one in terms of software, so be aware that once you get past the 'shiny, newness' of it all, it will just be a new Mac. It will just faster, smoother, better though and that may/may not be important to you.

I jumped from a 16" 2019 MacBook Pro (Intel) to an M1 Pro. It's night and day. I tend to work with a gazillion apps and windows. The M1Pro never breaks a sweat. I never hear the fan, and it is has been reliable. I work mostly docked at my desk, but the battery life is very good when I am traveling. It's literally the best computer I have ever owned. But that said my old machine did all the same things, just not quite as smoothly and the fans were running constantly.

Values of Intel Macs have dropped recently and they aren't going higher. A private sale will yield you more than a trade-in.

It really comes down to money. If you can afford it, you will love the new machine. If the cost is a bit of a stretch, then don't do it.

Well said.

 

[smirking]

It really comes down to money. If you can afford it, you will love the new machine. If the cost is a bit of a stretch, then don't do it.

Or if you don't want a thicker and heavier machine. I didn't realize how much of a size adjustment it would be to go from the 15" i7 to a 16" M1 Pro. It's not that much heavier or thicker, but it's just enough of both to make handling it more awkward. I lugged around one and sometimes two Unibody macs before so I'm no stranger to weight and thickness, but it was weird to climb the other direction on the weight chart. Also, all of my bags had been downsized to be ideal for my 15" laptop. The 16" fit, but it bulged and offset the center of my packs.

The tradeoff was worth it for me, but it also made me realize that I had learned to love slim and light a lot more than I realized.

 

[aevan]

The new MacBooks Pros are no-brainer upgrades for even M1 owners tbh. 40% performance gains in the latest generation are absolutely incredible, plus you get best-ever WiFi and an amazing improvement with Bluetooth

No brainer upgrade over M1 MBPs? As in M1 Pro and M1 Max? Where are you getting that 40% gains number?

 

[cbum]

No brainer upgrade over M1 MBPs? As in M1 Pro and M1 Max? Where are you getting that 40% gains number?

Perhaps from the Apple announcement video?

Personally, I am eagerly awaiting head to head comparisons from the usual suspects for more granular data.

Update: I just saw this on Notebookcheck.net:
"The Apple M2 Pro scores 1,952 and 15,013 points in the Geekbench single and multi-core tests, respectively. That represents a 10% increase over the last-gen M1 Pro(1,769/12,499) in single-core performance and a 20% increment in multi-core. Even the better-specced M1 Max (1,780/12,656) falls flat against the M2 Pro, although an apples-to-apples comparison between the two would be unfair given the latter features two extra E cores.Furthermore, Geekbench is a CPU-intensive test and the M1 Max will almost certainly flex its muscles in a more GPU-bound scenario."

 

[nikhsub1]

The new MacBooks Pros are no-brainer upgrades for even M1 owners tbh. 40% performance gains in the latest generation are absolutely incredible, plus you get best-ever WiFi and an amazing improvement with Bluetooth

Apple loves you.

 

[anzio]

There seems to be some errors in your comparison,

1) the M2 16 inch MBP does not have a touch bar
2) the M2 16 inch MBP has a resolution of 3456-by-2234 with ProMotion adaptive refresh up to 120hz, the late 2019 16 inch has a resolution of 3072-by-1920, OP has a 15 inch 2019 MBP which has a resolution of 2880-by-1800.

If I was OP I would upgrade just for the fact that I hate the butterfly keyboard.

I’m almost certain that he just piped OP’s question into ChatGPT based on how that’s worded, lol.