2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) vs. MacBook Air 13” 2018: Which is better?

Here is a side by side comparison between 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) and MacBook Air 13” 2018 specs including CPU, RAM, storage, battery, display, and more.

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) Pros

Reasons that 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) is better than MacBook Air 13” 2018.

Slightly faster CPU performance

Intel Core i7-6660U inside 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) has a 19% better multi-core CPU performance score than the Intel Core i5-8210Y inside MacBook Air 13” 2018.

Geekbench 5 multi-core score
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) - Intel Core i7-6660U
1,741
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) - Intel Core i5-6360U
1,585
MacBook Air 13” 2018 - Intel Core i5-8210Y
1,455

MacBook Air 13” 2018 Pros

Reasons that MacBook Air 13” 2018 is better than 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3).

Newer manufacturing

2018 vs. 2016

Supports faster memory

MacBook Air 13” 2018 supports a faster memory speed than the 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3). It supports up to 2133MHz versus 1866MHz of system memory on the 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3).

Memory type and speed
MacBook Air 13” 2018 - LPDDR3
2,133 MHz
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) - LPDDR3
1,866 MHz
About 9% lighter

MacBook Air 13” 2018 weighed 2.75 pounds, 9% lighter than the 3.02 pounds 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3).

Weight2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Pound
3.02 lbs.
2.75 lbs.
Kilogram
1.37 kg
1.25 kg

Key Similars

Similar characteristics share between 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) and MacBook Air 13” 2018.

Supports the same maximum memory size of up to 16GB

Both laptops supports up to 16GB of system memory.

Max system memory size
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)
16 GB
MacBook Air 13” 2018
16 GB

Prices

Here are the latest price updates and offers for both devices.

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) Price
2017 Apple MacBook Pro with 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128 SSD Storage) - Space Gray (Renewed)
2017 Apple MacBook Pro with 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128 SSD Storage) - Space Gray (Renewed)
By Apple
$318.69
$339.00 6% OFF
2016 Apple MacBook Pro with 2.4GHz Intel Core i7 (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage) Space Gray (Renewed)
2016 Apple MacBook Pro with 2.4GHz Intel Core i7 (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage) Space Gray (Renewed)
By Apple
$470.38
$499.99 6% OFF
Apple 2016 MacBook Pro Laptop with Core i7 3.3GHz (13 inch 16GB RAM 256GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple 2016 MacBook Pro Laptop with Core i7 3.3GHz (13 inch 16GB RAM 256GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)
By Apple
$469.97
MacBook Air 13” 2018 Price
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch Retina display, 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 128GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch Retina display, 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 128GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
By Apple
$370.28
2018 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage) - Silver (Renewed)
2018 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage) - Silver (Renewed)
By Apple
$378.99
Apple 13in MacBook Air (2017 Newest Version) 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD (Renewed)
Apple 13in MacBook Air (2017 Newest Version) 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD (Renewed)
By Apple
$239.00
$255.00 6% OFF

Availability

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Released20162018
Release Date
  • Announced on October 27, 2016
  • Available on October 28, 2016
  • Available on October 30, 2018
Pricing
  • $1,499
    Intel Core i5 6360U | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD
  • $1,199
    Intel Core i5 8210Y | 8GB RAM | 128GB SSD
  • $1,399
    Intel Core i5 8210Y | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD
Applicable Models
  • 2016 MacBook Pro 13
  • 2016 MacBook Pro 13 with Two Thunderbolt 3 pors
  • 2016 MacBook Pro 13 with Function Keys
-
Generations

Exterior

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Dimensions11.97” x 8.36” x 0.59” (304.1 mm x 212.4 mm x 14.9 mm)11.97” x 8.36” x 0.16 - 0.61” (304.1 mm x  212.4 mm x 4.1 – 15.6 mm)
WeightStarting at 3.02 lb (1.37 kg)Starting at 2.75 pounds (1.25 kg)
Colors
Space Gray Silver
Gold Space Gray Silver
Keyboard and TrackpadBacklit Magic Keyboard with:
  • 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures
Backlit Magic Keyboard with:
  • 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) individual LED-backlit keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures

