MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series)
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MacBook Air (M4 series)
Starting at
£967.50£999.00 new
MacBook Pro (M2 series)
Starting at
£724.85£1,349.00 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M4 series) and MacBook Pro (M2 series)?
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M2 series) starts at £724.85, £242.65 less than the MacBook Air (M4 series). The MacBook Air (M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 16 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 15 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air (M4 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M2 series).
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) specs
The MacBook Air M4 series and MacBook Pro M2 series serve different needs. The MacBook Air offers a lighter 15 inch Liquid Retina IPS display with 500 nits brightness, suitable for everyday visual tasks and portability. The MacBook Pro provides a larger 16 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with higher resolution and sustained brightness up to 1000 nits and peak brightness of 1600 nits, ideal for users who need detailed visuals and work in bright environments. Performance wise, the MacBook Pro has a more powerful 38-core GPU, double the RAM at 32 GB, and larger storage options up to 8TB. The MacBook Air has a faster processor speed and is lighter, making it better for general use and mobility.
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) battery life and software updates
Durability matters for long-term use and software support.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect current software features and security updates on either device.
Repairability
This is useful if you want a device that can be serviced easily over time.
Release Year
The MacBook Air M4 series was released in 2025, while the MacBook Pro M2 series came out in 2023.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) performance
Performance differences here focus on graphics power, processor speed, memory, and storage. Your choice depends on whether you need raw GPU power and large memory or faster CPU speed and lighter storage options.
Graphics Capability
The MacBook Pro M2 series has a 38-core GPU, which suits users running graphics-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D work. The MacBook Air M4 series has a 10-core GPU, good for everyday graphics and lighter creative work.
Processor Speed
The MacBook Air M4 series runs at 4.41 GHz, offering faster processor speed for tasks that rely on CPU power. This can benefit users who prioritise quick performance in everyday apps and workflows.
Memory Size
With 32 GB RAM, the MacBook Pro M2 series can keep more apps and files open simultaneously, ideal for multitasking and professional software. The MacBook Air M4 series comes with 16 GB RAM, sufficient for smooth everyday use.
Storage Options
The MacBook Pro M2 series offers storage from 256 GB up to 8 TB, catering to users needing extensive file space. The MacBook Air M4 series storage options go from 256 GB to 1 TB, fitting typical daily storage needs.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) screen
Screen quality varies significantly between the two models, affecting clarity, brightness, size, and viewing angles. Each screen suits different user preferences and environments.
Display Type and Size
The MacBook Air M4 series features a 15 inch Liquid Retina IPS display that offers wide viewing angles and rich colours. The MacBook Pro M2 series has a larger 16 inch Liquid Retina XDR display, designed for higher contrast and brightness.
Resolution and Brightness
The MacBook Pro M2 series provides a higher resolution of 3456 x 2234 pixels and screen brightness up to 1000 nits sustained with 1600 nits peak. This suits users working in bright settings or needing detailed visuals. The MacBook Air M4 series has a resolution of 2880 x 1864 and 500 nits brightness, enough for indoor and general use.
IPS and True Tone
The MacBook Air M4 series includes IPS technology for consistent colours from different angles. Both devices support True Tone, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature to ambient light for comfortable viewing.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) camera
Audio and video features affect calls, meetings, and media playback. Both models share some features but have differences in speaker systems.
Front Camera
Both the MacBook Air M4 series and MacBook Pro M2 series have a 1080p front camera, providing clear video quality for meetings and calls.
Speaker Systems
The MacBook Pro M2 series has a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, delivering richer and more immersive audio. The MacBook Air M4 series features a four-speaker sound system that offers clear and balanced sound suitable for everyday listening.
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) size and design
Other features include connectivity, ports, weight, and input options, which influence convenience and compatibility.
Ports and Slots
The MacBook Pro M2 series includes three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. This suits users needing multiple connections and external media access. The MacBook Air M4 series has two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and no card slot.
Weight and Portability
The MacBook Air M4 series weighs 1510 g, making it lighter and easier to carry around. The MacBook Pro M2 series weighs 2150 g, which adds some heft but may be acceptable for users valuing screen size and performance.
Connectivity and Inputs
Both devices support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, ensuring modern wireless connections. They also include a headphone jack and support MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging. Both have touch input but no touch bar.
Display Features
The MacBook Air M4 series has a standard Liquid Retina display, while the MacBook Pro M2 series features a Liquid Retina XDR display with promotion technology. Both support True Tone for adaptive colour.
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 (M4 series) or MacBook Pro (M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M4 series) if
- you want a lighter build (1510 g vs 2150 g)
- you want the newer model (2025)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £724.85, £242.65 less than the MacBook Air (M4 series)
- you want more RAM (32 GB vs 16 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (16 inch vs 15 inch)
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 16 GB. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 15 inch.
The MacBook Pro (M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £724.85 compared with £967.50 for the MacBook Air (M4 series).
The MacBook Air (M4 series) adds a lighter build (1510 g vs 2150 g). Refurbished, it costs £242.65 more (from £967.50 vs £724.85).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M4 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the MacBook Pro (M2 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 8TB.
