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Do you want to know what is the best Mac laptop for photographers? If your answer is yes, this article will satisfy your curiosity. This review contains the 7 best Mac laptops for photographers. After much research and evaluation, we picked the ✅2020 Apple MacBook Pro as our best choice.
Quickly check the comparison table to see our top products and their specifications.
Comparison Table For The Best Mac Laptop For Photographers
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Product Name Product Image Specifications 2020 Apple MacBook Pro 
Processor: Apple M1 Chip
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop 
Processor: Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS2020 Apple MacBook Pro 
Processor: Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OSApple MacBook Pro MGXA2LL/A 
Processor: Intel Core i7
Display: 15-Inch
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS XApple 15in MacBook Pro 
Processor: Intel "Core i7 7820HQ
Display: 15-Inch
RAM: 16 GB DDR3
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS XApple Macbook Pro MPXV2LL/A Laptop 
Processor: dual-core Intel Core i5
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OSApple MacBook Pro MLL42LL/A 
Processor: Intel Core i5
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS 10.12 Sierra
Best Mac Laptops For Photographers; An Overview
As a photographer who wants the best out of their career, you should not underestimate the importance of high-quality laptops for your work.
This is because laptops with high-end features bring out the best part of the work, especially when it has to do with photo editing.
However, due to the flood of many Mac laptops in the market, users find it challenging to get the very best.
On the other hand, if you are unsure what to look for in the best laptop for your photography, you might end up with the wrong one.
Hence, if you engage Lightroom or photoshop application software in your photography work, we suggest you concentrate on laptops with rich components.
These components include a high-end processor with the latest Gen, a decent RAM size, a high-end resolution display, a large storage size, and an excellent graphics card.
Additionally, your photography laptop should also come with a recent Operating System, a good array of ports, and efficient battery life.
These features combined will offer you hitch-free photo creation and editing when they come decently.
Since we are talking about the best mac laptop for photography, thankfully, Mac has a way of equipping their laptops with high-quality features for all kinds of work.
Fortunately, some of the laptops featured in this review meet the requirements for the best laptop for photographers.
However, some of these laptops come renewed, which means they are pre-owned, inspected, tested, and repackaged to work like brand new.
So, you have nothing to worry about because we have carefully selected these laptops, and based on our evaluations, they deliver well.
So, let’s talk more about the requirements you need to consider when searching for the best Mac laptop for photographers.
Required Specs For The Best Mac Laptops For Photographers
Processor and GraphicCPU is the s
The CPU is the number one feature to consider when searching for the best Mac laptop for a photog.
The CPU coordinates the functions of the entire specs and ensures they deliver well following the user’s command.
Also, a high-end processor delivers snappy and smooth performance for all kinds of work, including photography.
But since we are dealing with Mac, you are in luck because most of Apple’s laptops are equipped with an M1 Silicon Chip processor and some with multi-core Intel CPUs that deliver pretty well.
Likewise, you need a high-end graphics card to process all graphics demands surrounding photography.
Given that, we suggest a discrete graphics card with multiple cores so you can easily work on high-intensive functions without stress.
Although, there are still decent laptops with good integrated graphics that can handle photography functions without compromise.
Overall, we suggest you consider the weight of your tasks and opt for the best.
RAM and Storage
Next to consider is the Random Access Memory.
As the name implies, it is a part of a computer that stores information temporarily as you work on them.
It works with the CPU to ensure quick boot-up times for every computer operation.
With RAM, you can confidently work on different tasks without lag.
We recommend 8 GB RAM to ensure a lag-free working experience with quick boot-up times.
Furthermore, as a photographer, you’ll be working and saving heavy feels and applications.
So, we recommend a large storage size and a good option.
Specifically, get at least 256 GB SSD storage for hitch-free storage performance.
Screen Display and Resolution
Speaking of display and resolution, a laptop with high-quality display features will deliver high-quality pictorial and video output.
Fortunately, Apple is one of the best laptop brands equipped its laptops with the best display features.
To be precise, most mac laptops in this review come with an incredible Retina Display that delivers a million colors and an unbeatable visual experience.
They also come with True Tone technology, an amazing refresh rate, and high-end resolution.
So, we suggest you look for a laptop with at least a 13-15-inch screen size with the features mentioned above so that your photos look their best.
Ports and Connectivity
As a photographer, it won’t be a nice thing if you are struggling while connecting your peripherals due to insufficient port connectivity.
To that effect, we want you to consider the port section of any laptop that catches your eye.
At least it should come with USB ports to allow you to charge and transfer files from one device to another.
An HDMI is also necessary to help you connect your laptop to an external interface to expand your viewing angle.
For a wireless connection, there will need for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmitter.
These and other port connectors are the essential ports needed in the best Mac laptop for photographers.
Operating System and Battery Life
Your laptop’s operating system depends on the editing software and applications you will work with.
Hence, not all Operating Systems are compatible with photography software and applications.
In this regard, you need not bother much because all Apple laptop comes with Mac OS, which is compatible with most editing applications.
