M2 MacBook Air or M1 Pro MacBook Pro 14” dilemma

[kevcube]

The M2 MBA is 0.44" thick and the M1 Pro 14" is 0.66" thick. The difference is just 0.22", which is not enough for you to feel it.

That said, the M1 Pro Mac is heavier and has a marginally larger footprint. Reading what you describe, go with the M1 Pro.

my hands aren't calipers, a difference of 0.22" doesn't make sense to my brain.

but a difference of 33% certainly does. I think any human could tell in this situation.

 

[Air_M1]

It also has faster efficiency cores and a better gpu.

Higher clock speeds are better. Specially in a pro machine with active cooling and heat pipes.

It is also on a better and more advanced 5nm process node. I would have preferred 4nm but it is still faster than M1.

Yes higher clock speed is faster processing, but it also increases in temperature. So in the nutshell, M2 is pretty much an overcooked M1 with some improvements to support a higher clock frequency. M2 air is a turbo car without intercooler so it cannot sustain the performance. The M2 Pro with active cooling would be a real performance improvement over the current M1 Pro.

 

[Technerd108]

Yes higher clock speed is faster processing, but it also increases in temperature. So in the nutshell, M2 is pretty much an overcooked M1 with some improvements to support a higher clock frequency. M2 air is a turbo car without intercooler so it cannot sustain performance. When M2 with active cooling coming out would be real improvement over the current M1 Pro.

Just use a laptop cooler.

Have you used an M2 Air? M1 throttles too in the M1 air?

Any high performance chip without active cooling under sustained intense load will throttle.

It takes M2 a while to throttle and performs better than M1 in that regard even “overclocked” but if you are not doing a sustained high intense workload which no air is designed for it is faster.

It is an incremental processor update and a little disappointing considering most of us thought at least it would be on 4nm process but it is an update with better performance across the board.

Also in the “Pro” laptops yet to be announced like M2 MacBook Pro 14” and 16” the extra heat is really a non issue as they have heat pipes and fans. Those machines will have faster single core and multi core speeds with a better gpu. So I don’t see what you are really talking about.

 

[Dealmans]

Promotion is great but again not that noticeable in daily use between the two.

lol, there is a huge diff going between a 14" and 24" iMac with no promotion

 

[Dealmans]

So if I can get 14" 16/512 for $2689AUD, or a Air 2 8/512 for $2349, so $340 more.
Why would I buy the Air? just for being a bit lighter and bit more battery?
Everything else between the seems a downgrade with the air, even forgetting about the "pro" power user lol

 

[Technerd108]

lol, there is a huge diff going between a 14" and 24" iMac with no promotion

But we are talking about 14” MBP?

 

[Technerd108]

So if I can get 14" 16/512 for $2689AUD, or a Air 2 8/512 for $2349, so $340 more.
Why would I buy the Air? just for being a bit lighter and bit more battery?
Everything else between the seems a downgrade with the air, even forgetting about the "pro" power user lol

I have no idea about pricing in Australia.

Here in the US it is an even smaller difference.

You can get base Model 14” MBP for $1599 on sale at BestBuy and Costco.

You can get the M2 MBA for $1499 with edu discount plus a $150 gift card so about a $250 price difference excluding tax.

But again the New MBP 14” will start at least at $1999 so that is $650 difference.

But if we are talking M1 then I think it is what you value. Do you want to save some money or do you want the extra performance?

Do you want extra battery and lighter weight or heavy and lower battery?

I don’t really think it is a fair comparison but if specs are all you are after then it seems that the MBP is a better deal.

The thing is if you don’t ever use that extra power then all of those features are useless.

So you will say but the screen. Two problems with the 14” screen. Blooming and slow response time which effectively negates to some extent the 120hz refresh rate. Higher brightness on the MBP in HDR is an advantage but 500 nits is perfectly bright for most people.

Then if you are using the Pro to watch videos on that nice screen and got the 14” and not the 16” it tells me you value portability and it is going to be uncomfortable with the extra pound over an extended period of time.

