Notebook Review
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Mid 2020 Review: Premium Build and Balanced Daily Performance
Editor note: This article is an original English adaptation prepared by Notebook Center from the source review published on Notebook-Center.ru.
Overview
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 Mid 2020 (MWP72RU/A) keeps the familiar MacBook Pro look but updates key daily-use parts. In this configuration, it uses an Intel Core i5-1038NG7 processor, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7, 16 GB of LPDDR4x memory, and a 512 GB SSD.
The source review positions this model as a premium 13.3-inch laptop for users who value build quality, stable performance, and long battery life in office, study, and creative daily workflows. The reviewed configuration was listed at about $2150 at the time of publication.
Technical Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1038NG7, 2.0 GHz |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR4x 3733 MHz |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | 13.3-inch IPS, 2560x1600, glossy |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 4x Thunderbolt 3 / USB Type-C, 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Camera and Security | 720p FaceTime camera, fingerprint scanner (Touch ID) |
| Battery | 58 Wh lithium-polymer |
| Size and Weight | 304 x 212 x 15.6 mm, 1.38 kg |
| OS | Mac OS X Catalina 10.15 |
Design and Build
The design stays minimal and clean, with a metal chassis and two color options: Silver and Space Gray. The source highlights very strong assembly quality, no visible flex in normal use, and a hinge that can be opened with one hand.
At the same time, the review notes that display bezels look thicker than on many newer ultrabooks.
Display and Multimedia
The 13.3-inch IPS panel offers a 2560x1600 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and up to 500 nits brightness. The source reports strong sharpness, good contrast, and realistic color output, with 100% sRGB coverage and 77% AdobeRGB.
Speakers are described as loud and clear for everyday listening. The weak point is the 720p webcam, which is acceptable for calls but below expectations for a premium laptop.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Apple replaced the older butterfly keyboard with a scissor-switch design. In the source testing, this change improved comfort, with clearer feedback and better long-typing usability. Keyboard backlighting is present, and Touch Bar plus Touch ID are included.
The large touchpad is described as smooth, precise, and reliable even near the corners, with fast gesture recognition.
Performance, Ports, and Battery
The tested Intel Core i5 (Ice Lake) and Iris Plus Graphics G7 combination is positioned for productive daily workloads, including office tasks, programming, and light gaming scenarios. The 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD configuration supports comfortable multitasking.
Connectivity is modern but limited to USB-C style expansion: four Thunderbolt 3/USB Type-C ports in total, plus a headphone jack. The source reports about 12 hours of web work at 50% brightness, or around 7 to 7.5 hours at full brightness.
Thermals and acoustics are described as controlled: the chassis can warm up under load, but without extreme hot spots, and noise is generally modest unless the CPU is heavily stressed.
Verdict
MacBook Pro 13 Mid 2020 is a practical premium choice for users who prioritize build quality, high display quality, smooth input devices, and strong everyday performance in a compact format. The main compromises from the source review are the 720p webcam, relatively thick bezels, and high price.