MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, two ports): Refurbished, Specs & Repairs

About This Model

The MacBook Pro 13-inch Intel (2020, two Thunderbolt 3 ports) combines a Retina display, a quad-core Intel processor and Apple’s Magic Keyboard in a compact laptop. It is worth comparing as a used purchase when its specification, condition and software compatibility suit your needs.

Complete Mac Solutions supplies used and refurbished Macs in Bristol and across the UK. We also repair this model, helping owners investigate faults and compare the cost of repairing an existing Mac with buying a replacement.

Identifying the model correctly is particularly important. Apple sold different 13-inch MacBook Pro models during 2020, including two-port Intel, four-port Intel and M1 versions. They should not be treated as interchangeable.

Which 2020 MacBook Pro is this?

This guide covers the Intel model with two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Apple identifies it as MacBookPro16,3. It is different from the four-port Intel model, which uses different processors and memory configurations, and from the Apple M1 version introduced later in 2020.

Ask for the full model information when comparing adverts. “2020 MacBook Pro” is not a complete specification, and the purchase date does not necessarily establish when a model was introduced.

• Processor: 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, with a 1.7GHz quad-core Core i7 option.
• Memory: 8GB or 16GB onboard memory.
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD configurations.
• Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645.
• Display: 13.3-inch Retina, 2560 × 1600 resolution, 500-nit brightness, P3 colour and True Tone.
• Connections: two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports and a headphone socket.
• Keyboard: Magic Keyboard, Touch Bar and Touch ID.
• Camera: 720p FaceTime HD.
• Weight: approximately 1.4kg.

What sort of work should you consider it for?

For documents, research, email and compatible business applications, a suitable example can be worth comparing within your budget. The condition and configuration of the individual machine matter as much as its model name.

For photography, music production, development or video editing, explain your applications and typical projects before buying. Occasional creative work and demanding professional workloads can require very different machines.

The word “Pro” does not guarantee that an older laptop will meet the requirements of every current application. Check the software versions, plug-ins and equipment you need, then compare suitable configurations.

If you already own this model and it still does your work comfortably, a fault does not automatically mean it should be replaced. A repair assessment can help you decide whether keeping it is worthwhile.

Memory and storage: choose the complete configuration

An 8GB configuration may suit lighter requirements. If you keep several applications open or work with larger files, we would discuss whether a 16GB machine is the better starting point.

Do not focus only on Core i5 versus Core i7. A higher processor specification does not compensate for insufficient memory, too little storage or poor battery condition.

A 256GB SSD can become restrictive as applications, documents and project files accumulate. Check your current storage use before choosing. A 512GB configuration gives more room, while larger capacities may suit substantial local libraries.

External storage can help with files, but it does not increase working memory. Include a separate backup arrangement for important documents, photographs and projects.

Choose memory and internal storage at purchase. This model should not be bought on the assumption that an ordinary RAM or internal SSD upgrade can be added later.

Magic Keyboard and Touch Bar

The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro introduced Apple’s scissor-switch Magic Keyboard to the 13-inch Pro range. This is an important distinction from the butterfly keyboard fitted to some earlier models.

There is also a physical Escape key alongside the Touch Bar. Some buyers enjoy the Touch Bar’s changing controls; others prefer a full row of physical function keys. Try it before purchasing if you have not used one.

On a used machine, test every key, the Touch Bar, Touch ID and the trackpad. The newer keyboard design does not remove the need to check for wear, liquid damage or an existing fault.

Two ports: plan your accessories

The two Thunderbolt connections support charging and compatible accessories. Think through how you will connect a monitor, storage and other equipment while the laptop is plugged into power.

A suitable hub or dock may be useful, but check its compatibility and capabilities before buying. The shape of a USB-C connector does not tell you everything about the connections or display arrangements it supports.

Apple specifies support for one external 5K display or up to two external 4K displays within its stated limits. The adapters, dock and monitors still need to support your intended arrangement.

If you regularly connect several devices, compare this model with other Macs that offer more built-in connections. Include accessory costs in the purchase budget.

Software support matters when buying used

Apple currently lists macOS Sequoia as the newest compatible operating system for this two-port Intel model. This is an important difference from the four-port Intel Pro sold in the same year.

Check the requirements of your applications before purchasing, including the versions you expect to use. A program working on an existing installation does not guarantee that every future update will remain compatible.

Business buyers should also consider their organisation’s software and security requirements. Ask your software supplier or IT provider where compatibility is essential.

If there is no specific reason you need an Intel Mac, include suitable Apple silicon machines in your comparison. Consider condition, warranty, battery health and expected software needs alongside the initial price.

MacBooks for Bristol students

Bristol students should start with their course requirements. A laptop for essays, research and presentations is a different purchase from one intended for specialist engineering applications, demanding design projects or video production.

Check the required applications and operating system with your course provider. This matters particularly when buying an older model that you intend to keep throughout your studies.

