What are all the differences between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch “Mid-2014” Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

Please take note that the “Mid 2014” Retina MacBook Pro versions are no longer distributed these days. We have updated this Q&A to be useful for those who are leaning to buy or sell one of these lines in the secondhand or used market.

By default, and even just in a quick glance through the systems, it is obvious that the “Mid 2014” 13-In MacBook Pro versions such as the MacBook Pro “Core i5” 2.8 13”, “Core i5” 2.6 13” and “Core i7” 2.6 13” feature a 13-in display whereas the following versions of the 15-In models including the MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.5 15” (IG), “Core i7” 2.2 15 (IG), “Core i7” 2.5 15” (DG), “Core i7” 2.8 15” (IG) and “Core i7” 2.8 15” (DG) all have the 15-In displays for users to enjoy.

Even if they look almost the same, they have remarkable differences that set them apart from each other. They go more than just the noticeable display size. To make the comparison easier, we have prepared a detailed comparison of “Mid 2014” MacBook Pro versions. You can use them to determine if the line available is an ideal choice for you or not.

Late 2013″ MacBook Pro — 13″ Left, 15″ Right (Photo Credit: https://www.gottabemobile.com)

External Differences

Externally, the two models look the same. Every 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro model utilizes an identical “sealed” aluminum and glass design which both have a uniform thickness. These versions are 0.71-inch thick; however, they differ in weight – the 13-Inch is 3.46 pounds or 1.57 kg, while the 15-Inch is 4.46 pounds or 2.02 kg. This only shows that the larger display is way heavier.

Many of the “Mid 2014” MacBook Pro models feature a high-resolution LED-backlit widescreen, which is also known as the “Retina” display. However, they have different resolutions and sizes. For instance, the 13-Inch lines come with a 13.3’ widescreen or 2560×1660 (227 ppi) display; while the 15-Inch versions include a 15.4” widescreen or 2880×1880 (220 ppi) display. Technically, the displays of both the unit are “pixel doubled” with their 1280×800 and 1440×900 perspectives. This specification is four times improved than the traditional display in monitors.

Users can also take advantage of the full-size “chiclet-style” backlit keyboard found on every Retina Display MacBook Pro notebook which also comes with a glass “no button” trackpad that can do “inertial scrolling” support. The package is also equipped with integrated speakers, a 720p FaceTime HD webcam, and dual microphones too.

Connectivity Differences (or Lack Thereof)

The laptop shares the same connectivity with the 13-In and 15-In “Mid 2014” Retina Display MacBook Pro systems. These versions also have Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, two “Thunderbolt 2” ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an audio out port, HDMI port, “MagSafe 2” power connector port, and an SDXC card slot which can all be accessed from the models.

If you want to connect any of these lines to a high-performance port, and then the Thunderbolt-to-Gigabit Ethernet and Thunderbolt-to-Firewire 800 adapters should work. However, you have to pay an additional cost for them.

Identification Differences

Every “Mid 2014” Retina Display MacBook Pro model has the same display size. Aside from this, it also has external Model Numbers that would help you identify the model you own easily. Technically, the 13-Inch lines feature the A1502 model number, while the 15-Inch versions have A1398. These model numbers are also common in other systems too.

In software, Model Identifiers are more accurate and precise. Especially, the 13-In lines share the MacBookPro11,1 identifier. On the other hand, the 15-Inch versions are called the MacBookPro11,2 or MacBookPro11,3 based on whether they employ a single integrated graphics processor or dual graphics processor, any of which.

At some extent, most model identifiers are the same. They are usually in the old “Late 2013” series, such as the Model Numbers. However, they are not accurate enough to pinpoint the specific system or year.

If the identification is done externally, the EMC Numbers on every model should help. We have documented all the necessary information you might need. Consider the details we have here for your utmost convenience.

For instance, all the “Mid 2014” 13-Inch versions have the EMC number of 2875. The “Iris Pro” integrated graphics are present in the MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.5 15” (IG), “Core i7” 2.2 15” (IG), and “Core i7” 2.8 15” (IG). Their EMC number is 2876; while the 15-Inch versions have dual graphics processors like the MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.8 15” (DG) and “Core i7” 2.5 15” with an EMC Number of 2881.

Internal Differences

In terms of internal aspects, the “Mid 2014” MacBook Pro models are almost synonymous. These systems employ Intel’s Fourth Generation “Haswell” architecture which features a 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM that is glued in place. They also utilize a PCIe 2.0 interface which is upgradeable. The batteries are also attached, so you are unlikely to replace them. These are the noticeable differences that users should take into consideration too.

Many of the 13-Inch models use the Intel “Core i5” or “Core i7” dual-core processors. They also have 8GB RAM onboard. However, you have to dole out an additional cost if you want to upgrade them. The same system memory also holds an “integrated” Intel Iris 5100 graphics processor.

If you are looking for a faster unit, the 15-Inch versions can make a difference. They have a quad-core “Core i7” processor, which is significantly faster than others. On top of this, it also has 16 GB onboard RAM, which isn’t upgradeable even after the purchase. The user may go for a single Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor or a dual graphics processor. As in addition to this, there is also the NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics processor with 2GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.

With any of these, it would be difficult to upgrade the SSD storage. You can learn more about this here. The 13-Inch and 15-Inch lines share the proprietary “blade” type PCIe-based storage, and if you are not satisfied, you can upgrade them eventually.

In terms of the internal batteries, the 13-Inch, and 15-Inch MacBook Pro lines give users almost 9 hours to 8 hours of battery life. This implies that the smaller unit can last longer.

Comparison Chart

In this comparison chart, we have consolidated all the important differences of these two models — the “Mid 2014” 13 inches and 15 inches Retina Display MacBook Pro. Memory, storage, processors, displays, battery life, video systems, and identifiers.

The † means that the “Mid 2014” 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro versions are upgradeable to 16GB RAM. However, this can only happen upon the initial purchase. After buying, it will be more difficult to upgrade. Hence, decide right away if you want to expand yours or not.

* means that the Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor has 1 GB memory with the system for graphics function. Furthermore, it also goes with a 128 MB of “Crystalwell” embedded DRAM, which is included in the CPU package. This can be instrumental to additional memory bandwidth.