Apple MacBook series has remarkable performance, and the 2020 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro appear to be very comparable at first appearance. They share the same CPU/GPU, connectors, FaceTime camera, and other features. The 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro, on the other hand, may make your selection more difficult. Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro to help you decide whether to buy.
While the fact that the $999 base M1 MacBook Air has the same CPU/GPU and neural engine as the $1,299 and above M1 MacBook Pro is amazing and somewhat perplexing, there are some major distinctions worth noting before making a choice. There are even more changes now that the new 14-inch M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro is out.
Hardware comparison: MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro
With 2020 MacBook Air and Pro machines, you’ll receive the powerful and efficient M1 processor, which has four high-efficiency cores and four high-performance cores for the CPU. However, the base MacBook Air models include a 7-core GPU rather than the 8-core GPU seen in the higher-end Air variants and all MacBook Pro models. Ben Lovejoy, one of my colleagues, offered an explanation of what’s going on.
Aside from the tiny GPU change, the MacBook Pro has active cooling. This is significant because it enables the laptop to retain excellent performance for longer periods of time when subjected to prolonged loads.
The M1 Pro or M1 Max processor is available for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, featuring extra CPU and GPU cores, greater RAM, a full HD 1080p FaceTime camera, and more. In the grand scheme of things, the differences are minimal, but both MacBook Pro versions include high dynamic range stereo speakers and “studio-quality” microphones.
It’s fantastic to know that Wi-Fi 6 is compatible with all models. The 2020 MacBooks, however, only have a 720p FaceTime camera. Apple claims that its image signal processor has increased image quality. However, you’ll need to purchase the new 14-inch MacBook Pro to receive the full HD 1080p FaceTime camera. All three of these PCs will provide excellent performance for everyday computing, however, if you lean
Display comparison: MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro
When screen brightness is crucial to you, the MacBook Pro gets extra credit for having 500-1600 nits of brightness against 400 nits on the MacBook Air.
The new MacBook Pro’s up to 1,000 continuous nits brightness (1,600 peaks) may be reserved for HDR content, while ProMotion, mini-LED illumination, and even smaller bezels ensure up to 120Hz frame rates.
There is a notch in the top centre of the new 14-inch MacBook Pro display for the 1080p FaceTime camera. However, unlike the iPhone, the new MacBook Pro laptops do not include Face ID hardware or support.
I/O comparison: MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro
The Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro and a dedicated row of function keys (new ones for dictation, spotlight, and more) on the MacBook Air are the only differences between the 2020 Air and Pro with the remainder of the I/O not addressed above. One disadvantage of the 2020 MacBooks is that they only support one external monitor up to 6K at 60Hz.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro, on the other hand, has a lot more connectors, including three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, an SDXC slot, MagSafe, and compatibility for up to three external displays.
Comparison of size, weight, and finish
The MacBook Air, as expected, is the lightest laptop, with the 13-inch MacBook Pro weighing slightly more and the 14-inch weighing the most.
With its tapered shape, the MacBook Air is also Apple’s thinnest notebook. If the gold hue appeals to you, keep in mind that it’s exclusive to the MacBook Air.
a comparison of battery life
When compared to previous Intel MacBooks, Apple Silicon MacBooks have significantly longer battery life. However, bear in mind that you won’t get anywhere near the Apple ratings of up to 15-20 hours without making concessions like dimming the display, etc.
