Switching from an Apple to an Apple, when you are seasoned Apple users is one of the trickiest buying decisions for a laptop buyer.
At this point, we all know that Apple offers the best specs, portability, and features for the users. However, when you have to choose between two of the latest additions to the MacBook lineup, things can get intense.
Well, last week, my MacBook finally gave up, and so, my quest to find my next tech device began. Thanks to the reliable internet in my area , I was able to watch tons of YouTube reviews and skim through millions of blogs, before making my decision and it was totally worth it.
If you are in a similar situation and find yourself lost, here is what I learned after my one-week-long research, so do not have to.
Macbook Air Vs Pro – A Birds Eye View
If you are not a tech expert, you might not be able to tell; however, both laptops have size and portability differences.
As the name suggests, MacBook Air is the sleekest and the most portable laptop you can get. If you are a student, using a laptop for taking notes and completing the assignment, and you need to carry it from the library to class and back home, then MacBook Air is perfect for you. MacBook Air is available in three different variations, so you can choose based on your tax bracket and needs.
For a basic idea, a 2020 M1 Macbook Air will cost you around $999. Similarly, snagging a 2022 M2 Macbook Air 13-inch and 15-inch will cost you $1,099 and $1,299 respectively.
Now, if you look at the pro range, this is not for beginners because it is the most advanced and powerful laptop in the market right now. Most professionals, especially business owners, tech experts, and developers use MacBook Pro for obvious reasons. With pro-level features like the Apple M2 & M3 chip, you can expect to spend some extra bucks as well. For reference, an M2 Macbook Pro 14-inch will cost just $1,999, but if you are looking for some fun, you can also try your hands on an M2 MacBook Pro 16-inch that will set you back nearly $2,499.
MacBook Air vs Pro is a competition between portability and power; therefore, if you are a beginner or you just want your first laptop, maybe you should stick to MacBook Air instead.
MacBook Air Vs Macbook Pro – The Battle of Specs
If you are a tech geek, willing to fight your last drop of blood for the RAM and ROM, we have an overview to help you know what you are getting:
| MacBook | GPU | Memory | SSD | Price |
| 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M2 (2022) | 8-core, M2 | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 256GB SSD | $999 |
| 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) | 8-core, M3 | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 256GB SSD | $1,099 |
| 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) | 10-core, M3 | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 512GB SSD | $1,299 |
| 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) | 10-core, M3 | 16GB (up to 24GB) | 512GB SSD | $1,499 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) | 10-core, M3 | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 256GB SSD | $1,299 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) | 10-core, M3 | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 512GB SSD | $1,499 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) | 10-core, M3 | 16GB (up to 24GB) | 512GB SSD | $1,699 |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro, M3 (2023) | 10-core, M3 | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 512GB SSD | $1,599 |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro, M3 (2023) | 10-core, M3 | 8GB (up to 24GB) | 1TB SSD | $1,799 |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro, M3 (2023) | 10-core, M3 | 16GB (up to 24GB) | 1TB SSD | $1,999 |
The mentioned versions all feature an 8-core, M3 processor except 13.6-inch MacBook Air. The 13.6-inch MacBook Air cones with an 8-core, M2.
Macbook Air Vs Macbook Pro- The Ultimate Faceoff
Design
Apple appears to be sticking with the same Macbook design introduced in 2022, with no significant changes or updates. The only change that is a little noticeable compared to the older versions is the replacement of tapered edges with a more uniform design. The all-new Air is thinner and a bit larger than the older version but that is the only stand-out design feature. There are four colors available in Air i.e., Midnight (dark blue), Starlight (gold), Space Gray, and Silver.
On the contrary, MacBook Pro boosts a much better high-fidelity sound that can offer you a superior listening experience. Moreover, the color range with MacBook Pro is a little limited. You can get your pro in just two colors, i.e., Space Grey and Silver.
Both Air and Pro have touch ID sensors, speaker arrays, a clear 1080p FaceTime camera, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Battery Life
For the battery life, be prepared to be amazed because the latest pro and Air surpass the older version in terms of charging, stand-by, and working time. According to Apple, the all-new MacBook Air has 18 hours of battery life while the Pro surpasses the expectation with a whopping 22 hours of battery life.
Ports and Expansion
Apple has an obsession with minimizing ports and plugins, be it their phone or a laptop. As a viewer, there is no doubt that it offers a very sleek outlook but functionality seems overlooked.
The older M1 MacBook Air has only two USB 4 ports. This means that when you are charging your device, there is only one port left to be used. So, after receiving a lot of backlash, apple then decided to add a 2022 MacBook Air MagSafe charging port so users don’t have to choose between charging and working.
Since the MacBook Pro is designed for professionals, you will get more ports. Within its 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro, you will get two Thunderbolt or USB 4 ports along with a MagSafe charging port, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, HDMI, and SDXC ports. In short, MacBook is a dream come true for anyone who wants to get rid of the added adapters and dock cost.
The Verdict: Finding Your Ideal MacBook
In my opinion, there is no ideal MacBook, be it Pro or Air. It is a head-to-head competition between portability, power, affordability, and ease of use. If you have a limited budget and carry your laptop everywhere, yet you don’t care about expansion ports, then MacBook Air is the perfect pick for you.
However, if budget is not your issue and you want the ultimate professional experience, then nothing gets better than the latest MacBook Pro.
