You have a very limited budget, but still want to have a MacBook without sacrificing reasonable equipment and a little longer-term security for technical components? Then a used MacBook Pro 2016 is the current sweet spot.
A used Macbook Pro 2016 is very cheap to have
This model was the first Apple released in the new design (Thunderbolt 3 ports only). The version without touch bar has a 2.0 GHz dual-core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD. You get this device currently used already around 700 – 800 dollars.
Let’s have a look at the new alternatives: Criteria are a sufficient processor, no Touch Bar and a 256 GB SSD. The choices are new:
- MacBook Pro 2017 with 2,3 GHz for $1.499
- MacBook Air 2018 with 1,6 GHz for $1.399
- MacBook 2017 with 1.2 GHz for $1.299
So you see, the MacBook Pro from 2016 is one of those models that have experienced a huge loss in value, which is usually not the case with MacBooks. However, the value of this model has dropped very quickly. But is it still a good choice?
The MacBook Pro is from 2016, but by comparison still up to date
Let’s take a look at the performance of the four Geekbench models to be compared:
- MacBook Pro 2017: 4338 Single Core, 9084 Multi-Core
- Macbook Air 2018: 4005 Single Core, 7398 Multi-Core
- MacBook Pro 2016: 3661 Single Core, 7218 Multi-Core
- MacBook 2017: 3642 Single Core, 6971 Multi-Core
As you can see, the MacBook Pro from 2016 is about as fast as the new Retina Macbook Air from 2018 and the 12″ Macbook from 2017, which is still sold in this hardware configuration. A used Pro 2016 only costs half as much. Compared to the current Pro (still in configuration from 2017) in the 265 GB SSD configuration, the performance is a bit worse, but it still costs less than half of a new device.
Conclusion: The performance is at the level of a new Air or 12″ MacBook, but you get a display that is brighter and bigger and also offers an extended color space. It also runs much quieter under load than a MacBook Air due to the larger fan.
The MacBook Pro 2016 is a good buy due to repair programs
Now many will ask the question: yes, but is it perhaps so cheap because it has many teething troubles? The clear answer is: maybe. The 2016 Pro already appears in two repair programs:
To the interpretation: All MacBooks currently on sale have partial problems with the keyboards, Apple has even included the only recently introduced 2019 model with again updated keyboard in the repair program. In addition, buying new doesn’t mean you get the latest keyboard. If you buy a Pro without Touch Bar new or a 12″ MacBook you will still get a second generation Butterfly keyboard – like in the 2016 Pro model. MacBook Air buyers get the third-generation keyboard. Only buyers of the 2019 updated Touch Bar variants get the latest fourth generation. But the bottom line is that you should not care: the repair program is valid for up to four years after purchase. If you buy now, you still have two years of security.
You have to check yourself when the repair programs expire!
The same applies to the backlight repair program: the backlight of the 2016 Pro models fails because the ribbon cable is too short and breaks at some point. As it is mechanically very strained, it will most likely occur within a few years. But Apple has also started a repair program here. You will get a new display with a slightly longer cable. This program is also valid for four years from the date of purchase.
A used Pro 2016 is a bargain tip for normal users
In summary, if you’re satisfied with the performance of a current MacBook Air or 12-inch MacBook, but want a bigger and better display and only pay half the price, a 2016 MacBook Pro is a great bargain. The two major problems with the fragile display cable and the fragile keyboard can be repaired free of charge under Apple warranty for the next two years. In addition, even a 2017 Pro without a touch bar has no better keyboard. If you have to or want to save money and can wait a few days for the repair in case of a defect, you will save a lot of money.
But not only the 2016 has lost a lot of value. The used 2017 Macbook in 12″ is also available at a very low price. In the meantime there were no updates. And a 2017 Pro is also very cheap when used. This is partly available for around $900-1000 and that is still a good price for the performance offered. The keyboard repair program is also valid for this model. In addition, you should check immediately after a purchase whether the SSD must be exchanged free of charge. The exchange program is only valid for three years from the date of purchase.