So you won’t have any challenges working on your favorite software and applications.
Finally, there’s nothing as good as having a laptop with good battery life, allowing you to work on your tasks freely without any breakage.
As a result, get a laptop that lasts not less than 6 hours on a single charge to work without a hitch.
Our Favorites 7 Best Mac Laptops For Photographers
1. 2020 Apple MacBook Pro
Starting first on the list of the best Mac laptop for photographers is the 2020 Apple MacBook Pro.
Also, it is our best choice because it packs sufficient features that can handle photography tasks without giving you stress.
Aside from photography, the laptop can handle other computational functions like video editing, project writing, music production, and the like.
Design Features
The design of the laptop is sleek and attractive to the eye as it spots space gray.
It has an Apple logo beautifully placed at the center of the top lid for identification.
Apple has a way of keeping their laptops light and portable.
The laptop weighs just 3 pounds and measures 13.41 x 11.97 x 0.61 inches.
Moving on, the 2020 Apple MacBook Pro has a stunning display with unique features to deliver smooth and vibrant visuals.
Specifically, it has a 13-inch screen display with Quad HD 2560 x 1600 pixels.
This display supports millions of colors and delivers sustained brightness and clarity.
In addition, Apple armed it with many ports, so you won’t find it difficult to connect with other accessories.
It comes rich with two thunderbolt/USB 4 ports that meet ultra-versatility.
Given that, it enables data transfer, charging, and video output all in one port.
It also features USB 3.1 Gen 2, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Another essential feature of the laptop is its Touch ID which allows you to unlock your MacBook, open password-protected documents, make purchases on the Apple TV app, and use Apple pay.
Performance
Furthermore, the 2020 Apple MacBook Pro comes with a high-speed and powerful Processor to walk you through complex workflows and heavy workloads.
First, it features an Apple M1 Silicon chip with an 8-core CPU.
Second, the CPU combines with an Apple 8-core GPU to deliver exceptional speed to all graphics-demanding tasks.
Adding to that is an 8 GB RAM for fast and fluid multitasking.
With 512 GB SSD storage space, this device launches apps and opens different files instantly without wasting time.
Finally, Apple promised up to 20 hours of battery life, and it is powered by Mac OS, which is compactable with most photography application software.
Pros
- Uninterruptable battery life.
- Snappy and fast CPU.
- Good storage space and option
Cons
- It has an integrated graphics card.
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2. 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
Sitting in number two position on the list of the best Mac laptop for photographers is the 2020 Apple MacBook Air.
It is also another machine from Apple that can handle your photography work without looking back.
Design Features
Almost all Apple laptops are designed with attractive chassis, giving them a unique look.
So, the 2020 MacBook Air isn’t an exception because it is equipped with an adorable aluminum body painted in Gold.
It has an all-day battery that can take you for longer working hours.
It features up to 18 hours of battery life and a feather-like weight of 2.8 pounds.
Furthermore, it has a magic keyboard that types like a dream and still does a whole lot more within a limited space of time.
Additionally, the keys are full-sized and well-spaced.
Plus, it’s backlit with an ambient light sensor to help you work and type in low-light settings.
The 13.3-inch screen display delivers sharp text and clear and colorful pictorial and video output.
Also, it has LED-backlit with IPS technology for true-life quality images and a tear-free visual experience.
Performance
This device has sufficient specs to hasten up every section of your photography work, from creation, filtering, and retouching to editing.
Hence, it features an Apple M1 Silicon chip having an 8-core CPU and Up to Apple 8-core GPU.
It has 8 GB of unified RAM to make the entire system speedy and responsive.
Also, the RAM size will be perfect for memory hogging, multi-tab browsing, and opening huge graphics files quickly and easily.
That’s not all.
Apple equipped the laptop with 256 GB SSD storage with Mac OS, which is compatible with all your existing app work, including Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros
- The CPU can handle extensive editing.
- Up to Apple 8-core GPU.
- Stunning Retina display.
Cons
- It has limited storage space.
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3. 2020 Apple MacBook Pro
3rd on the list of the best Mac laptop for photographers is another 2020 Apple MacBook Pro but in a different configuration.
Design Features
The laptop packed impressive specifications on its beautiful chassis.
Speaking of the chassis, it is kept simple and sleek with a silver color.
Like our overall best laptop, it weighs pretty light at 3 pounds and measures 13.41 x 11.97 x 0.61 inches.
It features a FaceTime HD camera and three-array mics to help you look your best when connecting with friends and family via video chats and calls.
Even more, the three quality mics ensure that everyone is heard when running a meeting or connecting with friends.
Speaking of ports, it is equipped with an impressive range of ports to easily access other peripherals.
Specifically, it has two thunderbolt/USB 4 ports supporting display, charging, and display output.
Additionally, it has Wi-Fi, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless technology.
Performance
Traditionally, this also comes with an Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU, and Apple 9-core GPU.
You’ll undoubtedly experience the swift and responsive performance as you work on your photo editing functions.