Display

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Size13.3 Inches13.3 Inches
InfoRetina display
  • 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors
  • Supported scaled resolutions:
    • 1680 by 1050
    • 1440 by 900
    • 1024 by 640
  • 500 nits brightness
  • Wide color gamut (P3)
Retina display
  • 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors
  • Supported scaled resolutions:
    • 1680 by 1050
    • 1440 by 900
    • 1024 by 640
  • 16:10 aspect ratio

Ports

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) Ports
Image Source: Apple
Left (2)
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) Ports - Left
Image Source: Apple
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 3
    40 Gpbs, USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), Charging, Displayport
Right (1)
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) Ports - Right
Image Source: Apple
  • 1 x headphone jack
    Headphone/Microphone
Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) ports with support for:
  • Charging
  • DisplayPort
  • Thunderbolt (up to 40Gb/s)
  • USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s)

Internal Specs

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Processor
  1. 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-6360U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.00 → 3.10 GHz, 4MB SmartCache, 15W
  2. 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-6660U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.40 → 3.40 GHz, 4MB SmartCache, 15W
  1. 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8210Y
    2 cores, 4 threads, 1.60 → 3.60 GHz, 4MB SmartCache, 7W
Integrated Graphics
  1. 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-6360U
    Intel® Iris® Graphics 540
    48 Execution Units with 64 MB eDRAM, 300 → 1000 MHz
  2. 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-6660U
    Intel® Iris® Graphics 540
    48 Execution Units with 64 MB eDRAM, 300 → 1050 MHz
  1. 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8210Y
    Intel® UHD Graphics 617
    24 Execution Units, 300 → 1050 MHz
Memory
8GB
configurable to 16GB of 1866MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
8GB
Configurable to 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
Discrete Graphics-Support for Thunderbolt 3–enabled external graphics processors (eGPUs)
Storage
256GB
configurable to 512GB or 1TB SSD
128GB 256GB
Configurable to 512GB or 1TB SSD

Connectivity

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Wi-Fi
  • 802.11ac Wi‑Fi wireless networking
  • IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible
  • 802.11ac Wi‑Fi wireless networking
  • IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2 wireless technologyBluetooth 4.2 wireless technology

Battery

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Size54.5 Wh lithium‑polymer battery50.3 Wh lithium‑polymer battery
Battery Life
  • Up to 10 hours wireless web
  • Up to 10 hours Apple TV app movie playback
  • Up to 30 days of standby time
  • Up to 12 hours wireless web
  • Up to 13 hours Apple TV app video playback
  • Up to 30 days of standby time
Power Supply61W USB‑C Power Adapter30W USB‑C Power Adapter

Software

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
OSShipped with macOS SierraShipped with macOS Mojave
Built-in Apps
Photos iMovie GarageBand Pages Numbers Keynote Siri Safari Mail FaceTime Messages Maps News Stocks Home Voice Memos Notes Calendar Contacts Reminders Photo Booth Preview Music Podcasts TV Books App Store Time Machine Find My QuickTime Player
Photos iMovie GarageBand Pages Numbers Keynote Siri Safari Mail FaceTime Messages Maps News Stocks Home Voice Memos Notes Calendar Contacts Reminders Photo Booth Preview Music Podcasts TV Books App Store Time Machine Find My QuickTime Player

Camera & Audio

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Camera720p FaceTime HD camera720p FaceTime HD camera
Audio
  • Stereo speakers with high dynamic range
  • Three microphones
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Stereo speakers
  • Three microphones
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack

