In 2022, Apple revamped the MacBook Air, introducing a complete redesign featuring the M2 chip. Following this, a new 15-inch version was released. How do these revamped MacBook Air models, equipped with M2 chips, compare to the latest MacBook Pro models boasting M3 chips?
M2 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Pro Buyer’s Guide
Though the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro now share a similar appearance, they are distinct machines. The question arises: should you opt for the 13- or 15-inch MacBook Air, starting at $1,099, for cost savings? Or, do you require the enhanced capabilities of the higher-end 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro models, priced at least $500 higher? This guide aims to assist you in making an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Specifications Comparison: MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro
| Features | MacBook Air | MacBook Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 13.6- or 15.3-inch | 14.2- or 16.2-inch |
| Display Type | LCD Liquid Retina | Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | ProMotion (up to 120Hz) |
| Brightness | 500 nits | Up to 1,000 nits (sustained) and 1,600 nits (peak) |
| Chip | Apple M2 | Apple M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max |
| Chip Architecture | 5nm Enhanced (N5P) | 3nm (N3B) |
| CPU Clock Speed | 3.49 GHz | 4.05 GHz |
| CPU Cores | 8-core (4 performance, 4 efficiency) | M3: 8-core (4 performance, 4 efficiency) <br> M3 Pro: Up to 12-core <br> M3 Max: Up to 16-core |
| GPU Cores | Up to 10-core | M3: 10-core <br> M3 Pro: Up to 18-core <br> M3 Max: Up to 40-core |
| Memory Bandwidth | 100GB/s | M3: 100GB/s <br> M3 Pro: 150GB/s <br> M3 Max: 300GB/s or 400GB/s |
| Unified Memory Options | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB | M3: 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB <br> M3 Pro: 18GB or 36GB <br> M3 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, 96GB, 128GB |
| Neural Engine | New GPU architecture, Dynamic Caching, Hardware-accelerated ray tracing, Hardware-accelerated mesh shading, Support for AV1 decode, Neural Engine | 15% faster Neural Engine |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | M3: 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB <br> M3 Pro or M3 Max: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB |
| Cooling System | Passive cooling | Active cooling |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports | M3: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 (USB-C) ports <br> M3 Pro or M3 Max: Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, HDMI 2.1 port, SDXC card slot |
| External Display Support | 1 external display | M3: 1 external display <br> M3 Pro: Up to 2 external displays <br> M3 Max: Up to 4 external displays |
| Battery Life | 13-Inch: 18 hours <br> 15-Inch: 22 hours | M3 14-Inch: 22 hours <br> M3 Pro or M3 Max 14-Inch: 18 hours <br> 16-Inch: 22 hours |
| Power Adapter | 30W, 35W, or 67W USB-C Power Adapter | 67W, 96W, or 140W USB-C Power Adapter |
| Color Options | Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, Midnight | M3: Silver or Space Gray <br> M3 Pro or M3 Max: Silver or Space Black |
| Price Range | 13-Inch: Starts at $1,099 <br> 15-Inch: Starts at $1,299 | M3 14-Inch: Starts at $1,599 <br> M3 Pro 14-Inch: Starts at $1,999 <br> M3 Pro 16-Inch: Starts at $2,499 |
Design Distinctions
Both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro share a sleek design, but with subtle differences. While the basic structure remains the same, distinctions include the slimmer bezels on the MacBook Pro, an all-black keyboard area on the high-end model, and exclusive color options for each.
MacBook Air (13-Inch)
- Height: 0.44 inches
- Width: 11.97 inches
- Depth: 8.46 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
MacBook Air (15-Inch)
- Height: 0.45 inch
- Width: 13.40 inches
- Depth: 9.35 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
MacBook Pro (14-Inch)
- Height: 0.61 inches
- Width: 12.31 inches
- Depth: 8.71 inches
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
MacBook Pro (16-Inch)
- Height: 0.66 inch
- Width: 14.01 inches
- Depth: 9.77 inches
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
Dimensions play a crucial role in portability, with the 14-inch MacBook Pro finding a balance between size and performance, suitable for users needing a larger display without compromising too much on portability. Meanwhile, the 15-inch MacBook Air and 16-inch MacBook Pro cater to those prioritizing a larger screen, with the latter being a potential desktop replacement.
Ports and Connectivity
The MacBook Pro stands out in terms of connectivity, offering additional ports and updated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi specifications. This includes the HDMI 2.1 port, SDXC card slot, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. These features enhance versatility, making the MacBook Pro an ideal choice for professionals relying on various peripherals and devices.
