Apple MacBook Pro 13.3in Retina Laptop Intel i5 Dual Core 2.6GHz 8GB 128GB SSD – MGX72LL/A (Renewed)
- Display Size & Resolution: 13.3″ Retina LED Glossy, 2560×1600 pixels
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4278U Dual Core 2.6GHz (3.6GHz Turbo)
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB DDR3L SDRAM
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Iris 5100 Integrated Graphics
- Operating System: Mac OS X 10.9.4
- Connectivity: 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 (No Ethernet)
- Dimensions & Weight: 0.71 x 12.35 x 8.62 inches, 3.46 pounds
As an expert with many years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I understand what makes a great laptop. I have carefully researched and personally tested the Apple MacBook Pro 13.3in Retina Laptop Intel i5 Dual Core 2.6GHz 8GB 128GB SSD – MGX72LL/A (Renewed) to provide you with honest and clear insights. This review is based on detailed analysis and real use, so you can trust the information to help you make a smart buying decision. Whether you need a powerful yet portable laptop or want to know how this model performs in everyday tasks, I am here to guide you through all the important features and benefits.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Sharp 13.3″ Retina display with 2560×1600 resolution
- ✅ Lightweight precision aluminum unibody design
- ✅ Fast Intel Core i5 dual-core processor with Turbo Boost
- ✅ Smooth performance with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Limited storage with only 128GB SSD
- ❌ No Ethernet port for wired connections
- ❌ Older generation processor and graphics
Who Should Buy This
This Apple MacBook Pro 13.3in Retina Laptop is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. It works well for web browsing, office work, and watching videos. The 8GB memory and fast SSD help run programs smoothly. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
If you need a laptop for heavy gaming, video editing, or very large software, this might not be the best choice. The Intel i5 dual-core processor and 128GB storage can feel slow for those tasks. Also, if you want the latest model with more power, consider newer laptops.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MGX72LL/A
- Size: 0.71″ x 12.35″ x 8.62″
- Weight: 3.46 pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Color Options: Aluminum Silver
- Special Features: Retina Display, Intel Core i5 Dual Core 2.6GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Renewed
- Warranty: Limited warranty (varies by seller)
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the renewed Apple MacBook Pro 13.3-inch Retina, I was immediately impressed by its sleek aluminum body. The precision aluminum unibody feels solid and premium, just like a new MacBook. Setting it up was straightforward, and the Mac OS X 10.9.4 booted up quickly without any glitches. The 13.3-inch Retina display stood out right away with its sharp 2560×1600 resolution, making everything look crisp and vibrant. Holding the laptop felt light and compact, with its slim 0.71-inch thickness making it easy to carry around.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Pro for my daily tasks was a smooth experience. The Intel Core i5 dual-core processor handled web browsing, streaming, and office work without slowing down. I appreciated the fast 128GB SSD, which made launching apps and saving files quick. The 8GB RAM was enough to keep multiple apps open without lag. The laptop stayed quiet and cool during most tasks, and the built-in stereo speakers delivered clear sound for video calls and music. The lack of an optical drive was no problem since I rarely use CDs or DVDs anymore.
Key Features in Action
The Retina display was by far my favorite feature—it made reading text and viewing photos very pleasant on the eyes. The Intel Iris 5100 graphics handled light photo editing and casual games smoothly. The keyboard and trackpad were responsive and comfortable for long typing sessions. The Mac OS X felt stable and user-friendly, and I enjoyed the seamless integration with other Apple devices I have. The battery life was decent, lasting me through a good part of the day without needing to plug in.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Pro for several weeks, I noticed that it maintained its speed and responsiveness well. The SSD kept everything running fast, and there were no issues with overheating or system crashes. The aluminum body showed only minor signs of wear, which is impressive for a renewed device. Overall, it felt like a reliable and sturdy laptop that could handle everyday work and entertainment without trouble.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple MacBook Pro 13.3in Retina Laptop Intel i5 Dual Core 2.6GHz 8GB 128GB SSD – MGX72LL/A (Renewed) | 2022 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip (Space Gray) | 2022 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip (Silver) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | High-quality 13.3″ Retina LED Glossy display with 2560×1600 resolution, precision aluminum unibody enclosure, and integrated Intel Iris 5100 Graphics. | Superior performance with Apple’s next-gen M2 chip featuring 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 13-inch Retina Display, and active cooling system for sustained pro performance. | Same as Space Gray model with Apple M2 chip, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 13-inch Retina Display, and active cooling for long-lasting performance. |
| Features | Intel Core i5-4278U 2.6GHz Dual Core Processor (3.6GHz Turbo), 8GB DDR3L SDRAM, 128GB SSD, Mac OS X 10.9.4, no optical drive, built-in stereo speakers. | Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Touch Bar, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, up to 20 hours battery life. | Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Touch Bar, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, up to 20 hours battery life. |
| Best For | Users who prefer a classic Intel-based MacBook Pro with Retina display and reliable performance for everyday computing tasks. | Power users and professionals needing enhanced CPU/GPU performance, longer battery life, and the latest Apple silicon for demanding workflows. | Same as Space Gray model: professionals seeking high performance, long battery life, and seamless integration with Apple ecosystem. |
In my opinion, this Apple MacBook Pro 13.3in Retina Laptop Intel i5 Dual Core 2.6GHz 8GB 128GB SSD – MGX72LL/A (Renewed) stands out because it offers a classic MacBook experience with a Retina display and solid Intel performance at a competitive price point. If you’re like me and prefer the familiarity of Intel architecture or are looking for a renewed option with solid build quality, this is the better choice compared to the newer M2 models which focus more on pro-level sustained performance and longer battery life.
Customer Feedback on Apple MacBook Pro 13.3in Retina Laptop Intel i5 Dual Core 2.6GHz 8GB 128GB SSD – MGX72LL/A (Renewed)
Overall Satisfaction
The product receives high satisfaction with an average seller rating of 4.85/5, reflecting strong customer approval and reliability.
Most Praised Features
- Excellent Retina display quality and sharp visuals.
- Reliable performance with the Intel i5 dual-core processor and 8GB RAM.
- Lightweight and portable design ideal for everyday use.
Common Concerns
- Limited 128GB SSD storage capacity for some users.
- Battery life varies, with some customers expecting longer usage between charges.
Who Loves It Most
This MacBook Pro model is especially favored by students and professionals who need a compact, efficient laptop for daily tasks, light to moderate multitasking, and high-quality display performance without the cost of a brand-new unit.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $217.99, the Apple MacBook Pro 13.3in Retina (Renewed) offers a highly competitive price compared to new models and other refurbished laptops with similar specs. This price is particularly affordable given Apple’s typical premium pricing.
Value Features
- 13.3″ Retina Display – Delivers sharp, vibrant visuals, enhancing user experience for work and media.
- Intel Core i5 Dual Core 2.6GHz – Provides reliable performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
- 8GB RAM & 128GB SSD – Ensures smooth operation and faster boot/load times, valuable for efficiency.
- Premium Build Quality – Aluminum unibody design offers durability and a sleek look, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Vs. Competitors
This renewed MacBook Pro stands out against similarly priced Windows laptops by offering superior build quality and a high-resolution Retina display. While other brands may offer more storage or newer processors at this price, few match Apple’s design and macOS ecosystem benefits.
Final Verdict
If you need a compact, reliable laptop with a premium display and solid performance without breaking the bank, this renewed MacBook Pro is a great value for money choice.