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tamade21

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 28, 2021
1
0
Right, so I know that this question has been posed multiple times. However, I just want to try get some more solid info before I pull the trigger.
So I have decided to upgrade from my 15" Macbook Pro 2014 to one of the new M1s. I actually look forward to downgrade in size, just because of portability. However, I am unsure about the differences between the pros and airs, particularly in terms of screen quality. I have read that the pros screens are superior in quality, not just in terms of brightness but also in contrast ratio and blacks (and quality control seems better overall). I have tried to test them out in store, but due to the overly bright lights it's quite hard to discern any differences. Does anyone have any thoughts on differences in screen quality (also in comparison to my current 2014 pro)? I will use it primarily for photographic work, and some occasional video work.
Also, what are your thoughts on battery life differences in real life? See some people complaining about battery life diminishing quickly in some airs...
For some context, I can get a refurbed M1 air 16gb for about 1070usd equivalent, or a refurbed 16gb M1 pro for 1320usd. Which do you think would be better for photographic/video work? I intend to keep it for a while (at least 5 years)!
Thanks!
 
I don't think the screens are all that different. Side by side you can just about tell that the Pro is slightly brighter but there is very little in it. The Air has a really good screen, bright, good contrast. Likewise the speakers and mic on the Pro, they are really close to the Air that it's just not that different.

The downsides of the Pro for me faaar outweigh it, higher price, touch bar, fan.

The Air is really good value, the Pro doesn't offer enough on top. Having said that, I will probably get the new Pro when it arrives for all the rumoured new design stuff. I am currently running a base MBA I got on ebay with 10 months warranty still left to run as I got a great price and will be able to sell on with little loss when the new MBPs finally turn up. Personally I wouldn't get the current M1 Pro as that design will get quite old quite quickly.
 
I don't think the screens are all that different. Side by side you can just about tell that the Pro is slightly brighter but there is very little in it. The Air has a really good screen, bright, good contrast. Likewise the speakers and mic on the Pro, they are really close to the Air that it's just not that different.

The downsides of the Pro for me faaar outweigh it, higher price, touch bar, fan.

The Air is really good value, the Pro doesn't offer enough on top. Having said that, I will probably get the new Pro when it arrives for all the rumoured new design stuff. I am currently running a base MBA I got on ebay with 10 months warranty still left to run as I got a great price and will be able to sell on with little loss when the new MBPs finally turn up. Personally I wouldn't get the current M1 Pro as that design will get quite old quite quickly.I
I have the MacBook Pro M1 and let me answer your question about the fan. I have not heard it go off yet.

I play Civilization 5 MAXED. I played Space Simulator 2 default and started making supernovas and a lot of objects. MacBook Pro got warm with Civ 5 and Warmer or Hot with SS 2 and even then, I haven't heard the fan!
 
Right, so I know that this question has been posed multiple times. However, I just want to try get some more solid info before I pull the trigger.
So I have decided to upgrade from my 15" Macbook Pro 2014 to one of the new M1s. I actually look forward to downgrade in size, just because of portability. However, I am unsure about the differences between the pros and airs, particularly in terms of screen quality. I have read that the pros screens are superior in quality, not just in terms of brightness but also in contrast ratio and blacks (and quality control seems better overall). I have tried to test them out in store, but due to the overly bright lights it's quite hard to discern any differences. Does anyone have any thoughts on differences in screen quality (also in comparison to my current 2014 pro)? I will use it primarily for photographic work, and some occasional video work.
Also, what are your thoughts on battery life differences in real life? See some people complaining about battery life diminishing quickly in some airs...
For some context, I can get a refurbed M1 air 16gb for about 1070usd equivalent, or a refurbed 16gb M1 pro for 1320usd. Which do you think would be better for photographic/video work? I intend to keep it for a while (at least 5 years)!
Thanks!
The Pro's display is brighter by 100 nits. Unsure if that matters to you or not. I'd say which one to get should depend on how intense the photographic/video work is. If you're working with lots of 8K footage, maybe go Pro. If you're only doing light HD/4K work, the Air should be fine. Similarly, if you're only casually using Photoshop, then the Air is totally fine. If you're doing complex operations on several open photos at high resolution, go Pro. In most cases, the Air will still suffice. But the Pro allows for sustained performance while doing heavier workflows than the Air.
 
Best Buy had the air and under their lights the air screen brightness was OK but I bought the pro and it was much better for my eyes and I was glad I bought this one over the air. Everybody’s eyes are different and for me I prefer a brighter screen but many people still like the air so if you could go to a Best Buy and check one out.
 
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