MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series)
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MacBook Air (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,885.24
MacBook Pro (M4 series)
Starting at
£1,388.68£1,758.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M5 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series)?
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M4 series) starts at £1388.68, £496.56 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 (M4 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 16 GB.
- The MacBook Air (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 14 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air (M5 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M4 series).
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M5 series) and the MacBook Pro (M4 series) offer distinct experiences for different users. The MacBook Air provides a larger 15 inch display with Liquid Retina technology, a slightly faster processor speed, and Bluetooth 6.0 support. It suits those who want a spacious screen and newer wireless features. The MacBook Pro features a brighter Liquid Retina XDR display with higher resolution, more RAM up to 24 GB, and greater SSD storage capacity options. It also includes an extra USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port and supports the Promotion display technology. This model fits users who prioritise intense multitasking, detailed visuals, and additional connectivity.
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) price
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here relates to software support and compatibility, which are key for long-term use.
Operating System Support
Both the MacBook Air (M5 series) and MacBook Pro (M4 series) support the macOS Tahoe operating system.
Release Year Context
The MacBook Air was released in 2026 while the MacBook Pro came out in 2024. This simply provides context for the devices' generation and does not affect their ability to update or run software.
Maximum operating system supported
OS at launch
Year of release
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) performance
Performance differences focus on processor speed, memory, and storage, which impact how smoothly the device handles tasks and how much data it can hold.
Processor Speed
The MacBook Air (M5 series) offers a processor speed of 4.6 GHz, slightly faster than the MacBook Pro (M4 series) at 4.41 GHz. This means the Air may execute tasks marginally quicker in some situations, which can benefit everyday computing and light workloads.
Memory Capacity
The MacBook Pro provides 24 GB of RAM compared with 16 GB in the MacBook Air. More RAM on the Pro is ideal for users who run multiple apps or demanding software simultaneously, helping keep everything responsive.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air offers SSD storage options of 512 GB and 1 TB in stock, while the MacBook Pro stocks 512 GB and 1 TB SSDs as well. The Pro's maximum SSD capacity can go up to 1000 GB, offering more space for larger files and applications.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
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Processor speed ghz
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Storage type
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) screen
Screen quality varies significantly, affecting your viewing experience for work, media, and creative tasks. Both have Retina displays, but their size, brightness, and resolution differ in ways that suit different uses.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Air has a larger 15 inch screen with resolutions of 2560 x 1664 or 2880 x 1864, providing more space for multitasking or watching videos. The MacBook Pro's 14 inch screen has a higher resolution of 3024 x 1964, which delivers sharper images and finer detail for creative work.
Brightness and Display Type
The MacBook Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, making it brighter and better suited for viewing in well-lit environments or for HDR content. The MacBook Air's Liquid Retina display has 500 nits brightness, suitable for general use and indoor viewing.
Display Technologies
Both devices include True Tone technology for natural colour balance. The MacBook Pro supports Promotion, a display feature that can make animations and scrolling appear smoother, which benefits users who value fluid visuals.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) size and design
Other features include connectivity, input options, and weight. These can affect how you use each device day to day and which one fits your workflow or travel needs.
Ports and Connectivity
The MacBook Pro has three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports compared with two on the MacBook Air. More ports on the Pro allow connecting additional accessories without adapters. Both support MagSafe 3 charging and have a headphone jack.
Wireless and Bluetooth
The MacBook Air supports Bluetooth 6.0, the newer version compared to Bluetooth 5.3 on the MacBook Pro. Both use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering fast and reliable wireless connections.
Weight and Portability
The MacBook Air weighs 1510 g, slightly lighter than the MacBook Pro at 1550 g. The small difference may appeal to users prioritising portability for daily travel.
Touch and Keyboard
Both devices have touch input but do not include a Touch Bar. They share the same QWERTY English keyboard layout, ensuring a familiar typing experience.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
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Display
Hdmi output
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Promotion
Release date
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Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
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Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M5 series) or MacBook Pro (M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M5 series) if
- 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 to spend less: it starts at £1388.68, £496.56 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series)
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 16 GB)
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M4 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M5 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 (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 14 inch.
The MacBook Pro (M4 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £1388.68 compared with £1885.24 for the MacBook Air (M5 series).
The MacBook Air (M5 series) adds a bigger screen (15 inch vs 14 inch) and a lighter build (1510 g vs 1550 g). Refurbished, it costs £496.56 more (from £1885.24 vs £1388.68).
Both come in 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
