MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series)
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MacBook Air (M1 series)
Starting at
£426.31£999.00 new
MacBook Pro (M4 series)
Starting at
£1,388.68£1,758.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M1 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series)?
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M1 series) starts at £426.31, £962.37 less than the MacBook Pro (M4 series). The MacBook Pro (M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the MacBook Air (M1 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M1 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series) cater to different needs based on performance, screen, and features. The MacBook Air offers a lighter, compact design with 8 GB RAM and a 7-core GPU, suitable for everyday tasks, study, and moderate creative work. The MacBook Pro has a more powerful 10-core GPU, higher RAM at 24 GB, and a larger, brighter screen, making it a better fit for intensive workloads and detailed visual projects. The Pro also adds extras like an SD card slot, HDMI output, and a high-fidelity speaker system, which appeal to professionals and users needing expanded connectivity and media quality.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system support and release year, which provide context for software compatibility and device age.
Operating System Support
Both the MacBook Air (M1 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series) support macOS Tahoe, ensuring you get the latest features and security updates regardless of which model you choose.
Release Year
The MacBook Air was released in 2020, while the MacBook Pro came out in 2024. This difference reflects the generation of each device without implying one is better for durability.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) performance
Performance differences influence how smoothly the device handles multitasking, creative work, and demanding applications.
Processor Speed and RAM
The MacBook Air (M1 series) runs at 3.2 GHz with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is well suited for typical work, study, and light creative tasks. The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has a faster 4.41 GHz processor and 24 GB of RAM, making it better equipped for running multiple demanding apps at once and handling heavier workloads.
Graphics Performance
The MacBook Air includes a 7-core GPU, which supports general graphics tasks and casual creative work. The MacBook Pro offers a 10-core GPU, providing more graphics power that benefits video editing, 3D work, and other graphics-intensive projects.
Storage Options
Storage choices for the MacBook Air range from 256GB to 2TB, allowing flexibility depending on your file needs. The MacBook Pro is stocked with 512GB and 1TB options, which suit users who need faster access and reliable space for larger files.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) screen
Screen quality affects your experience when watching videos, editing photos, or working for long periods. The two devices differ in size, brightness, and display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Air has a 13 inch Retina display at 2560 by 1600 resolution, providing a sharp and clear viewing area that suits everyday use and portability. The MacBook Pro features a larger 14 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a higher resolution of 3024 by 1964, offering more space and detail for visual work and multitasking.
Screen Brightness
The MacBook Air's screen brightness is 400 nits, good for most indoor environments. The MacBook Pro provides up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, which helps maintain screen clarity and colour accuracy even in bright conditions or detailed work.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) camera
Audiovisual features impact video calls, media playback, and content creation. Differences in camera resolution and speaker quality are notable.
Front Camera Quality
The MacBook Air has a 720p front camera, suitable for standard video calls and meetings. The MacBook Pro offers a 1080p camera, which captures higher definition video and improves clarity for professional calls or streaming.
Speaker System
The MacBook Air uses stereo speakers, which provide clear sound for everyday media and communication. The MacBook Pro features a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, delivering richer and more immersive audio that benefits music, video editing, and entertainment.
Front camera definition
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) size and design
Extra features like connectivity, ports, weight, and other hardware details can influence your choice based on how you use the device daily.
Ports and Connectivity
The MacBook Air includes 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and Bluetooth 5.0, covering essential connection needs. The MacBook Pro has 3 USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, Bluetooth 5.3, an HDMI output, and an SD card slot, offering more options for connecting external displays, storage, and accessories.
Charging Options
The MacBook Air charges via USB-C, while the MacBook Pro supports MagSafe 3 in addition to USB-C, giving you more flexibility with charging methods.
Weight and Dimensions
The MacBook Air weighs 1290 g and measures 30.41 cm wide by 21.24 cm deep and 1.61 cm high, making it lighter and slightly more compact. The MacBook Pro weighs 1550 g with dimensions of 31.26 cm wide, 22.12 cm deep, and 1.55 cm high, reflecting its larger screen and additional features.
Display Technology and Features
The MacBook Air has a Retina display with True Tone, while the MacBook Pro offers a Liquid Retina XDR display with True Tone and Promotion technology. Promotion enhances screen refresh rates, which benefits smoother scrolling and more responsive visuals.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usba port
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M1 series) or MacBook Pro (M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £426.31, £962.37 less than the MacBook Pro (M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (1290 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the MacBook Air (M1 series) looks nearly new with only minor marks on the aluminium body that do not affect use. They find it quick and capable for everyday tasks such as work, streaming, and video editing at a hobby level. Battery life is described as solid or just right for daily use, though some note it can run down faster when unplugged. The keyboard is responsive and clean, and storage options like 2TB are praised for handling large video files. Some mention speaker volume as a bit low but not problematic.
Users of the MacBook Pro (M4 series) appreciate the clean, fresh condition of the device and its fast boot-up times. The screen is reported as spotless indoors, though a few find it dull outside. Battery life typically lasts most of the day, with some needing to recharge by evening. The device handles professional programs easily and is described as fast and reliable. Colours like Space Black and silver are noted for their smart appearance, even when there are small marks that do not bother users. Storage is sufficient at 512GB for university or work needs.
The MacBook Air suits customers looking for a lighter, simpler laptop that handles everyday tasks and moderate creative work well. The MacBook Pro fits those who want a more powerful machine with expanded connectivity, a larger and brighter screen, and enhanced audiovisual features for professional or intensive use.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Air (M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £426.31 compared with £1388.68 for the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
The MacBook Pro (M4 series) adds more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £962.37 more (from £1388.68 vs £426.31).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M1 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Pro (M4 series) in 512GB and 1TB.
