MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
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MacBook Pro (M3 series)
Starting at
£1,395.68£1,868.90 new
"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
Starting at
£254.00What's the difference between the MacBook Pro (M3 series) and "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)?
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) starts at £254, £1141.68 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series). The MacBook Pro (M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M3 series), Retina display on the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel).
- The "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) has a lighter build: 1290 g vs 1500 g.
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) specs
The MacBook Pro (M3 series) and the MacBook Air (2020, Intel) differ in several key areas that suit different user needs. The MacBook Pro offers a larger 14 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with higher brightness and resolution, appealing to those who value screen quality for creative work or media. It also has a more powerful Apple GPU and double the base SSD storage, making it suitable for demanding tasks. The MacBook Air has an IPS Retina display and a lighter design, fitting users who prefer a compact, everyday laptop. The Pro includes extra ports like HDMI and more USB-C connections, useful for connectivity. Choose the Pro for performance and visuals, or the Air for portability and simplicity.
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) price
Colour
- Space GraySold out
- SilverSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
- 2TBSold out
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on software support and compatibility, which affects how long each device stays current with updates.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Pro (M3 series) supports macOS Tahoe, while the MacBook Air (2020, Intel) supports up to macOS Sequoia. This difference means the Pro can run a newer version of macOS, which may include additional features and improvements.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) performance
Performance differences come down to processing power, graphics capability, and storage options. Both have 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The processor brand and graphics technology vary, as does the starting SSD capacity, which affects speed and storage space for files and programs.
Processor and Graphics
The MacBook Pro (M3 series) uses an Apple processor paired with a 10 core GPU, designed for more intensive graphic and processing tasks. The MacBook Air (2020, Intel) runs on an Intel processor with Intel Iris Plus graphics, suitable for everyday use and lighter workloads.
Storage Capacity
The MacBook Pro starts with 512 GB SSD storage, doubling the 256 GB base SSD of the MacBook Air. Both devices offer up to 2 TB storage options, allowing you to choose the capacity that fits your needs for files, apps, and media.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) screen
Screen quality impacts everything from watching videos to working on detailed projects. The two models differ in size, brightness, resolution, and display technology, which influences how vivid and sharp images appear under different lighting conditions.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Pro features a 14 inch screen with a resolution of 3024 by 1964 pixels, offering more workspace and sharper details. The MacBook Air's 13 inch screen has a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels, which is still clear but on a smaller scale.
Display Type and Brightness
The MacBook Pro uses a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak, making it well suited to bright environments and high contrast visuals. The MacBook Air has an IPS Retina display with 400 nits brightness, suitable for everyday viewing in typical indoor lighting.
IPS and True Tone Technology
The MacBook Air features an IPS screen, which provides consistent colours and wide viewing angles. Both models include True Tone technology, which adjusts the display colour temperature automatically for more natural viewing.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) camera
Audiovisual features affect the quality of video calls, recordings, and sound output. Differences in camera resolution and speaker system design influence how clear your image and audio come across during calls or media playback.
Camera Quality
The MacBook Pro has a 1080p front camera, which captures more detail and clarity for video calls compared to the MacBook Air's 720p camera.
Speaker System
The MacBook Pro includes a high fidelity six speaker sound system with force cancelling woofers, designed for richer, more immersive audio. The MacBook Air uses stereo speakers that provide solid sound for everyday listening.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) size and design
Additional features cover connectivity, physical dimensions, and other hardware details that affect everyday use and convenience. Differences here can influence how you connect to other devices and how portable each laptop feels.
Ports and Connections
The MacBook Pro offers three USB-C ports, HDMI output, MagSafe 3, and Bluetooth 5.3. These options support a wider range of accessories and faster wireless connections. The MacBook Air has two USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 charging, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Size and Weight
The MacBook Pro measures 31.26 cm wide, 22.12 cm deep, and 1.55 cm high, weighing 1500 g. The MacBook Air is slightly smaller and lighter at 30.41 cm wide, 21.24 cm deep, and 1.61 cm high, weighing 1290 g. This makes the Air easier to carry for those prioritising portability.
Bluetooth and Wifi
The MacBook Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which can offer improved wireless performance and range. The MacBook Air supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi‑Fi 802.11ac technology.
Touch and Input
Both devices include touch input and a QWERTY English keyboard. Neither has a touch bar, keeping the input experience straightforward.
Screen Promotion
The MacBook Pro includes promotion technology on its screen, which provides smoother motion and improved responsiveness for compatible content.
Bluetooth
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
Turbo boost
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usba port
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Pro (M3 series) or "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (M3 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
- you want the newer model (2023)
Buy the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £254, £1141.68 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series)
- you want a lighter build (1290 g vs 1500 g)
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) FAQs
MacBook Pro (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch. Screen type: Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M3 series), Retina display on the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel).
The "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £254 compared with £1395.68 for the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
The MacBook Pro (M3 series) adds a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £1141.68 more (from £1395.68 vs £254).
Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
