Are you looking to finally buy or upgrade to a Mac but are overwhelmed by the features and differentiating factors of a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro? Then, this buyer’s guide is for you.
Apple is a credible name in the arena of technology and computing, and MacBook is a product line that is known for its exceptional computing capabilities. However, MacBook has various versions and types designed to address various user requirements.
MacBook Pro, as the name suggests, is a range that caters to computer professionals and has different sizes and processing speeds. Its price range starts from $1,599, roughly. Whereas a MacBook Air is the lighter version of the MacBook. It is lighter on the pocket as it has a starting price of $999. The differences, however, do not just end here. MacBook Air and MacBook pro also vary in their processing chips i.e., M1, M2, and M3 which brings difference processing speeds and capacities for their users.
This blog delves deep into the differentiating factors of both lines to help you gauge which one is a better match for your work and budget requirements so that you can optimize the value for money.
Evaluating Your Needs
Before getting into the head-to-head comparison, it is important to thoroughly analyze your own needs, which will help you make the best choice. There are roughly two kinds of user profiles for MacBook:
- Power Users: A power user is typically aware of technical functionalities in a MacBook and requires a high processing power for their automation, rendering, or command processing needs. Power Users can be professional coders, video editors, or even high-profile gamers.
- Everyday Users: An everyday user is someone who does not require high and quick processing speeds and performs routine tasks that do not require heavy software. Everyday users can be students, teachers, writers, etc.
Your need defines your requirements, so it is important to analyze whether you are a power user or an everyday user. However, the search does not just end here. After understanding your own particular requirement, it is then important to pinpoint which size, CPU, RAM, and other specs cater to that requirement.
Analyzing MacBook’s processing capacity, battery time, etc., while keeping your requirement in mind is important. For instance, web surfing can rapidly drain MacBook’s battery, as some users have faced the issue of Google Chrome draining their MacBook’s battery.. This is where a head-to-head comparison of MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air comes in.
Battery
We all want to use our Laptops without being restricted by its charing cords. Battery is a crucial requirement as it can enhance a MacBook’s portability and functionality.
MacBook runs on Apple Lithium-ion batteries. The battery timings of all the versions vary slightly by 1 to 3 hours, but here is a general view of MacBook’s battery timing.
According to Apple, the MacBook Air can run up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the MacBook Pro can run up to 22 hours. The best one of all these options is the MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 processor, which can last around 22 hours of constant use.
Here is a bonus tip for all MacBook users. Web surfing is known to drain a MacBook’s battery quicker than any other activity. This is precisely why it is recommend to have a high-speed dependable internet connection like Xfinity. The next-to-none load times can mitigate web surfing from draining your battery faster. Users can choose from a variety of Xfinity Internet Plans. Furthermore, it is also recommended to use a browser that is energy effiecient, like Safari.
Performance
Performance determines the speed and processing capabilities of a MacBook. All the Mac laptops are enabled with Apple’s silicon chips. These include two generations, the M2 and the M3. M2 is available in 13-inch MacBook Air while M3 chip is available in both 13 and 15-inch MacBook Air models. Meanwhile, M2 is available in 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro (which you can only buy second hand now), and M3 is also available in MacBook Pro’s 14 and 16-inch models.
Where MacBook Air M2 and M3 have an 8-core CPU, the capability to process up to 10-core GPU, and a RAM that ranges from 8to 24 GB, the MacBook Pro M3 has a 16–core CPU, 40–core GPU, and RAM that goes up to 128 GB.
It is essential to note that despite the clear difference in speed and processing capacities, the MacBook Air cannot be considered slower. It is still pretty fast for everyday use and can accomplish the same tasks as the MacBook Pro, albeit not as quickly as a MacBook Pro.
Display and Size
Equipped with Liquid Retina Display, a 13-inch MacBook Air M3 has a diagonal screen size of 13.6 inches and a screen resolution of 2,560 by 1,664 pixels. The 15 inch MacBook Air M3 has a diagonal screen size of 15.3 inches and a screen resolution of 2,880 by 1,864 pixels. Whereas the 14-inch MacBook Pro has a screen resolution of 3,024 by 1,964 pixels and has a Liquid Retina XDR panel. It also has a mini-LED backlit display.
Ports
A Laptop’s ports have a direct impact on its ease of use. A MacBook Air comes with only two Thunderbolt ports, whereas a MacBook Pro M3 Max comes with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot. Furthermore, theMacBook Pro M3 comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot.
Despite MacBook Pro being a clear winner, it is essential to consider your requirements. For instance, an everyday user might not need an HDMI port and an SD card slot, so MacBook Air still might suit them the best.
Audio
MacBook Air M3 13-inch offers a four-speaker surround sound system and provides support for Spatial Audio when you play music with Dolby Atmos on its built-in speakers. The MacBook Pro provides a thorough and professional audio experience with its high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers. It also has a studio-quality three-mic array with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Both machines come equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack with advanced support for high-impedance headphones.
The Final Verdict – Use Cases for MacBook Air and Pro
Do you still find yourself unable to make a choice? Let us help you.
If you are an everyday user or a student and want a Mac just for web surfing, emails, streaming movies, and simple games, then the MacBook Air with the M2 or M3 chip is for you. The processor chip difference might be very minute for everyday users, as M2 is still fairly recent, and buying a MacBook M2 can save you around $100. MacBook Air is still a great option if you are seeking to learn coding or graphic design. It is fully equipped to provide you with a holistic experience (with its audio-visual displays and impressive processing speeds) at a pocket-friendly price.
However, if you need heavy softwares to run smoothly, then MacBook Pro M2 or M3 are the machines for you. Business professionals, programmers, video editors, etc., usually rely on MacBook Pro for this. With high-speed processing capabilities, enhanced GPU, better ports and connectivity options, and audio-visual displays, the MacBook Pro will improve your work productivity.
