MacBook Pro 2019 Review: A Powerhouse That’s Showing Its Age
When Apple dropped the MacBook Pro 2019, especially the Intel Core i7 and i9 models, it was a beast. This was one of the last Intel-based MacBooks before Apple’s transition to its own M1 chips—a move that changed the game. But in 2024, how does the 2019 MacBook Pro hold up, and is it still worth considering over an M1 MacBook Pro? Let’s break it down.
What Made the 2019 MacBook Pro Special?
- Raw Power with Core i7 & i9
- The 6-core i7 and 8-core i9 were some of the most powerful Intel processors Apple ever put in a MacBook. If you needed performance for video editing, coding, or 3D rendering, these chips delivered.
- The i9 model, in particular, was a powerhouse, making it a top choice for professionals.
- High-Resolution Retina Display
- Apple’s 16-inch Retina Display was one of the best in the industry at the time, featuring True Tone, P3 wide color gamut, and 500 nits of brightness.
- The screen was perfect for creative work, whether you were editing 4K videos or designing graphics.
- Dedicated Graphics (on i9 models)
- The AMD Radeon Pro 5300M and 5500M made this MacBook Pro better for GPU-heavy tasks compared to earlier models.
- If you were into video editing, motion graphics, or gaming (yes, some people game on Macs), the dedicated GPU helped a lot.
- Ports, Glorious Ports
- Unlike today’s MacBooks, the 2019 MacBook Pro came with four Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack.
- While USB-C dongles were still needed for older accessories, this was more than what you get with newer models.
- Upgradable RAM & Storage
- The base model started at 16GB RAM, but you could upgrade it to 64GB—a huge plus for power users.
- Storage options went up to 8TB, making it one of the best choices for professionals handling large files.
The Downsides: Where It Falls Short
- Thermal Throttling Issues
- The i9 model, in particular, ran hot—really hot. The cooling system struggled to keep up, meaning the processor had to slow itself down to avoid overheating.
- This meant that in real-world use, performance wasn’t as consistent as Apple advertised.
- The Butterfly Keyboard Problem
- Apple’s infamous Butterfly Keyboard made its last appearance in this model, and it wasn’t great.
- Many users faced stuck keys, double typing issues, and key failures, making it one of the most frustrating MacBook keyboards ever.
- Battery Life Was Just Okay
- While Apple claimed 11 hours of battery life, real-world use (especially with the i9 model) often resulted in 5-7 hours, sometimes less under heavy workloads.
- The 100W charger helped with fast charging, but it still wasn’t as efficient as Apple Silicon Macs.
- Fan Noise & Power Consumption
- The fans were loud—something you’ll almost never hear on an M1 MacBook.
- It also consumed way more power compared to Apple’s M1 chips, making it less energy-efficient.
MacBook Pro 2019 vs. MacBook Pro M1: The Key Differences
| Feature | MacBook Pro 2019 (i7/i9) | MacBook Pro M1 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7/i9 (6 or 8 cores) | Apple M1 (8 cores) |
| Performance | Fast, but throttles under heavy load | More efficient and consistent |
| Battery Life | 5-7 hours (real-world use) | 15-20 hours (way better) |
| Keyboard | Butterfly keyboard (prone to issues) | Magic Keyboard (fixed) |
| Cooling | Fans run loud, heat issues | Runs cool, almost silent |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5500M | Integrated GPU |
| Ports | 4x Thunderbolt 3 | 2x Thunderbolt 3 |
Should You Still Buy the 2019 MacBook Pro?
- If you can get a good deal on the i9 model, it’s still a solid performer—but be ready for heat issues and average battery life (You will get more out of this laptop if you use it as a workstation at your desk).
- If you want better battery life, lower heat, and a silent experience, the M1 MacBook Pro is the clear winner.
Verdict: A Classic Powerhouse, But the M1 Wins
The MacBook Pro 2019 (i7 & i9) was a powerful but flawed laptop. It was great in its time, but compared to the M1 MacBook Pro, it feels outdated in terms of battery life, thermals, and efficiency.
That said, if you need dedicated graphics, more ports, and upgradeable RAM/storage, the 2019 model still has some appeal. But for most users, the M1 MacBook Pro is simply better in almost every way.
Would you still use a 2019 MacBook Pro in 2024, or have you already switched to Apple Silicon? Let me know in the comments!
