You might be considering a MacBook Pro vs a MacBook Air if you’re looking for a new MacBook. The confusion is especially justified in light of Apple’s recent announcement of the latest Air model. You should think about the MacBook’s display size, storage space, processing power, and cost before making the purchase.
For instance, the most recent MacBook Pro & MacBook Air models include Apple’s M2 CPU, which boosts their performance, effectiveness, and battery life in comparison to earlier Apple MacBook’s that used an M1 or Intel chip. So let’s go through the key distinctions between the Pro & Air before you select which one to purchase.
MacBook air vs MacBook pro:
| MacBook Air | MacBook Pro | |
| Display & Resolution | 13.6, 15.3-inches | 14.2 or 16.2-inches |
| Processor | 8-core CPU with four performance & efficiency cores | 12-core CPU with eight & four performance & efficiency cores respectively |
| RAM | 8, 16, 24 GB unified memory | 16 or 32 GB unified memory with M2 Pro & 32, 64, or 96GB unified memory with M2 Max |
| Storage | 256 & 512GB, 1 or 2TB | 512GB, 1, 2, 4, or 8TB |
| Graphics | 10-core GPU | 19-core with M2 Pro & 38-core with M2 Max |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| USB 3.0 Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports | 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports |
How does the MacBook air vs MacBook pro do differs?
Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are top-notch notebooks, but they have several key differences. Then, what makes the two notebooks different? Let’s look at their primary distinctions below.
Design
The M1 MacBook Air & Pro both have machined aluminum bodies, are available in silver & space gray, and all have a small lip at the base’s rear for opening the screen with ease. As always, the Air sports a tapered-wedge shape. With the narrowing shape, the MacBook Air looks more in line with MacBook Pro. Additionally, it includes a notch for the lens and narrower bezels. The design of the MacBook Pro is identical to that of the M1-powered model.
Display
While it’s close to their one reason to choose the 13-inch MacBook Pro over the MacBook Air is brightness. Both Retina displays are vivid and sharp. The M1 MacBook Air’s maximum brightness is 365.8 nits, whereas the M1 MacBook Pro’s maximum brightness for the 13-inch model is 434.8 nits. The standard brightness of the M2 MacBook Pro was 474.6 nits, whereas that of the MacBook Air 2022 was 489 nits.
The 2021 & 2023 MacBook Pros’ Liquid Retina XDR panels raise the bar for display quality. Thanks to their mini-LED the internet, which also provides greater colors and contrast, they have a rating for 1,000 nits of brightness, and our testing has confirmed that they do achieve that level of brightness. A 120Hz Promotion screen is also included for a smoother performance.
Ports and Connectivity
One significant distinction between these machines is their port choices. There are only two Thunderbolt 4 networking connectors on the MacBook Air. On the other hand, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models offer three Thunderbolt 4 connections and an HDMI 2.1 port. The 13-inch MacBook Air can only handle one external monitor, whereas the more expensive MacBook Pro model allows for up to four displays altogether with the M2 Max chip.
Both devices have a 3.5mm headphone connection that supports high-impedance headphones. Overall, the MacBook Pro offers pros who use SDXC cards for digital cameras, numerous external displays, or even just more USB peripherals useful capabilities because it is considerably more adaptable in terms of networking and even has newer wireless and Bluetooth specs.
Memory and Storage
Up to 24GB of unified memory & up to 2TB of storage may be added to the MacBook Air, which should be sufficient for the great majority of customers. If even more storage and RAM are required, the top-spec MacBook Pro may be upgraded with 72GB additional memory & 6TB more storage. Additionally, the M2 Pro and M2 Max processors in the MacBook Pro offer 200GB/s and 400GB/s of memory bandwidth, respectively. This is a significant improvement over the M2 chip in the Laptop Air’s 100GB/s memory bandwidth.
Additionally, buyers should be advised that the base 512GB & 256GB MacBook Pro models feature SSDs that are up to 50% slower than those in configurations with higher storage. This is because versions with more capacity include two SSD chips instead of just one, which considerably boosts the storage system’s overall speed compared to standard models, which only have one SSD module.
Speakers and Microphones
For such a compact, thin device, the four speakers on the MacBook Air’s sound system are surprisingly rich and well-balanced. With a force-cancelling six-speaker sound system for noticeably larger and deeper audio, the MacBook Pro moves things to another level. Users who work in audio production or just enjoy listening to a lot of songs out loud may find this feature helpful.
