MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Pro (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,950.44
"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
Starting at
£254.00What's the difference between the MacBook Pro (M5 series) and "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)?
MacBook Pro (M5 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, £1696.44 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series). The MacBook Pro (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M5 series), Retina display on the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel).
MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) specs
The MacBook Pro (M5 series) and the MacBook Air (2020,Intel) differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The MacBook Pro offers a larger and brighter screen with higher resolution and a more advanced Liquid Retina XDR display, ideal for detailed visual work. It has more RAM and a 10-core GPU, making it better for demanding tasks. The MacBook Air keeps a lighter weight and a simpler design with fewer ports. The Pro supports newer macOS versions and more advanced Bluetooth. If you want more power, screen quality, and ports, the MacBook Pro is suited for you. For lighter everyday use and portability, the MacBook Air is a good match.
MacBook Pro (M5 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 (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long the devices run on current software and their release years. This influences how long each device may stay compatible with updates and apps.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Pro (M5 series) supports macOS Tahoe, which is a later version than the MacBook Air (2020,Intel)'s macOS Sequoia. This means the MacBook Pro will run newer software updates and features. If staying on the latest macOS is important for your work or apps, the MacBook Pro suits that preference.
Release Year
The MacBook Pro was released in 2025 and the MacBook Air in 2020. The release year places each device in its own timeframe but does not imply any advantage beyond that.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) performance
Performance specs show how each device handles tasks, memory, and storage. Differences here affect speed, multitasking, and storage capacity choices.
Processor and Graphics
The MacBook Pro uses an Apple processor paired with a 10-core GPU, designed for handling demanding graphics and processing tasks smoothly. The MacBook Air uses an Intel processor with Intel Iris Plus graphics, suitable for everyday apps and lighter workloads. Choose the MacBook Pro if your work needs stronger graphics performance.
Memory
The MacBook Pro offers 16 GB of RAM, which supports running multiple apps and larger files without slowing down. The MacBook Air comes with 8 GB of RAM, which works well for everyday tasks and standard app use.
Storage Options
MacBook Pro storage options range from 512 GB to 2 TB, covering a variety of needs from moderate to extensive file storage.
Architecture
Both devices use 64-bit architecture, suitable for running modern software efficiently.
Storage Type
Both MacBooks use SSD storage for fast file access and boot times.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) screen
Screen quality covers resolution, size, brightness, and display type. These features affect how much detail you see and how comfortable the display is in different lighting.
Resolution and Size
The MacBook Pro has a 14 inch screen with a resolution of 3024 x 1964, providing more screen space and sharper images. The MacBook Air has a smaller 13 inch screen at 2560 x 1600 resolution, offering a compact but still clear view.
Brightness and Display Type
The MacBook Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display with 1000 nits brightness, which means it handles bright environments and HDR content well. The MacBook Air has a Retina display with 400 nits brightness, suitable for everyday indoor use but less bright in direct sunlight.
Screen Features
Both devices have IPS technology and True Tone for consistent colours and viewing angles. The MacBook Pro supports a Promotion feature for smoother motion.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) camera
Audiovisual specs cover cameras and speakers, important for video calls, streaming, and media consumption.
Front Camera
The MacBook Pro has a 1080p front camera, which provides clearer and more detailed video for calls and recordings. The MacBook Air has a 720p front camera, suitable for everyday video chats and regular use.
Speakers
The MacBook Pro includes six speakers, offering richer and fuller sound for music and video. The MacBook Air has stereo speakers, which deliver good sound but with fewer channels.
Webcam
Both devices include a webcam for video calls and online meetings.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, ports, and other functionalities that affect how you use the device day to day.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The MacBook Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for faster wireless connections. The MacBook Air has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac, which work well for common wireless tasks.
Ports and Charger Compatibility
The MacBook Pro has three USB-C ports and supports MagSafe 3 and USB-C charging, plus an HDMI output. The MacBook Air has two USB-C ports compatible with Thunderbolt 3 but no HDMI output. Both have a jack plug for headphones.
Screen Touch and Keyboard
Both devices support touch input. They share the same QWERTY English keyboard layout and do not have a touch bar.
Weight
The MacBook Pro weighs 1550 g. The MacBook Air weighs 1290 g. The lighter MacBook Air is easier to carry around for long periods.
Webcam Resolution
The MacBook Pro webcam has a resolution of 12 MP, offering more detailed image capture than the MacBook Air's 720p webcam.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
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 (M5 series) or "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Pro (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
Buy the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £254, £1696.44 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (1290 g vs 1550 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the MacBook Pro (M5 series) often highlight how the device looks almost new with little to no signs of use. They appreciate the smooth performance and fast boot times, with several noting the ample storage options between 512 GB and 2 TB as a strong point for handling large files and photo editing. Battery life is described as lasting well through a typical workday, suitable for long editing sessions and multitasking needs. The screen quality and overall build are praised for their excellent condition, even on refurbished units.
Users of the MacBook Air (2020,Intel) report the device looking new and working well for everyday tasks. Many mention smooth performance and good battery life for general use. The physical condition is often described as neat and clean, with some buyers recommending refurbished MacBook Airs for their reliability in standard computing needs. A few customers mention minor issues during setup or with colour and condition expectations, but most are happy with the device's speed and appearance. The MacBook Air suits those who want a dependable, simpler laptop for everyday activities.
Both devices receive positive feedback for their performance and condition. The MacBook Pro appeals more to users needing higher performance, larger storage, and a brighter, larger screen, while the MacBook Air fits those looking for a lighter, straightforward laptop for daily use.
MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) FAQs
MacBook Pro (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
The "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £254 compared with £1950.44 for the MacBook Pro (M5 series).
The MacBook Pro (M5 series) adds more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £1696.44 more (from £1950.44 vs £254).
Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
