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When it comes to choosing a new MacBook, a variety of options are available. The MacBook Pro and the Mac Air are two of the most popular macbook pro models. While both devices offer impressive features, the Mac Pro is a superior option.
The MacBook Pro is designed with high performance in mind, featuring faster processors and more powerful graphics than the Apple MacBook Air. These features make the MacBook Pro a great choice for creative professionals, video editors, and anyone who needs a reliable and powerful device for work.
Let’s dig deeper to know why you should choose the MacBook Pro instead of the Air.
Quick Comparison Table: MacBook Pro Vs. Air
| Feature | Mac Air M1 | MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 | MacBook Pro 16-inch |
| Display | 13.3-inch Retina (2560×1600) | 13.3-inch Retina (2560×1600)True Tone display | 16-inch Retina (3072×1920)True Tone displayP3 wide color gamut |
| Processor | Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 7 GPU cores | Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 8 GPU cores | 9th Gen 8-core Intel Core i9 or 8th Gen 6-core Intel Core i7 |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X | 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB DDR4ECC memory |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TBSSD |
| Graphics | Apple 7-core GPU | Apple 8-core GPU | AMD Radeon Pro 5300M or 5500M with 4GB or 8GB of GDDR6 memory |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours web browsingUp to 18 hours video playback | Up to 17 hours web browsingUp to 20 hours video playback | Up to 11 hours web browsingUp to 6 hours video playback |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) | 2 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) | 4 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)headphone jack |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds | 3.0 pounds | 4.3 pounds (with 16-inch display) |
| Latest Operating System | macOS Big Sur | macOS Big Sur | macOS Big Sur |
Why Should I Get a Macbook Pro Instead of an Air
The MacBook Pro is a better choice than the MacBook Air for those who require more processing power, better graphics, and a larger display. The Pro offers more storage options, better speakers, and longer battery life, making it the preferred option for professionals and power users.
When choosing between the Pro and Apple MacBook Air, both offer a great user experience and are popular choices for Apple users. However, there are certain scenarios where the Apple MacBook Pro is the better option. Some reasons why should you choose Apple Macbook pro instead of Air are:
- More Powerful Hardware: The MacBook Pro is for users who need a machine that can handle demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, or programming. With a quad-core processor and dedicated graphics card, it offers significantly better performance than the MacBook Air’s dual-core processor. You can complete tasks faster and more efficiently without lag or slowdown.
- High-resolution Display: The MacBook Pro offers a higher resolution display than MacBook Air. The MacBook Pro comes with a 13-inch or 16-inch Retina display, while the MacBook Air has a 13-inch Retina display. The higher resolution display on the MacBook Pro provides a better visual experience, with more accurate colors and deeper blacks. Additionally, the MacBook Pro’s display is brighter and offers a wider color gamut, making it perfect for photo and video editing tasks.
- More Storage: The MacBook Pro comes with up to 8TB of storage, while the MacBook Air tops out at 2TB. If you need to store large files such as videos, music, or high-resolution photos, the MacBook Pro may be your better choice.
- Better Audio Quality: The MacBook Pro has better audio quality than MacBook Air. It features a six-speaker sound system that delivers deep bass and clear treble. The MacBook Pro’s microphones reduce background noise, making it perfect for video conferencing or recording audio.
- More Ports: The MacBook Pro comes with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, while the MacBook Air only has two. It means you can connect more external devices, such as monitors, hard drives, or cameras, to your MacBook Pro without additional adapters.
- Longer Battery Life: The MacBook Pro has a longer battery life than MacBook Air. The 13 inch MacBook Pro can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, while the 16 inch MacBook Pro can last up to 11 hours. It can be especially helpful if you’re using your MacBook for extended periods without access to a power outlet.
Why Should You Choose MacBook Air Instead of Pro
MacBook Air is an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes portability, battery life, and price. It’s a capable computer that can easily handle everyday tasks and won’t break the bank. However, if you need more processing power, a larger screen, or specialized features such as a touch bar, MacBook Pro might be a better option. Here are some reasons why you might choose MacBook Air over MacBook Pro:
- Portability: MacBook Air is designed to be extremely thin and light, making it easy to take with you on the go. The latest MacBook Air models weigh just 2.8 pounds, significantly lighter than the MacBook Pro. If you travel frequently, work remotely, or need a computer that you can easily carry, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice.
- Battery Life: One of the standout features of MacBook Air is its impressive battery life. The latest models offer up to 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge, significantly longer than the MacBook Pro. This extended battery life is especially useful if you’re on the go and don’t always have access to a power source. However, if you find yourself needing even more power on the go, it can also be helpful to buy a Power Bank. It can also be helpful if you need to work long periods without a break.
- Price: MacBook Air is generally less expensive than MacBook Pro, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers. You can get a new MacBook Air for around $999, while a new MacBook Pro can cost several hundred dollars more. MacBook Air is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a capable computer that won’t break the bank.
- Everyday Use: For most people, MacBook Air is more than powerful enough to handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. The latest models come with Apple’s M1 chip, which delivers impressive performance and energy efficiency. It means you can get a lot done without worrying about your computer slowing down or running out of battery.