For tasks like voice memos and video conversations, the MacBook Air’s three-mic is ideal. A studio-quality (three-mic) featuring a high signal-to-noise ratio is included in the MacBook Pro, according to Apple. The MacBook Pro’s microphones are outstanding and, at a push, are appropriate for professional uses like podcasting, even though they are not as effective as a dedicated microphone.
RAM
All M1 MacBooks, both Pro and Air models, come standard with 8GB of Integrated Memory. If you believe that 8GB of RAM won’t be sufficient for your needs, you should know that the M2 chip has this RAM, which Apple refers to as Unified Memory. Because of the performance advantages it delivers and the fact that it is available to both the CPU & the GPU. If you believe that you require more memory than 24GB, you should consider the M2 Pro or the M2 Max.
Environmental Issues
Both the MacBook Air & MacBook Pro are ENERGY STAR 5.2 compliant, BFR and PVC free, highly recyclable, and have an EPEAT Gold rating. The MacBook Pro also features an extremely recyclable aluminum case, a display glass free of arsenic, and an LED-backlit display free of mercury.
Other offerings
Intel HD Vision 4000, OS X Mountain Lion, 4GB or 8GB of onboard 1600MHz DDR3L memory, 90 days of free phone assistance, and a one-year limited warranty are all included with the MacBook Air & MacBook Pro.
FAQs:
Which is more suitable for you?
The MacBook Pro is a more potent device and an appropriate desktop alternative, whilst the MacBook Air is the ideal choice for portability. The MacBook Pro is recommended by computer publications for those who require more processing power, want a flexible system with older ports, desire a portable, go-to laptop, and are students.
Compared to the more powerful Mac Pro, the MacBook Air is lighter. Many elements of the two lines are similar. For instance, all have the same luxuriously comfy keyboard, despite the 13-inch pro having a different design thanks to the Contact Bar at the top. To unlock the laptop, a fingerprint sensor is included in all versions. There are various screen sizes for both lines. Which is quick, efficient with power, and has great battery life.
Which MacBook is right for you?
The answer is very dependent on your intended use for the laptops as well as how the weight and display size will affect that. You don’t overpay for a laptop with excessive capabilities, you also don’t want to get a laptop that is underpowered relative to your requirements. Whichever model you choose, a MacBook is a great choice. MacBook can access your iPhone’s files, messages, connections, and photographs with ease.
The MacBook Air offers a good blend of advantages and efficiency in a very portable design, making it the best option overall for most consumers. Compared to the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air is considerably less expensive. Most customers probably won’t find the 13-inch MacBook Pro worth it; instead, they’ll likely prefer the MacBook Air’s thinner, lighter design and, conceivably, its wider range of color options.
Is MacBook Pro noticeably superior to Air?
There are various screen sizes for both lines. And they all make use of Apple’s technology, which is quick, efficient with power, and has great battery life. Then again, there are the variations. The Pro has a CPU that is as fast as or considerably quicker than the Air’s, depending on the model, despite the Air’s lower price, slimmer design, and less weight.
Why are MacBook Air users more favored?
The superior audio, video, and writing experiences of MacBooks, make them a more complete product that makes them superior to competing Windows laptops. For instance, everything appears clearer on Macs because their Retina Displays have more pixels per inch than the majority of Windows laptop panels.
What’s better for college: the Pro or the Air?
The MacBook Air will meet your demands if you plan to perform research, write papers, and complete online schoolwork the majority of the time. The machine will also assist you if you’re designing, Photo shopping, or editing videos. There is no incorrect choice because they are both excellent laptops.
Which note book is last longer?
Your MacBook Pro should last 7.2 years on average, while a MacBook Air should last 5-7 years. The tasks you use the MacBook for, how often you use it, and how carefully you take care of your battery and other parts will all affect how long it will last.
Does the MacBook Air slow down?
If your Mac is an older model, it may be slow due to an out-of-date software update or a full hard drive. If your Mac is brand-new, it can be slow if you’re using too many background apps and programs, or it could even be infected with malware.
Is a Mac preferable to Windows?
The operating system for the Mac is the undisputed victor in terms of value. Apple items typically cost more than Windows products but are of higher caliber and performance. The tight integration of systems and general durability of Mac computers also contribute to their tendency to last longer than Windows PCs.