Also battery life is part of the entire reason for M series chips and the binned 8 core M1 pro uses almost the same power as the 10 core and under load can really chew through battery.

So I am not saying that the M2 air is better than an M2 MBP or even M1 discounted but it depends on how you use your device. To simply quote specs and saying that one is a better deal is not using clear delineated logic. Compared to the previous M1 air the M2 is a serious upgrade. Compared to other ultra thin and light Windows computers the same holds true. In a few months base model M2 airs will be discounted too.

So is the M1 MBP a better value than M2 air? On paper without any context it is. It is kind of like the days of phone wars where an OEM would say we have 48 megapixel camera sensors while iPhone only has 12 while ignoring the quality of the photos.

If you think the 14” MBP M1 is better suited to your needs and happens to be a great deal right now then take advantage of it and enjoy.

And finally maybe for you a few hundred dollars is not a big deal but for me it is. I could buy an iPad or pay for half an air 5 or most of an air 4 and have a nice spec air with the latest M2 chip and cool redesign.

Everyone perceives value differently and spending more money to get features that make me feel like I got a better value when I will never use them while actually spending more money doesn’t seem like the definition of value to me. Value to me is not overspending on things I don’t need while having a quality product that serves my needs.

Just my opinion.

 

[Dealmans]

I have no idea about pricing in Australia.

Here in the US it is an even smaller difference.

You can get base Model 14” MBP for $1599 on sale at BestBuy and Costco.

You can get the M2 MBA for $1499 with edu discount plus a $150 gift card so about a $250 price difference excluding tax.

But again the New MBP 14” will start at least at $1999 so that is $650 difference.

But if we are talking M1 then I think it is what you value. Do you want to save some money or do you want the extra performance?

Do you want extra battery and lighter weight or heavy and lower battery?

I don’t really think it is a fair comparison but if specs are all you are after then it seems that the MBP is a better deal.

The thing is if you don’t ever use that extra power then all of those features are useless.

So you will say but the screen. Two problems with the 14” screen. Blooming and slow response time which effectively negates to some extent the 120hz refresh rate. Higher brightness on the MBP in HDR is an advantage but 500 nits is perfectly bright for most people.

Then if you are using the Pro to watch videos on that nice screen and got the 14” and not the 16” it tells me you value portability and it is going to be uncomfortable with the extra pound over an extended period of time.

Also battery life is part of the entire reason for M series chips and the binned 8 core M1 pro uses almost the same power as the 10 core and under load can really chew through battery.

So I am not saying that the M2 air is better than an M2 MBP or even M1 discounted but it depends on how you use your device. To simply quote specs and saying that one is a better deal is not using clear delineated logic. Compared to the previous M1 air the M2 is a serious upgrade. Compared to other ultra thin and light Windows computers the same holds true. In a few months base model M2 airs will be discounted too.

So is the M1 MBP a better value than M2 air? On paper without any context it is. It is kind of like the days of phone wars where an OEM would say we have 48 megapixel camera sensors while iPhone only has 12 while ignoring the quality of the photos.

If you think the 14” MBP M1 is better suited to your needs and happens to be a great deal right now then take advantage of it and enjoy.

And finally maybe for you a few hundred dollars is not a big deal but for me it is. I could buy an iPad or pay for half an air 5 or most of an air 4 and have a nice spec air with the latest M2 chip and cool redesign.

Everyone perceives value differently and spending more money to get features that make me feel like I got a better value when I will never use them while actually spending more money doesn’t seem like the definition of value to me. Value to me is not overspending on things I don’t need while having a quality product that serves my needs.

Just my opinion.

Thanks for your explanation, the other diff is 8 v 16gb, if you get the air 2 with 16gb it becomes only $50 difference, not sure should if should be buying anything apple with only 8gb these days.
I tried the 8/256 air 2 which seemed slow and 256 wasn't enough anyway so returned it.

 

[resolutiontime]

It's not terrible, but noticeably less than the M2 Air.
I never have to charge the Air in a workday while the Pro typically didn't make it without needing some help.

