A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The MacBook Pro 14 (2023) comes with a newer processor, more storage, and higher RAM, which translates to better performance for intensive tasks such as 3D rendering or engineering work. Its mini LED display offers a higher resolution and refresh rate, better for detailed work and smoother visuals. However, it's slightly heavier and more expensive than the MacBook Pro 13 (2020), which has excellent battery life and is very portable due to its lower weight, making it an ideal option for general use and on-the-go work. Consider the Pro 14 if you need more power and improved display features, or opt for the Pro 13 if portability and cost are your main concerns. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
- Best in class battery life
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023)
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Excellent overall display quality
Key differences
General Use
7.7
8.5
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
489.0 nits
20.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
13.5 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) is considered very good for general use because it has a more powerful CPU and GPU, double the RAM and storage, and a slightly larger, higher-quality mini LED screen compared to the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020), which, while still good for general use, offers less processing power and a smaller traditional IPS display. Despite the 14-inch model's enhancements, the 13-inch version maintains advantages in portability due to its lower weight and longer battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.3
7.0
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) is good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is only fair.
The MacBook Pro 14 (2023) includes an advanced Apple M2 Pro chip with a higher number of GPU cores and a faster screen refresh rate, contributing to its better 3D performance as compared to the MacBook Pro 13 (2020), which features a more basic Apple M1 chip with fewer GPU cores and a standard screen refresh rate. In addition to this, while both have high-quality screens, the newer MacBook Pro 14 also benefits from newer screen technology allowing for better color and contrast which can enhance 3D work.
Engineering and Design
7.3
8.4
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.2/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) surpasses the MacBook Pro 13 (2020) in engineering and design tasks mainly due to its more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a more capable GPU, which all contribute to faster and smoother performance for demanding software. Additionally, the MacBook Pro 14 has a superior mini LED display for more accurate colors and finer detail, although it’s slightly heavier and has a shorter battery life, affecting its portability compared to the MacBook Pro 13.
Content Creation
7.8
8.5
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8
8.4
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.6
9.2
13.3in
SIZE
14.2in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3024 x 1964
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
489.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Apple MacBook Pro 13 for general use, AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use and engineering tasks, the MacBook Pro 14 outperforms the MacBook Pro 13 with a brighter, higher resolution display that enhances visibility and clarity, and it covers a wider range of color gamuts, providing more accurate color representation essential for design work. However, both models possess screens with a standard refresh rate that falls short for 3D applications where smoother motion and rapid refreshes are crucial, making neither ideal for tasks such as high-end gaming or 3D animation that benefit significantly from higher refresh rates. The MacBook Pro 14 emerges as the superior choice for users valuing peak display performance for professional creative work, despite not being optimized for 3D content.
Battery
20.0 Hours
13.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Cost
$1,249
$1,700
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) has a price of $1,249 and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) costs $1,700.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
13.3in
SIZE
14.2in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0
10.0
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) both have best in class build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,249 | $1,700 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | January 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12'' x 8.4'' x 0.61'' | 12.3'' x 8.7'' x 0.61'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3 lbs | 3.5 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.97" | 12.31" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.36" | 8.71" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M1 | Apple M2 Pro (10C) | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 20 Hours | 13.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58.2 Wh | 69.6 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.3" | 14.2" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | Mini LED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3024 x 1964 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 491 nits | 489 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 10/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 10/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 3 | 4 | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | June 2022
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | January 2023
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) or the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023)
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) vs. MSI Katana 15
VS
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) vs. ASUS ROG Strix G15VS
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2020) vs. ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLEDVS
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) vs. Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022)
VS
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) vs. Gigabyte Aorus 17VS
Compare Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) vs. Gigabyte Aorus 15VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
172,695
Recommendations made
37,418
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
