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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published November 10, 2016
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What are all the differences between the "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro models and the "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models that they replaced?
Please note that all MacBook Pro models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and quite useful for anyone considering one of these notebooks on the used market.
Even the most casual armchair observer would immediately notice that the "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro line no longer includes a 17-Inch model.
That certainly is one notable change between the "Mid-2012" models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.5 13-Inch, "Core i7" 2.9 13-Inch, "Core i7" 2.3 15-Inch and "Core i7" 2.6 15-Inch -- and the "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.4 13-Inch, "Core i7" 2.8 13-Inch, "Core i7" 2.2 15-Inch, "Core i7" 2.4 15-Inch, and "Core i7" 2.4 17-Inch.
However, there are other equally important external and internal changes between the remaining 13-Inch and 15-Inch models that merit detailed evaluation.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mid-2012 MacBook Pro Models)
External Differences
Both lines have a black and silver "Unibody" case -- milled from a single block of aluminum -- and all have a backlit keyboard and a "no button" glass trackpad with support for "inertial scrolling."
All of these systems have LED-backlit displays and by default each display has a glossy finish. However, the 15-Inch "Late 2011" models could be configured with a high-resolution 1680x1050 display in either a glossy or anti-glare finish for an additional US$100 or US$150, respectively. For the 15-Inch "Mid-2012" models, Apple kept the same options, but the price for either is just US$100. As a minor point, the anti-glare configurations have a silver "frame" around the display rather than a black one. Regardless of its color, both lines have an identical 720p "FaceTime HD" webcam integrated in the frame.
The "Late 2011" and "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro models both have a built-in non-swappable battery design, and this battery is not designed to be removed or serviced by end users although it can be replaced with a bit of effort. Apple estimates a flat seven hours of battery life for all of these models regardless of display size in a "wireless web" test.
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity differs significantly between the "Late 2011" and "Early 2012" MacBook Pro models. All of these models include 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, a single Firewire "800" port, a "Thunderbolt" port that supports an external display at 2560x1600 as well as other peripherals that are compatible with the Thunderbolt standard, and an SDXC-capable SD card slot. The 13-Inch models from both lines have a single "audio line in/out" port, whereas the 15-Inch models from both lines have an independent audio line in minijack (digital/analog) and an independent audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog).
However, regardless of display size, the "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models support Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and have two USB 2.0 ports whereas the "Mid-2012" models support faster Bluetooth 4.0 and have two faster USB 3.0 ports. It also is worth noting that on many Windows PCs, USB 3.0 ports can be differentiated by a blue color, but on the MacBook Pro line all USB ports are white regardless of speed.
Additionally, the 17-Inch model from the "Mid-2011" line has an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot, but no other models do from either series.
Identification Differences
Externally, the "Late 2011" and "Mid-2012" lines unfortunately share the same model numbers as several earlier MacBook Pro lines and EMC numbers are not listed externally, so they are not particularly convenient to use for identification purposes. As such, these models only can be externally differentiated by the serial number courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.
In software, the "Late 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch and 17-Inch models even share the MacBookPro8,1, MacBookPro8,2, and MacBookPro8,3 model identifiers with the "Early 2011" line, so model identifiers only can specifically identify a particular model in this line when combined with additional information. The "Mid-2012" line is easier, and these 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models can be uniquely spotted by the MacBookPro9,2 and MacBookPro9,1 model identifiers, respectively.
However, for the "Late 2011" and "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro lines, the most convenient method to precisely identify these models is by the serial number using EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.
Internal Differences
Internally, there are major differences between the "Late 2011" and "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro models.
The "Late 2011" models use the "Sandy Bridge" architecture and support 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM SO-DIMMs. The "Mid-2012" models use the faster "Ivy Bridge" architecture and instead support 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3L SO-DIMMs as well as faster graphics, whether integrated or both integrated and dedicated. These complex differences are best summarized with charts.
