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MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)

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MacBook Pro (M2 series)

Starting at

£724.85£1,349.00 new
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"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)

Starting at

£254.00
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(244 reviews)
(364 reviews)

What's the difference between the MacBook Pro (M2 series) and "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)?

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) starts at £254, £470.85 less than the MacBook Pro (M2 series). The MacBook Pro (M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2023.

Refurbished from

£724.85£254

RAM

32 GB8 GB

Screen size

16 inch13 inch

Screen type

Liquid Retina XDR displayRetina display

Weight

2150 g1290 g
  • The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 8 GB.
  • The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 13 inch.
  • Screen type: Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M2 series), Retina display on the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel).

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) specs

The MacBook Pro (M2 series) and the 2020 MacBook Air (Intel) offer different strengths that suit different needs. The MacBook Pro has a larger 16 inch, higher resolution screen with brighter display capabilities, more RAM, faster processor speed, and a higher capacity SSD option. It also provides advanced graphics and a more powerful speaker system, making it a good choice for users who want more power for demanding tasks and immersive audiovisual experiences. The MacBook Air, with its smaller 13 inch IPS Retina display, simpler graphics, and lighter weight, suits users who prefer portability and a more compact device for everyday use.

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) price

Colour

  • Space GraySold out
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  • GoldSold out

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) battery life and software updates

Durability includes software support and system updates, which keep a device running smoothly over time.

Operating System Support

The 2020 MacBook Air supports up to macOS Sequoia.

Release Year Context

The MacBook Pro (M2 series) was released in 2023 while the MacBook Air came out in 2020.

Maximum operating system supported

macOS TahoemacOS Sequoia

Year of release

20232020

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) performance

Performance is key for how smoothly a device handles apps and tasks. These two models differ in processor speed, memory, storage, and graphics capabilities, affecting what kind of work or entertainment they are best suited for.

Processor Speed and Brand

The MacBook Pro (M2 series) uses an Apple processor running at 3.54 GHz, offering fast processing power. The 2020 MacBook Air has an Intel processor running at 1.1 GHz. Users who need speed for tasks like photo editing or multitasking will find the MacBook Pro better suited.

Memory Capacity

The MacBook Pro comes with 32 GB of RAM, which helps keep many apps open and running smoothly at once. The MacBook Air has 8 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday apps and general use.

Storage Options

Storage on the MacBook Pro starts at 256 GB and goes up to 8 TB, with a base example of 1000 GB SSD in this comparison. The MacBook Air stock options range from 128 GB to 2 TB, with 256 GB and 512 GB commonly available. Larger storage on the MacBook Pro suits users with big files or many apps.

Graphics Capabilities

MacBook Pro (M2 series) features a 38-core GPU, which supports more demanding graphics tasks. The MacBook Air uses Intel Iris Plus graphics, suitable for everyday visuals and standard media.

Graphic card

38-core GPUIntel Iris Plus

Macbook architecture

64-bits64-bits

Processor brand

AppleIntel

Processor speed ghz

3.54 GHz1.1 GHz

RAM

32 GB8 GB

Storage type

SSDSSD

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) screen

Screen quality affects how images and text appear, influencing your experience with media, work, and leisure. These two models differ in screen size, resolution, brightness, and display type.

Screen Size and Resolution

The MacBook Pro has a 16 inch screen with a resolution of 3456 by 2234 pixels, offering a large, detailed workspace. The MacBook Air has a 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels, suitable for portable use and clear visuals.

Display Type and Brightness

MacBook Pro uses a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, which can deliver vivid and bright images even in well-lit environments. The MacBook Air has an IPS Retina display with 400 nits brightness, providing clear and colour-accurate visuals in everyday settings.

IPS and True Tone

The MacBook Air features an IPS display which offers wide viewing angles. Both devices include True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen colour to the ambient light for comfortable viewing.

