MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Air (M4 series)
Starting at
£967.50£999.00 new
MacBook Pro (M4 series)
Starting at
£1,388.68£1,758.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M4 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series)?
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M4 series) starts at £967.50, £421.18 less than the MacBook Pro (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 (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 16 GB.
- The MacBook Air (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 14 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air (M4 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M4 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series) share many core features like macOS support, a 10-core GPU, and 16-core neural engines. The MacBook Air offers a larger 15 inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness, while the MacBook Pro has a smaller 14 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with significantly higher brightness levels. Performance differs in RAM and storage, with the Air providing up to 16 GB RAM and 1TB SSD, and the Pro offering up to 24 GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Audio and ports also vary: the Air has four speakers and two USB-C ports, whereas the Pro features a six-speaker system and three USB-C ports plus an SD card slot. Choose the Air for a roomier screen and simpler setup, and the Pro for more memory, brighter display, and extra ports.
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) battery life and software updates
Their latest operating system compatibility and repair scores mean both are well suited for long-term use.
Operating System Support
Both devices support macOS Tahoe and come with macOS installed.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) performance
Performance is similar in processor speed and graphics, but differs in memory and storage options. These differences affect multitasking capacity and file storage for different users.
Processor and Graphics
Both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have Apple processors running at 4.41 GHz with a 10-core GPU and 64-bit architecture, ensuring strong and consistent performance for everyday tasks and creative work.
RAM Capacity
The MacBook Air comes with 16 GB RAM, suitable for smooth multitasking and everyday use. The MacBook Pro offers 24 GB RAM, which is better for users running many applications at once or working with larger projects.
Storage Options
The Air offers storage capacities from 256 GB to 1 TB SSD, giving flexibility for lighter to moderate storage needs. The Pro provides 512 GB or 1 TB SSD storage, favouring users who require more space for large files and applications.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) screen
Screen quality shows clear differences in size, resolution, brightness, and display technology. These affect how visuals appear for work, entertainment, and creative tasks.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Air has a larger 15 inch screen with a resolution of 2880 by 1864 pixels, offering more room for viewing multiple windows or detailed tasks. The MacBook Pro has a 14 inch screen with a slightly higher resolution of 3024 by 1964 pixels, providing sharper images in a more compact size.
Display Type and Brightness
The Air features a Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness, suitable for general indoor and some outdoor use. The Pro's Liquid Retina XDR display supports up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak, making it better for viewing in bright environments and for colour-critical work.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) camera
Both devices have the same front camera resolution, but their speaker systems differ, impacting audio experience for calls, media, and creative work.
Front Camera Quality
Both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro feature a 1080p front camera, delivering clear video quality for video calls and recordings.
Speaker System
The Air has a four-speaker sound system, which is good for everyday listening and calls. The Pro offers a high-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, providing richer and more immersive sound, ideal for music, movies, and audio editing.
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) size and design
Other features include connectivity, ports, and physical aspects that influence how each device fits into your workflow and lifestyle.
Ports and Expansion
The MacBook Air includes two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. The MacBook Pro adds a third USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port plus an SD card slot, which benefits users who need extra connectivity or work with SD cards.
Bluetooth and Wireless
Both devices support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections for peripherals and internet access.
Weight and Portability
The Air weighs 1510 g, making it slightly lighter than the Pro, which weighs 1550 g. This difference may matter if you carry your laptop frequently and prefer a lighter device.
Charging and Input
Charging compatibility is the same for both with MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C. Both have a headphone jack and support Touch input, but neither includes a Touch Bar.
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 (M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M4 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £967.50, £421.18 less than the MacBook Pro (M4 series)
- you want a bigger screen (15 inch vs 14 inch)
- you want a lighter build (1510 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 16 GB)
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M4 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 16 GB. The MacBook Air (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 14 inch.
The MacBook Air (M4 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £967.50 compared with £1388.68 for the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
The MacBook Air (M4 series) adds a bigger screen (15 inch vs 14 inch) and a lighter build (1510 g vs 1550 g). Refurbished, it costs £421.18 less (from £967.50 vs £1388.68).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M4 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the MacBook Pro (M4 series) in 512GB and 1TB.
