As Apple continues to push the boundaries of computing with its new line of M1-powered Macs, many people are left wondering what the differences are between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. Both laptops are powered by the M1 chip, but there are still key differences between the two that make one a better fit for certain users. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between the new M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air has a slim, lightweight design, making it a popular choice for people who need a laptop that’s easy to carry around. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, has a slightly thicker and heavier build, but it’s also more durable and better suited for heavy-duty use.
Display
Screen Size
The MacBook Air comes with a 13-inch display, while the MacBook Pro is available in both 13-inch and 16-inch options.
Resolution
Both laptops have Retina displays, but the MacBook Pro has a higher resolution than the MacBook Air. The 13-inch MacBook Air has a resolution of 2560×1600, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro has a resolution of 2560×1600 or 2880×1800 (depending on the model). The 16-inch MacBook Pro has a resolution of 3072×1920.
Brightness
The MacBook Pro has a brighter display than the MacBook Air, making it a better option for people who need to work in bright environments.
Performance
Processor
Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are powered by Apple’s M1 chip, but the MacBook Pro has a higher wattage version of the chip, which allows for better-sustained performance over long periods of time.
Graphics
The MacBook Pro also has better graphics performance than the MacBook Air, making it a better choice for people who need to do graphics-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.
Memory and Storage
The MacBook Pro can be configured with up to 16GB of memory and 2TB of storage, while the MacBook Air is limited to 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage.
Battery Life
The MacBook Air has a longer battery life than the MacBook Pro, with up to 15 hours of web browsing or up to 18 hours of video playback. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, has a battery life of up to 10 hours of web browsing or up to 11 hours of video playback.
Ports
The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have different port configurations. The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, while the MacBook Pro has either two or four Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports (depending on the model).
Price
The MacBook Air is less expensive than the MacBook Pro, with a starting price of $999 compared to the MacBook Pro’s starting price of $1,299.
Conclusion
Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are excellent laptops, but they’re designed for different types of users. The MacBook Air is best for people who need a lightweight laptop for basic tasks, while the MacBook Pro is better for people who need a laptop for heavy-duty use, such as video editing or gaming.
FAQs
- Can I upgrade the memory or storage on the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?
- No, it is not possible
- Which laptop is better for video editing?
- The MacBook Pro is better for video editing due to its better graphics performance and ability to be configured with more memory and storage.
- Can I connect external displays to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro?
- Yes, both laptops have Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports that can be used to connect external displays.
- Is the MacBook Air powerful enough for programming?
- Yes, the MacBook Air is powerful enough for programming, but the MacBook Pro may be a better option for more intensive programming tasks.
- Which laptop has better battery life?
- The MacBook Air has a longer battery life than the MacBook Pro.
- In conclusion, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are both excellent laptops that are powered by Apple’s new M1 chip. While both laptops have similar features, there are still key differences between them that make one a better fit for certain users. Ultimately, the choice between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro comes down to the user’s needs and budget.
| Feature | MacBook Air | MacBook Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M1 chip | Apple M1 chip |
| Display | 13.3-inch Retina display | 13.3-inch Retina display |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB | 8GB or 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB to 2TB SSD | 256GB to 2TB SSD |
| Graphics | 7-core or 8-core GPU | 8-core GPU |
| Touch Bar | No | Yes |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4 | 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4 |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg) | 3.0 pounds (1.4 kg) |
| Price (starting) | $999 | $1,299 |
Note: Prices and specifications may vary depending on the configuration selected.