Display Dynamics
Display size is a significant factor differentiating these models. The MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch display is complemented by the 15.3-inch option, catering to users who prioritize a larger screen without the bulk of the larger MacBook Pro models. On the other hand, the 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch MacBook Pro models provide ample screen real estate, suitable for professionals working with multiple applications and professional software.
Display Technology
The display technologies diverge significantly. The MacBook Air features an LCD Liquid Retina display, while the MacBook Pro models, particularly the 14- and 16-inch versions, boast the advanced mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR technology. This results in deeper blacks, improved dynamic range, and enhanced color accuracy. The Pro models also feature ProMotion displays with variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, offering smoother motion. While the MacBook Air provides a satisfactory display experience, the MacBook Pro’s advanced display technologies make it superior for tasks involving HDR content and high-framerate video.
Chips
The MacBook Air is equipped with the M2 chip, while the MacBook Pro offers a choice between the M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max chips. The M3 Pro and M3 Max are scaled-up versions, featuring additional CPU and GPU cores, making them more suitable for demanding professional workflows. Benchmark scores indicate superior performance in multi-core and graphics tasks for the M3 Pro and M3 Max. The MacBook Air, being consumer-oriented, delivers impressive performance and efficiency, with a passively cooled system. In contrast, the MacBook Pro features active cooling, allowing it to push the chips harder.
Memory and Storage
Memory and storage configurations vary between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air can be configured with up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of storage. In comparison, the MacBook Pro, especially the M3 Pro and M3 Max versions, supports significantly more memory and storage options, providing up to 400GB/s memory bandwidth. Users should be aware that the base models of the MacBook Air with 256GB storage have slower SSDs than higher-capacity configurations.
Speakers and Microphones
Audio capabilities also differ between the models. The MacBook Air features a four-speaker sound system, while the MacBook Pro enhances the audio experience with a high-fidelity six-speaker system and force-cancelling woofers. The microphones on the MacBook Pro are touted as “studio-quality,” with a high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming. These improvements make the MacBook Pro suitable for professionals in audio-related fields.
Battery Life
Battery life varies across models, with the MacBook Air offering an 18-hour battery life for the 13-inch version and 22 hours for the 15-inch version. The MacBook Pro, depending on the configuration, provides similar or slightly longer battery life. Notably, the 16-inch MacBook Pro offers a 22-hour battery life. The choice of a MacBook model should align with specific usage requirements, considering factors such as screen size and performance needs.
Power Adapter and Color Options
The power adapter options differ, with the MacBook Air offering 30W, 35W, or 67W USB-C power adapters, while the MacBook Pro provides 67W, 96W, or 140W USB-C power adapters. Color options also vary, with the MacBook Air available in Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Midnight. The MacBook Pro (M3) comes in Silver or Space Gray, while the M3 Pro and M3 Max versions offer Space Black as an exclusive color option.
Pricing
Pricing is a crucial consideration. The MacBook Air starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch version and $1,299 for the 15-inch version. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro lineup includes the M3 14-inch starting at $1,599, M3 Pro 14-inch starting at $1,999, and M3 Pro 16-inch starting at $2,499. The price range reflects the varying capabilities and specifications of each model.
Final Considerations
Choosing between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro hinges on individual needs and preferences. For casual users seeking a balance of features and performance in a highly portable design, the MacBook Air is a suitable and more affordable option, with starting prices potentially reduced through discounts. The MacBook Pro, especially the 14- and 16-inch models with M3 Pro or M3 Max chips, caters to professionals requiring larger displays, additional ports, more memory and storage, and high-performance capabilities. The higher price points of the MacBook Pro models are justified for power-users and professionals relying on advanced features.
Additional MacBook Options
For those seeking more affordable Apple silicon MacBook options, the M1 MacBook Air remains a viable choice. Priced starting at $999, it offers a 13.3-inch Retina display, Touch ID, two Thunderbolt ports, and other features, making it a cost-effective alternative for users on a budget.
Alternatives to Consider
Users considering the $1,299 15-inch MacBook Air may find it worthwhile to invest slightly more in the M3 MacBook Pro. For an additional $200, the M3 MacBook Pro provides a significantly better Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, a more powerful chip with active cooling, extended battery life, enhanced audio with better speakers and microphones, additional ports, and more. The marginal price difference makes the M3 MacBook Pro a compelling choice for users seeking a more feature-rich and powerful machine.
In conclusion, the decision between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro depends on individual requirements. The MacBook Air suits users prioritizing portability and cost-effectiveness, while the MacBook Pro, especially the high-end models, targets professionals and power-users demanding advanced features and performance. The larger MacBook Pro models, notably the 16-inch version, can also serve as potential desktop replacements due to their expansive displays.
Note: Prices and specifications are subject to change. Consider checking Apple’s official website for the latest information and potential discounts.
