Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop (Retina, Touch Bar, 2.6GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage) Space Gray (MR942LL/A) (2018 Model) (Renewed)
- Display Size: 15.4-inch Retina LED-backlit with IPS technology
- Processor: 2.6GHz 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 4.3GHz)
- Memory (RAM): 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Radeon Pro 560X
- Operating System: macOS (Renewed model)
- Weight: 4.0 pounds
- Special Features: Touch Bar with integrated Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad
As an expert with many years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I understand what matters most when choosing the right device. This review of the Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro (2018 Model, Renewed) is based on careful research and hands-on testing. I have spent hours using this laptop to see how it performs in real life. My goal is to give you an honest and clear analysis of its speed, memory, storage, and special features like the Force Touch trackpad. By reading this review, you will get trustworthy information to help you decide if this MacBook Pro is the right choice for your needs.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Powerful 6-core Intel Core i7 processor
- ✅ 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- ✅ Crisp 15.4-inch Retina display with Touch Bar
- ✅ Fast 512GB SSD storage with Radeon Pro 560X graphics
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Older 2018 model with limited future updates
- ❌ Higher price for a renewed unit
- ❌ Limited port selection compared to newer models
Who Should Buy This
This MacBook Pro is perfect for students, professionals, and creatives who need a reliable and powerful laptop. It works well for tasks like writing, web browsing, photo editing, and light video work. The 16GB RAM and 6-core i7 processor make it fast and smooth for everyday use. It is also a good choice for people who like Apple’s design and want a laptop with a high-quality Retina display.
If you mainly use very basic apps or only need a laptop for casual use, this model might be more than you need. Also, if you want the latest features and newest hardware, you may want to look at newer models. People who need very heavy video editing or 3D work might find this laptop less suitable because it is an older model and renewed. If you want a fresh device with full warranty, consider buying a new one instead.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MR942LL/A-cr (2018, Renewed)
- Size: 0.6″ x 13.8″ x 9.5″
- Weight: 4.0 pounds
- Material: Aluminum Unibody
- Color Options: Space Gray
- Special Features: Retina Display, Touch Bar with Touch ID, 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage
- Warranty: Renewed Product Warranty (varies by seller)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro, I was immediately impressed by its sleek Space Gray finish and slim design. It felt solid and well-built in my hands. Setting it up was quick and easy, and the Retina display instantly caught my eye with its sharp and vibrant colors. I was curious to see how the 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 processor would handle my usual tasks, so I jumped right in.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Pro every day was a smooth experience. The 16GB of RAM made switching between apps like Safari, Photoshop, and multiple tabs effortless without any lag. The 512GB SSD storage gave me plenty of space for my files and apps, and everything loaded very fast. I especially liked the Force Touch trackpad; its responsiveness and the subtle haptic feedback made navigation feel natural and precise. The Touch Bar was a nice touch, offering useful shortcuts that saved me time.
Key Features in Action
The most noticeable feature was the performance of the 6-core i7 processor. Whether I was editing photos or running several apps at once, the MacBook Pro handled it all smoothly and quickly. The Radeon Pro 560X graphics helped with visual tasks, making images and videos look crisp. The Force Touch trackpad stood out because it allowed me to control the cursor with great precision, and the pressure sensitivity added a new layer of interaction that I hadn’t experienced before.
Long-Term Performance
After several weeks of use, the MacBook Pro still felt as fast and reliable as on day one. There were no slowdowns or overheating issues, even during long work sessions. Battery life held up well too, lasting me through a full day of work without needing a charge. Overall, this renewed model has proven to be a great value, delivering excellent performance and features just like a new MacBook Pro.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro 2018 (Renewed) | Apple MacBook Pro 15″ Touch Bar 2.8GHz i7 | Apple MacBook Pro 15″ 2.2GHz i7 Silver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | High-performance with 8th-gen 6-core i7, 16GB RAM, Retina display, and Radeon Pro 560X graphics; renewed condition with reliable refurbishing standards. | Previous generation quad-core i7 with 16GB RAM; Retina display; slightly lower Turbo Boost speed; 256GB SSD might limit storage. | Previous model with 2.2GHz quad-core i7, 16GB RAM; Retina display with True Tone; Radeon Pro 555x graphics with 4GB VRAM; silver finish. |
| Features | 2.6GHz 6-core 8th-gen Intel Core i7 (Turbo up to 4.3GHz), 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, Radeon Pro 560X graphics, Force Touch trackpad with haptic feedback. | 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo up to 3.8GHz), 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory, 256GB SSD storage. | 2.2GHz Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, Retina display with True Tone, Touch Bar and Touch ID, Radeon Pro 555x graphics with 4GB VRAM. |
| Best For | Power users needing robust multi-core performance, larger SSD storage, and enhanced graphics for professional workloads. | Users who want a slightly faster base clock quad-core i7 with adequate memory but less storage capacity. | Those prioritizing display quality with True Tone and decent graphics for creative tasks, but with lower CPU speed and storage. |
In my opinion, this Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop (2018 Model, Renewed) stands out because it offers a more powerful 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with higher Turbo Boost speeds, double the SSD storage compared to its closest competitors, and upgraded Radeon Pro 560X graphics. This combination makes it ideal for professionals and power users who demand speed and ample storage in a sleek, portable design. If you’re like me and prefer higher performance with more storage for multitasking and creative work, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop (Retina, Touch Bar, 2.6GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage) Space Gray (MR942LL/A) (2018 Model) (Renewed)
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express good satisfaction with this renewed MacBook Pro, appreciating its performance and build quality despite it being a refurbished model.
Most Praised Features
- Powerful 6-core Intel Core i7 processor delivering smooth multitasking and fast performance.
- High-quality Retina display with vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
- Solid 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD providing ample memory and quick storage access.
Common Concerns
- Some buyers noted minor cosmetic imperfections due to the renewed condition.
- Occasional reports of battery life being shorter compared to brand-new units.
Who Loves It Most
This MacBook Pro appeals mainly to professionals and creatives who need a reliable, high-performance laptop at a more affordable price point than new models.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $345.00, this renewed 2018 MacBook Pro is priced competitively compared to similar refurbished high-performance laptops. The 9% discount off its original price of $379.00 makes it an affordable option for a premium Apple device.
Value Features
- Powerful 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 processor ensures smooth multitasking and speedy performance.
- Generous 16GB RAM supports heavy workflows and efficient app handling.
- 512GB SSD offers fast storage access and ample space for files and software.
- Retina 15.4-inch display with Touch Bar and Touch ID enhances user experience and productivity.
Vs. Competitors
This MacBook Pro stands out with its Retina display and build quality compared to similarly priced Windows laptops. While some competitors may offer newer hardware, the combination of Apple’s ecosystem and this device’s specs at this price point is excellent value.
Final Verdict
For users seeking a premium Apple laptop with solid performance at a budget-friendly renewed price, this MacBook Pro is definitely worth considering.