Hey guys! Let's dive into whether the 2016 MacBook Pro still holds up in 2022. It's been a while since its release, and tech has changed a lot. We're going to look at performance, design, battery life, and whether it’s a good buy now, especially compared to newer models. So, is this oldie still a goldie? Let’s find out!

Design and Build Quality

When we talk about design and build quality of the 2016 MacBook Pro, we're immediately reminded of Apple's commitment to sleek aesthetics and robust construction. The 2016 model introduced a thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessors, making it more portable and modern-looking at the time. The all-aluminum unibody construction gives it a premium feel that's both durable and visually appealing. Holding it, you can feel the quality craftsmanship that Apple is known for. The smooth, cool metal finish and precise lines make it a pleasure to use and carry around.

One of the standout features of the 2016 MacBook Pro's design is its minimalist approach. There are no unnecessary frills or distractions; every element serves a purpose. The iconic Apple logo on the lid shines subtly, adding to its understated elegance. The hinge mechanism is sturdy and allows for smooth opening and closing of the laptop. Even the placement of the ports is carefully considered to maintain the clean lines of the device. The overall impression is one of sophistication and attention to detail. Compared to some of the bulkier laptops on the market, the 2016 MacBook Pro feels remarkably refined.

However, the design choices weren't without controversy. The introduction of USB-C ports exclusively meant that users had to adapt to using dongles for many of their older accessories. While USB-C is now more widely adopted, in 2016, it was a significant adjustment for many users. Despite this, the slim profile and lightweight design were major selling points, attracting users who valued portability and aesthetics. The build quality remains impressive even by today's standards. The aluminum body has proven to be resistant to scratches and dents, and the internal components are well-protected. This speaks to Apple's focus on creating products that are not only beautiful but also built to last. The keyboard, while controversial, was also part of this design overhaul, aiming for a more streamlined and modern typing experience.

Performance and Speed

Alright, let's talk about performance and speed. The 2016 MacBook Pro came with Intel's 6th generation Core i5 or i7 processors. While these CPUs were decent at the time, they're definitely showing their age in 2022. For everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing emails, and streaming videos, it's still perfectly adequate. You won't notice much lag or slowdown. However, if you're planning on doing anything more demanding, such as video editing, graphic design, or running complex software, you might find it struggling a bit. The older processors simply can't keep up with the demands of modern applications. This is especially noticeable when compared to newer MacBooks with Apple's M1 or M2 chips, which offer significantly better performance.

When it comes to memory, the 2016 MacBook Pro typically came with 8GB or 16GB of RAM. 8GB is really the bare minimum these days, and you might find yourself running into memory issues if you have multiple applications open or are working with large files. 16GB is definitely the sweet spot for smoother multitasking and handling more demanding tasks. The SSD storage options ranged from 256GB to 1TB, which should be sufficient for most users. However, keep in mind that storage fills up quickly, especially if you're working with large media files or installing a lot of software. So, opting for a larger SSD might be a good idea if you can find a model with that configuration.

In terms of graphics, the 2016 MacBook Pro came with integrated Intel Iris Graphics or, on some models, a dedicated AMD Radeon Pro GPU. The integrated graphics are fine for basic tasks, but they're not ideal for gaming or graphics-intensive work. The dedicated GPU offers better performance, but it's still not comparable to modern graphics cards. If you're a gamer or a professional who relies on graphics-intensive applications, you'll definitely want to consider a newer MacBook with a more powerful GPU. Overall, while the 2016 MacBook Pro's performance was respectable when it was released, it's now showing its age. It's still usable for basic tasks, but it's not the best choice for demanding workloads. Newer MacBooks offer much better performance and are a better investment for anyone who needs a powerful laptop.

Display Quality

Let's get into the display quality of the 2016 MacBook Pro. This is one area where the laptop still shines. The 2016 MacBook Pro features a Retina display, which means it has a high pixel density that makes images and text look incredibly sharp and clear. The resolution is impressive, and the colors are vibrant and accurate. Whether you're browsing photos, watching videos, or working on graphic design projects, the display is a joy to look at. It offers excellent viewing angles, so the image doesn't distort when viewed from different positions. This is particularly useful when sharing your screen with others or working in tight spaces.

The display also supports the P3 wide color gamut, which means it can display a wider range of colors than standard displays. This results in more realistic and lifelike images, especially when viewing photos and videos. The brightness is also quite good, making it usable in a variety of lighting conditions. Whether you're working indoors or outdoors, you should have no problem seeing the screen clearly. The display is also well-calibrated out of the box, meaning that the colors are accurate without requiring any manual adjustments. This is a big plus for professionals who rely on accurate color representation.

One of the standout features of the 2016 MacBook Pro's display is its consistent performance. The brightness and color accuracy remain consistent over time, even after prolonged use. This is a testament to the quality of the components used and Apple's attention to detail. The display is also resistant to glare, which makes it easier to use in bright environments. While it's not completely matte, it does a good job of reducing reflections and minimizing distractions. Overall, the display on the 2016 MacBook Pro is still one of its strongest selling points. It offers excellent image quality, accurate colors, and consistent performance, making it a pleasure to use for a variety of tasks. Even compared to newer laptops, the display holds its own and continues to impress.

