If you are trying to get your hands on the latest Mac device, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are the two most prominent devices to choose from. Based on 2023 standards, both of these devices have a lot more going on.
While the MacBook Air comes with a completely new design overhaul, the entry-level MacBook Pro holds some noticeable advantages over the prior one. That being said, both of these devices are good enough to make our list of the best MacBooks to buy in 2023. So, here’s a detailed overview of how the new Air and Pro stack up to one other.
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Honourable Mention: MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Prior to starting our comparison, let’s address the elephant in the room. With a starting price of 999 USD, and 899 USD (with a student discount), the 2020 M1 MacBook Air is still a prominent choice for many users.
The introduction of the M1 (Apple’s first silicon) completely dismantles the preconceived notion of the MacBook Air only being a casual device. Not only it packs a serious performance above its predecessor, but you can also expect longer battery life.
Note: The M1 MacBook Air is a great choice for anyone who is making a transition from Windows. With a minimum budget, you can experience the Apple ecosystem.
Pros:
- Offers unprecedented performance
- Record-breaking battery life
- Comes equipped with the magic keyboard
- Improved webcam than the last generation
Cons:
- Lacks the port availability
- Comes with the old design
2022 MacBook Air Vs 13” MacBook Pro Vs 14” MacBook Pro
| Hardware | 2022 MacBook Air | 13” MacBook Pro | 14” MacBook Pro |
| CPU | M2 (8 core) | M2 (8 core) | M1 Pro/Max (8/10 core) |
| Storage | Up to 2TB | Up to 2TB | Up to 8TB |
| RAM | 8, 16, and 24GB | 8, 16, and 24GB | 16 to 64GB |
| Graphics | Up to 10 core | 10 core | Up to 32 core |
| Cooling | Fanless | Active Cooling with Fans | Active Cooling with Fans |
| Screen Size | 13.6-inch | 13.3-inch | 14.2-inch |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds- (1.24kg) | 3 pounds (1.4kg) | 3.5 pounds (1.6kg) |
| Fast Charging | Yes | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Starts at $1199 | Starts at $1299 | Starts at $1999 |
Differences Between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
1. Updated Internals (CPU, GPU, RAM, and more)
The M2 packs some noticeable upgrades as compared to the last generation M1. Although, the M1 Pro, Max, and Ultra silicon still win with sheer raw power. With the introduction of M2, devices can now be equipped with up to 24GB of RAM, and GPU with 10-cores and a considerably faster CPU.
Note: For working professionals, who require sheer CPU and GPU power, our recommendation would be to look for the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
According to Apple, the M2 chip is 18% and 25% faster in CPU and GPU performance respectively, as compared to the last gen M1. The M2 chip also comes with a dedicated media engine facilitating hardware-accelerated H.264, ProRes, HEVC, and ProRes RAW.
2. Display
For any notebook, displays play a crucial role, since your entire interaction with the system occurs via the same. The new 2022 MacBook Air comes with an improved display at 500 nits brightness. Furthermore, you can expect a bigger 13.6-inch screen in the same form factor.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is able to sustain 1000 nits brightness with 1600 nits peak for HDR content. Some of the added advantages include the ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate along with Mini-LED backlighting.
Not to mention, all the latest MacBook displays include a notch to house the 1080p FaceTime camera. But, unlike the iPhone, it lacks any Face ID hardware whatsoever.
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3. I/O Selection
The 2022 MacBook Air has reinstated the MagSafe charging, something we have been wanting for years. This completes the MagSafe lineup with last year’s MacBook Pro series. Although, only the 14-inch and 16-inch offer exclusivity of HDMI port, and SDXC slot with the support for 4 external displays.
Both the 2022 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro have support for 1 external display, which is capped at up to 6K at 60Hz. The MacBook Air retains the 3.5 mm headphone jack along with two USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Note: In order to get up multiple monitors, our recommendation would be to go with the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
4. Size, Weight, and Visual Aesthetic
This goes without saying, the MacBook remains one of the most aesthetic and well build devices out there in the market. As expected, the MacBook Air remains the most lightweight device followed by the 13-inch MacBook Pro and 14-inch MacBook Pro.
The MacBook Air is extremely thin at just 11.3 mm (0.44 inches). The 2022 MacBook Air has also ditched the previously used wedge design and adopted the all-new flat-edge chassis, which you can find in MacBook Pro.
Note: If you aspire to get the gold or midnight colours, it is exclusively available for MacBook Air.
5. Battery Life
With every Apple Silicon MacBook, you can expect unprecedented battery life as compared to its Intel predecessors. For the majority of the time, you can expect similar battery life as Apple claims.
Note: Depending on your tasks, workload, and screen brightness, your battery life might vary.
6. Pricing
The MacBook Air starts at 1199 USD for the 8GB/256GB configuration, which is just 100 USD cheaper than the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at 1999 USD. As for the 2022 MacBook Air, you can also equip your device with 16GB or 24GB RAM based on custom orders.
Note: The 100 USD price difference between the M2 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook doesn’t make the latter appealing to many customers. Furthermore, Apple has cut some serious corners with the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Explore Apple Macbook Air and Pro Products on Amazon.
Verdict: Macbook Air Vs Macbook Pro
So that was our curated guide on which MacBook to choose in 2023. Hopefully, now you can make your choice on picking the right MacBook. Here’s the entire gist of our article:
- If you are inclined towards a light to medium performance, along with only limited intensive work, the M2 MacBook Air can be the best fit for you. Furthermore, it is one of the devices on the lighter side with great battery life.
- If you are running on a budget, and need a Mac device to get your work down, the M1 MacBook is worth considering.
- If you are looking forward to getting your hands on a more powerful device, backed by powerful cooling and the ability to handle an extended workload, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is your way to go.
- The 13-inch MacBook Pro also comes with the refreshed M2 chip but cuts some corners as compared to its 14-inch counterpart.
