MacBook Air Vs MacBook Pro: Which Apple Laptop Reigns Supreme?

Apple’s MacBook lineup is always among the most anticipated of any technology brand. And in 2022 and 2023, Apple has given fans plenty to be excited about. In 2022, the MacBook Air with M2 chip got a big upgrade, while in 2023, the MacBook Pro was refreshed with the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. But let’s see macbook air vs macbook pro in today’s time.

Apple MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro
Image : Apple MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro

Here’s a detailed comparison of the MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air:

Design and Display

The MacBook Air with M2 chip features an all-new design, with a flat-edged chassis, a new midnight color, and a larger 13.6-inch display. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is available in both 14.2 and 16.2-inch versions, and offers a fresh design with slimmer bezels and a mini-LED display.

Apple MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro Display comparison
Image : Apple MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro Display comparison

Both laptops feature a notch at the top center of the display for the 1080p FaceTime camera, but the MacBook Pro’s display offers more upgrades, including ProMotion with up to 120Hz refresh rates, mini-LED backlighting, and a higher pixel density.

SpecificationsMacBook Air (2022)14″ MacBook Pro (2023)16″ MacBook Pro (2023)
Actual screen size13.6″14.2″16.2″
Resolution2560 x 16643024 x 19643456 x 2234
Aspect Ratio16:10 + notch16:10 + notch16:10 + notch
PPI224254254
Nits (brightness)500500 for SDR, 1000 sustained, up to 1600 peak for HDR500 for SDR, 1000 sustained, up to 1600 peak for HDR
Liquid Retina Display✅ + XDR✅ + XDR
ProMotion (up to 120Hz)
mini-LED backlit
True Tone
P3 wide color
Table : MacBook Air Vs MacBook Pro – display and design comparison

Hardware

The M2 chip offers up to 24GB RAM, up to 10 GPU cores, and up to 2TB of storage. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro’s M2 Pro or M2 Max chip offers up to 12 CPU cores, 38 GPU cores, and RAM up to 96GB. The M2 Pro and M2 Max also offer 20, 30, and 40% performance improvements for CPU, GPU, and neural engine when compared to the M1 Pro and Max.

The MacBook Air’s M2 chip has single encode, decode, and ProRes encode/decode engines, while the M2 Max chip in the MacBook Pro offers two video encode engines.

I/O: MacBook Pro vs AirMacBook Air (2022)MacBook Pro (2023)
Magic Keyboard
Touch ID
USB-C/Thunderbolt ports23
Headphone jack
HDMI✅ 2.1
SDXC card reader
MagSafe charging
Bluetooth5.05.3
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11.ax)Wi-Fi 6E (802.11.ax)
External display support1 external display up to 6K/60HzM2 Pro: Up to 2 external displays at 6K/60Hz, 1 external display at 8K/60Hz, or 1 display at 4K/240Hz over HDMI. M2 Max: Up to 4 external displays, 3 at 6K/60Hz and 1 at 4K/60Hz or 3 total with 2 at 6K/60Hz and 1 external display at 8K/60Hz or 1 display at 4K resolution at 240Hz over HDMI
Size, weight, and finishMacBook Air is the lightest and thinnest with a weight of around 2.8 pounds and a thickness of 11.3mm (0.44 inches). Both MacBook Pro models weigh more.– 14″ MacBook Pro: around 3.5 pounds and a thickness of 15.5mm (0.61 inches). – 16″ MacBook Pro: around 4.7 pounds and a thickness of 16.2mm (0.64 inches).
Table : Apple’s MacBook Air Vs MacBook Pro – Hardware comparison

Other hardware differences between the two laptops include a 4-speaker system with wide sound and a 3-mic array on the MacBook Air, compared to a 6-speaker high-fidelity system and a studio-quality 3-mic array on the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air is fanless, while the MacBook Pro has active cooling with fans.

I/O The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, while the MacBook Pro offers three. The MacBook Pro also has additional ports, including HDMI, SD card slot, and MagSafe.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, the MacBook Air 2022 and the 16-inch MacBook Pro 2023 have similar performance, with up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 18 hours of video playback. The 14-inch MacBook Pro 2023, on the other hand, has a slightly shorter battery life, with up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 18 hours of video playback.

LaptopWireless Web BatteryVideo Playback BatteryIncluded Power AdapterBattery CapacityFast Charging
MacBook Air 202215 hours18 hours30W, 35W, or 67W USB-C + MagSafe52.6Wh✅ with 67W
14″ MacBook Pro (2023)12 hours18 hours67W or 96W USB-C + MagSafe70Wh✅ with 96W
16″ MacBook Pro (2023)15 hours22 hours140W USB-C + MagSafe100Wh
Table : MacBook Air Vs MacBook Pro – Battery Life comparison

All three laptops support fast charging, with the ability to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. However, you’ll need to use the larger power adapters for this feature, which are included with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

Weight and Size

The weight and size of laptops are important factors to consider when choosing the right device for your needs. In the case of the MacBook Air 2022, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and 16-inch MacBook Pro, there are some notable differences in their weight and size.

