The 2019 macbook pro, particularly the 16-inch marvel, remains a laptop that turns heads and powers through demanding tasks with its robust Intel core i7 (and available i9) processors, generous 16gb of ram (often 16gb ram or 16gb of ram), and speedy ssd storage.
This new macbook pro at the time, specifically the 2019 macbook pro 16 or the 16-inch macbook pro, introduced significant improvements, including a revamped keyboard, a stunning display, and the professional-grade radeon pro graphics.
Even as Apple Silicon chips like the m1, m2 pro, and m1 max have emerged, the 2019 16 model holds its own, especially when considering a refurbished macbook or looking to buy a 2019 model for its compelling blend of technical specifications, reliable battery life, and the ever-useful thunderbolt 3 ports. We’ll explore everything from its intel core architecture, the immersive touch bar, to its impressive amd radeon performance and why it’s still a fantastic apple macbook pro for many users.
- Stunning 16" Retina display with True Tone technology
- 32GB Ram | 2TB SSD
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
The Leap Forward: What Made the 2019 Macbook Pro Special?
The 2019 macbook pro wasn’t just another incremental update; it was a significant step for Apple Macs, especially the 16-inch model. It addressed key user feedback, notably with the introduction of the “new Magic Keyboard,” moving away from the controversial butterfly keyboard design. This change alone made it a highly anticipated new macbook.
Beyond the keyboard, this laptop packed serious power. The technical specifications revealed options for potent Intel Core i7 and even Core i9 processors, substantial RAM (configurable up to 64GB, though 16GB was a popular base), and swift SSD storage, starting from 512GB up to a massive 8TB. The 16-inch macbook pro also boasted an improved thermal architecture, allowing those Intel Core chips to sustain higher performance for longer periods.
Display and Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes
The 16-inch Retina display with IPS technology on the 2019 macbook pro was, and still is, a showstopper. With a native resolution of 3072‑by‑1920 at 226 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors, it delivered crisp text and vibrant images.
The 500 nits brightness and P3 wide color gamut ensured that photos and videos looked incredibly lifelike, a crucial feature for creative professionals working with graphic design or video editing.
This apple macbook pro screen also featured True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting, providing a more natural viewing experience.
Whether you were scrutinizing technical specifications or enjoying multimedia, the display on the 2019 macbook pro 16 was designed to impress. The slightly trimmed bezels also allowed this larger screen to fit into a chassis roughly the same size as the previous 15-inch model, a neat design trick.
Performance Powerhouse: Intel Core i7, Core i9, and AMD Radeon Graphics
Under the hood, the 2019 macbook pro was built for performance. The standard configuration often featured a 2.6GHz 6‑core Intel Core i7 processor, with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz, but power users could opt for an 8‑core Intel Core i9, pushing Turbo Boost speeds up to 5.0 GHz. This made the laptop exceptionally capable for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex computations.
The move to offer an 8-core option was a first for a MacBook Pro and significantly boosted its capabilities.
Complementing the Intel Core processors were powerful AMD Radeon Pro graphics options, such as the AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory, or the even more potent AMD Radeon Pro 5500M, also available with up to 8GB of GDDR6 memory.
These dedicated GPU options provided the muscle needed for graphically intensive applications and gaming, ensuring a smooth experience. Even though newer Apple Silicon chips like the M1 Pro or M1 Max offer incredible integrated graphics, the dedicated AMD Radeon in these Intel Macs still delivers solid graphic performance.
- 16" 3072 x 1920 Retina Display 2.3 GHz Intel Core i9 8-Core (9th Gen)
- 32GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM | 1TB SSD AMD Radeon Pro 5500M GPU (4GB GDDR6)
- P3 Color Gamut | True Tone Technology Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Bluetooth 5.0
- Touch Bar | Touch ID Sensor 4 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) Ports
- Supports Multiple 6K or DCI 4K Displays macOS
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Connectivity: The User Experience
A major highlight of the 2019 macbook pro 16-inch was the return to a scissor-switch mechanism for its keyboard, dubbed the “Magic Keyboard”.
This addressed widespread criticism of the previous butterfly keyboard, offering a more reliable and comfortable typing experience with 1mm of key travel and an Apple-designed rubber dome.
The backlit keyboard also featured a physical Escape key and an inverted-T arrangement for the arrow keys, changes welcomed by many pro users. The Touch Bar remained, offering dynamic, app-specific controls, alongside a separate Touch ID sensor for security.
The Force Touch trackpad continued to be a class leader, offering a large surface area and precise cursor control with support for multi-touch gestures. Connectivity was robust, with four Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connectors), each supporting charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt (up to 40Gb/s), and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s) .
This allowed for versatile connections to external displays, storage, and other peripherals. While some might miss older ports, the two Thunderbolt 3 ports on each side offered high bandwidth and flexibility.