Do you have numbers or more info on what you were doing on both Macs? I get 6-7 hours doing basic web browsing and playing YT. 80% brightness...

I also prefer the Keyboard on my old, 2015 Macbook Pro, 15" than the MBP 14".

 

[Technerd108]

Thanks for your explanation, the other diff is 8 v 16gb, if you get the air 2 with 16gb it becomes only $50 difference, not sure should if should be buying anything apple with only 8gb these days.
I tried the 8/256 air 2 which seemed slow and 256 wasn't enough anyway so returned it.

I forgot to mention I was comparing the 16gb air from edu store in USA for $1499. I wondered why you were comparing the 8gb model. Poor pricing in your country. I am sorry. Doesn’t seem right.

 

[Dealmans]

I forgot to mention I was comparing the 16gb air from edu store in USA for $1499. I wondered why you were comparing the 8gb model. Poor pricing in your country. I am sorry. Doesn’t seem right.

I was pricing what I could get here today or weekend from local retailers. I am like 6 hour drive from a apple store. If ordered the 16/512 air from apple with education price would be $320AUD cheaper than the 14” 16/512, yes we pay the apple tax in Australia.

 

[Pug72]

I was in an Apple store yesterday (faulty AirPods 3) and had a look at the M2 Air on the way out.
It was so light & gorgeous!
But even in bright store lights I could see the notch on a dark screen due to the backlight.
Wouldn't bother everyone I know but would annoy me.

If they put a mini-LED screen in there I'd have one, but very happy with chosing 14MBP M1 Pro for now.

 

[Air_M1]

I was in an Apple store yesterday (faulty AirPods 3) and had a look at the M2 Air on the way out.
It was so light & gorgeous!
But even in bright store lights I could see the notch on a dark screen due to the backlight.
Wouldn't bother everyone I know but would annoy me.

If they put a mini-LED screen in there I'd have one, but very happy with chosing 14MBP M1 Pro for now.

It would cost M2 air more having mini LED screen.

 

[Pug72]

Of course, I hope they become standard in the near future though.

 

[resolutiontime]

I have no idea about pricing in Australia.

Here in the US it is an even smaller difference.

You can get base Model 14” MBP for $1599 on sale at BestBuy and Costco.

You can get the M2 MBA for $1499 with edu discount plus a $150 gift card so about a $250 price difference excluding tax.

But again the New MBP 14” will start at least at $1999 so that is $650 difference.

But if we are talking M1 then I think it is what you value. Do you want to save some money or do you want the extra performance?

Do you want extra battery and lighter weight or heavy and lower battery?

I don’t really think it is a fair comparison but if specs are all you are after then it seems that the MBP is a better deal.

The thing is if you don’t ever use that extra power then all of those features are useless.

So you will say but the screen. Two problems with the 14” screen. Blooming and slow response time which effectively negates to some extent the 120hz refresh rate. Higher brightness on the MBP in HDR is an advantage but 500 nits is perfectly bright for most people.

Then if you are using the Pro to watch videos on that nice screen and got the 14” and not the 16” it tells me you value portability and it is going to be uncomfortable with the extra pound over an extended period of time.

Also battery life is part of the entire reason for M series chips and the binned 8 core M1 pro uses almost the same power as the 10 core and under load can really chew through battery.

So I am not saying that the M2 air is better than an M2 MBP or even M1 discounted but it depends on how you use your device. To simply quote specs and saying that one is a better deal is not using clear delineated logic. Compared to the previous M1 air the M2 is a serious upgrade. Compared to other ultra thin and light Windows computers the same holds true. In a few months base model M2 airs will be discounted too.

So is the M1 MBP a better value than M2 air? On paper without any context it is. It is kind of like the days of phone wars where an OEM would say we have 48 megapixel camera sensors while iPhone only has 12 while ignoring the quality of the photos.

If you think the 14” MBP M1 is better suited to your needs and happens to be a great deal right now then take advantage of it and enjoy.

