Product details
The Apple MacBook Pro 2019 with Touch Bar isn’t new anymore. Apple has moved on to M-series chips, and this model runs on an Intel Core i5. But here’s the thing—it’s still a solid laptop, especially if you find it used at the right price in Dubai.
Let’s break down what you’re actually getting, who it’s for, and whether it makes sense to buy one in 2026.
What You Get
Display: 13.3-inch Retina screen. Sharp, bright, excellent color. It’s one of the best laptop screens you’ll use. Text looks crisp, which matters if you’re writing, coding, or working with documents all day.
Processor: Intel Core i5 (8th gen). Not the fastest chip anymore, but it handles everyday tasks fine—web browsing, office apps, video calls, light photo editing, music production with basic projects.
RAM: 8GB. This is the minimum you want in 2026. It’s enough for most people, but if you’re a heavy multitasker or run demanding software, you’ll feel the limit.
Storage: 256GB SSD. Fast and reliable, but not huge. If you store everything in the cloud or use external drives, it’s fine. If you keep large files locally, you’ll run out of space.
Touch Bar: The controversial strip above the keyboard. Some people like it. Most don’t. It replaces the physical function keys with a touch-sensitive display. You get used to it, but it’s not essential and can be glitchy.
Ports: Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. That’s it. You’ll need dongles or a hub if you want to plug in USB-A devices, HDMI, or SD cards.
Who It’s For
This Apple MacBook Pro 2019 works best for:
- Students who need something reliable for research, essays, and online classes
- Writers who want a great screen and decent battery life
- Casual creative work—light photo editing, music production, graphic design (nothing too heavy)
- Anyone in the Apple ecosystem who already uses iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices
It’s not for:
- Gamers—Intel Macs don’t handle games well
- Heavy video editors—4K editing will struggle on 8GB RAM and this processor
- People who need all-day battery—you’ll get 6-8 hours max, not the 15+ hours newer MacBooks offer
The Touch Bar Problem
Let’s talk about the Touch Bar. Apple introduced it in 2016 and killed it in 2021. That tells you everything.
It’s a thin OLED strip that changes based on what app you’re using. In theory, it’s cool. In practice, most people just want physical keys back. You can’t feel where the buttons are, so you have to look down every time. It’s slower than just hitting Escape or adjusting volume with real keys.
Some apps use it well—Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Photoshop. But most don’t.
If you’ve never used a Touch Bar Mac, try one before buying. Some people don’t mind it. Others hate it immediately.
How It Compares to Newer Macs
MacBook Air M1 (2020): Faster, better battery, cooler, quieter. Same price or cheaper used. The M1 chip is a huge upgrade over Intel.
MacBook Air M2 (2022): Even faster, new design, MagSafe charging. More expensive, but worth it if you can afford it.
MacBook Pro M1/M2: Professional-level performance. Way faster than the 2019 Intel model. Costs more, but future-proof.
The 2019 MacBook Pro loses on performance and battery life. But it’s cheaper on the used market, and it still runs macOS smoothly for basic tasks.
Battery Life
Expect 6 to 8 hours with normal use. That’s browsing, documents, video streaming. If you push it harder—video editing, running virtual machines, lots of tabs—you’ll get less.
This was acceptable in 2019. In 2026, it’s average at best. The M1 and M2 MacBooks last twice as long.
If you buy a used 2019 model, check the battery health. Batteries degrade over time. A three or four-year-old MacBook might only get 4-5 hours on a charge.
Keyboard: The Good News
This model has the improved butterfly keyboard. Apple fixed most of the issues that plagued earlier versions (keys getting stuck, breaking after dust got in).
It’s not as good as the Magic Keyboard in 2020+ MacBooks, but it’s usable. The keys are shallow and clicky. If you’re used to ThinkPad or mechanical keyboards, it’ll feel weird at first.
The good news: it’s reliable. The Apple MacBook Pro 2019 version doesn’t have the same failure rate as 2016-2018 models.
