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Apple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014) vs Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

Buy the MacBook Pro 13 if you want macOS, a proven keyboard-and-trackpad feel, and a machine that holds resale value and runs Adobe and Apple apps natively. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook if screen quality and portability matter most: its 4K AMOLED touch display and 2.29 lb body beat the MacBook on both counts. The MacBook's 4th-gen dual-core i7 and 8 GB RAM feel dated next to the Samsung's 10th-gen quad-core i5, but Chrome OS limits what that chip can run. Owners praise the Samsung's display and criticize its battery life and fan noise; MacBook Pro 13 owners praise build and macOS but note the older Intel runs warm.

  • Choose the MacBook Pro 13 if you need desktop-class apps like Final Cut, Xcode or full Adobe Creative Cloud and want macOS.
  • Choose the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook if your work lives in a browser and Android apps and you want the sharpest, lightest 13-inch machine here.

Prices

  • Apple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014): $399.00 at Techable (last seen Oct 30)
  • Samsung Galaxy Chromebook: $399.00 at Amazon (last seen Oct 30)
  • Difference: both cost the same at the latest prices (Oct 30)
Apple
Apple Macbook Pro 13" Retina i7 4278u 2.60Ghz 8Gb Ram 256Gb SSD OSX Big Sur

Apple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014)

Apple Macbook Pro 13" Retina i7 4278u 2.60Ghz 8Gb Ram 256Gb SSD OSX Big Sur

$399.00at TechableChecked Oct 30
See all prices and details
Visit Techable
Pros
  • Runs macOS and full desktop software
  • Retina display is sharp and color-accurate
  • Solid aluminum build and strong resale value
  • HDMI and headphone jack built in
Cons
  • 4th-gen dual-core CPU is old and runs warm
  • 8 GB RAM is not upgradeable
  • Heavier at 3.5 lb
  • No touchscreen
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy 13.3" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Chromebook

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

Samsung Galaxy 13.3" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Chromebook

$399.00at AmazonChecked Oct 30
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • 4K AMOLED touchscreen is the best display in this pair
  • Light at 2.29 lb and thin at 0.39 inch
  • 10th-gen quad-core i5 is newer and faster on paper
  • Wi-Fi 6 for faster modern routers
Cons
  • Chrome OS cannot run macOS or Windows apps
  • Battery life around 8 hours is shorter
  • Fewer full-size ports
  • AMOLED panels can show burn-in over years

What separates them

Apple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014)Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
Operating systemmacOS (Big Sur), full desktop appsChrome OS, browser and Android apps
ProcessorDual-core Intel i7-4278U, 2.6 GHz, 4th genQuad-core Intel Core i5-10210U, 10th gen
Display13-inch Retina IPS, 2560 x 1600, no touch13.3-inch 4K AMOLED touch, 3840 x 2160
Weight3.5 lb2.29 lb
PortsHDMI, headphone jack, plus Thunderbolt via adapterUSB-C and headphone jack, fewer full-size ports
Battery and powerRated around 10 hours, 60W chargerRated about 8 hours, 65W charger
Wireless802.11ac Wi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Memory and storage8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD

Price history

  • Apple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014): lowest $399.00 on Oct 30 at Techable.
  • Samsung Galaxy Chromebook: lowest $399.00 on Oct 30 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Apple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014)

  • TechableNew

    Availability unknown

    $399.00Checked Oct 30
    Visit Techable
Prices and history →

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $399.00Checked Oct 30
    Visit Amazon
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecApple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014)Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
Resolution2560 x 16003840 x 2160
Operating SystemMac OSChrome OS
Weight3.5 lb2.29
Processor BrandIntel CPU—
Graphics ProcessorIntel GPU—
With Retina DisplayYes—
Drive TypeSolid State Drive—
Available PortsHDMI, 3.5 mm Jack—
Drive Capacity256 GB drive—
Screen Size13 inches—
Installed Memory8 GB RAM—
Processor Speed2.6 GHz CPU—
Show all 21 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014)Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
Processor—Intel® Core™ i5-10210U Processor
Display size—13.3"
Display type—UHD AMOLED
Memory—8 GB
Storage—256 GB SSD
Battery life—8hrs
Power—65W
Dimensions—11.92" x 8.0" x 0.39"
Wireless—Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+), 802.11 ax

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2014)

Owners of the 2014 13-inch Retina model generally praise the screen, keyboard and build quality, and many still use theirs for writing and browsing. Complaints center on age: slowing performance, worn batteries and the end of macOS updates.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the 2560 x 1600 screen sharp and color-accurate for the money.
  • PerformanceMixedFine for browsing and documents, but the dual-core i7 struggles with heavy multitasking and modern apps.
  • BatteryCriticisedOriginal batteries are often worn out, so buyers should check cycle count and health.
  • BuildPraisedThe aluminum chassis and keyboard are widely described as solid and comfortable.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

Owners praise the 4K AMOLED screen and the thin, light build, and most find it fast enough for Chrome OS. The common complaints are battery life and heat, with the 4K panel and 8 GB of RAM cited as limits.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the 4K AMOLED panel the best part of the laptop, with deep blacks and sharp text.
  • BatteryCriticisedReviewers say real-world use falls short of the 8-hour rating, especially at full brightness.
  • BuildPraisedThe 0.39-inch body and 2.29 lb weight make it easy to carry.
  • HeatCriticisedThe chassis warms up and the fan becomes audible under load.

Questions and answers

Which is better for video editing?
The MacBook Pro 13, because it runs Final Cut Pro and the full Adobe suite natively. The Samsung's 4K screen is better for viewing, but Chrome OS has no comparable desktop editor.
Which has the better screen?
The Samsung. Its 4K AMOLED touch panel is sharper and has deeper blacks than the MacBook's 2560 x 1600 Retina IPS display.
Which lasts longer?
The MacBook is rated around 10 hours against about 8 for the Samsung, and its aluminum body resists wear well. The Samsung's AMOLED can develop burn-in over several years of static UI use.
Is the Samsung fast enough for everyday work?
Yes for browser tabs, video calls and Android apps. Its 10th-gen i5 is newer than the MacBook's chip, but Chrome OS caps heavy multitasking sooner than macOS.
Should I step up to the MacBook if I only browse the web?
No. For browser and Android app use the Samsung is lighter, has a far better display and a newer processor. The MacBook only pays off if you need macOS software.
Can the Samsung run Microsoft Office?
Yes, through the web versions or Android apps. The MacBook runs the full desktop Office suite, which matters for large spreadsheets and offline work.

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  • Samsung Galaxy 13.3" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Chromebook vs Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch Early 2015 Core i7 16GB RAM