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A MacBook Pro is no small investment, particularly if you’re hankering after the biggest on offer, the largest on the market being the16” model.
If you’re looking to upgrade, perhaps because you’re using anything older than a M1 Max chip for video editing or image rendering and you’re noticing the lag in efficiency, then looking to a powerful refurbished model could be the right move.
These aren’t for the average user, though. The superpower jobs these Pros are made for might just be a little excessive for many, including the size.
But chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re looking for a top unit without paying top dollar.
Why go refurbished?
Firstly, a refurbished model is clearly the most economical choice. This is the most obvious advantage of buying refurbished, and you’ll likely get a quality model from Apple’s certified Refurb store.
These undergo thorough testing and repairs to meet Apple’s high standards. This means you can expect a device that is just as reliable as a brand new model. Additionally, most refurbished MacBook Pros are eligible for AppleCare support.
Then there’s the reduced environmental impact, helping to reduce waste etc. It helps decrease the demand for new products and reduce the environmental impact of electronics manufacturing. So you’re doing your bit.
Potential drawbacks of course to buying a refurbished model are limited availability and configuration options. This means you may not find exactly what you want, but it always pays to be flexible, particularly if it means you save a few bucks.
Then there are possible cosmetic imperfections, signs of wear and tear etc. These are often minor and don’t impact functionality.
So, a refurbished 16″ MacBook Pro M2? First question is, does it even need to be an M2?
Refurbished 16″ MacBook Pro M2 vs M3
Let’s glance at a few numbers. A refurbished 16” MacBook Pro M2, with 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU, starts at £2,109.00 / $2,049.00
A refurbished 16” MacBook Pro M3, with 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, starts at £2,119.00 / $2,119.00.
Why such little difference in price? Why not just plump for the newer M3 model?
The M3 version being cheaper than the M2 might seem counterintuitive, but possible reasons for this might be: supply and demand – availability of refurbished units impacting price. A surplus of M3 models for example.
Perhaps it’s down to cosmetics.
Also, while the M2 and M3 chips are both powerful, the M2 Pro has a slightly higher GPU core count. For most users, though, the performance gap won’t be noticeable, or even matter.
In fact there aren’t many differences between these two generations anyway. Apart from the the M3 models offering wider storage and RAM options, colour availability (Space Black), and newer 3nm architecture, providing better performance and efficiency and lower power consumption compared to the M2’s 5nm architecture.
Both models are going to give you bang for your buck regardless of specificity. I know this was supposed to be about the refurbished 16″ MacBook Pro M2, but considering the close proximity in terms of price, and hardware, well the M3 also deserves a mention.
16” vs 14″ M2 MacBook Pro
Another question might be, do you need the 16” version? It’s huge, and not the easiest to lug about to cafes, on trains, etc.
A slightly more compact 14” model might suit those who are out-and-about more often. Obviously these are even more economically priced. A quick look at Apple’s certified Refurb store reveals a 14” MacBook Pro M2 starting at £1,689.00 / $1,599.00. And, a refurbished 14” MacBook Pro M3 at £1,439.00 / $1,359.00.
Conclusion
So, should you buy a refurbished 16″ MacBook Pro M2? Yeah, if you want the screen size, the power and all that entails, with a good reduction in price. There’s no go out and buy a brand new M3 model if you simply can’t afford it. But, consider a refurbished M3 model, too, with the M4 models soon to be released they will only get cheaper and you’ll still be in possession of one of the most powerful laptops around.
