StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • Use in AI assistants
  • Contact
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.·2222 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134·support@deal.ai
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398) vs Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P

Buy the MacBook Pro A1398 if you need a sharp Retina screen, 16 GB of RAM and real ports for photo or video work. Buy the Acer Aspire Lite 15 if you want a light, current Windows laptop for browsing, documents and school. The MacBook is the stronger machine on display, memory and build, but it is an older Intel Mac with a 256 GB drive and a used-market warranty. The Acer is newer and lighter, but 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB drive limit it to light tasks.

  • Choose the MacBook Pro 15 Retina if you edit photos or video, run many browser tabs, or want HDMI, USB and an SD card slot without a dongle.
  • Choose the Acer Aspire Lite 15 if you need a light Windows laptop for class, email and streaming and want Windows 11 with Microsoft 365 included.

Prices

  • Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398): $419.00 at halfpricedmacs (last seen Nov 14)
  • Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P: $199.99 at Staples (last seen Nov 14)
  • Difference: the Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P is $219.01 cheaper than the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398) at the latest prices (Nov 14)
Apple
15 Inch MacBook Pro Retina A1398

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398)

15 Inch MacBook Pro Retina A1398

4(23 ratings)
$419.00at halfpricedmacsChecked 19 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit halfpricedmacs
Pros
  • Retina screen is sharp and color-accurate for editing
  • 16 GB RAM handles heavy multitasking
  • Full port set with no adapters needed
  • Solid aluminum unibody, backlit keyboard, large trackpad
Cons
  • Older Intel Mac capped at macOS Monterey
  • Heavier at about 4.5 lb
  • 256 GB base drive fills fast with video
  • Battery life depends on the age of the cells
Acer
Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P Laptop

Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P

Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P Laptop

4.4(48 ratings)
$199.99at StaplesChecked 13 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Staples
Pros
  • Light at about 3.5 lb
  • Matte Full HD screen reduces glare
  • Windows 11 with a year of Microsoft 365 and 1 TB OneDrive
  • USB-C and HDMI built in
Cons
  • 4 GB RAM slows heavy multitasking
  • 128 GB SSD is tight for apps and files
  • Plastic build feels less premium
  • Modest N-series processor for demanding work

What separates them

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398)Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P
Display15.4-inch Retina at 2880x1800, 220 ppi, glossy15.6-inch Full HD 1920x1080 IPS, no-glare
Memory16 GB installed4 GB installed, listed as 4 GB max
Storage256 GB flash SSD, also sold in 512 GB and 1 TB128 GB SSD
WeightAbout 4.5 lb (2.04 kg)About 3.5 lb
Ports2 USB-A, 2 Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, SD card slotUSB-C, HDMI
Processor2.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost to 3.4 GHzIntel Core N-series quad-core
Operating systemmacOS, runs up to Monterey on this listingWindows 11 Home in S mode, switchable out
BatteryUp to 9 hours wireless web when new; older cells degradeUp to 7 hours claimed

Price history

$349.00$160.00
Nov 2Nov 15
  • Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398): lowest $160.00 on Nov 2 at eBay; $345.00 on Nov 5.
  • Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P: lowest $199.99 on Nov 5 at Staples; $199.99 on Nov 15.

Prices at every store

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398)

  • halfpricedmacsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $419.00Checked 19 h ago
    Visit halfpricedmacs
  • TernazaNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $575.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Ternaza
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknown

    $160.00Checked Nov 6
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    $264.95Checked Nov 6
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 7 stores and price history →

Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P

  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $199.99Checked 13 h ago
    Visit Staples
  • Newegg.comNew

    In stockSold by DISCOUNT TECH

    $299.99Checked Nov 14
    Visit Newegg.com
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $349.00Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Top Gifts of Tech, LLCReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $366.00Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 13 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398)Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P
Weight2.04kg3.5 lb
Battery lifeUp to 9 hours wireless web9 hours battery life
Resolution2880 x 18001920 x 1080
Operating SystemMac OSWindows OS
Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
Number Of CoresQuad CoreQuad Core
ColorSilverSilver
LanguageEnglish / North AmericaEnglish / North America
Available PortsHDMIUSB-C, HDMI
Drive Capacity256 GB drive128 GB drive
Installed Memory16 GB RAM4 GB RAM
Processor Speed2.2 GHz CPU3.6 GHz CPU
Show all 39 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398)Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P
Graphics ProcessorIntel GPUIntel GPU
Screen Size15.4 inches15.6 inches
Max Supported RAM2 GB Supported4 GB Supported
Display size15.4-inch—
Native resolution2880 by 1800 pixels—
Pixel density220ppi—
Height1.8cm—
Width35.89cm—
Depth24.71cm—
WiFi

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (A1398)

  • 4 / 523 ratings

Owners rate it 4 out of 5 across 23 ratings and focus on the screen, build and port selection. Most complaints center on its age, weight and limited storage.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the Retina screen crisp and color-accurate.
  • BuildPraisedThe aluminum unibody is described as durable yet slim and easy to carry.
  • PortsPraisedHDMI, USB, Thunderbolt and an SD slot mean fewer adapters.
  • PerformancePraisedThe quad-core i7 and 16GB RAM handle video editing and web development smoothly.

Acer Aspire Lite 15 AL15-32P

  • 4.4 / 548 ratings

With 4.4 out of 5 from 48 ratings, buyers treat this as a capable cheap laptop for school and light home use. The screen and light weight get the most praise; the small memory and storage draw the most complaints.

What people mention
  • PerformanceMixedOwners say the N150 handles browsing and documents but slows under many tabs or heavier programs.
  • MemoryCriticisedReviewers complain that 4GB of RAM is soldered at the maximum and limits multitasking.
  • StorageCriticisedThe 128GB SSD is called small, with buyers relying on cloud storage or an external drive.

Questions and answers

Which is better for video editing?
The MacBook Pro. Its quad-core i7, 16 GB of RAM and color-accurate Retina display handle editing far better than the Acer's 4 GB of RAM and N-series chip.
Which lasts longer?
The MacBook's aluminum body and 16 GB of RAM age better, but its battery is likely worn and macOS support stops at Monterey. The Acer is newer but limited by 4 GB of RAM.
Is the Acer enough for a student?
Yes for notes, browsing, email and streaming. It struggles with many tabs open or heavy apps because of the 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB drive.
Do I need adapters for either?
No for the basics. The MacBook has USB-A, HDMI, Thunderbolt 2 and an SD slot. The Acer has USB-C and HDMI, so older USB-A devices need an adapter.
Is the MacBook worth stepping up to?
Yes if you edit media or want a better screen and more memory. Skip it if you need current macOS or the lightest bag weight.
Can the Acer's RAM be upgraded?
The listing states 4 GB max, so plan on 4 GB. Buy a model with more memory if you multitask heavily.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • 15 Inch MacBook Pro Retina A1398 vs Chheart i5 Business Laptop
802.11ac
—
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2—
USB ports2 - up to 5 Gbps—
Thunderbolt2 - Thunderbolt 2 (up to 20 Gbps)—
Processor BrandIntel CPU—
With Retina DisplayYes—
With Backlit KeyboardYes—
Storage TypeFlash SSD—
Storage Amount256gb, 512gb, 1tb—
Ram Amount16gb—
Video Card (GPU)Iris Pro 5200—
Processor TypeIntel Core i7—
Production Year2015—
Headphone Jackyes—
USB 3.0 Portx2—
WebcamFacetime HD—
SD Card SlotSDXC-capable—
With No-Glare Screen—Yes
Display
Praised
The 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel is praised for sharp text and wide viewing angles.