Summary
There are several justifications for purchasing a MacBook Air as opposed to a MacBook Pro. If you want a MacBook at a lower cost, you may not need the additional features that accompany the upgrade to the MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro over a MacBook Air
With that being said, I will advocate for an increase in expenditure. Based on my own observations, the MacBook Pro has a number of notable benefits that serve to justify its elevated cost, particularly in light of the release of the comparatively more economical MacBook Pro 14 with the M3 base. If you have the financial means to do so, I recommend purchasing a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air for the following reasons.
Introduction: pricing
The M2 MacBook Air is the most affordable option available, priced at $999. It has an 8-core CPU/8-core GPU M2, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. I recommend that the most cost-conscious purchasers halt at this location and go to the Apple Store. This laptop is quite cost-effective.
After addressing the aforementioned point, we will now proceed to conduct a comparative analysis of the M3 MacBook Air and the M3 (non-Pro and non-Max) MacBook Pro 14. The initial price of the former is $1,099. It includes an 8-core CPU/8-core GPU M3, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The latter option begins at a price of $1,599, including an 8-core CPU/10-core GPU M3, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
The MacBook Air is priced at $1,299. It is equipped with the same M3 processor, RAM, and storage capabilities as the standard MacBook Pro 14. Both laptops have a same price point, starting at $300 for the MacBook Pro premium. The M3 MacBook Air is priced at $2,299 and comes equipped with 24GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD. The MacBook Pro 14 is priced at $2,599, with a same setup.
The 13-inch MacBook Air is being especially considered above the 15-inch variant because to its lower proportions, which are more closely aligned with those of the MacBook Pro 14. Both iterations of the MacBook Air exhibit reduced thickness and weight, however the 15-inch MacBook Air surpasses the other two in terms of desktop space. Additionally, it is priced $100 lower than the corresponding MacBook Pro 14.
The performance of Apple Silicon laptops is comparatively lower when equipped with a mere 8GB of unified memory. For our specific objectives, I will evaluate each laptop equipped with 16GB of RAM. The MacBook Air is priced at $1,499, while the MacBook Pro 14 is priced at $1,799. These prices place both laptops in the premium range.
What does the additional $300 provide you with? Indeed, a substantial amount.
The MacBook Pro exhibits comparable performance, however with a greater headroom.
The M3 processor manufactured by Apple has commendable productivity capabilities. In our evaluation of the MacBook Air, it was seen that the M3 chipset exhibited significant enhancements compared to the M2 chipset, therefore positioning the MacBook Air on par with Windows laptops equipped with the widely used Intel Core Ultra 7 155H chipset. It can be said that the M3 MacBook Air is a suitable device for a large number of individuals. Although we have not conducted tests on the basic M3 MacBook Air 14, I anticipate that it would exhibit comparable performance in our set of benchmarks.
Nevertheless, a notable distinction exists between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro Series 14. The former is very slender, measuring just 0.44 inches, and lacks a fan. In contrast, the latter is remarkably thin, measuring 0.61 inches, and has a more sophisticated thermal system that includes fans.
A laptop without a fan is undeniably advantageous for working in calm surroundings. Nevertheless, due to its slender design and absence of cooling mechanisms, the MacBook Air is inherently susceptible to thermal throttling. This occurs when the performance of the M3 chipset is constrained in order to maintain optimal temperatures. The MacBook Pro 14 lacks the same constraint, since it offers more space for air circulation and fans to facilitate the operation of the chipset at a higher level of performance.
The MacBook Pro 14 is anticipated to provide enhanced and consistent performance for those engaged in creative processes and gaming activities. While the majority of individuals will not encounter this constraint, or at least not often, a few will. Moreover, individuals may see the additional funds as a worthwhile expenditure just for that purpose.
Indeed, that exhibition!
The M3 processor manufactured by Apple has commendable productivity capabilities. In our evaluation of the MacBook Air, it was seen that the M3 chipset exhibited significant enhancements compared to the M2 chipset, therefore positioning the MacBook Air on par with Windows laptops equipped with the widely used Intel Core Ultra 7 155H chipset. It can be said that the M3 MacBook Air is a suitable device for a large number of individuals. Although we have not conducted tests on the basic M3 MacBook Air 14, I anticipate that it would exhibit comparable performance in our set of benchmarks.
Nevertheless, a notable distinction exists between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro Series 14. The former is very slender, measuring just 0.44 inches, and lacks a fan. In contrast, the latter is remarkably thin, measuring 0.61 inches, and has a more sophisticated thermal system that includes fans.
A laptop without a fan is undeniably advantageous for working in calm surroundings. Nevertheless, due to its slender design and absence of cooling mechanisms, the MacBook Air is inherently susceptible to thermal throttling. This occurs when the performance of the M3 chipset is constrained in order to maintain optimal temperatures. The MacBook Pro 14 lacks the same constraint, since it offers more space for air circulation and fans to facilitate the operation of the chipset at a higher level of performance.
The MacBook Pro 14 is anticipated to provide enhanced and consistent performance for those engaged in creative processes and gaming activities. While the majority of individuals will not encounter this constraint, or at least not often, a few will. Moreover, individuals may see the additional funds as a worthwhile expenditure just for that purpose.
Indeed, that exhibition!
Both laptops possess exceptional audio quality, surpassing that of contemporary computers. However, once again, the MacBook Pro 14 emerges as the superior choice.
There are four speakers on the MacBook Air that are capable of supporting Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. The audio technology in Apple’s newest AirPods supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, as well as high-impedance headphone compatibility via the 3.5mm audio socket. In contrast, the MacBook Pro offers same functionality while including a superior six-speaker audio system equipped with force-canceling woofers.
Upon doing a side-by-side comparison, it becomes evident that the MacBook Pro 14 has superior sound quality, characterized by increased volume, clarity, and bass. The MacBook Pro 16 is the only superior notebook. In summary, the MacBook Pro 14 offers a significant improvement in audio quality that justifies the additional cost.
Additional ports for the victory
The MacBook Pro 14 has enhanced connection capabilities. The functionality of the MacBook Air is restricted to a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 3.5mm audio connector, and a MagSafe 3 connection. The MacBook Pro 14 is equipped with an additional Thunderbolt 4 connector, an HDMI connection, and a full-size SD card reader. This feature enables the connection of additional devices without the use of docks or adapters.
It is noteworthy that the M3 MacBook Air now has a singular edge in comparison to the MacBook Pro 14. Specifically, the MacBook Air is capable of accommodating two external screens while the lid is closed, but the MacBook Pro 14 with the basic M3 model only supports one external monitor with the internal display. It has been announced by Apple that the M3 MacBook Pro 14 would undergo an upgrade to provide same capability. However, as of macOS Sonoma 14.4, this feature has not yet been implemented.
Is the expenditure of $300 justified?
The MacBook Pro 14 has the ability to provide enhanced performance, an improved display, greater audio specifications, and more connection options. This is accompanied by an increased chassis thickness and a little greater weight (3.4 pounds compared to 2.7 pounds), resulting in a price that is $300 more.
In my opinion, the MacBook Pro 14 provides superior cost-effectiveness for those who are undecided between the two options. Moreover, in the event that one has a greater financial means, the MacBook Pro 14 may be expanded to become an exceptionally potent 14-inch laptop that exhibits unparalleled levels of speed and efficiency. However, it is a separate and distinct topic.
