M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch review: Pro in name only

The 2022 13-inch Macbook Pro may come with the brand new M2 chip, but it feels dated in other ways. With a 60hz screen, wide bezels, and only two ports, the 13-inch Macbook Pro lacks a lot of the great features the 14 and 16-inch models have, and that can even be found on the new Macbook Air. The M2 is legitimately fast, at least.

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[scbond]

Pro in name only?! It’s more powerful than the Air and performs better due to cooling. Not many people actually need or like the MBP 14” either. The 13” is perfect for me.

[MaddocHarrison]

I do not think it feels dated I love it! The design is just right. I bought a MacBook Pro yesterday and so far I love it would highly recommend.

[afanhaqulfadillah]

Not having notch is the biggest feature in this Macbook

[Zstreams]

Bought the first one in 2016, now updating to M2 2022 model. Easy transition with familiar function of Touch Bar.

[raulruly]

I have a 2017 15 inch MBPro and I LOVE the Touch Bar....I just ordered this 13 inch MBPro because I can not imagine my life without the Touch Bar. This laptop is so much slimmer than the new model (doesn't seem outdated) and I already have dongles so nothing new for me. My main reason for loving the Touch Bar is getting to skip through YouTube ads. 😍😍

[chivatech]

My issue with this review is they sent you an upgraded model which retails for $1899. You might as well leap to the 14” MBP at that point.

[davidfirth]

It is a solid little machine that takes the items that buyers have been comfortable with for years and adds on more memory and the M2. The Toyota Camry of the Mac line. Does its job without whining. For me, the reason that I like the 13" Pro, and have owned more of them over the years than any other form factor, is that it is small enough for my mobile needs yet powerful enough for when I do video, audio, or programming. And the battery lasts forever. I'm not after cutting edge. I want solid reliability. The 13" has always delivered in this respect.

[foreverwhisper]

Coming without a notch, I call it a win.

[TheGamersCoopOfficial]

I just purchased this MacBook Pro yesterday and specifically got this one due to the compact size in tandem with it's performance. I think that products like this and the iPhone 13 Mini (which I also prefer) should stay a staple for those users who prefer a smaller form factor of their devices. I'm looking forward to migrating all of my workload to this device and not have to tote around my massive, hot, and loud laptop anymore. This is my first computer purchase since 2012... It'll be a great upgrade for me regardless lol

[dfa]

This review confuses me. Let's say that Apple discontinued the 13" pro from the MacBook lineup. I suspect that many of the Youtube reviewers would be scolding Apple for having such a wide gap in the lineup between the $1200 MacBook Air and the $2000 MacBook Pro 14". I further contend that there would be these same reviewers suggesting that if Apple was "smart, " they would fill the gap with a lower-priced Pro that had the M2 chip with an enclosure that could support the thermals for extended workflows.

But Youtube is all about hot takes and being contrarian. The truth is, Apple makes the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13", and MacBook Pros 14" and 16". Why not give the consumers a choice and option to choose what works best for their needs and priorities?

(Not for nothing, but as someone who regularly deals with tech consumers in the "real world, " a similar design as a previous model can be a selling point.)

[nathanjuan]

I actually prefer this design than having a notch. It is really distracting and annoying. Why can't apple just put the notch on top just like what lenovo did not on the screen. I don't know why people thinks that a laptop that has a notch looks futuristic and beautiful.

[huajieliu]

This laptop is amazing. I just bought it. Superb performance.

[supersymmetry]

Looking forward to the benchmark comparison of M2 with 10 GPU cores in the Air and Pro. When both equipped with 10 GPU cores, they have no price difference. But the Air comes with with better hardware features which are relevant to the most consumers. Since Apple could saving a lot of money by keeping the old design in the Pro, does the Touch Bar and the fan justify for the prospective buyers to get the Pro over the Air? Or Apple keeps the Pro simply because knowingly there are diehard Touch Bar fans out there.

[bradavon]

Obvious why, if they'd updated the 13" no would buy the 14" then.

[brucelifechannel]

I am using a 2020 model with the same shell but intel chip. I am seriously considering upgrade my mac into this one, the exact same design but with a m2 chip. I didn't expect Apple went so well with their own mac chip and that's the reason I didn''t but the m1 MacBook pro back in 2020. I think the design is great. You are getting the performance but with a lighter and thiner designer (it also got the fan system which the air does not!)

[sevresbabylone]

Thanks for this excellent review. I need to upgrade from my 2011 MacBook Air, which was my favorite laptop of all time, and this will help me decide in which direction to go.

[Nottyok]

Middle of a pandemic in June of 2022? What? lmao

[hivert]

Geekbench 5 single core score? Why was it not included in the video?
You said every benchmark and left out the most important one.

[XanderZener]

the touch pad actually quite useful. much better than the buttons honestly. Personal preference

[donkeydoo]

I have this lap top and I love it. More than enough power for my needs and I find the touchbar very useful