Is a 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro Still Viable in 2025?
A 300,000 KRW MacBook Found on Karrot Market, Is It Worth It?
Looking around Karrot Market these days, you can see that 2018 15-inch MacBook Pros are being traded for around 300,000 KRW. It's natural to wonder, "Is it okay to use this in 2025?" To cut to the chase, it's still a great choice for general tasks, cloud gaming, and simple multimedia purposes. Especially considering that it supports the latest macOS Sequoia, it's a cost-effective model. Now, let's take a look at it one by one.
Key Specs of the 2018 MacBook Pro
First, let's briefly summarize the specifications of this model:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 (6 cores, up to 4.1GHz)
- GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 555X + Intel UHD Graphics 630
- RAM: 16GB standard (up to 32GB)
- Display: Retina display (2880 x 1800, supports True Tone)
With these specifications, it can perform general tasks such as web browsing, document work, and watching Netflix, as well as providing sufficient power for cloud-based services (e.g., PS Remote Play, GeForce Now). However, when compared to the latest Apple Silicon-based MacBooks, performance differences can be felt in high-performance tasks.
The Appeal of a 15-inch Large Screen
We can't leave out the discussion about the display. This model features a 2880 x 1800 resolution Retina display, which still provides a clear and beautiful screen. In particular, due to the large screen size, it provides a more comfortable experience with a wider workspace when multitasking or watching videos.
I was also satisfied when watching Netflix or doing simple design work, and the speaker performance was so rich from low to high tones that a separate external speaker wasn't necessary.
Compatibility with macOS Sequoia
This model fully supports the latest macOS Sequoia. Looking at some of the key features:
- iPhone Mirroring: You can run or control your iPhone screen directly on your Mac, which is highly useful.
- Continuity Camera: This feature, which uses your iPhone as a webcam, is very useful for video conferencing or creating content.
- Sidecar: The feature to use your iPad as a secondary display also works without problems.
If you're a user who actively uses the Apple ecosystem, you can be fully satisfied with just the macOS features this model offers.
Who Would I Recommend It To?
I would especially recommend this model to the following users:
- Cloud Gaming Users: It's suitable for those who enjoy cloud-based gaming services such as PS Remote Play or GeForce Now.
- iPhone/iPad Users: For those who want to actively use the Apple ecosystem, features like Continuity Camera and Sidecar are a big advantage.
- For Watching Videos and Multimedia Work: Thanks to the Retina display and excellent speakers, it provides an immersive experience.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Of course, there are also disadvantages. Compared to the latest M1/M2/M3 chip-based MacBooks, it lacks CPU and GPU performance, and there may be heat issues. Also, the battery life is likely to have decreased, which can be inconvenient for long work sessions. However, it still provides excellent performance in general usage scenarios such as web browsing, document writing, and watching Netflix.
In Conclusion...
This model, which can be purchased for around 300,000 KRW on Karrot Market, offers excellent value for money. You can confidently say that this laptop, which offers a beautiful design, decent performance, and the latest features of macOS Sequoia, is "a device you must buy for 300,000 KRW."
What do you think?