Performance in 2026
The Intel Core i5 in this MacBook is fine for:
- Web browsing (even with 20+ tabs)
- Microsoft Office, Google Docs
- Zoom, Teams, video calls
- Spotify, YouTube, streaming
- Light photo editing (Lightroom, Photoshop with small files)
- Code editing (VS Code, Xcode for small projects)
It struggles with:
- 4K video editing
- 3D rendering
- Heavy multitasking (10+ apps open, virtual machines running)
- Modern games
If you’re doing basic productivity work, you won’t notice the age. If you’re pushing it hard, you’ll want something newer.
macOS Support
Apple still supports this model with macOS updates. As of 2026, it runs the latest version. But it’s getting close to the end of software support. You might get another year or two of updates, then it’ll be stuck on an older version of macOS.
That’s not a deal-breaker if you’re buying it cheap, but it’s something to consider. Security updates matter.
What It Costs in Dubai
New (if you find old stock): Probably not worth it. Why pay full price for a 2019 model when you can get a newer MacBook Air M1 for similar money?
Used/Refurbished: This is where it makes sense. You can find the 2019 MacBook Pro in Dubai for 2,000 to 3,500 AED depending on condition.
Check AG Laptops for used Apple laptops in Dubai. They stock refurbished MacBooks at lower prices than buying new. Apple laptop prices in Dubai drop fast once a model is a few years old, and the 2019 Pro is now in that sweet spot where it’s affordable but still usable.
Compare it to:
- MacBook Air M1: Around 3,000 to 4,000 AED used, 4,500+ new
- MacBook Air M2: 5,000+ AED used, 6,500+ new
- Older MacBook Air (2017-2019): 1,500 to 2,500 AED, but worse performance and battery
If you’re spending 3,000+ AED, get the M1 Air instead. If you find a 2019 Pro for under 2,500 AED in good condition, it’s a decent deal.
Other Options to Consider
Lenovo Yoga Laptop: If you want a 2-in-1 with a touchscreen, the Lenovo Yoga line is solid. Laptop Lenovo Yoga models are cheaper than MacBooks and run Windows. Good for people who need flexibility.
HP Spectre x360: Another premium 2-in-1. Thin, light, good build quality. HP Envy x360 is the budget version—still good, just cheaper materials.
HP Laptop (general): If you don’t need macOS, you can get better specs for less. Check AG Laptops for HP options.
Gaming Laptops: If you game at all, skip the MacBook. Gaming laptops by capacity (GPU power) will give you way more performance for less money.
Mac Laptop Price in UAE: Apple products hold value, but they’re expensive. Buying used saves you 40-50% compared to new.
Where to Buy
AG Laptops in Dubai stocks used and refurbished MacBooks. They have the 2019 MacBook Pro and other Apple laptops at competitive prices. Free home delivery across the UAE.
You’ll also find MacBook Air M1, MacBook Air M2, and older models. Compare prices and condition before you buy.
Other options:
- Apple Store (new only, expensive)
- Online classifieds (risky, no warranty)
- Refurbished retailers (better than classifieds, cheaper than new)
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if:
- You find it for under 2,500 AED in good condition
- You need macOS for specific apps or ecosystem reasons
- You’re doing light work (browsing, documents, video calls)
- You want a premium screen and solid build quality on a budget
No, if:
- You can afford a MacBook Air M1 instead (better in every way)
- You need long battery life or high performance
- You hate the Touch Bar and can’t get past it
- You’re a heavy multitasker or creative professional
The Apple MacBook Pro 2019 isn’t the best MacBook anymore. But at the right price, it’s still a capable machine for everyday use.
Check AG Laptops in Dubai for current stock and pricing. They’ll have Apple laptops, Lenovo Yoga models, HP Spectre x360, and more. Whether you want a MacBook, a Yoga laptop, or something else, compare options before you buy.
Just remember: if you’re spending close to M1 MacBook Air prices, get the M1 instead. It’s a better laptop in every way that matters.