DetailsMacBook Air (2022)14″ MacBook Pro (2023)16″ MacBook Pro (2023)
Weight2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)4.7 pounds (2.1 kg)
Thickness0.44 in. (1.13 cm)0.61 inch (1.55 cm)0.66 inch (1.68 cm)
Width11.97 in. (30.41 cm)12.31 in. (31.26 cm)14.01 inches (35.57 cm)
Depth8.46 in. (21.5 cm)8.71 inches (22.12 cm)9.77 inches (24.81 cm)
Display size13.6 in.14.2 in.16.2 inches
FinishesSilver, space gray, starlight, midnightSilver or space graySilver or space gray
Table : MacBook Air Vs MacBook Pro – Weight and Size comparison

Note: All of the new MacBooks share the flat-edged chassis, and the MacBook Air (2022) comes in four color choices: silver, space gray, starlight, and midnight.

Price

Price is an essential consideration when purchasing any electronic device, and the MacBook lineup is no exception. The cost of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models can vary widely depending on the specifications and features included in each model. As technology advances, newer models typically come at a higher price point than their predecessors, but they also tend to offer more advanced features and improved performance. In this context, it is essential to compare the prices of different MacBook models to determine which one best suits your needs and budget. This information can help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a MacBook.

Model/Price2022 MacBook Air14″ MacBook Pro (2023)16″ MacBook Pro (2023)
256GB / 8GB RAM$1,199
512GB / 8GB RAM$1,399
256GB / 16GB RAM$1,399
512GB / 16GB RAM$1,599From $1,999From $2,499
1TB / 16GB RAM$1,799From $2,199From $2,699
1TB / 24GB RAM$1,999
1TB / 32GB RAMFrom $2,899From $3,499
Custom BuildsUp to $2,499Up to $6,299Up to $6,499
Table : MacBook Air Vs MacBook Pro – Price comparison

Conclusion

After looking MacBook Air Vs MacBook Pro, We can say that The MacBook Air with M2 chip and the MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are both impressive laptops that cater to different needs. The MacBook Air is perfect for those who prioritize portability, while the MacBook Pro is ideal for professionals who need more power and a larger display. The MacBook Pro also offers additional I/O, making it a better choice for those who need to connect to external displays and devices.

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No matter which MacBook you choose, you’ll be getting cutting-edge technology and sleek design that Apple is known for.

FAQs:

Which is better between MacBook Air and Pro?

The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and use cases. The MacBook Air is generally considered to be a more portable and affordable option, while the MacBook Pro is known for its powerful performance and more advanced features. If you need a laptop for basic tasks like browsing the web and word processing, the MacBook Air may be sufficient. However, if you require more intensive tasks like video editing or graphic design, the MacBook Pro is likely the better option.

Is the MacBook Pro faster than the air?

In general, the MacBook Pro is faster than the MacBook Air. This is because the MacBook Pro typically comes with more powerful processors and graphics cards, which allow it to handle more intensive tasks with ease. However, the specific speed and performance of each laptop will depend on the model and configuration you choose.

Is MacBook Air or Pro better for students?

This depends on the individual needs of the student. If you need a laptop that is lightweight and portable for carrying to and from classes, the MacBook Air may be a better choice. However, if you need a laptop that can handle more demanding tasks like video editing or graphic design, the MacBook Pro may be the better option. Ultimately, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing between the two.

Which lasts longer MacBook Pro or Air?

Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are built to last, but the MacBook Pro typically has a longer lifespan due to its more advanced hardware and build quality. However, the longevity of each laptop will depend on how well it is maintained and cared for over time.

Is Pro better than air?

Whether the MacBook Pro is better than the MacBook Air depends on your individual needs and use cases. The MacBook Pro is generally considered to be more powerful and feature-rich than the MacBook Air, but it also comes with a higher price tag. If you need a laptop for basic tasks like browsing the web and word processing, the MacBook Air may be sufficient. However, if you require more intensive tasks like video editing or graphic design, the MacBook Pro is likely the better option.

Is a MacBook Pro a touch screen?

Currently, Apple does not offer a touch screen version of the MacBook Pro. However, some MacBook Pro models come with the Touch Bar, a touch-sensitive strip located above the keyboard that provides contextual shortcuts and controls for various applications.

Pragnesh P.
Pragnesh P.

Pragnesh P. is an author at TechTudum, a tech and gaming blog that helps readers to stay aware of new technologies, gadgets and games. He always been surrounded by gadgets and tech all his life and he loves to read about new and futuristic things. He graduated with honors from VNSG University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.

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