We can help compare suitable refurbished Macs and discuss current student offers. Allow for any adapters, external storage and other equipment you will need.

The aim is to find a machine that fits your course and budget. Spending more on a suitable configuration and good condition can be more useful than choosing an attractive advert with incomplete specifications.

Macs for businesses

Complete Mac Solutions also supplies Macs for business customers. Tell us about your applications, monitor setup, remote access requirements and existing equipment before purchasing.

An Intel model may be relevant to an established workflow, but that compatibility should be checked. Processor type alone does not guarantee that every application, peripheral or software licence will work as intended.

If you need several machines, explain whether matching configurations are important. We can discuss available stock and sourcing options around the work your team needs to complete.

Checks before buying a used example

Confirm that the machine is the two-port Intel model, then verify processor, memory and SSD capacity. Ask about battery health, previous repairs, cosmetic condition and the accessories included.

Test both USB-C connections for charging and suitable connected devices. Check the camera, microphone, speakers, keyboard, Touch Bar and trackpad.

Inspect the display on light and dark backgrounds, and check that the lid moves smoothly. Look for damage around the casing and hinge area, and ask about intermittent problems that might not appear during a quick demonstration.

Make sure the Mac is ready for a new owner, without another owner’s Activation Lock or unwanted organisation management. If paid software is advertised with it, establish whether the licence can legitimately transfer to you.

Many of our Macs come fully boxed with all accessories and in fantastic condition. We confirm the individual machine’s condition, packaging and included items before purchase.

Battery, charging and repair concerns

Battery condition deserves attention as these laptops age. Short running time, unexpected shutdowns or a battery service message should be investigated rather than judged from cycle count alone.

A charging fault can involve the charger, cable, connections or internal hardware. Diagnosis helps establish the cause before replacement parts are recommended.

Other symptoms we can assess include damaged displays, keyboard or trackpad problems, Touch Bar faults, unusual fan behaviour and Macs that will not start.

Warmth or a running fan is not, by itself, proof of a hardware failure. Tell us when the behaviour occurs, which applications are running and whether it has changed significantly.

These are potential repair needs, not a claim that every laptop in this range develops the same defect. We explain the findings and discuss proposed work before you decide how to proceed.

MacBook Pro repairs in Bristol and by post

Complete Mac Solutions provides MacBook repairs in Bristol, with postal arrangements available for customers elsewhere in the UK. Contact us before sending a machine so we can discuss the symptoms and explain the practical arrangements.

If the battery appears swollen or liquid has entered the laptop, stop using and charging it and contact us for advice. Mention important files before authorising work, particularly if the Mac will not start.

Repair and data recovery are separate outcomes. Restoring the laptop to working order should not be treated as a guaranteed recovery service without assessment.

Repair or replace?

Compare a repair quotation with the laptop’s overall condition, battery health, software suitability and the price of a suitable replacement.

If it still meets your needs, a repair may be worthwhile. If your workload has changed or the software you need requires another model, we can also help compare replacement Macs.

The decision should reflect the whole machine and how you use it, rather than its age or the cost of a single component alone.

Refurbished stock, sourcing and warranty

Our stock changes regularly. If you need a particular specification, our supplier network can often help us source a suitable Mac within days, subject to availability.

A refurbished Intel MacBook Pro purchased from Complete Mac Solutions comes with a 12-month sales warranty, covering qualifying faults that develop under normal use.

Our repair work carries a separate 12-month repair warranty. Each warranty applies to its respective service.

The sales warranty has exclusions, including accidental damage, liquid damage, misuse and normal battery capacity decline. Covered sales claims include postage both ways within the UK. Full terms are available in our warranty policy, and your statutory rights remain unaffected.

Our buying advice

Consider this model when its specification, condition and software compatibility fit your needs. Identify it accurately, check the battery and connections, and compare it with available four-port Intel and Apple silicon alternatives.

Whether you want to buy a refurbished Mac or repair the one you already own, Complete Mac Solutions can help you assess the options.

References and useful links

• Apple: MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, technical specifications
• Apple: identify your MacBook Pro and check compatible operating systems
• Apple: 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro launch information
• Refurbished MacBook Pro laptops for sale
• Mac repairs in Bristol
• Mac data recovery
• Offers and student deals
• Refurbished Mac warranty
• UK postage information
• Contact Complete Mac Solutions

Compare the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, two ports) with similar models

The 2020 four-port model has faster 10th-generation processors and up to 32GB of memory. The MacBook Pro 13-inch M1, released later the same year, is dramatically faster with much better battery life.

• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, four ports)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2019, two ports)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 (2020)
• MacBook Air 13-inch Intel (2020)

Buy or repair a MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, two ports)

Contact Complete Mac Solutions to check current stock, ask us to source a specific configuration or book a repair. We supply and repair Macs across the UK. See all models in our Mac model guides.