However, there are some similarities as well. Both systems have RAM that can be upgraded, officially to 8 GB, but site sponsor OWC has determined that both actually can support up to 16 GB. Both lines support a Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) hard drive that can be upgraded to another hard drive or replaced with an SSD after purchase, and both have an internal 8X DL "SuperDrive" (as well as support for after market options to install a second hard drive or SSD in place of the optical drive).
Comparison Charts
Complete details of each "Mid-2012" model and the "Late 2011" model that each replaced are provided below.
Although the entry-level MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.5 13-Inch has a slower clockspeed than the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.4 13-Inch replaced, the faster architecture and faster graphics lend a notable overall improvement.
| 2.4 13" (Late 2011) | 2.5 13" (Mid-2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Core i5 | Core i5 |
| Processor Number: | I5-2435M | I5-3210M |
| Processor Speed: | 2.4 GHz | 2.5 GHz |
| Processor Cores: | Two | Two |
| Video System: | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Video Type: | Integrated | Integrated |
| Display Size: | 13.3" | 13.3" |
| Native Resolution: | 1280x800 | 1280x800 |
| Ext. Display: | 2560x1600 | 2560x1600 |
| RAM Type: | 1333 MHz PC3-10600 | 1600 MHz PC3-12800 |
| Default Memory: | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Maximum Memory: | 16 GB* | 16 GB* |
| Hard Drive Size: | 500 GB | 500 GB |
| Serial ATA: | 6 Gb/s | 6 Gb/s |
| SuperDrive: | 8X DL | 8X DL |
| SD Card Slot: | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressCard/34: | No | No |
| Firewire 800: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| USB: | 2.0 (2) | 3.0 (2) |
| Thunderbolt: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| Bluetooth: | 2.1+EDR | 4.0 |
| Size (Inches): | 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 | 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 |
| Weight: | 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg) | 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg) |
| Battery Life: | 7 Hours | 7 Hours |
| Battery W/Hr: | 63.5 W/Hr | 63.5 W/Hr |
| Apple Order No: | MD313LL/A | MD101LL/A |
| Intro Price: | US$1199 | US$1199 |
The high-end 13" MacBook Pro model -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.9 13-Inch -- gains a faster processor, architecture, graphics, and connectivity -- as well as more default RAM -- compared to the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 13-Inch replaced.
| 2.8 13" (Late 2011) | 2.9 13" (Mid-2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Core i7 | Core i7 |
| Processor Number: | I7-2640M | I7-3520M |
| Processor Speed: | 2.8 GHz | 2.9 GHz |
| Processor Cores: | Two | Two |
| Video System: | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Video Type: | Integrated | Integrated |
| Display Size: | 13.3" | 13.3" |
| Native Resolution: | 1280x800 | 1280x800 |
| Ext. Display: | 2560x1600 | 2560x1600 |
| RAM Type: | 1333 MHz PC3-10600 | 1600 MHz PC3-12800 |
| Default Memory: | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum Memory: | 16 GB* | 16 GB* |
| Hard Drive Size: | 750 GB | 750 GB |
| Serial ATA: | 6 Gb/s | 6 Gb/s |
| SuperDrive: | 8X DL | 8X DL |
| SD Card Slot: | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressCard/34: | No | No |
| Firewire 800: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| USB: | 2.0 (2) | 3.0 (2) |
| Thunderbolt: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| Bluetooth: | 2.1+EDR | 4.0 |
| Size (Inches): | 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 | 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 |
| Weight: | 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg) | 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg) |
| Battery Life: | 7 Hours | 7 Hours |
| Battery W/Hr: | 63.5 W/Hr | 63.5 W/Hr |
| Apple Order No: | MC724LL/A | MD102LL/A |
| Intro Price: | US$1499 | US$1499 |
The low-end Mid-2012 15" MacBook Pro -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 15-Inch -- gains a faster processor, architecture, graphics, and connectivity compared to the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.2 15-Inch that it replaced.