Also, with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage, all apps and files open instantly without delay.
As stated above, all Apple laptops feature Mac Operating System, same with this one.
Finally, you would enjoy working with this system because it has up to 20 hours of battery life.
Pros
- The HD camera is supper shape.
- The Mics are loud enough.
- Impressive specifications.
Cons
- It doesn’t support touch.
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4. Apple MacBook Pro MGXA2LL/A
We also have the Apple MacBook Pro MGXA2LL/A on our list of the best Mac laptop for photographers.
Design Features
It maintains the usual silver aluminum chassis that most Apple laptops are known for.
It has a wider screen display which contributed slightly to the weight size.
As a result, it comes with a 15.4-inch screen display, weighs 4.56 pounds, and measures 9.73 x 14.13 x 0.71 inches.
In addition, the display comes with special features that can make images appear crisp and vibrant.
Specifically, it features LED-backlit and IPS Retina display.
At the top of the display is a FaceTime HD camera with dual Mics for quality and audible video chats.
Performance
Performance-wise, it features amazing specs that deliver quicker and instant performance in any kind of work.
To be precise, it is powered by Intel Core i7 4770HQ processor with four independent processor cores on a single silicon chip.
In addition, the processor runs on a 2.2 GHz and 6MB cache memory.
For the graphics, it comes with an integrated Intel Iris 5200 Pro graphics processor with 128 MB of Crystalwell embedded DRAM, which shares memory with the system.
The RAM is 16 GB DDR3L, while the storage comes with a 156 GB SSD.
Finally, it is powered with Mac OS X and has up to 14 hours of battery life.
Pros
- The color coating is decent and attractive.
- Mac OS X.
- Intel processor.
Cons
- It’s slightly heavy at 4.46 pounds.
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5. Apple 15in MacBook Pro
Here we have Apple 15in MacBook Pro on the list of the best Mac laptop for photographers.
Design Features
Although its design isn’t appealing, it packs lots of amazing features.
First off, it comes with a butterfly mechanism keyboard with an integrated Touch Bar.
In addition, the keyboard has a backlit to help you type as long as you want, even in low-light settings.
Also, it has a high-resolution LED-backlit running on a 15.4-inch widescreen Retina display.
Not only that, it delivers accurate and vibrant images with 2K resolution pixels.
For longevity, the laptop is equipped with an integrated battery that provides an Apple estimated 10 hours of runtime.
Performance
Performance-wise, it’s powered by a 7th Generation Kaby Lake 2.9 GHz Intel Core i7 7820HQ with four independent processor cores on a single silicon chip.
Also, it operates on an integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 graphics processor that shears memory with the CPU.
For all your multitasking functions, it has 16 GB DDR3 RAM, while the hard drive comes with a 512 GB SSD.
Pros
- Butterfly mechanism keyboard.
- It features a backlit keyboard.
- 16 GB DDR3 RAM.
Cons
- It has a dull color coating.
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6. Apple Macbook Pro MPXV2LL/A Laptop
The number six contender on our list of the best Mac laptop for photography is Apple Macbook Pro MPXV2LL/A
Design Features
It is one of the renewed laptops that has been set aside to handle all kinds of computational tasks, including photo creation and editing.
It has a portable outlook and is simple in its space gray.
The top lid has an Apple log placed on it for easy identification and attractiveness.
The 13.3-inch screen display delivers impressive visual output, while the well-spaced keys on the keyboard offer an accurate typing experience.
Performance
In this category, the laptop comes with a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with a boost clock up to 3.5 GHz.
Supporting the processor is Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650, 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage capacity.
Pros
- It is portable at 2.03 pounds.
- Core i5 CPU.
- 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM.
Cons
- Dependent GPU.
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7. Apple MacBook Pro MLL42LL/A
Last on the list of the best Mac laptop for photographers is Apple MacBook Pro MLL42LL/A.
Design Features
It is equipped with 10 hours of battery life, so you can work and stream for a longer period.
For easy connectivity, it has two thunderbolts 3 that perform multiple tasks from a single port.
This MacBook also comes with one of the amazing display features that would offer the best image output without fault.
Given that, it comes with a 13-inch Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution pixels making images appear vibrant and text well-detailed.
Performance
Its dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, which runs on a 2.0 GHz base clock and up to 3.1 GHz boost Clock, is fit to handle any intensive tasks smoothly without shuttering.
Complementing the processor is Intel Iris Graphics 540, 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage space.
Finally, it operates with Mac OS 10.12 Sierra.
Pros
- Pretty light at 1.76 pounds.
- 2560-by-1600 resolution.
- 720p FaceTime HD Camera
Cons
- Integrated GPU.
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Conclusion On The Best Mac Laptop For Photographers
This ends the best Mac laptop for photographers.
We believe that this review has made the decision-making process much easier for you.
If you are still unsure about which one to buy, we recommend our overall best choice, the ✅2020 Apple MacBook Pro, is a good choice.
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