MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series)
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MacBook Air (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,885.24
MacBook Pro (M2 series)
Starting at
£724.85£1,349.00 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M5 series) and MacBook Pro (M2 series)?
MacBook Air (M5 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, £1160.39 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series). The MacBook Air (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
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 (M5 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M2 series).
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) specs
The MacBook Air M5 series and MacBook Pro M2 series both support macOS Tahoe and offer 64-bit Apple processors with a 16-core neural engine. The MacBook Air features higher processor speed and a lighter weight, making it suitable for users prioritising portability and quick everyday tasks. The MacBook Pro has more RAM and a significantly more powerful GPU, fitting those who need greater multitasking and graphics performance. Its larger 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen is brighter and higher resolution, ideal for detailed visual work. The MacBook Air offers newer Bluetooth and a slightly smaller 15-inch Liquid Retina display with IPS, suited for general use and mobility. Storage options vary with the MacBook Pro providing more capacity choices.
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) price
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here means the operating system support and compatibility each device offers.
Operating System Support
Both the MacBook Air M5 series and MacBook Pro M2 series run macOS Tahoe, the maximum operating system supported by each.
Release Year Context
The MacBook Air M5 series was released in 2026 and the MacBook Pro M2 series in 2023.
Maximum operating system supported
OS at launch
Year of release
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) performance
Performance covers processor speed, graphics, memory, and storage. These factors influence how the device handles tasks, from everyday use to demanding applications.
Processor Speed and Architecture
The MacBook Air M5 series runs at 4.6 GHz with a 10-core GPU, while the MacBook Pro M2 series operates at 3.54 GHz but with a 38-core GPU. The Air's faster processor speed suits users focusing on quick processing of everyday tasks, whereas the Pro's more powerful GPU supports more intensive graphics workloads.
Memory Capacity
The MacBook Air M5 series comes with 16 GB of RAM, while the MacBook Pro M2 series offers 32 GB. More RAM on the Pro benefits those who keep many applications open simultaneously or work with large files, improving multitasking and performance in memory-heavy tasks.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air M5 series stocks 512 GB and 1 TB SSD options, while the MacBook Pro M2 series provides a wider range from 256 GB up to 8 TB. Buyers needing larger storage capacities will find more choice with the Pro, while the Air's options suit everyday use.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) screen
Screen quality is important for visual clarity, brightness, and size. Differences here affect how you experience content like photos, videos, and design work.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Air M5 series features a 15-inch screen with resolutions of 2560 x 1664 or 2880 x 1864, while the MacBook Pro M2 series has a larger 16-inch screen at 3456 x 2234 resolution. The Pro's bigger and sharper display suits users who need more screen real estate and detail.
Display Technology and Brightness
The MacBook Air M5 series uses a Liquid Retina Display with IPS and 500 nits brightness, ideal for general use and accurate colours. The MacBook Pro M2 series offers a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, providing greater visibility in bright environments and enhanced dynamic range for professional visual work.
Retina and True Tone
Both models include Retina screens and True Tone technology, which adjusts colour temperature for a natural viewing experience in different lighting conditions.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) camera
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, weight, and user interface elements that impact daily convenience and portability.
Bluetooth and Ports
The MacBook Air M5 series supports Bluetooth 6.0, a newer version than the MacBook Pro M2 series' Bluetooth 5.3. The Pro has three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports compared to two on the Air, offering more options for connecting peripherals.
Weight and Portability
Weighing 1510 g, the MacBook Air M5 series is significantly lighter than the MacBook Pro M2 series at 2150 g. The Air suits users who prioritise mobility and ease of carrying.
Charger and Audio
Both devices use MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging and include a jack plug for headphones. They also feature touch input but do not have a Touch Bar.
Display and Promotion
Both models have standard displays and support Touch, but only the MacBook Pro M2 series includes the Promotion feature for smoother screen refresh rates.
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
Usbc port
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M5 series) or MacBook Pro (M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M5 series) if
- you want a lighter build (1510 g vs 2150 g)
- you want the newer model (2026)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £724.85, £1160.39 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series)
- you want more RAM (32 GB vs 16 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (16 inch vs 15 inch)
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M2 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M5 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 £1885.24 for the MacBook Air (M5 series).
The MacBook Air (M5 series) adds a lighter build (1510 g vs 2150 g). Refurbished, it costs £1160.39 more (from £1885.24 vs £724.85).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M5 series) comes in 512GB and 1TB, and the MacBook Pro (M2 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 8TB.