And finally maybe for you a few hundred dollars is not a big deal but for me it is. I could buy an iPad or pay for half an air 5 or most of an air 4 and have a nice spec air with the latest M2 chip and cool redesign.

Everyone perceives value differently and spending more money to get features that make me feel like I got a better value when I will never use them while actually spending more money doesn’t seem like the definition of value to me. Value to me is not overspending on things I don’t need while having a quality product that serves my needs.

Just my opinion.

I am high key disappointed in my MBP 14" that I got for $1,599. Battery life is piss poor. 6-7 hours at 80%+ brightness just web browsing and constantly playing Yt. This is what majority of users will be doing on their MBP. The extra features will be useless as you smartly mentioned. I highly value portability, speed for basic use, screen size and quality, and battery life. Imagine the battery in 4-5 years.....

Like I said in the other thread, the MBA M2, 512/16 is the best Macbook and Macbook to buy for majority of web browsing users and (light users) professionals. People want ' future-proof' but that'll never happen in innovation. Look at the specced out 2019 MBP . 16" people bought 3 years ago. ...

Problem I have with both is that the screen is too small or maybe I'm too used to the 15' MBP where I can lean back and read documents and websites all day....I find myself leaning forward or pulling my MBP 14' closer to me.

The last paragraph is great. But I gotta admit, the extra bright screen is beautiful. When plugged in all day at a work desk, this can be a good value and help with productivity even for simple tasks. I don't like spending more money for features that I'll never use but the screen is too good. Don't like the KB as much as the MBP 15'. Battery life isn't that great. But If it'll help me work more efficiently and read documents faster, then I guess it'll help pay off the device over 4-5 years that I'll use it. I really want the MBA M2.

I like the keyboard on the Macbook Air and my old 2015 MBP 15" (best Macbook ever made prior to M1/M2) better than the cramped MBP 14".

MBA M2 512/16 would be the buy if it was $1,300 pre-taxes...

 

[0906742]

Her testing appears quite thorough. Moreover, she owns the 14" Pro. What would be her motive for saying that the M2 is, indeed, slightly but nonetheless noticeably faster?

I have seen multiple other reviews make the same general observations: for single-threaded tasks, the M2 Air is faster than the M1 Pro, and the difference, while perhaps not massive, is noticeable.

Meanwhile, can you find any reviews, video or otherwise, that assert the opposite? I have yet to see one.

I would not say it was noticeable faster in that particular test. Maybe hardly faster at the best. Difference was like blink of an eye and even that can change which unit got key pressed first to start the test. Also look close at Photoshop test, you see image is larger on MBP, they both accomplish the same amount of processing photo row at the same time, MBP just have one row more.

As far as that Web page opening test, difference was almost unnoticeable. However in any demanding test difference grows huge between the two. In MBP 14" some more demanding task take only say time of a coffee break while in MBA M2 it takes a time of a dinner at a restaurant. Just to put thing in perspective....

IMHO it does not really matter if MBA M2 based on some test can open 400 pages in a second where MBP 14" does like 340-350 pages in a second (Speedometer 2.0). No one probably can read that fast, can they?

 

[resolutiontime]

Perfect! Enjoy it in your use-case.

I use the laptop on the table 99% (work, home, hotels, airport lounges) of time. I admit Air is close to what Macbook 12 used to be, but not quite. For me "portability" starts below 1kg. Above this it lives in my backpack and on tables.

And I do clearly see the difference between displays. Not in movies but starting with the mouse pointer.

Do you lift? The new MBAs and MBPs 13' and 14' are light enough..

 

[tim1000]

I am high key disappointed in my MBP 14" that I got for $1,599. Battery life is piss poor. 6-7 hours at 80%+ brightness just web browsing and constantly playing Yt. This is what majority of users will be doing on their MBP. The extra features will be useless as you smartly mentioned. I highly value portability, speed for basic use, screen size and quality, and battery life. Imagine the battery in 4-5 years.....

