MacBook Air M4 vs. MacBook Pro M4: Which One Should You Buy?
Both pack Apple’s powerful M4 chip, but which one is right for you?
Choosing between the new MacBook Air M4 and the MacBook Pro M4 can be a tough decision. Both Apple models are powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip, promising impressive performance and efficiency.
So, you might find yourself wondering if you should go for the lightweight and portable Air or the more powerful and feature-packed Pro. But making the right choice depends on what you truly need.
This guide will help you decide by comparing the key features of both models. We’ll break down the differences in price, performance, display, battery life, portability, ports, and audio to help you determine which MacBook is the best fit for you.
Kelechi Edeh
MacBook Air M4 vs. MacBook Pro M4
1/ Price
- MacBook Air M4 costs $999, making it a great budget-friendly option for everyday users. If you’re price-conscious, the MacBook Air is perfect for you.
- MacBook Pro M4 price Starts at $1,599, offering high-end performance and features that justify its higher price. The MacBook Pro is pricier but justifies the cost with better performance, display, and battery life.
2/ Performance
- MacBook Air M4 comes with the base M4 chip featuring an 8-core GPU, but it can be upgraded to a 10-core GPU for an additional $100. If you just need a laptop for emails, web browsing, and Netflix, the Air is enough.
- MacBook Pro M4 comes with a 10-core GPU by default and features active cooling (fans), allowing it to sustain performance better for long tasks like video editing, gaming, or coding. If you work with high-resolution video, animation, or gaming, the Pro’s extra power is worth it.
3/ Display
- MacBook Air M4 features an LED Retina Display with 500 nits brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate, providing a great viewing experience for most users.
- MacBook Pro M4 comes with a Mini-LED Display that offers 1,000+ nits HDR brightness and a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, delivering superior color accuracy and smooth visuals.
4/ Battery Life
- MacBook Air M4 offers up to 15 hours of battery life, making it perfect for all-day use on the go.
- MacBook Pro M4 provides up to 18 hours of battery life, with the 16-inch model reaching nearly 20 hours for extended work sessions.
5/ Portability
- MacBook Air M4 weighs 2.7 lbs and is 0.44 inches thin, making it the most portable MacBook available.
- MacBook Pro M4 weighs 3.4 lbs and is 0.61 inches thick, slightly heavier but still portable compared to other high-performance laptops.
6/ Ports
- MacBook Air M4 comes with 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), MagSafe charging, and a headphone jack, covering basic connectivity needs.
- MacBook Pro M4 offers 3x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/5), MagSafe charging, HDMI, and an SD Card Slot, making it a better option for professionals who need additional ports. If you frequently connect external monitors or SD cards, the Pro has the better port selection.
7/ Audio
- MacBook Air M4 features a 4-speaker system, delivering clear and balanced sound.
- MacBook Pro M4 comes with a 6-speaker system with deeper bass, providing richer and more immersive audio quality.
Conclusion
The MacBook Air M4 is the ideal choice for most people because it’s lightweight and portable and delivers excellent performance at an affordable price. If you primarily need a laptop for web browsing, office tasks, and light creative work, the Air provides great value without unnecessary extras.
On the other hand, the MacBook Pro M4 is built for power users who need top-tier performance, a stunning display, and long battery life. If you’re a video editor, software developer, or someone who demands high-performance computing, the Pro justifies its higher price tag.
Still unsure? Consider what you’ll use your MacBook for. If you need a reliable, everyday laptop, the MacBook Air M4 is the best pick. If your work involves heavy-duty tasks, the MacBook Pro M4 is the obvious winner. No matter which one you choose, you’re getting a premium Apple experience.