Battery Life

Now, let's talk battery life. When the 2016 MacBook Pro was new, it boasted around 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. However, in 2022, that's likely to be significantly reduced due to battery degradation. Over time, laptop batteries lose their capacity, meaning they can't hold as much charge as they used to. So, if you're buying a used 2016 MacBook Pro, don't expect it to last as long as it did when it was new. You might get anywhere from 4 to 7 hours of battery life, depending on the condition of the battery and how you're using the laptop. Tasks like browsing the web and writing documents will consume less power than video editing or gaming.

To maximize the battery life of your 2016 MacBook Pro, there are a few things you can do. First, reduce the screen brightness. The brighter the screen, the more power it consumes. Second, close any applications that you're not using. Even if an application is running in the background, it can still consume power. Third, disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you're not using them. These wireless connections can drain the battery even when they're not actively being used. Fourth, consider using a battery management tool to optimize power consumption. There are several apps available that can help you identify and close power-hungry applications.

If you're finding that your 2016 MacBook Pro's battery life is unacceptably short, you might consider replacing the battery. Apple offers battery replacement services, but it can be quite expensive. There are also third-party battery replacement options available, which can be more affordable. However, be careful when choosing a third-party battery, as not all of them are created equal. Make sure to choose a reputable brand and read reviews before making a purchase. Overall, battery life is one of the biggest compromises you'll have to make if you choose to buy a 2016 MacBook Pro in 2022. While it might have been decent when it was new, it's likely to be significantly reduced due to battery degradation.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard and trackpad on the 2016 MacBook Pro were subjects of much debate. The 2016 model introduced the butterfly keyboard, which was designed to be thinner and more responsive than previous keyboards. However, it quickly became known for its reliability issues. Many users experienced sticky keys, keys that didn't register, or keys that repeated unexpectedly. These issues were so widespread that Apple eventually launched a repair program to address them. If you're considering buying a 2016 MacBook Pro, be sure to check the keyboard carefully for any signs of these problems.

Despite the reliability issues, some users actually liked the feel of the butterfly keyboard. They found it to be more precise and responsive than traditional keyboards. However, the vast majority of users found the keyboard to be frustrating and unreliable. The lack of key travel and the shallow feel made it difficult to type accurately, and the constant fear of keyboard failure loomed over many users. Apple eventually abandoned the butterfly keyboard design in favor of the scissor-switch keyboard, which is much more reliable and comfortable to use.

The trackpad on the 2016 MacBook Pro, on the other hand, was generally well-received. It's large, responsive, and supports a variety of multi-touch gestures. The Force Touch technology allows you to perform different actions depending on how hard you press down on the trackpad. This can be useful for tasks like previewing files or looking up definitions. The trackpad is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the sensitivity and enable or disable different gestures. Overall, the trackpad is one of the strongest features of the 2016 MacBook Pro. It's a pleasure to use and offers a high level of precision and control. However, the keyboard remains a major drawback, and it's something to consider carefully before buying this laptop.

Ports and Connectivity

When we examine the ports and connectivity of the 2016 MacBook Pro, we find a significant departure from previous models. Apple made the bold decision to switch exclusively to USB-C ports, abandoning the traditional USB-A ports, HDMI port, and SD card slot. This move was controversial at the time, as it meant that users had to rely on dongles and adapters to connect many of their existing devices. While USB-C has become more common since then, in 2016, it was a major inconvenience for many users. The 2016 MacBook Pro typically comes with two or four USB-C ports, depending on the model. These ports support Thunderbolt 3, which offers high-speed data transfer and the ability to connect external displays and other peripherals.

While the lack of traditional ports was frustrating for some, the switch to USB-C did have some advantages. USB-C ports are more versatile than USB-A ports, as they can be used for charging, data transfer, and video output. They also support higher data transfer speeds and more power delivery than USB-A ports. Thunderbolt 3 also allows you to daisy-chain multiple devices together, simplifying your setup and reducing cable clutter. Additionally, the USB-C ports are reversible, meaning you can plug in the cable in either direction. This is a small but welcome convenience.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the 2016 MacBook Pro supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. These standards were current at the time, but they're now somewhat outdated. Newer MacBooks support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, which offer faster speeds and better range. However, for most users, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity on the 2016 MacBook Pro should still be adequate. Overall, the ports and connectivity on the 2016 MacBook Pro are a mixed bag. The switch to USB-C was controversial but offered some advantages. However, the lack of traditional ports and the outdated wireless standards are definitely drawbacks to consider.

Is It Worth Buying in 2022?

So, the big question: is it worth buying in 2022? The answer really depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a cheap MacBook for basic tasks like browsing the web, writing emails, and streaming videos, then a used 2016 MacBook Pro might be a decent option. However, keep in mind that it's going to be slower than newer MacBooks, and the battery life is likely to be reduced. The keyboard is also a potential issue, so be sure to check it carefully before buying.

If you need a laptop for more demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or gaming, then a 2016 MacBook Pro is probably not the best choice. Newer MacBooks with Apple's M1 or M2 chips offer significantly better performance and battery life. They also have more reliable keyboards and more modern features. While they're more expensive, they're a better investment in the long run.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a 2016 MacBook Pro in 2022 comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you're on a tight budget and only need a laptop for basic tasks, it might be worth considering. However, if you need a more powerful and reliable laptop, you're better off spending the extra money on a newer model. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.