Like I said in the other thread, the MBA M2, 512/16 is the best Macbook and Macbook to buy for majority of web browsing users and (light users) professionals. People want ' future-proof' but that'll never happen in innovation. Look at the specced out 2019 MBP . 16" people bought 3 years ago. ...

Problem I have with both is that the screen is too small or maybe I'm too used to the 15' MBP where I can lean back and read documents and websites all day....I find myself leaning forward or pulling my MBP 14' closer to me.

The last paragraph is great. But I gotta admit, the extra bright screen is beautiful. When plugged in all day at a work desk, this can be a good value and help with productivity even for simple tasks. I don't like spending more money for features that I'll never use but the screen is too good. Don't like the KB as much as the MBP 15'. Battery life isn't that great. But If it'll help me work more efficiently and read documents faster, then I guess it'll help pay off the device over 4-5 years that I'll use it. I really want the MBA M2.

I like the keyboard on the Macbook Air and my old 2015 MBP 15" (best Macbook ever made prior to M1/M2) better than the cramped MBP 14".

MBA M2 512/16 would be the buy if it was $1,300 pre-taxes...

is this true about the battery life? my 16 inch lasts forever.

 

[resolutiontime]

is this true about the battery life? my 16 inch lasts forever.

It's a fact. People who claim it has a great life are comparing it to the Intel version Macs or are just sugar coating their recent purchases.
Look at this YTer. He browsed FB watching videos and his went from 100->87 in 1.5 Hrs. At max brightness. That's ~7 hours & 40 minutes. Sad.

11:50

 

[0906742]

I am high key disappointed in my MBP 14" that I got for $1,599. Battery life is piss poor. 6-7 hours at 80%+ brightness just web browsing and constantly playing Yt. This is what majority of users will be doing on their MBP.

Not me, I don't use that bright screen. In my use on battery I could easily get by with 7% per hour battery use. Pretty identical to my previous MBA M1. Probably your use with MBA M2 would not result much more hours on battery. It is all depending on what you do with it.

 

[0906742]

I think the M2 MBA with 512gb ssd and 16gb ram is the sweet spot and the one that will be most desirable.

Here in EU area where I live situation was that I got good deal for MBP 14" base where the price was identical to MBA M2 with 16/512 option. Even from Apple difference between the two would be barely 300.

If you took a 50% hit on an m1 air base that is what $500 vs. $1000. M2 air 1200 base and 50% is $600 so no matter how you slice it you would save more reselling the air vs the pro and if you spec up the M1 Pro that even more money lost.

I was lucky and early, I got more than 50% for my MBA M1 I sold at the time. Anyway I'm just considering the fact for what I paid for my MBP 14" and what it would have cost me to get MBA M2 16/512, practically identical price. I doubt when it is time to sell, I would not get worse price for my MBP 14" than MBA M2. Not really too concerned about used market price as I again plan to keep this for years (but so I did with all my previous MacBooks I ended up selling in 1.5 years or so, but this time it will be different. ).
After year or so, both CPU's M1 Pro and M2 will be ancient when we have 3nm chips in all models.

 

[resolutiontime]

Not me, I don't use that bright screen. In my use on battery I could easily get by with 7% per hour battery use. Pretty identical to my previous MBA M1. Probably your use with MBA M2 would not result much more hours on battery. It is all depending on what you do with it.

yeah...that's why.....try it at 2 bars from the max or even max brightness.

 

[0906742]

yeah...that's why.....try it at 2 bars from the max or even max brightness.

Too bright for me. Half is about reasonable for me.

Anyway read posts like this, you get impression for actual battery life for MBA M2, if you think it would be many times better in battery life.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...y-cycles.2356210/?post=31378000#post-31378000
So 7.5W power use would result about 7 hours battery life for MBA M2 in mentioned conditions.

 

[resolutiontime]

IDK why people buy the MBP and don't use it to the max or it's features. It's called Pro for a reason.

 

[tim1000]

IDK why people buy the MBP and don't use it to the max or it's features. It's called Pro for a reason.

The better bigger screen