Misc

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
Sensors
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Touch ID sensor
  • Ambient light sensor
Security-
  • Touch ID sensor
  • Apple T2 Security Chip
In the box
  • 13‑inch MacBook Pro
  • 61W USB‑C Power Adapter
  • USB-C Charge Cable (2 m)
  • MacBook Air
  • 30W USB‑C Power Adapter
  • USB-C Charge Cable (2 m)
WarrantyYour MacBook Pro comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support and a one‑year limited warranty. Purchase AppleCare+ for Mac to extend your coverage to three years from your AppleCare+ purchase date and add up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other repairable damage, plus applicable tax.Your MacBook Air comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support and a one-year limited warranty. Purchase AppleCare+ to extend your coverage to three years from your AppleCare+ purchase date and add up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other repairable damage, plus applicable tax.
More
Video Support
Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at millions of colors and:
  • One display with 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors
  • Up to two displays with 4096-by-2304 resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors
Thunderbolt 3 digital video output
  • Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C
  • VGA, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 2 output supported using adapters (sold separately)
Video Support
  • Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at millions of colors and:
    • One external display with 5120-by-2880 resolution at up to 60Hz
    • Up to two external displays with 4096-by-2304 resolution at up to 60Hz
  • Thunderbolt 3 digital video output
    • Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C
    • VGA, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 2 output using adapters (sold separately)

Key Features

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018
At Glance
Released in Late
2016
16:10 WQXGA
13.3”
1600p 60Hz
Weight
3.02 lb
1.37 kg
Up to
Intel Core i7-6660U
2C/4T, 2.40 → 3.40 GHz
Geekbench 5
750
Single Core
Geekbench 5
1,741
Multi-Core
With integrated
Intel® Iris® Graphics 540
48 Execution Units with 64 MB eDRAM, 300 → 1050 MHz
Configurable up to
16GB
1866 MHz LPDDR3
2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) Ports
Released in Late
2018
16:10 WQXGA
13.3”
1600p 60Hz
Weight
2.75 lb
1.25 kg
Powered By
Intel Core i5-8210Y
2C/4T, 1.60 → 3.60 GHz
Geekbench 5
728
Single Core
Geekbench 5
1,455
Multi-Core
With integrated
Intel® UHD Graphics 617
24 Execution Units, 300 → 1050 MHz
Up to
16GB
2133 MHz LPDDR3

Comparison Summary

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) vs. MacBook Air 13” 2018

Apple has released the MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3), a 13.3-inch machine, in late-2016. It is powered by up to a dual-core Intel Core i7-6660U with a boost clock speed up to 3.40 GHz. The laptop has an integrated graphics option up to Intel® Iris® Graphics 540 (48 Execution Units with 64 MB eDRAM, 300 → 1050 MHz).

On the other hand, we have the 13.3-inch MacBook Air 13” 2018 was introduced by Apple about two years later in late-2018. It comes with a dual-core Intel Core i5-8210Y with a boost clock speed up to 3.60 GHz. It has an integrated graphics option up to Intel® UHD Graphics 617 (24 Execution Units, 300 → 1050 MHz).

Geekbench 5 Single Core

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)1
6th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-6360U69292.27%
2
6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-6660U750100.00%
MacBook Air 13” 20181
8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8210Y72897.07%
0750

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)1
6th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-6360U1,58591.04%
2
6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-6660U1,741100.00%
MacBook Air 13” 20181
8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8210Y1,45583.57%
01,741

Both 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) and MacBook Air 13” 2018 have the same 13.3-inch display size. In addition, the 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) weighs 3.02 lbs. about 9% heavier than the 2.75 lbs. MacBook Air 13” 2018. Moreover, measured at 11.97” x 8.36” x 0.59”, the 2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3) is slightly more portable than the MacBook Air 13” 2018 at 11.97” x 8.36” x 0.61”.

2016 MacBook Pro 13 (2TB3)MacBook Air 13” 2018

Moving over to upgradability, you can't make any upgrades on both devices. All major components including memory and storage are soldered on to the motherboard. So make sure you get the specs that work best for your current and future workload.

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