MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)
Starting at
£374.10£1,299.00 new
MacBook Pro (M2 series)
Starting at
£724.85£1,349.00 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) and MacBook Pro (M2 series)?
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) starts at £374.10, £350.75 less than the MacBook Pro (M2 series). The MacBook Pro (M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M2 series).
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) specs
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel and MacBook Pro M2 series differ notably in performance, screen size and quality, audiovisual features, and some connectivity options. The 2020 Intel model suits those who want a lighter, more compact 13-inch laptop with 8 GB RAM and SSD storage options from 256 GB upwards. The M2 series offers a larger 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with higher brightness and resolution, faster Apple processor speeds, more RAM up to 32 GB, and bigger SSD options. It also includes enhancements like a higher definition front camera, advanced speakers, and extra ports which benefit users needing more power, expanded multimedia capability, and additional connectivity. Buyers should consider how they use their laptop daily and whether they prioritise portability or more screen space and performance features.
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) price
Colour
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) battery life and software updates
The M2 series supports a newer maximum macOS version.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel supports up to macOS Sequoia, while the M2 series supports up to macOS Tahoe.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) performance
Performance features differ between the two models, affecting processing speed, memory, and storage options. These differences will influence how smoothly each device handles multitasking, demanding applications, and storage needs.
Processor Speed and Brand
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel runs on a 1.7 GHz Intel processor. The M2 series uses an Apple processor at 3.54 GHz.
Memory Capacity
The 2020 Intel model comes with 8 GB RAM. The M2 series offers up to 32 GB RAM.
Storage Options
The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro offers SSD storage starting at 256 GB up to 4 TB. The M2 series also offers SSD storage from 256 GB up to 8 TB.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) screen
Screen features vary considerably, with differences in size, resolution, brightness, and display type. These factors affect viewing comfort and detail, especially for creative work or extended use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel has a 13-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. The M2 series features a larger 16-inch screen with a resolution of 3456 x 2234.
Display Technology and Brightness
The 2020 Intel model uses an IPS Retina display with 500 nits brightness. The M2 series comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display capable of up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness.
Colour and Comfort Features
Both devices include Retina displays and True Tone technology, which adjusts the colour temperature for a comfortable viewing experience in different lighting conditions.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) camera
The audiovisual capabilities differ, affecting video calls, sound quality, and media enjoyment. These differences cater to users with various communication and entertainment needs.
Front Camera Quality
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel has a 720p front camera. The M2 series steps up to a 1080p camera.
Speaker System
The 2020 Intel model features stereo speakers with high dynamic range. The M2 series offers a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) size and design
Additional features including connectivity, input methods, and physical dimensions differ between these MacBook Pro models, influencing daily use and portability.
Connectivity and Ports
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. The M2 series offers Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. The M2 series also includes an HDMI output and an SD card slot.
Physical Size and Weight
The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro measures 30.41 cm wide, 21.24 cm deep, 1.56 cm high, and weighs 1400 g. The M2 series is larger and heavier at 35.57 cm wide, 24.81 cm deep, 1.68 cm high, and 2150 g.
Input Features
Both models have a Touch feature. The 2020 Intel includes a Touch Bar, while the M2 series does not.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Microphone specifications
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Turbo boost
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usba port
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) or MacBook Pro (M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £374.10, £350.75 less than the MacBook Pro (M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (1400 g vs 2150 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M2 series) if
- you want more RAM (32 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (16 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) FAQs
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £374.10 compared with £724.85 for the MacBook Pro (M2 series).
The MacBook Pro (M2 series) adds more RAM (32 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (16 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £350.75 more (from £724.85 vs £374.10).
Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB, and the MacBook Pro (M2 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 8TB.








