Apple currently sells two lines of MacBook laptops: the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. Finding which one works best for you is an age-old dilemma, as old as the devices themselves. The models cater to different audiences as they excel in different areas and come in multiple sizes.
As the name suggests, the MacBook Air focuses on the portability factor. The Air laptops are lightweight, thin, and can easily fit into a school bag or tote. The latest MacBook Air was released this year and comes with the M3 chip. It features options for 13-inch and 15-inch screens.
In comparison, the MacBook Pro features 14-inch and 16-inch models, and the latest version is powered by the all-new M4 chips. They are priced higher than the MacBook Air, but the M4 chips are a massive leap over the M3 chipsets.
When it comes to determining which is best for you between the MacBook Pro vs Air, we recommend considering a few factors. This includes your budget, performance needs, portability, storage options, and usage purpose.
In this article, we’ll be delving into both lines of laptops, so you’re better informed when it comes to making a decision. We’ll also be covering the best MacBook for business use.
Features of MacBooks
Both MacBook models offer similar features, with the main difference being the specifications. Below, we’ve outlined the key features of the different MacBook models.
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is designed for professional use. As a result, many of its features are geared towards business applications, like the M4 and M4 Pro versions’ support for up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt.
The M4 Max can support up to four external displays utilising its Thunderbolt and HDMI ports. It can support three displays through Thunderbolt at 6K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and a display at 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI.
The laptops also feature Apple’s Backlit Magic Keyboard, which has a built-in ambient light sensor and Touch ID. The trackpad offers precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities, allowing for multi-touch gestures.
The MacBook Pro’s high RAM configurations also make it ideal for use in the creative industry. It’s one of the few laptops with options for 128GB RAM, which is perfect for intensive tasks like rendering and video editing.
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air combines the best of both worlds when it comes to Apple’s premium products, specs, and portable design. While the specifications aren’t as high-end as its Pro counterparts, the Air laptops are lighter, making them better for travelling.
The MacBook Air M3 models can support up to one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz. It is possible to use two external displays (the second one running at 5K resolution at 60Hz) if you close the MacBook Air M3 lid.
The laptop also offers fantastic battery life and charging for daily use. It can handle up to 18 hours of battery life when using the Apple TV app for movie playback. It offers up to 15 hours through normal web browsing use.
The Air M3 also has neural cores that allow for the use of Apple Intelligence—Apple’s answer to AI. Features of Apple Intelligence include writing tools, image generation, and enhanced SIRI capability.
Specifications of MacBooks
The biggest difference between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models is the specifications. We’ll be focusing specifically on the latest Air (M3) and Pro (M4) models which were released this year.
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is available in two colour options, Space Black and Silver. Pricing varies depending on the size and configuration, with the entry-level model starting at $2,499 brand new.
We’ve outlined the different configurations below:
- Size: 14-inch and 16-inch
- Chip: Apple M4 Chip, Apple M4 Pro Chip (12-core CPU/16-core GPU), Apple M4 Pro Chip (14-core CPU/20-core GPU), Apple M4 Max Chip
- Memory: 16 GB, 24 GB, 36 GB, 48 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of RAM
- Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or &TB
The configurations available will vary depending on the chip and size you choose. For example, the 16GB of RAM is only available with the base Apple M4 Chip in the 14-inch model. Similarly, the 128GB of RAM with the 8TB storage set-up is only available with the Apple M4 Max Chip.
All MacBook Pro models also support Apple’s AI feature—Apple Intelligence. It is described as a personal intelligence system that can help write, edit, generate images, and more.
The M4 MacBook Pro laptops also feature a Liquid Retina XDR display, which is known for its vibrant colour and clarity. It supports ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
When it comes to charging an expansion, the M4 Pro models feature three USB-C ports that support charging, display, Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40 Gbps) and USB 4 (up to 40 Gbps). Pro models with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also support Thunderbolt 5 use (up to 120 Gbps).
The laptops also come with an SDXC card slot for expandable storage, an HDMI port, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and a MagSafe 3 port. The MacBook Pro is a bit heavier and thicker than the MacBook Air but offers better specs.
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air M3 is available in more colour options than the Pro, with Silver, Starlight, Space Grey, and Midnight. Pricing varies depending on the size and configuration, with the entry-level model starting at $1,799.
We’ve outlined the configurations available for the Air M3 below.
- Size: 13-inch or 15-inch display
- Chip: The MacBook Air M3 is available with either an 8-core CPU/8-core GPU or an 8-core CPU/10-core GPU Apple M3 Chip set-up.
- Memory: The Air M3 features options for 16GB or 24GB of RAM.
- Storage: The M3 has options for 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB SSD storage.
The MacBook Air M3 models feature a Liquid Retina display, which has support for 1 billion colours, wide colour (P3) and true tone technology. It also has a max brightness setting of 500 nits.
The laptop features a MagSafe 3 charging port, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports with support for charging, display, Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gbps) and USB 4 (up to 40 Gbps).
Is MacBook Pro Or Air Better For Your Industry?
When it comes to which laptop is best for business use, the answer is in the name—MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro models are designed for professional use, as they feature the stronger M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, depending on the model.
These M4 chips are a massive improvement over the M3 chips used in the MacBook Air devices. They will offer better performance in most industries, such as video editing, photo editing, rendering, and software development.
The M4-powered MacBook Pro laptops were designed for professional use, while the MacBook Air is geared more toward personal use and students. That said, there are a few scenarios where a MacBook Air may be the better option.
For example, if you’re entering an industry as a start-up company, the MacBook Air is more affordable if you need to equip your team with Apple laptops. The MacBook Air is also available significantly cheaper if you purchase a refurbished model.
Buy Refurbished MacBooks at OzMobiles
Buying refurbished is a cost-effective option if you want to save money but still experience the best MacBooks have to offer. Whether you’re looking for a MacBook Pro or Air, we stock a large selection of laptops here at OzMobiles.
At OzMobiles, we also pride ourselves on having the best prices for refurbished devices. So, if you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply). Our devices also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. When you shop with us, you can shop with confidence.
All the devices we sell, including our MacBook laptops, undergo an extensive refurbishment process. A qualified technician reviews and tests the device, and it must pass a 72-point quality check procedure. Thus, you’re guaranteed that the device is fully functional, running optimally, and ready for professional use.
If you need help choosing between the MacBook Pro and Air or have any questions about our refurbishment process, contact us today. The OzMobiles team prides itself on customer support and would be happy to answer any queries you have.
