What are all the differences between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch “Early 2013” Retina Display MacBook Pro models?

Before anything else, it is important to note that the “Early 2013” Retina Display MacBook Pro versions are no longer manufactured and distributed. This is why we updated this Q&A with useful information that people who plan to buy or sell can consider.

People can easily assume that the “Early 2013” Retina Display MacBook Pro versions are only different by their size. While it is true that size is an important consideration between these two models, they still have remarkable distinctions from one another.

Models like the MacBook Pro “Core i5” 2.5 13” and “Core i7” 2.9 13” were part of the “Late 2012” lines, but the company still sells them with revised configurations, now present in the “Early 2013” series such as the true units for that breed including the MacBook Pro “Core i5” 2.6 13” and “Core i7” 3.0 13,” and the 15-Inch “Early 2013” models such as MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.4 15”, “Core i7” 2.8 15”, and “Core i7” 2.7 15”. It may not be obvious, but these versions have differences too, aside from their size.

If you are still torn between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, we have prepared an in-depth evaluation that can help you know which model is the best for you.

External Differences

At first glance, it would be a struggle to tell the difference between these two lines because they both use identical essentially “sealed” uniformly thick glass and aluminum designs. The MacBook Air models are tapered from back to front which is why they are easily identifiable. Hence, the 13-inch models are 0.75 inches thick, 8.62 inches deep, and 12.35-inch wide, when they are closed – causing them to weigh a little more in 3.5 pounds or 1.62 kg. On the other hand, the 15-Inch models are 0.71 inches thick, 14.13 inches wide, and 9.73 inches deep. When they are closed, they are 4.5 pounds or 2.02 kg.

These systems are preferred for their high-resolution LED-backlit widescreen “Retina” displays. You will not see the “MacBook Pro” printed on their display bezel. The identification only says “MacBook Pro” on their bottom. However, the resolutions and display size are far from each other. For instance, the 13-Inch models feature a 13.3” widescreen 2560×1600 (227 ppi) display while the 15-Inch models come with a 15.5 inch widescreen 2880×1800 (220 ppi) visual display. As per default settings, both the 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro lines have a “pixel doubled” option having a resolution of 1280×800 and 1440×900, respectively. This means that they are four times better than the traditional display found on other laptops.

Besides their stunning visuals, all the Retina Display MacBook Pro models come with a full-size “chiclet-style” backlit keyboard, and a glass “no button” trackpad. This function happens in just a tap, pinch, or swipe in performing useful actions. You can also manipulate it by spreading one or more fingers.

The lines also have integrated stereo speakers, dual microphones — and also the integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam which is ideal for video chatting. It is impossible to see a built-in optical drive in these units, but you can buy an external one for an additional cost. This should be easy if you need it for your unit.

Connectivity Differences

The 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro versions have the same connectivity functions. These lines have Bluetooth 4.0, 3-stream 802.11 a/b/g/m, an HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports, an audio out port, two “Thunderbolt” ports, a “MagSafe 2” power connector port, and an SDXC card slot.

You are unlikely to see a Retina Display MacBook Pro with Firewire “800” ports or Gigabit Ethernet. However, Apple has adapters for Thunderbolt-to-Gigabit Ethernet, and Thunderbolt-to-Firewire 800. You can avail of them for an extra cost.

Identification Differences

All the Retina Display MacBook Pro models share a similar display with synonymous Model Identifiers and Model Numbers.

Technically, the 13-Inch versions share the A1425 model number, while the 15-Inch models have the model number A1398. As for their software, the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro versions are identified as the MacBookPro10,2 with their model identifier, and the 15-Inch models MacBookPro10,11.

There are model identifiers in software that are enough for various identification purposes, like upgrading the 13-Inch and 15-Inch model SSDs, their model numbers are not sufficient when it comes to other purposes.

To get better help, the EMC Number is more useful for unique identification. For instance, the “Early 2013” 13-Inch models have an EMC number of 2672, while the “Early 2013” 15-Inch models have the 2673 EMC number. To know more about this, we have keenly hand documented all the details you have to learn about this for your convenience and ease.

Here at Techable, we have a lookup feature that will make the identification of the Retina Display MacBook Pro model by serial number simple.

Internal Differences

In terms of internal features, the Retina Display MacBook Pro versions have a good number of similarities. First, these systems utilize Intel’s “Ivy Bridge” architecture, it also has a 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM soldered in its place. You can upgrade their SSD modules. However, you may not be able to do the same with their batteries for they are attached permanently in place. Despite this, they still have critical differences as well.

It is important to note that the 13-Inch models come with dual-core Intel “Core i5” or “Core i7” processors, and also an 8 GB onboard RAM which is upgradeable to 16 GB, but only during the moment of its purchase. The model also shares system memory with the “integrated” Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor.

On the other hand, the 15-Inch models have a way faster quad-core with its “Core i7” processors, and 8 GB onboard RAM which is upgradeable to 16 GB, only at the time of its initial purchase. On top of this, the unit also has dual graphics processors – an NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory which is built with the same integrated graphics processor similar to that of the 13-Inch model. This line also has larger default flash storage as compared to the earlier models.

The internal flash storage cannot be upgraded in either of the models after buying, but it can be changed post-purchase. This becomes attainable because the 15-Inch systems have their storage as a removable module, and the 13-Inch systems also utilize the same technology as well by default. Both of them have a “drive caddy” so they are only large physically, but less expensive. You can also use the 2.5” SSD modules in them as well.

Both of these versions have internal batteries that can give 7 hours of runtime based on the tests Apple conducted. Their batteries are glued permanently in place though. This is one of the reasons why replacing them can be challenging too. But the process is possible for experienced technicians.

Comparison Chart

To further point the differences between the “Early 2013” 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro lines, we have summarized them below:

*Originally, the 13-Inch “Early 2013” Retina Display MacBook Pro is available with 256 GB storage. It is customizable to install a faster 3.0 GHz Core i7 processor. However, you have to pay an extra to do this.

**The 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models SSD module include the 2.5: drive caddy which works well with simple and affordable upgrades if needed.

†The 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook lines are upgradeable to 16GB RAM, but you can only do that at the initial purchase too. It is not possible to modify the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro versions too at the time of buying it.

††The battery design of the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook is a little awful in that it asks to dispose of unrelated and working parts just for a replacement to take place.

Buying & Sale Options

There are many places to purchase a new or second hand MacBook Pro. But, it would still be best to buy from a quality seller who has broader experience in the Mac market for this is a chance to save both time and money.