Battery Life and Portability: Power On The Go
For a laptop with a 16-inch display and powerful Intel Core i7 or Core i9 processors, battery life was a key consideration. Apple equipped the 2019 macbook pro 16-inch with a 100-watt-hour battery, the largest capacity allowed on airplanes by the FAA.
Apple estimated up to 11 hours of wireless web browsing or Apple TV app movie playback test measures battery life. While real-world usage can vary, this bigger battery provided respectable endurance for such a powerful machine.
The power adapter supplied was a 96W USB-C unit, capable of charging the new macbook pro efficiently. Despite its power and screen size, the 2019 macbook pro 16 weighed in at 4.3 pounds (2.0 kg), making it relatively portable for a machine of its class.
This balance of power and reasonable portability made it a favored Apple product for professionals who needed to work from various locations. Testing conducted by Apple often highlighted its efficiency, though intensive tasks would naturally lead to faster battery drain.
Is the 2019 Macbook Pro Still a Good Buy? Considering a Refurbished Macbook
Even with the advent of Apple Silicon Macs like the MacBook Air with M1 or M2 Pro chips, the 2019 macbook pro holds significant value, especially if you’re considering a refurbished macbook or looking to buy a 2019 model.
For users who require Intel-specific software compatibility or prefer the macOS environment on Intel Core architecture, it remains a strong contender. The technical specifications, including options for high RAM (e.g., 16gb of ram, configurable higher) and substantial SSD storage (like a 1TB SSD), ensure it can handle demanding workflows.
When you refurbish a MacBook Pro, you can often get a high-spec machine at a considerably lower price than a new MacBook Pro. The 16-inch model from 2019, with its excellent display, improved keyboard, powerful Intel Core i7 or Core i9 options, and dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics, offers a premium experience.
While it doesn’t have the newest Apple Silicon chips, its performance is still more than adequate for a vast range of professional and creative tasks. Comparing it to a low-end MacBook or even some MacBook Pro 13-inch models, the 16-inch 2019 MacBook Pro often provides superior screen real estate and raw processing power for complex projects. Be sure to check Apple Support for information on any specific model you consider.
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- 16" 3072 x 1920 Retina Display 2.3 GHz Intel Core i9 8-Core (9th Gen)
- 16GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM | 1TB SSD AMD Radeon Pro 5500M GPU (4GB GDDR6)
- P3 Color Gamut | True Tone Technology Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Bluetooth 5.0
- Touch Bar | Touch ID Sensor 4 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) Ports
- Supports Multiple 6K or DCI 4K Displays macOS
FAQ
What are the technical specifications of the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch?
The 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch features a Retina display, Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, up to 64 GB of RAM, and options for AMD Radeon Pro 5300M or AMD Radeon Pro 5600M graphics. It also includes a large battery, offering impressive battery life, and is equipped with the new Macbook keyboard design.
How does the 16-inch Macbook Pro compare to the 13-inch Macbook Pro?
The 16-inch Macbook Pro offers a larger display, more powerful processors, and enhanced graphics options compared to the 13-inch Macbook Pro. While the 13-inch model is more portable, the 16-inch version is designed for users who require higher performance for tasks like video editing and gaming.
Can the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch be configured with Apple silicon?
No, the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch is powered by Intel processors. Apple silicon, such as the M1 and M2 chips, was introduced in later models. The 16-inch variant relies on Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 CPUs.
What graphics options are available for the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch?
Users can choose between the AMD Radeon Pro 5300M and the more powerful AMD Radeon Pro 5600M. The latter is configurable for enhanced performance in graphic-intensive applications.
What type of RAM and storage options are available for the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch?
The 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch can be configured with up to 64 GB of RAM and offers SSD storage options ranging from 512 GB to 8 TB, allowing for fast access to files and applications.
How does the battery life of the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch perform?
The battery life is rated to last up to 11 hours of web browsing or video playback. It measures battery life by playing back videos, ensuring that users can work effectively throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently.
What are some common issues reported in the Macbook Pro review?
Some users have reported issues with the new Macbook keyboard, including reliability concerns. Additionally, there have been two class action lawsuits regarding the keyboard design. However, many users appreciate the performance and features of the 16-inch model.
Is the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch suitable for gaming?
Yes, the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch is equipped with powerful AMD Radeon Pro graphics, making it suitable for gaming as well as professional tasks like video editing and graphic design.
How does the 2019 Macbook Pro 16-inch handle multiple operating systems?
The 2019 Macbook Pro can run macOS and can also be set up to run Windows through Boot Camp. This allows users to switch between operating systems for different tasks or applications.
- Quad-core 8th-Generation Intel Core i5 Processor
- Brilliant Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
- Ultrafast SSD
