The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro is a fascinating machine because it exists in two versions. One has the Intel chip with four ports, and the other has the M1 chip with two ports.
Apple released them in the same year, and they are completely different computers. I have spent time with both, and knowing the difference is the difference between a good purchase and a disappointing one.
The Intel Version: Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports
This is the "pro" version of the pro. It launched in May 2020 with the 10th-generation Intel chips and four Thunderbolt 3 ports .
Processor: 2.0GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5, configurable to 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz .
Read Also: Apple Delays Mac Studio Launch: What the Leak Reveals?
Memory: 16GB of 3733MHz LPDDR4X onboard memory, configurable to 32GB .
Storage: 512GB SSD configurable to 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB .
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics .
Ports: Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, each supporting charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt (up to 40Gb/s), and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s) .
Keyboard: The Magic Keyboard replaces the butterfly mechanism that frustrated so many users. This one is reliable .
Price at launch: The base four-port model was priced at ₹1,36,000 approx for the ₹1,799 US configuration, with the top-end model at ₹1,51,000 approx .
The Two-Port Version: Intel or M1
This is where it gets tricky. Apple released a two-port version in May 2020 with 8th-generation Intel chips . Then in November 2020, they replaced that model with the M1 chip version, which also has two ports .
The Intel Two-Port (May 2020)
Processor: 1.4GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5, configurable to 1.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz .
Memory: 8GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory, configurable to 16GB .
Storage: 256GB SSD, configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB .
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 .
Ports: Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports .
Price at launch: Base ₹1,22,900 for 256GB, ₹1,42,900 for 512GB .
The M1 Two-Port (November 2020)
Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) and 8-core GPU .
Memory: 8GB unified memory, configurable to 16GB .
Storage: 256GB SSD, configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB .
Ports: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports supporting Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s) and USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s) .
Battery: Up to 17 hours wireless web, 20 hours Apple TV app movie playback .
Price at launch: 256GB at ₹1,22,900, 512GB at ₹1,42,900 .
The Magic Keyboard Difference
The 2020 model finally fixed the keyboard. The previous butterfly keyboard was unreliable. Keys stuck. Dust broke them. The Magic Keyboard is a scissor-switch mechanism . It has more travel. It is snappier. It does not break. This alone made the 2020 MacBook Pro worth the upgrade.
Screen and Display
Both versions have the same 13.3-inch Retina display: 2560 x 1600 resolution at 227 ppi, 500 nits brightness, wide color (P3), and True Tone technology . Apple did not change the display between models.
Which One Should You Buy in 2026?
The M1 version is the only sensible choice if you can find one. The Intel versions are okay, but the M1 chip is dramatically faster and more efficient. Geekbench scores show the M1 crushing the Intel i5 and even matching some i7 models. And the battery life is almost double.
You Must Also Like: Screenshot MacBook Air Like a Pro with These Shortcuts
Avoid the Intel two-port version. It is the oldest and slowest. The 8th-generation processor is several generations behind. Apple Intelligence will not run on it.
Consider the Intel four-port version only if you need Intel compatibility. Some software still runs better on Intel. Boot Camp for Windows requires Intel. If those are your use cases, the four-port version is the best Intel MacBook Pro ever made.
The M1 version is the best all-rounder. Two ports might be limiting, but the performance and battery life are outstanding. You can get it refurbished today for well under ₹50,000 in India .
What the MacBook Pro 2020 13 Inch i7 Offers?
The i7 configuration was only available on the four-port Intel model. You got a 2.3GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz and 8MB of shared L3 cache . It cost ₹1,51,000 approx at launch . It was the most powerful Intel 13-inch MacBook Pro ever made.
The Final Thoughts
The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro is an excellent machine, but you need to buy the right version. The Magic Keyboard fixed a major flaw. The M1 chip transformed performance. The Intel versions are fine but outdated.
If you are buying in 2026, get the M1 version. It is the best value. It runs everything smoothly. It lasts all day. The two-port limitation is manageable with a dongle. And you can find one refurbished for around ₹48,399 .
Avoid the Intel two-port version. It is too slow for 2026. Avoid the Intel four-port version unless you specifically need Intel compatibility. It runs hot and the battery life is average.
The 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch was a turning point for Apple. They fixed the keyboard, introduced the M1 chip, and set the stage for the machines we use today. It is still a capable laptop in 2026, but only in the right configuration.
FAQ's- About MacBook Pro 2020 13 inch i7
What is the MacBook Pro 13 inch 2020 price in India today?
As of 2026, the price of a refurbished MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020 M1 starts around ₹48,399 on platforms like Cashify . New prices are no longer applicable as the model is discontinued.
What are the differences between the two 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro models?
The main difference is the chip and ports. The May 2020 model has Intel chips (either two ports with 8th-gen or four ports with 10th-gen). The November 2020 model has the Apple M1 chip and two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports .
What is the MacBook Pro 2020 13 inch i7 configuration?
This is the high-end Intel model from May 2020. It has a 2.3GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz, 16GB of 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory, a 512GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and the Magic Keyboard .
Does the 2020 MacBook Pro have the Magic Keyboard?
Yes. Apple replaced the butterfly keyboard with the Magic Keyboard on the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro. It has a scissor-switch mechanism with more key travel and is much more reliable .
Which 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro should I buy in 2026?
The M1 chip version with two ports is the best choice for most people . It is faster, has better battery life, and runs cooler than the Intel models. Buy the Intel four-port version only if you need Intel compatibility. Avoid the Intel two-port version.
