MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)
Starting at
£374.10£1,299.00 new
MacBook Pro (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,950.44What's the difference between the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) and MacBook Pro (M5 series)?
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) starts at £374.10, £1576.34 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series). The MacBook Pro (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M5 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 (M5 series).
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) specs
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel and the MacBook Pro M5 series differ in key areas like performance, screen quality, audiovisual features and connectivity options. The 2020 Intel model suits users who want a solid MacBook with 8 GB RAM and multiple storage options including up to 4TB. The M5 series offers more RAM, a larger and brighter screen, better speakers and camera, plus HDMI output and an SDXC card slot. Choose the 2020 Intel model for everyday use with established features. The M5 series is for those needing enhanced multitasking, richer media experience and more versatile ports.
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) price
Colour
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and operating system compatibility, which affect how long your device stays current.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel supports up to macOS Sequoia, while the M5 series supports up to macOS Tahoe. This means the M5 series can run a more recent macOS version.
Release Year Context
The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro was released in 2020, and the M5 series in 2025. This places each device in different software eras, reflected in their maximum supported macOS versions. Both run macOS, providing the core Apple experience.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) performance
Performance differences include processor brand, RAM and storage options. These affect how smoothly the devices handle apps, multitasking and file storage.
Processor Brand
The MacBook Pro 2020 uses an Intel processor, while the M5 series runs on Apple processors. Both use 64-bit architecture, ensuring compatibility with current software. The choice may matter if you prefer one brand's ecosystem or compatibility.
Memory Capacity
The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro comes with 8 GB RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The M5 series has 16 GB RAM, better suited for users who keep many apps open or work with larger files and multitasking.
Storage Options
Storage for the 2020 Intel model ranges from 256 GB up to 4 TB, ideal if you want a variety of capacity choices. The M5 series offers 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB options, focusing on mid to higher storage. Both use SSDs for fast file access.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) screen
Screen quality influences visual clarity and comfort for reading, editing and media. Both have IPS Retina displays but differ in size, resolution and brightness.
Screen Size and Resolution
The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro has a 13 inch screen with 2560 x 1600 resolution. The M5 series features a slightly larger 14 inch screen with higher 3024 x 1964 resolution. The bigger, sharper screen suits users who want more workspace or detailed visuals.
Display Brightness and Type
The 2020 Intel model offers 500 nits brightness with a Retina display. The M5 series doubles brightness to 1000 nits and uses a Liquid Retina XDR display, providing more vivid colours and better visibility in bright environments.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) camera
Audiovisual features affect your experience in video calls, media playback and recording. The two MacBook Pros differ in camera quality and speaker setup.
Front Camera Quality
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel has a 720p front camera, suitable for standard video calls. The M5 series upgrades to a 12 MP camera, capturing more detail and sharper video, ideal for frequent video conferencing or content creation.
Speakers
The 2020 Intel model includes stereo speakers with high dynamic range for clear sound. The M5 series features six speakers, offering a richer and more immersive audio experience for music, movies and calls.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, input methods and extras that affect daily use and convenience.
Ports and Expansion
The MacBook Pro 2020 Intel has two USB-C ports but no HDMI or card slots. The M5 series adds a third USB-C port, an HDMI output for easy connection to external displays, and an SDXC card slot for quick photo or file transfers.
Bluetooth and Wifi
Bluetooth 5.0 on the 2020 Intel model supports wireless accessories well. The M5 series improves to Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, offering potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections where supported.
Input Features
Both models support touch input. The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar, offering a dynamic shortcut strip above the keyboard. The M5 series does not include the Touch Bar.
Weight and Portability
The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro weighs 1400 g, making it slightly lighter than the M5 series at 1550 g. This may be a consideration if you carry your laptop often.
Screen Technology and Extras
The M5 series includes a Liquid Retina XDR display and supports promotion technology, which can make animations and scrolling smoother. The 2020 Intel model's screen is Retina with True Tone but does not have promotion.
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 (M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £374.10, £1576.34 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (1400 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) FAQs
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £374.10 compared with £1950.44 for the MacBook Pro (M5 series).
The MacBook Pro (M5 series) adds more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £1576.34 more (from £1950.44 vs £374.10).
Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB, and the MacBook Pro (M5 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
