Choosing between the MacBook Pro 2015 and 2016 can be a tough decision, especially if you're looking for a balance between cost, performance, and features. Both models have their strengths and weaknesses, and what works best for one person might not be ideal for another. In this article, we'll dive deep into the key differences between these two popular laptops to help you make an informed choice. We'll cover everything from design and performance to battery life and features, so you can confidently decide which MacBook Pro is right for you. So, let's get started and explore the pros and cons of each model!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the MacBook Pro 2016 brought some significant changes compared to the 2015 model. The 2016 version introduced a thinner and lighter design, making it more portable and sleek. Apple managed to shave off some of the bulk, resulting in a laptop that feels more modern and refined. The overall footprint is smaller, which is great if you often carry your laptop around.

The 2015 MacBook Pro, on the other hand, has a more traditional design. It's slightly thicker and heavier, but some users appreciate the more robust feel. The 2015 model doesn't feel as delicate as the 2016 version, which can be a plus if you're concerned about durability. While the 2016 model is undoubtedly more visually appealing to some, the 2015 version still holds its own in terms of build quality.

One of the most noticeable differences is the keyboard. The 2016 MacBook Pro introduced the butterfly keyboard, which was designed to be thinner and more responsive. However, this keyboard has been plagued with reliability issues, with many users reporting sticky or unresponsive keys. Apple has since moved away from the butterfly keyboard in newer models due to these widespread problems. The 2015 MacBook Pro features the older scissor-switch keyboard, which is generally considered more reliable and comfortable to type on for extended periods.

Another key difference is the trackpad. The 2016 model has a significantly larger trackpad, offering more space for gestures and navigation. This can be a major advantage if you rely heavily on trackpad gestures for your workflow. The 2015 MacBook Pro has a smaller trackpad, but it's still functional and responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.

In terms of ports, the 2016 MacBook Pro exclusively uses USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support. This means you'll need adapters for many older devices, which can be inconvenient and add to the overall cost. The 2015 MacBook Pro, on the other hand, includes a mix of ports, including USB-A, Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, and an SD card slot. This can be a significant advantage if you need to connect to a variety of devices without using adapters. The inclusion of an SD card slot is particularly useful for photographers and videographers.

In summary:

• MacBook Pro 2016: Thinner and lighter design, butterfly keyboard, larger trackpad, USB-C ports only.
• MacBook Pro 2015: Thicker and heavier design, scissor-switch keyboard, smaller trackpad, mix of ports (USB-A, Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, SD card slot).

Performance

When evaluating the performance of the MacBook Pro 2015 versus the 2016 model, it's important to consider the specific configurations of each. Both models were available with various processor options, RAM configurations, and storage capacities, so performance can vary depending on the exact specifications. However, we can make some general comparisons based on the typical configurations available at the time.

The 2015 MacBook Pro typically came with Intel's 5th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors (Broadwell), while the 2016 model featured Intel's 6th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors (Skylake). In terms of raw processing power, the 2016 model generally offers a slight advantage due to the newer architecture. However, the difference in real-world performance may not be significant for many everyday tasks. For demanding applications like video editing or graphic design, the 2016 model might offer a bit more headroom.

RAM is another important factor to consider. Both the 2015 and 2016 MacBook Pro models were available with 8GB or 16GB of RAM. If you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously or work with large files, 16GB of RAM is highly recommended. Insufficient RAM can lead to slowdowns and performance bottlenecks, especially when multitasking. The 2016 model utilizes faster RAM (LPDDR3 vs DDR3L in the 2015 model), which can contribute to slightly better overall performance.

Storage options also play a crucial role in performance. Both models use solid-state drives (SSDs), which offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives. The 2016 MacBook Pro features faster SSDs with NVMe support, resulting in quicker boot times and faster application loading. The 2015 model still offers respectable SSD performance, but the 2016 version has a clear edge in this area. Having ample storage is essential, especially if you work with large media files or have a lot of applications installed.

Graphics performance is another key consideration, particularly if you plan to use your MacBook Pro for gaming or graphics-intensive tasks. The 2015 MacBook Pro typically came with Intel Iris Pro graphics, while the 2016 model featured Intel Iris Graphics or discrete AMD Radeon Pro graphics on some higher-end configurations. If you need dedicated graphics for demanding tasks, the 2016 model with the AMD Radeon Pro GPU is the better choice. The integrated graphics in both models are sufficient for everyday tasks and light photo editing, but they may struggle with more intensive workloads.

