In 2026, asking about the "price of a MacBook Pro with Intel Core i7" is both a legitimate question and a sign that it is worth reconsidering what you are buying. MacBook Pro models with Intel Core i7 (2016-2020 generation) are still widely available refurbished, but the landscape has changed: with Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4), the price/performance picture is completely different. This guide explains the current prices of Intel i7 Pro models, when they still make sense, and when it is clearly worth moving to a refurbished Apple Silicon MacBook Pro from iOutlet with a 24-month warranty.
In this article
- Current prices of refurbished Intel i7 MacBook Pro models
- What affects the price of a Pro i7
- Intel Pro i7 vs Apple Silicon Pro: the deciding equation
- When the Pro i7 still makes sense in 2026
- Risks to watch for in Pro i7 models
- Where to buy with confidence
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a MacBook Pro i7 cost today in Portugal?
- Is a Pro i7 or a refurbished MacBook Pro M1 Pro worth it?
- Can I upgrade the RAM or SSD in a Pro i7?
- How long will a Pro i7 bought in 2026 last?
Current prices of refurbished Intel i7 MacBook Pro models
The price varies depending on the model year, storage capacity, RAM, screen size (13" or 15"/16") and cosmetic condition. In Portugal in 2026, expect the following ranges in the refurbished market:
| Model | CPU generation | Price range (refurb.) |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 13" 2016 i7 | Skylake | ~280-450€ |
| MacBook Pro 13" 2017 i7 | Kaby Lake | ~330-500€ |
| MacBook Pro 13" 2018 i7 | Coffee Lake | ~430-650€ |
| MacBook Pro 13" 2019 i7 | Coffee Lake refresh | ~500-750€ |
| MacBook Pro 13" 2020 i7 | Ice Lake | ~600-850€ |
| MacBook Pro 15" 2018 i7 | Coffee Lake | ~600-900€ |
| MacBook Pro 16" 2019 i7 | Coffee Lake | ~800-1.150€ |
Indicative prices for the refurbished market in Portugal in 2026. Values vary depending on stock, capacity, RAM and condition.
What affects the price of a Pro i7
- Year: each generation year has a significant difference in performance and support time
- RAM: 8 GB, 16 GB or 32 GB (not upgradable afterwards, as it is soldered)
- SSD: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB or 4 TB (also not upgradable)
- Screen size: 13" (cheaper) or 15"/16" (significant premium)
- Dedicated GPU: the 15" and 16" have dedicated Radeon Pro graphics, adding 200-400€ to the base price
- Cosmetic condition: at iOutlet the grades are Like New, Minimal Marks, Signs of Use
- Battery: each refurbished unit at iOutlet is tested with specialised technical software
Intel Pro i7 vs Apple Silicon Pro: the deciding equation
Here is the part that changes everything. In 2026, a refurbished MacBook Pro M1 Pro is in a similar price range to the 2018-2019 Pro i7, and outperforms it in almost every relevant metric:
| Criterion | Pro 15" i7 2018 | Pro 14" M1 Pro 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Multicore CPU | Good | ~2× faster |
| GPU | Radeon Pro 555X | ~3-4× faster |
| Real-world battery life | 4-6 hours | 10-15 hours |
| Fan under load | Audible, frequent | Almost silent |
| Display | Retina LCD | Mini-LED ProMotion 120Hz |
| Apple Intelligence | No | Yes |
| macOS support | ~2-3 years | ~5+ years |
| Price range (refurb.) | ~600-900€ | ~1.100-1.400€ |
The refurbished Pro M1 Pro costs around 30-50% more, but the difference in performance, battery life, display quality and longevity easily justifies the additional investment for professional use.
When the Pro i7 still makes sense in 2026
- You have a limited budget and the device appears at an exceptional price (≤ 500€ for 13", ≤ 800€ for 15")
- You will only use it for light tasks, in which case a refurbished Air M1 is a better choice
- You need to run Intel x86 applications that are incompatible with Rosetta 2 (increasingly rare)
- You already have a Pro i7 and need to know whether it is worth replacing (in 2026: probably yes, move to Apple Silicon)
Risks to watch for in Pro i7 models
- Butterfly keyboard (2016-2019 models): history of failures; Apple programme has already expired
- "Flexgate" (2016-2019): the display cable can fail over time
- Degraded battery: at 6-9 years old, original batteries rarely remain above 60-75% capacity, so buying refurbished with a tested battery is essential
- Overheating: the Intel chip dissipates a lot of heat under load, leading to thermal throttling
Where to buy with confidence
Every MacBook at iOutlet goes through more than 30 technical checks: battery tested with specialised technical software, display, keyboard, trackpad, ports, camera, speakers, microphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FaceTime/Touch ID, fans and SSD. macOS is freshly reinstalled on the latest supported version. 24-month warranty on refurbished devices, with direct iOutlet cover. Free delivery within up to 8 working days in Portugal and a 14-day returns right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a MacBook Pro i7 cost today in Portugal?
In the refurbished market, expect between 280€ and 1.150€ depending on the year, screen size, RAM and SSD. The price/performance sweet spot is in the 2018-2019 models between 500€ and 800€.
Is a Pro i7 or a refurbished MacBook Pro M1 Pro worth it?
For professional use, clearly the M1 Pro. The difference in performance, battery life, display (mini-LED ProMotion 120Hz) and longevity justifies the extra ~300-500€.
Can I upgrade the RAM or SSD in a Pro i7?
No, in models from 2016 onwards both are soldered. Buy the final configuration you need.
How long will a Pro i7 bought in 2026 last?
For typical use, another comfortable 2-4 years with supported macOS. For intensive use, thermal throttling may appear. The M1 Pro will last considerably longer.
Ready to compare options? See all refurbished MacBooks at iOutlet — Intel i7 and Apple Silicon — with a 24-month warranty, free delivery within up to 8 working days and 14 days to return with no questions asked.
Get more articles like this one.
Refurbished tech analysis + €5 with BEMVINDO5 on your first order.
Looking for a refurbished MacBook?
Tested and certified MacBooks with a 24-month warranty. From MacBook Air to MacBook Pro.
