Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch Review: Mixed Battery Life Verdict
When a Reddit user claimed their Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (Intel Core i7, Silver, Renewed) “lasts all day without needing a charge” yet another Best Buy buyer reported only “around 3 hours of battery life,” it exposed one of the most striking contradictions around this machine. Averaging strong performance and a premium feel, many rate it highly – the aggregated score hovers close to 8/10 – but for some, heat, battery variance, and refurb cosmetic flaws temper enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy – ideal for creative pros who need the Intel ecosystem or top-tier speakers, but not for demanding gamers or those expecting M-series-like efficiency.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vivid, bright Retina display praised for HDR | Battery life inconsistent and sometimes poor |
| Exceptional six-speaker audio system | Runs hot under load and when charging |
| Smooth performance in optimized workflows | Variable gaming support, performance dips |
| Solid build quality in many refurb units | Sharp edges can cause wrist discomfort |
| Attractive pricing compared to new models | Blooming around dark scenes in HDR content |
| Touch Bar convenience for workflows | MagSafe and slick rubber feet risk sliding |
Claims vs Reality
Apple marketed the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro as having “up to 11 hours wireless web” and “room-filling wide stereo sound.” Digging deeper into user reports shows that the battery claim does not hold universally. While Best Buy reviewers like one buyer who said, “Battery life? Incredible. I can work all day without worrying about finding a charger,” others reported situations like, “I get around 3 hours before it dies when fully charged.”
The refurbished build claim – “professionally inspected and tested to work and look like new” – fares better, but not perfectly. Some buyers received units “in excellent condition” while another complained of “dust inside crevices” and scratches on the bottom. Reddit feedback reinforces the reality: physical durability remains solid, but refinishing quality varies between sellers.
Sound quality, however, matches Apple’s bold pitch. Reddit user comments calling the bass strong enough to “make my table feel like it is shaking” align perfectly with marketing claims of “room-filling wide stereo sound.” This is one area where expectations and delivery align.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The display earns near-unanimous admiration for brightness and sharpness. A Reddit user enthused, “The screen is so damn bright... HDR videos look amazing.” Creative professionals benefit most here – photo editors and videographers can rely on accurate P3 color and 500 nits brightness for outdoor work. The Touch Bar also finds a niche audience, with one Best Buy buyer citing “predicted text when writing papers” and ease of auto-fill.
Performance in optimized workflows like video editing and code compiling is described as “absolutely outstanding” by multiple Best Buy and Reddit voices. Buyers noted the ability to edit 4K video on battery power without speed loss, which is rare for high-performance laptops. Cross-device Apple integration also impressed, with one Geek Squad refurb owner saying, “Knowing my iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, and iPhone all sync together... gives me freedom.”
Audio is a standout across platforms. Users consistently reported that the speakers make external audio gear unnecessary, praising clarity and bass depth – useful for podcasters and musicians who value on-the-go sound quality.
Common Complaints
Heat generation is a recurring frustration. One Trustpilot-linked review stated, “The keypad gets hot, and... the charging block heats up so much I would not feel safe leaving it plugged up.” Fast charging in particular warms the battery area, forcing some buyers to manually ramp fans during charge sessions. Gaming support disappoints many: Reddit coverage described performance as “like 2015 Linux” with games like CSGO struggling to hit playable framerates due to translation layers.
Physical design quirks bother daily typists – Reddit’s sharp-edge complaint describes wrists “absolutely shredded” without protection, affecting developers and writers in long sessions. The MagSafe charging cable and overly smooth rubber feet surprised some, making the laptop too easy to slide off surfaces if the cable is tugged.
Battery life is the most divisive spec. While some users echo Apple’s 11-hour marketing figure for light use, others experience rapid drain, especially under demanding tasks like gaming or video conferencing.
Divisive Features
HDR and true black capabilities split opinion. In bright rooms, results are dazzling, but multiple Reddit voices lamented “bloom around bright objects on dark backgrounds,” disrupting night-time film viewing or dark UI themes. Gamers and high-motion content users note slow response times unsuitable for fast-paced titles.
The Touch Bar appeals to workflow-focused users but remains irrelevant for others who prefer physical function keys. Similarly, the large screen is praised for immersive work environments but might reduce portability compared to newer 14-inch M-series options.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbishment quality enjoys decent trust ratings, particularly from eBay’s “very good” condition tier offering at least 80% battery life and one-year Allstate-backed warranties. The majority of Best Buy refurb reviews cite solid cosmetics and functional integrity after months of use. However, exceptions exist – one Geek Squad Certified buyer discovered “someone’s personal account” still on the machine, hinting at occasional lapses in data wiping during refurb processing.
Longevity stories skew positive. A Reddit daily driver reported months of smooth operation in varied roles from workstation to gaming, with only design-related ergonomic complaints. Trustpilot highlights low deception risk per Fakespot and high-quality review patterns for Amazon Renewed listings.
Alternatives
On Ars Technica’s forums, experienced users overwhelmingly recommend newer Apple Silicon models over Intel 2019 units, citing “stupid battery life” and silent operation. M1 Pro or M2 Pro MacBooks deliver sharper displays and cooler performance, but at twice or more the refurb cost. For buyers locked into Intel workflows (Boot Camp or specific x86 apps), the 2019 model remains relevant, though forum veterans caution about a likely macOS support cutoff around 2025.
Price & Value
eBay listings range from $574 to $879 for 512GB units in good to very good refurbished condition, undercutting original launch prices by up to 77%. The lower-tier pricing makes it attractive for budget-conscious creatives who need macOS and a large, bright display without stretching to $2,000+ for an M-series.
Resale holds modestly thanks to the MacBook Pro brand, but Intel models will depreciate faster once official OS support ends. Community advice leans toward buying from reputable refurb sellers with return policies and warranties to hedge against cosmetic or battery disappointments.
FAQ
Q: Is the battery life really as good as Apple claims?
A: Not consistently. Light workloads can approach 11 hours, but demanding use may drop to 3-4 hours. User experiences vary widely based on task type and brightness settings.
Q: Can it handle modern gaming?
A: Performance is inconsistent. Some titles like War Thunder run well, but CSGO and others suffer due to translation layers. This model is not recommended for gaming as a primary use.
Q: How hot does it get?
A: Under load or during fast charging, the keyboard and battery areas can become uncomfortably warm. Some users manually spin up fans to reduce heat.
Q: Is HDR worth it on this display?
A: For bright environments, yes – it’s vivid and immersive. In dark rooms, bloom around bright elements can detract from the experience.
Q: Are refurbished units trustworthy?
A: Many arrive in excellent condition, but inspect and test on arrival. Warranty-backed purchases from reputable outlets reduce risk.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a creative professional needing Intel macOS compatibility, stellar speakers, and a bright 16-inch Retina display. Avoid if you expect cutting-edge battery life, silent thermals, or a gaming workhorse. Pro tip from the community: source from top-rated refurb sellers with solid warranty coverage, and consider replacing rubber feet for better desk grip.
