MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Pro M3: features, differences and which is the better option
We thoroughly compare the MacBook Air with M3 chip and the MacBook Pro with M3 chip, these are the differences between them since they now use the same processor
After the release of the new MacBook Air with the M3 chip, and the launch of the MacBook Pro with different versions of the M3 a few months ago, we find ourselves faced with an important dilemma, as we now have versions with the same chip: Which is more recommended, the 14″ MacBook Pro with M3 chip or the 13″ MacBook Air with M3 chip?
These are two computers that use the same chip and have a more or less similar design. However, the Pro model is significantly more expensive than the Air. What are the differences between the 14″ MacBook Pro and the 13″ MacBook Air? Let’s explore them in this comparison.
- Key differences between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Specifications table: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Comparison: MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro
- Dimensions and weight
- Screen
- M3 chip
- Battery life
- ports
- Price
- MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, which should you buy?
We comprehensively compare the MacBook Air with M3 chip to the MacBook Pro with M3 chip
Key differences between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Normally The main differences between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are in powerbut in this case the input models use: same M3 chip. So the differences are not in the processor and focus on other aspects:
- Screen size and quality.
- Number of ports.
- Battery life.
- Log in to SSD storage.
- Price.
Specifications table: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Features | MacBook Air 13″ | Macbook Pro 14″ |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 12″ x 8.5″ x 0.75″ | 31.26×22.12×1.55cm |
Weight | 1.24kg | 1.55kg |
Screen | 13.6 inch Liquid Retina 2,560 x 1,664 pixels 500 nits Wide color gamut (P3) true tone 60Hz |
14.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR display 3,024×1,964 pixels 1,000 nits Wide color gamut (P3) true tone ProMotion: 120Hz |
Processor | M3 | M3 |
GPU | 8 cores | 8 cores |
GPU | 8 and 10 cores | 10 cores |
data store | 8, 16 or 24 GB | 8, 16 or 24 GB |
to store | 256, 512 GB, 1 or 2 TB | 512GB, 1 or 2TB |
FaceTime Camera | 1080p | 1080p |
speakers | Four-speaker system with Dolby Atmos | High-quality six-speaker system with Dolby Atmos and force cancellation on the woofers |
microphones | Three microphones with beamforming technology | Three studio-quality microphones, high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming technology |
MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
USB-C ports | 2 Lightning/USB 4 | 2 Lightning/USB 4 HDMI port SDXC card slot |
Battery | Up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing
Up to 18 hours of video playback in the Apple TV app |
Up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing
Up to 22 hours of video playback in the Apple TV app |
Colors | Midnight White Star space gray Silver |
space gray Silver |
Price | 1,299 euros | 2,029 euros |
Comparison: MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro
HE MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have the same chip, but there are many things that make them different. In this comparison between both models you will see everything that makes them different.
Dimensions and weight
HE MacBook Air is Apple’s compact and lightweight laptopThanks to its reduced dimensions and weight, it is perfect to be transported from one Aldo to another. HE MacBook Pro is slightly larger and heavierdesigned for work and not so much for mobility.
- MacBook Air dimensions: 30.41×21.5×1.13cm
- MacBook Pro dimensions: 31.26×22.12×1.55 cm
- MacBook Air Weight: 1.24 kg
- Weight of MacBook Pro: 1.55kg
Screen
Here is one of these: Many different points in favor of the MacBook Pro. The display is quite different between both devices and there are various reasons for this. The MacBook Pro has a larger screen, more resolution, more brightness and ProMotion, so the refresh rate reaches up to 120 Hz.
- MacBook Air screen: 13.6 inch Liquid Retina, 2,560 x 1,664 pixels, 500 nits, Wide Color Gamut (P3), TrueTone and 60 Hz.
- MacBook Pro’s screen: 14.2 inch Liquid Retina
MacBook Pro’s screen is superior to MacBook Air’s
M3 chip
HE MacBook Air and MacBook Pro use M3 chipAlthough it is true that there are some features that you should know about. For example, it The M3 chip in the entry-level MacBook Air has only 8 GPU coresduring Base MacBook Pro with M3 chip has 10 GPU cores. The MacBook Air can also be equipped with this M3 chip for a little more.
In addition, MacBook Pro has fans for better coolingSomething that doesn’t need to happen is that the MacBook Air is more compact and quieter. This will mean that the M3 chip in the Pro model will perform better than the M3 chip in the Air in demanding and long-lasting tasks.
Battery life
We have interesting data on battery life. HE MacBook Pro has a much larger battery in terms of capacitybut the results are similar. Here is the data Apple provides:
MacBook Air Battery
- Up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing.
- Up to 18 hours of video playback on the Apple TV app.
- Integrated 52.6 watt-hour lithium polymer battery.
MacBook Pro’s Battery
- Up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing.
- Up to 22 hours of video playback on the Apple TV app.
- Integrated 70 watt hour lithium polymer battery.
ports
The Pro model once again reveals its power with the ports it integrates. Both MacBooks have it two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports It comes with a USB type C connection, but the MacBook Pro also has a HDMI port and an SDXC card reader.
In terms of ports, MacBook Pro more options
Price
HE MacBook Pro is significantly more expensive than MacBook Air It’s normal that there’s a Pro model in the entry version, and that’s normal given that it has much higher specs even though they both use the same M3 chip. These are the starting prices for each model:
- MacBook Air with M3 chip (8 CPU cores and 8 CPU cores), 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD: 1,299 euros.
- MacBook Pro with M3 chip (8 CPU cores and 10 CPU cores), 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD: 2,029 euros.
MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, which should you buy?
For most users, In this case, MacBook Air will be the most recommended option. It is true that it is an inferior computer in terms of many features, but it is also at a much more reasonable price. It is the world’s best-selling laptop, and with the arrival of the M3 chip, its performance improves greatly.
But it is true that the MacBook Pro can be an interesting option for several reasons. offer first a better graphics chip and 512 GB internal storageIf we configure the MacBook Air this way, the price difference drops to 500 euros. And we have a much superior screenand longer battery life.
Source: i Padizate