| 2.2 15" (Late 2011) | 2.3 15" (Mid-2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Core i7 | Core i7 |
| Processor Number: | I7-2675QM | I7-3615QM |
| Processor Speed: | 2.2 GHz | 2.3 GHz |
| Processor Cores: | 4 | 4 |
| Video System: | Intel HD Graphics 3000 Radeon HD 6750M |
Intel HD Graphics 4000 GeForce GT 650M |
| Video Type: | Integrated/Dedicated | Integrated/Dedicated |
| Dedicated GDDR5: | 512 MB | 512 MB |
| Autoswitching: | Yes | Yes |
| Display Size: | 15.4" | 15.4" |
| Native Resolution: | 1440x900 | 1440x900 |
| Ext. Display: | 2560x1600 | 2560x1600 |
| RAM Type: | 1333 MHz PC3-10600 | 1600 MHz PC3-12800 |
| Default Memory: | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Maximum Memory: | 16 GB* | 16 GB* |
| Hard Drive Size: | 500 GB | 500 GB |
| Serial ATA: | 6 Gb/s | 6 Gb/s |
| SuperDrive: | 8X DL | 8X DL |
| SD Card Slot: | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressCard/34: | No | No |
| Firewire 800: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| USB: | 2.0 (2) | 3.0 (2) |
| Thunderbolt: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| Bluetooth: | 2.1+EDR | 4.0 |
| Size (Inches): | 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 | 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 |
| Weight: | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) | 5.6 lbs (2.56 kg) |
| Battery Life: | 7 Hours | 7 Hours |
| Battery W/Hr: | 77.5 W/Hr | 77.5 W/Hr |
| Apple Order No: | MD318LL/A | MD103LL/A |
| Intro Price: | US$1799 | US$1799 |
Finally, the high-end stock 15" MacBook Pro -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15-Inch -- likewise gains a faster processor, architecture, graphics, and connectivity -- as well as more default RAM -- compared to the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.4 15-Inch replaced.
| 2.4 15" (Late 2011) | 2.6 15" (Mid-2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Core i7 | Core i7 |
| Processor Number: | I7-2760QM | I7-3720QM |
| Processor Speed: | 2.4 GHz | 2.6 GHz |
| Processor Cores: | 4 | 4 |
| Video System: | Intel HD Graphics 3000 Radeon HD 6770M |
Intel HD Graphics 4000 GeForce GT 650M |
| Video Type: | Integrated/Dedicated | Integrated/Dedicated |
| Dedicated GDDR5: | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Autoswitching: | Yes | Yes |
| Display Size: | 15.4" | 15.4" |
| Native Resolution: | 1440x900 | 1440x900 |
| Ext. Display: | 2560x1600 | 2560x1600 |
| RAM Type: | 1333 MHz PC3-10600 | 1600 MHz PC3-12800 |
| Default Memory: | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum Memory: | 16 GB* | 16 GB* |
| Hard Drive Size: | 750 GB | 750 GB |
| Serial ATA: | 6 Gb/s | 6 Gb/s |
| SuperDrive: | 8X DL | 8X DL |
| SD Card Slot: | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressCard/34: | No | No |
| Firewire 800: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| USB: | 2.0 (2) | 3.0 (2) |
| Thunderbolt: | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| Bluetooth: | 2.1+EDR | 4.0 |
| Size (Inches): | 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 | 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 |
| Weight: | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) | 5.6 lbs (2.56 kg) |
| Battery Life: | 7 Hours | 7 Hours |
| Battery W/Hr: | 77.5 W/Hr | 77.5 W/Hr |
| Apple Order No: | MD322LL/A | MD104LL/A |
| Intro Price: | US$2199 |
US$2199 |
* Officially, both the "Late 2011" and "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro lines support a maximum of 8 GB of RAM, but OWC has determined that each line actually can support up to 16 GB.
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, the improvements in performance, graphics, and connectivity -- while retaining the ability to perform upgrades -- are likely to be welcomed by most users, particularly as price points remain the same. However, others may find the "Late 2011" line to remain a good value, particularly given even lower prices on the used market.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used MacBook Pro models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Pro model to any other Mac.
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