Ips

NoYes

Resolution

3456 x 22342560 x 1600

Retina

YesYes

Screen brightness

Up to 1000 nits sustained (full-screen) brightness / 1600 nits peak brightness400 nits brightness

Screen size

16 inch13 inch

Screen type

Liquid Retina XDR displayRetina display

True tone

YesYes

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) camera

Audiovisual features impact video calls, media playback, and sound quality. The two devices differ in camera resolution and speaker setup.

Front Camera Quality

The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a 1080p front camera, providing sharper and clearer video for calls and recordings. The MacBook Air has a 720p camera, which is standard for general video use.

Speaker Systems

MacBook Pro features a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, designed to deliver richer and more immersive audio. The MacBook Air uses stereo speakers, suitable for everyday listening.

Front camera definition

1080p720p

Microphone

N/AYes

Speakers

High-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofersStereo speakers

Webcam

N/AYes

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) size and design

Other features include connectivity, size, and weight, which affect portability and convenience for different users.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

MacBook Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, offering faster wireless connections. The MacBook Air has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac, which provide reliable connectivity for most everyday uses.

Ports and Charging

MacBook Pro supports MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging, and includes an HDMI output for external displays. The MacBook Air uses Thunderbolt 3 charging and does not have an HDMI output. Both have a headphone jack.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

MacBook Pro measures 35.57 cm wide, 24.81 cm deep, and 1.68 cm high, weighing 2150 g. The MacBook Air is smaller and lighter at 30.41 cm wide, 21.24 cm deep, 1.61 cm high, and 1290 g, making it easier to carry for users prioritising portability.

Touch and Keyboard

Both devices have touch capabilities and use a QWERTY English keyboard layout. Neither has a Touch Bar. The MacBook Pro features a promotion technology on its screen.

Bluetooth

N/AYes

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0

Card slot

SD (Secure Digital) / SDHC / SDXCN/A

Charger compatibility

MagSafe 3 / USB-CThunderbolt 3

Depth

24.81 cm21.24 cm

Display

Standard displayN/A

Hdmi output

YesNo

Height

1.68 cm1.61 cm

Jack plug

YesYes

Keyboard language type

QWERTY - EnglishQWERTY - English

Microphone specifications

N/AThree microphones

Neural engine

16-coreN/A

Promotion

YesNo

Release date

Early 2023Mid-2020

Touch

YesYes

Touch bar

NoNo

Turbo boost

N/A3.2

Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports

3N/A

Usba port

N/A0

Usbc port

N/A2

Webcam definition

N/A720p

Weight

2150 g1290 g

Width

35.57 cm30.41 cm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 6 802.11axWi‑Fi 802.11ac

MacBook Pro (M2 series) or "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel): which should you buy?

Buy the MacBook Pro (M2 series) if

  • you want more RAM (32 GB vs 8 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (16 inch vs 13 inch)

Buy the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £254, £470.85 less than the MacBook Pro (M2 series)
  • you want a lighter build (1290 g vs 2150 g)

What our customers say

Customers of the MacBook Pro (M2 series) generally report that the device looks and works like new, with several praising the battery life and smooth performance for tasks like photo editing and university work. Some mention issues with condition accuracy in refurbished units, such as marks or cleaning concerns, and a few have experienced hardware problems requiring repairs. Others appreciate the larger screen size and storage options.

The 2020 MacBook Air (Intel) receives positive feedback for looking like new, running well, and having good battery life for everyday use. Buyers appreciate its clean condition and suitability for general tasks. Some mention minor cosmetic imperfections but find them acceptable given the price. The device is often described as reliable for typical daily use and appreciated for its portability.

Both devices attract users who want a refurbished MacBook with reliable performance. The MacBook Pro suits those who need more power and screen space, while the MacBook Air appeals to those prioritising a lighter, smaller laptop for everyday activities.

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) FAQs

MacBook Pro (M2 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has more RAM: 32 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M2 series) has a bigger screen: 16 inch vs 13 inch.

The "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £254 compared with £724.85 for the MacBook Pro (M2 series).

The MacBook Pro (M2 series) adds more RAM (32 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (16 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £470.85 more (from £724.85 vs £254).

Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M2 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 8TB, and the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.

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