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Apple’s MacBook M1s bring some major performance gains, and at first glance, the new MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro look pretty similar. They have the same CPU / GPU, same ports, same FaceTime camera, and more. However, let’s take a closer look at the M1 MacBook Air vs Pro to see what makes the two different to help you decide which one to buy.
Update 3/8: The late 2020 MacBook Air and Pro M1 are still fairly new and should last a long time. However, we are learning more and more about all the new features and changes that will be arriving with the upcoming Apple Silicon 14 and 16 inch MacBook Pro models.
If you don’t need a new MacBook right away, it might be worth waiting until later this year, or at least taking the time to think about it. Beyond the larger screens, we should see a new design, the mini-LED screen backlighting, the return of I / O including HDMI, the SD card slot and MagSafe, and the removal of the Touch. Bar.
Additionally, the larger Apple Silicon MacBook Pro machines will hopefully offer official support for more than one external display. Next-generation MacBook Pro models are expected to arrive by fall 2021.
Early reactions to Apple unveiling the new M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro on the web included confusion over whether to continue offering the two, as they seem so similar. While it’s impressive and somewhat confusing that the base $ 999 MacBook Air M1 has the same CPU / GPU and neural engine as the $ 1,299-plus MacBook Pro M1, there are a few notable differences that are worthy of the fact. to be taken into account before making a decision.
While the MacBook M1s offer much improved performance across the board (speed and battery life being two important aspects), there are a few areas where they perform less or at least not improve on their predecessors. from Intel. In the graphics below we have highlighted the differences between the M1 MacBook Air and Pro in bold.
M1 MacBook Air vs Pro hardware comparison
You get the phenomenal M1 chip with both machines with 4 high efficiency cores and 4 high performance cores for the processor. But it’s worth noting that it’s actually a 7-core GPU on the base MacBook Air models instead of the 8-core on the high-end Air setups and all MacBook Pro models. My colleague Ben Lovejoy wrote an explanation on what is going on with this.
Beyond the slight GPU difference, you get active cooling with the MacBook Pro. This is remarkable because it allows the laptop to maintain high performance under sustained loads for longer.
Maybe more minor overall, but the MacBook Pro M1 delivers high dynamic range with its stereo speakers and “studio-grade” mics.
It’s great to see Wi-Fi 6 support on both models! However, it’s a real shame to see the FaceTime 720p camera stick around. Apple claims to have improved image quality with a new image signal processor. But the reviews say the quality is still bad.
If you have any questions or qualms about limiting the RAM to just 16GB, be sure to check out my colleague Stephen Hall who pushes the base M1 MacBook Air to the limit, featuring super impressive performance. If you’re not a power user, 8GB of RAM with these machines could probably be more than enough.
Bottom line: You’re going to see impressive performance for everyday computing with both computers, but if you’re leaning toward heavier workflows for longer periods of time, the MacBook Pro’s active cooling may be enough to make your decision.
Comparison of M1 MacBook Air vs Pro displays
If screen brightness is important to you, consider another point for the MacBook Pro with its 500 nits brightness versus 400 on the MacBook Air. Otherwise, you get the same excellent Retina display on both laptops.
Comparison of M1 MacBook Air and Pro I / O
The only difference between the two with the rest of the I / O not covered above is the touch bar included on the MacBook Pro and a row of dedicated function keys (new also for dictation, projectors, more) on the MacBook. Air.
However, the specs below also reveal a few drawbacks compared to older Intel MacBooks. First, you get a maximum of 2 USB-C (USB4) / Thunderbolt ports on all M1 models. The high-end 13-inch Intel MacBook Pro offered 4 (2 on each side).
The second downgrade is support for the external display. These M1 MacBooks support a maximum of 1 external display up to 6K at 60Hz. Previous generation Intel MacBooks could run up to 2 4K 60Hz displays in addition to running up to 1 6K 60Hz display.
Comparison of size, weight and finish
Everything here is identical to previous Intel MacBooks, except for the 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 MacBook Pro shaving 0.1 ounce down from its predecessors to 3.1 pounds.
If the gold color is appealing, keep in mind that it is only available with the MacBook Air.
Battery life comparison
Actual usage shows massive battery life gains for MacBook M1s over older Intel models. However, keep in mind that you probably won’t exactly see Apple Notes for up to 15-20 hours without compromises like lowering the screen brightness for light workflows.
But in any case, energy efficiency and improved battery life are important!
Price comparison
In the different configurations, when looking at the same storage and same RAM, it’s a difference of $ 300 between the M1 MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro.
For now, the models stocked are the 256GB / 8GB RAM and 512GB / 8GB RAM configurations. Models with 16GB RAM will see longer shipping times as these are custom orders.
M1 MacBook Air vs Pro summary
Hope you now know which MacBook M1 is right for you. If you value longer battery life, active cooling for extended heavy workloads, a slightly brighter screen, and / or like the Touch Bar, the MacBook Pro is the way to go and delivers a lot of value. from $ 1299. If those things aren’t important to you, the MacBook Air is the choice starting at a really reasonable price point of $ 999 for whatever you get.
Update 3/8: As mentioned above, it may be worth taking a break to determine whether it’s best to wait for the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pros that are expected to arrive by this fall.
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