In summary:

• MacBook Pro 2016: Intel 6th-generation Core i5/i7 processors, faster RAM (LPDDR3), faster SSDs with NVMe support, optional discrete AMD Radeon Pro graphics.
• MacBook Pro 2015: Intel 5th-generation Core i5/i7 processors, DDR3L RAM, standard SSDs, Intel Iris Pro graphics.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for many MacBook Pro users, especially those who are often on the go. The 2016 MacBook Pro was advertised as having similar battery life to the 2015 model, but real-world performance has often been inconsistent. Many users have reported that the 2016 MacBook Pro doesn't quite live up to its advertised battery life, particularly when performing demanding tasks.

The 2015 MacBook Pro generally offers more consistent and reliable battery life. While it may not last as long as some newer laptops, it typically provides enough power to get you through a full workday with moderate usage. The 2015 model has a slightly larger battery capacity compared to the 2016 version, which contributes to its better overall battery performance. Factors such as screen brightness, application usage, and background processes can all impact battery life, so it's important to optimize your settings for the best results.

The 2016 MacBook Pro's battery life issues have been attributed to a variety of factors, including the more power-hungry Skylake processors and the redesigned logic board. Apple released several software updates to address these issues, but many users still experience shorter battery life compared to the 2015 model. If battery life is a top priority, the 2015 MacBook Pro might be the better choice.

It's worth noting that battery life can also degrade over time due to normal wear and tear. As the battery ages, its capacity decreases, resulting in shorter runtimes. If you're purchasing a used MacBook Pro, it's important to check the battery health to get an idea of its remaining capacity. You can find this information in the system information under the power section.

In summary:

• MacBook Pro 2016: Inconsistent battery life, may not live up to advertised estimates.
• MacBook Pro 2015: More consistent and reliable battery life, slightly larger battery capacity.

Features and Connectivity

When it comes to features and connectivity, the MacBook Pro 2015 and 2016 offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. As mentioned earlier, the 2016 model exclusively uses USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, while the 2015 version includes a mix of ports, including USB-A, Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, and an SD card slot. The port selection can be a major deciding factor for many users, depending on their specific needs and peripherals.

The 2015 MacBook Pro's inclusion of USB-A ports means you can connect older devices without needing adapters. This can be a significant convenience if you frequently use USB flash drives, external hard drives, or other peripherals that haven't been updated to USB-C. The HDMI port allows you to easily connect to external displays or projectors without an adapter, and the SD card slot is invaluable for photographers and videographers who need to quickly transfer files from their cameras.

The 2016 MacBook Pro's USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 offer greater versatility and bandwidth. Thunderbolt 3 supports data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, as well as DisplayPort and USB functionality. This allows you to connect to a wide range of devices, including external displays, high-speed storage devices, and eGPUs (external graphics processing units). However, you'll likely need to invest in adapters to connect to older devices, which can add to the overall cost.

Another notable feature of the 2016 MacBook Pro is the Touch Bar, a thin OLED strip that replaces the function keys. The Touch Bar provides context-sensitive controls and shortcuts that can adapt to the application you're using. Some users find the Touch Bar to be a useful and innovative feature, while others find it gimmicky and prefer the traditional function keys. The 2015 MacBook Pro does not have the Touch Bar.

Both models feature a FaceTime HD camera for video calls and a headphone jack. The speakers on both models are decent, but the 2016 MacBook Pro has slightly improved audio quality with better bass response. The keyboard on the 2016 model uses the butterfly mechanism, which, as mentioned earlier, has been prone to reliability issues. The 2015 MacBook Pro uses the more reliable scissor-switch keyboard.

In summary:

• MacBook Pro 2016: USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3, Touch Bar (on some models), butterfly keyboard, slightly improved speakers.
• MacBook Pro 2015: Mix of ports (USB-A, Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, SD card slot), traditional function keys, scissor-switch keyboard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the MacBook Pro 2015 and 2016 depends largely on your individual needs and priorities. The 2016 model offers a thinner and lighter design, faster performance, and the potential for more versatile connectivity with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. However, it also comes with the potential drawbacks of the butterfly keyboard and the need for adapters for older devices. The inconsistent battery life reported by many users is also a concern.

The 2015 MacBook Pro, on the other hand, offers a more reliable keyboard, a mix of useful ports, and more consistent battery life. While its design may not be as modern as the 2016 model, it still provides a solid computing experience. The 2015 version can be a great value, especially if you don't need the latest and greatest features and prioritize reliability and convenience.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which MacBook Pro is right for you is to weigh the pros and cons of each model based on your specific needs and budget. Consider how you'll be using the laptop, what types of devices you need to connect to, and how important battery life is to you. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the MacBook Pro that best fits your requirements. Whether you opt for the sleek and modern 2016 model or the reliable and versatile 2015 version, you'll be getting a capable and well-built laptop that can serve you well for years to come.