MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series)
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MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)
Starting at
£374.10£1,299.00 new
MacBook Pro (M4 series)
Starting at
£1,388.68£1,758.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) and MacBook Pro (M4 series)?
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) starts at £374.10, £1014.58 less than the MacBook Pro (M4 series). The MacBook Pro (M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) specs
The MacBook Pro 2020 with Intel processor and the MacBook Pro M4 series differ in performance, screen, audiovisual features, and connectivity. The 2020 model suits users who want a reliable MacBook with 8 GB of RAM and smaller storage options, while the M4 series offers faster processing, more RAM, and larger storage for demanding tasks. The M4 series has a bigger, brighter Liquid Retina XDR display that benefits visual work. It also provides enhanced speakers and a higher resolution webcam for better video calls and media. For those needing more ports, the M4 series includes an HDMI output and an SD card slot.
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) price
Colour
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) battery life and software updates
This matters if you want to keep your device current with software improvements over time.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Pro 2020 supports macOS Sequoia, while the M4 series supports macOS Tahoe. This means the M4 series can run a newer version of macOS, which may include recent features and security updates.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) performance
Performance varies mainly in processor speed, RAM, and storage. This affects how well the device handles multitasking, demanding applications, and large files.
Processor Speed and Brand
The MacBook Pro 2020 uses an Intel processor running at 1.7 GHz, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. The M4 series features an Apple processor at 4.41 GHz, which offers more power for intensive tasks like video editing or software development.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the MacBook Pro 2020 keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The M4 series comes with 24 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open and supports demanding software with ease.
Storage Options
The 2020 model is available with 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB SSD options, giving flexibility depending on your storage needs. The M4 series comes with 512 GB or 1 TB SSD storage, providing ample space for large files and applications.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) screen
Screen quality differs in size, resolution, brightness, and display type. These factors influence image clarity, colour accuracy, and visibility in different lighting conditions.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Pro 2020 has a 13 inch Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, offering sharp and clear visuals suitable for everyday use. The M4 series features a larger 14 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3024 x 1964 resolution, providing a more spacious and detailed viewing experience.
Brightness Levels
The 2020 model offers 500 nits brightness, which works well indoors and in moderate lighting. The M4 series can reach up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, enhancing visibility in bright environments and supporting high dynamic range content.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) camera
Audiovisual features influence video calls, media playback, and sound quality. These differences affect users who value better camera resolution and richer sound.
Front Camera Quality
The MacBook Pro 2020 includes a 720p front camera, suitable for standard video calls. The M4 series has a 1080p front camera, which captures clearer and more detailed video for meetings and streaming.
Speaker System
The 2020 model features stereo speakers with high dynamic range for good sound quality. The M4 series enhances audio with a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system and force-cancelling woofers, delivering richer and more immersive sound.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) size and design
Additional features cover connectivity, ports, and design dimensions. These affect how you connect accessories and use your MacBook in daily scenarios.
Ports and Slots
The MacBook Pro 2020 includes two USB-C ports but no HDMI or card slots. The M4 series offers three USB-C ports, an HDMI output, and an SD card slot supporting Secure Digital, SDHC, and SDXC cards, which is useful for photographers and those connecting to external displays.
Wireless and Bluetooth
The 2020 model supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0, fitting common wireless needs. The M4 series upgrades to Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.3, which provide improved wireless performance and connection stability.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The MacBook Pro 2020 measures 30.41 cm wide, 21.24 cm deep, and 1.56 cm high, weighing 1400 g. The M4 series is slightly larger at 31.26 cm wide, 22.12 cm deep, 1.55 cm high, and weighs 1550 g, offering a bigger screen with marginally different size and weight.
Keyboard and Touch Features
Both MacBooks have QWERTY English keyboards and support touch input. The 2020 model includes a Touch Bar, while the M4 series does not, which may influence your preference for function key controls.
Display Promotion
Only the M4 series supports Promotion technology, which can provide smoother motion and responsiveness on screen.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
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 (M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £374.10, £1014.58 less than the MacBook Pro (M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (1400 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) FAQs
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £374.10 compared with £1388.68 for the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
The MacBook Pro (M4 series) adds more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £1014.58 more (from £1388.68 vs £374.10).
Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB, and the MacBook Pro (M4 series) in 512GB and 1TB.
