Is the 2020 MacBook Pro 13 good for video editing?

It handles 1080p and light 4K editing in iMovie and Final Cut Pro, but 8 GB of RAM and the Intel chip slow down with heavy multicam or effects work.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?

No. The RAM is soldered to the logic board and the SSD is not user-replaceable, so choose the configuration you need up front.

How does it compare with the M1 MacBook Air?

The M1 Air is faster in most tasks, runs cooler and lasts longer on battery. This model offers a brighter display and Touch Bar, but is older technology.

Does it have Touch ID and a Touch Bar?

Yes. Touch ID is built into the power button for logins and purchases, and the Touch Bar replaces the function keys with app-specific controls.

What ports does it have?

It has two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. You will need adapters for HDMI, SD cards or older USB-A devices.

Is the keyboard reliable?

This 2020 model uses the Magic Keyboard with scissor switches, which is more reliable than the earlier butterfly keyboard and is well regarded by owners.

Apple MacBook Pro 13" TouchBar, i5 1.4 Ghz, 8 GB, 512 GB, 2020, MXK52T/A

Q: Where is the Apple MacBook Pro 13" TouchBar, i5 1.4 Ghz, 8 GB, 512 GB, 2020, MXK52T/A cheapest?

At TekReplay, for $599.97, as of our latest check.

Q: Where can I buy the Apple MacBook Pro 13" TouchBar, i5 1.4 Ghz, 8 GB, 512 GB, 2020, MXK52T/A?

3 stores we checked sell it, including TekReplay, Amazon, SoukCharm.

Best price now

$599.97at TekReplayChecked 21 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit TekReplay

What reviewers say

Reviewers and owners praise the bright Retina screen, solid build and fast SSD, and many like Touch ID. The main complaints are the 8 GB of non-upgradeable RAM, fan noise and heat under load, and shorter battery life than Apple Silicon models. The Touch Bar gets mixed reactions.

What people mention

DisplayPraisedOwners call the Retina screen bright and color-rich for photo and video work.
MemoryCriticisedReviewers warn that 8 GB of soldered RAM limits heavy multitasking and cannot be upgraded.
Heat and noiseCriticisedUnder sustained load the Intel chip runs hot and the fans become audible.
BatteryCriticisedBattery life is shorter than on Apple Silicon Macs, especially with heavy use.
Touch BarMixedSome users find the Touch Bar useful for shortcuts; others miss physical function keys.
BuildPraisedThe aluminum chassis is described as sturdy and light for carrying daily.

About the Apple MacBook Pro 13" TouchBar, i5 1.4 Ghz, 8 GB, 512 GB, 2020, MXK52T/A

This 13.3-inch MacBook Pro has a Retina display with LED backlighting and a wide color gamut. It has a Touch Bar, a glass Multi-Touch strip built into the keyboard that replaces the function keys. Its controls change with the app and task, and they include shortcuts, text suggestions, video scrubbing and photo editing tools. Touch ID lets you unlock the Mac, open system settings and protected notes, and switch users with one finger.

The keyboard uses a second-generation butterfly mechanism. The Force Touch trackpad is larger than before. The redesigned speakers offer up to twice the dynamic range, up to 58% more volume and 2.5 times more powerful bass.

The Thunderbolt 3 ports use the USB-C connector. One cable can charge devices, transfer data and carry video at up to 40 Gbps. The plugs work in either orientation, and existing devices connect with a cable or adapter. The laptop runs macOS and works with iCloud, iOS devices and Apple Watch.

Model

MXK52T/A (2020)

Processor

Intel Core i5-8257U, up to 3.8 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache

Memory

8 GB

Storage

512 GB SSD

Graphics

Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645

Display

13.3", 2560 x 1600 pixels, Retina