MacBook Pro Touch Bar vs MacBook Pro 2016

After four years of iterative spec-bumps, October 2016 finally saw Apple unveil a brand new MacBook Pro. Well actually, two new MacBook Pros. Much like buses, we waited for one and two came along at once. As there is only a 15in Touch Bar MacBook Pro and not a more basic counterpart, this article compares the base 13in model with the more expensive 13in Touch Bar version.
If you’re still after a 2015 MacBook Pro 13in or 15in, take a look - they’re still available here.
If you are thinking of getting one of the two new 13in MacBook Pro models, you are probably wondering what are the differences? Besides the inclusion of the new Touch Bar on one model, there are a fair few other differences that end up affecting the price and, ultimately, your buying decision.

MacBook Pro Touch Bar vs MacBook Pro 2016: Design, dimensions and weight

Both new 13in MacBook Pro models, including the Touch Bar edition, are the same dimensions - exactly. Both 13in models are 1.49cm thick and weigh 1.37kg. The overall dimensions of both models are 1.49 x 21.24 x 30.41cm.
Buying advice
Nothing to call here - they are the same. If your decision was based on which model of MacBook Pro is more compact, then you’ll have to read on. If you’re after a slimmer MacBook, try the 12in MacBook. 

MacBook Pro Touch Bar vs MacBook Pro 2016: Specs

MacBook Pro

OK, here we go. The base MacBook Pro has a 2.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz. It has 8GB 1866MHz memory as standard and comes with 256GB SSD storage. On top of that there’s Intel Iris Graphics 540 and two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
You can customise your purchase with Apple by adding more SSD storage space; add an i7 processor, 16GB memory and software like Final Cut Pro X. Of course all of this comes at a cost.
Also check out this review from our colleagues over in the US - they found that the base model compromises on graphics, ports and RAM speed.

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

The base 13in Touch Bar MacBook Pro sports a 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 too, but with Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz and slightly improved 8GB 2133MHz memory. 256GB SSD is also standard, with a slight bump up to Intel Iris Graphics 550 but you do get four Thunderbolt 3 ports compared to the base model’s two. If you spend extra you can double the storage to 512GB.
At point of sale on Apple’s website you can customise by upgrading the processor, memory or by adding preinstalled software. Again, this is at a reasonably high cost.
uying advice
The lines have been blurred slightly with this generation of MacBook Pro models. Based on specs, there is not much between both models other than the inclusion of the Touch Bar with Touch ID and the extra two Thunderbolt 3 ports. If you want full integration with Touch Bar apps and the ability to plug more in (even if you need adapters) then the Touch Bar model is the way to go.
But if it’s just top end MacBook specs you need and you would prefer the standard row of function keys, then go for the regular MacBook Pro 13in. You can upgrade the storage to 1TB and the memory to 16GB if needs be, just the same as the Touch Bar model.
Neither are upgradable after purchase, soldered as the components are to each other, so what you buy is what you get till the thing dies. So pick wisely.