MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series)
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MacBook Air (M3 series)
Starting at
£796.06£1,099.00 new
MacBook Pro (M3 series)
Starting at
£1,395.68£1,868.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M3 series) and MacBook Pro (M3 series)?
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M3 series) starts at £796.06, £599.62 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series). The MacBook Air (M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina IPS on the MacBook Air (M3 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M3 series) and MacBook Pro (M3 series) both run macOS Tahoe and share a 16-core neural engine and 10-core GPU. The Air offers more RAM and larger standard SSD storage options, which suits users who want to keep many apps open or store more files internally. The Pro has a larger and brighter screen with higher resolution, ideal for those who prioritise visual detail and vibrant display quality. The Pro also features a more advanced speaker system, an SD card slot, and an HDMI output, catering to creative professionals and users needing extra connectivity. The Air is lighter and slightly smaller, fitting those who want portability with strong performance and a sharp IPS display.
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) battery life and software updates
They share a consistent approach to software support and repair.
Software Compatibility
Both the MacBook Air (M3 series) and MacBook Pro (M3 series) run macOS and support macOS Tahoe.
Repairability
This benefits users who value ease of maintenance and potential longevity.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) performance
Performance varies mainly in RAM and storage capacity. Both models use Apple processors with 64-bit architecture and the same 10-core GPU, but memory and storage options differ significantly.
Memory Capacity
The MacBook Air (M3 series) offers 24 GB of RAM, which is well suited for users who run multiple applications simultaneously or work with memory-intensive tasks. The MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes with 8 GB of RAM, supporting everyday apps smoothly and suitable for typical daily use.
Storage Size
Standard storage in the MacBook Air is 1000 GB SSD, with options including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The MacBook Pro starts at 512 GB SSD with options up to 2TB. Larger storage in the Air suits users who keep many large files locally, while the Pro's range still supports substantial storage needs.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) screen
Screen quality differs in size, resolution, brightness, and panel technology, affecting the viewing experience for different uses.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Air features a 13 inch Liquid Retina IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664. This size suits those wanting a compact and sharp screen. The MacBook Pro has a larger 14 inch Liquid Retina XDR display at 3024 x 1964 resolution, providing more screen space and finer detail for tasks like photo editing or video work.
Brightness and Panel Type
MacBook Air's screen provides 500 nits brightness with IPS technology, ensuring accurate colours and wide viewing angles. The MacBook Pro offers up to 1000 nits sustained full-screen brightness with 1600 nits peak brightness, using a Liquid Retina XDR display that is designed for high dynamic range content and better performance in bright environments.
True Tone and Retina
Both devices have True Tone technology and Retina displays, which means each adapts colour temperature to ambient light and provides crisp, detailed images.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) camera
Audio and video features reflect different priorities between the two. Both have 1080p front cameras, while speaker systems vary.
Camera Quality
Both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro include a 1080p front camera, suitable for clear video calls and online meetings.
Speakers
The MacBook Air has a four-speaker sound system, which delivers solid audio for everyday use. The MacBook Pro features a high-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, designed to provide richer, more immersive sound, ideal for music production, video editing, or enjoying media with higher sound fidelity.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) size and design
Connectivity and physical features differ in ways that affect daily convenience and device handling.
Ports and Slots
MacBook Pro includes an SD card slot and HDMI output, which are useful for photographers, videographers, and users needing to connect to external displays without adapters. It also has three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports versus two on the MacBook Air, offering more options for peripherals.
Weight and Size
At 1240 g, the MacBook Air is lighter and slightly thinner at 1.13 cm height, making it easier to carry and handle. The MacBook Pro weighs 1500 g and is 1.55 cm tall, reflecting its larger screen and additional features.
Bluetooth and Wireless
Both models support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, ensuring strong wireless connectivity with modern devices and networks.
Charging and Audio
Each device charges via MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C and includes a headphone jack, covering common charging and audio needs. Both also support Touch input and have standard QWERTY English keyboards.
Display Features
Both offer True Tone and Promotion technology for smooth and colour-accurate display performance, enhancing the visual experience.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Microphone specifications
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M3 series) or MacBook Pro (M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M3 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £796.06, £599.62 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series)
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a lighter build (1240 g vs 1500 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M3 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Air (M3 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £796.06 compared with £1395.68 for the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
The MacBook Air (M3 series) adds more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB) and a lighter build (1240 g vs 1500 g). Refurbished, it costs £599.62 less (from £796.06 vs £1395.68).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M3 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Pro (M3 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
