MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series)
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MacBook Air (M3 series)
Starting at
£796.06£1,099.00 new
MacBook Pro (M4 series)
Starting at
£1,388.68£1,758.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M3 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series)?
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M3 series) starts at £796.06, £592.62 less than the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M4 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 (M4 series).
- The MacBook Air (M3 series) has a lighter build: 1240 g vs 1550 g.
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) specs
The MacBook Pro offers a faster processor speed and a larger, brighter display with higher resolution, suited for users needing more screen space and visual clarity. It also includes additional ports like HDMI and an SD card slot for expanded connectivity. The MacBook Air is lighter and smaller with a solid screen and performance, ideal for everyday use and portability. Both have the same graphics, camera quality, and Bluetooth version, so your choice depends on how much performance, screen size, and connectivity you require.
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how well the devices hold up over time and their software support. Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro offer similar durability features, ensuring long-term usability.
Software Support
This means each will receive current software features and security patches, keeping your device up to date.
Repairability
This helps maintain the device over time if repairs are needed.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) performance
Performance considers processing speed, memory, and storage options. While both devices share many specifications, the MacBook Pro has a higher processor speed and fewer storage options to choose from.
Processor Speed
The MacBook Pro (M4 series) runs at 4.41 GHz, slightly faster than the MacBook Air (M3 series) at 4.05 GHz. This difference suits users who need quicker processing for demanding tasks.
Memory and Graphics
Both devices come with 24 GB of RAM and a 10-core GPU, providing strong multitasking and graphics performance suitable for most professional and everyday applications.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air offers more storage configurations with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options, giving flexibility for different needs. The MacBook Pro stocks 512GB and 1TB models, fitting those who prefer these mid-range sizes.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) screen
Screen quality affects your visual experience. The MacBook Pro features a larger and brighter display with higher resolution, while the MacBook Air offers a compact screen with solid brightness and Retina quality.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Pro (M4 series) has a 14 inch screen with a 3024 x 1964 resolution, providing more display area and sharper images. The MacBook Air (M3 series) has a 13 inch screen at 2560 x 1664 resolution, which suits users who prefer portability.
Brightness and Display Type
The MacBook Pro's Liquid Retina XDR display reaches up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits at peak, ideal for work requiring high brightness and contrast. The MacBook Air's Liquid Retina IPS screen has 500 nits brightness, good for typical indoor and outdoor use.
Retina and True Tone
Both devices feature Retina displays with True Tone technology, ensuring vibrant colours and comfortable viewing across different lighting conditions.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) camera
Audio and video quality contribute to communication and media experiences. Both devices share the same front camera resolution but differ in speaker systems.
Front Camera
Each device has a 1080p front camera, providing clear video calls and recordings suitable for remote work and online meetings.
Speakers
The MacBook Pro offers a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers for richer, more immersive audio. The MacBook Air features a four-speaker system, which is still strong but more suited for everyday audio needs.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) size and design
Additional features affect connectivity, portability, and convenience. The MacBook Pro offers more ports and a larger, heavier build, while the MacBook Air focuses on lighter weight and simplicity.
Ports and Connectivity
The MacBook Pro includes three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI output, and an SD card slot, supporting broader connectivity and external device use. The MacBook Air has two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports but no HDMI or card slot, fitting users with simpler connection needs.
Dimensions and Weight
The MacBook Air is lighter at 1240 g and smaller with a depth of 21.5 cm and height of 1.13 cm, making it more portable. The MacBook Pro weighs 1550 g with a depth of 22.12 cm and height of 1.55 cm, offering a larger footprint suitable for desk use.
Other Features
Both models have MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging compatibility, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, 16-core neural engines, Touch support, True Tone screens, and 1080p webcams. They also share QWERTY English keyboards and headphone jacks.
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 (M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M3 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £796.06, £592.62 less than the MacBook Pro (M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (1240 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M4 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. The MacBook Pro (M4 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 (M4 series).
The MacBook Air (M3 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £796.06 compared with £1388.68 for the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M3 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Pro (M4 series) in 512GB and 1TB.