MacBook Pro vs. Air: Major Differences and Similarities
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are two popular models of Apple laptops designed for different types of users. While the MacBook Air is a lightweight and portable machine perfect for everyday use, the MacBook Pro is a more powerful and versatile machine ideal for professionals and power users. In this comparison, we will examine the major differences and similarities between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
1. Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air’s lightweight design makes it the perfect choice for those who need a laptop that is easy to carry. The MacBook Air is one of the thinnest and lightest laptops on the market, weighing just under three pounds. Its ultra-thin design is a marvel of engineering, with Apple using various innovative techniques to keep the laptop thin while still packing it with powerful hardware.
On the other hand, the MacBook Pro is a more substantial and durable machine. It is built to withstand heavy use and lasts for years. The MacBook Pro’s aluminum unibody design provides excellent protection for the hardware inside and ensures that the laptop can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. It also features a wider range of ports, making connecting to external devices such as displays, hard drives, and other peripherals easier.
2. Display
The display is one of the most essential parts of a laptop, and the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air offer different display options. The MacBook Pro has a 13-inch or 16-inch Retina display, while the MacBook Air has a 13-inch Retina display.
However, the MacBook Pro has a significant advantage regarding display quality. The MacBook Pro’s Retina display offers a higher resolution than the MacBook Air, which means more pixels per inch. The 13-inch MacBook Pro has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro has a resolution of 3072 x 1920 pixels. The MacBook Air, on the other hand, has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.
The higher resolution display on the MacBook Pro provides a better visual experience, with more accurate colors and deeper blacks. The MacBook Pro’s display is also brighter than the MacBook Air’s, which means it’s easier to use in bright environments.
3. Performance
The MacBook Pro is built with power users in mind, making it a better choice for those who need a high-performance machine for demanding tasks. The quad-core processor and dedicated graphics card make it ideal for heavy-duty work such as video editing, graphic design, or programming. The MacBook Pro’s processor handles multi-tasking, allowing users to work on multiple applications simultaneously without lag or slowdown. It makes it a great choice for professionals who must run multiple applications simultaneously.
On the other hand, the MacBook Air is designed for everyday use and is more suited for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. While it can handle light photo editing and other tasks, it’s not recommended for demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming.
4. Battery Life
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air offer impressive battery life, but some differences are worth noting. The MacBook Air has a slight advantage over the MacBook Pro regarding battery life, thanks to its lower-power processor and energy-efficient design. It can last up to 12 hours of web browsing or 13 hours of iTunes movie playback, compared to the MacBook Pro’s 10 hours or 11 hours of iTunes movie playback. However, the battery life of both machines can vary based on usage and other factors.
Another important factor to consider is the charging time. The MacBook Pro comes with a more powerful 61W or 96W USB-C power adapter, while the MacBook Air comes with a 30W USB-C power adapter. It means the MacBook Pro can charge faster, taking approximately 2 hours to charge fully, compared to the MacBook Air, which takes about 2.5 hours.
5. Ports
Regarding connectivity, the MacBook Pro clearly has the upper hand over the MacBook Air. The MacBook Pro features four Thunderbolt 3 ports capable of delivering fast data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps, supporting a wide range of peripherals, including external displays, hard drives, and other accessories.
In contrast, the MacBook Air has only two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which can limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. The MacBook Pro also has an HDMI port, which the MacBook Air lacks, making it easier to connect to external displays without needing an adapter. The additional ports on the MacBook Pro make it a better choice for users who require multiple peripherals, such as video editors, graphic designers, and photographers.
6. Price
The MacBook Air is a more affordable option compared to the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air starts at $999, while the MacBook Pro starts at $1299. However, the MacBook Pro offers better performance, a higher resolution display, and more ports, making it a better value for professionals and power users who need a machine that can handle demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MacBook Pro better than Air for School?
Both MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are suitable for school use. However, the MacBook Pro is a better option if you are a power user who needs to run demanding software such as video editing, graphic design, or programming tools. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly and ultraportable laptop option, the MacBook Air could be a better choice.
Why do people prefer the MacBook Pro?
People prefer the MacBook Pro for its powerful performance, higher resolution display, larger storage options, and more versatile connectivity options. MacBook Pro suits demanding tasks such as video editing, programming, and graphic design. MacBook Pro is also built with more durable materials and offers a longer lifespan.
What are the cons of the MacBook Air?
While the MacBook Air is a great laptop, it has some drawbacks. One major con is its limited processing power due to the dual-core processor. It may not be suitable for heavy-duty video editing or gaming tasks. MacBook Air has limited connectivity options with only two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which may not be enough for users who need to connect multiple devices simultaneously. Lastly, MacBook Air has limited storage options, with the highest option being 2TB, which may not be enough for users who need more storage space.
Wrap Up
Choosing between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require a more powerful and versatile machine for demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, or programming, then the MacBook Pro is the way to go. Its faster processor, dedicated graphics card, and a larger number of ports make it a better option for professional use.
On the other hand, if you prioritize portability and battery life and only need a machine for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing, then the MacBook Air is a great choice. Its lightweight design, longer battery life, and lower price point make it a practical option for students and those on the go.
Whether you choose the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, both are excellent machines that offer high-quality performance, durability, and design. It comes down to your specific needs and budget.
About Devansh Kamdar
