Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
While considering MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air, I realized that the pro might be better for someone who might want 512gb of storage...
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MacBook Air 13 M3 vs MacBook Pro 14 M4: Which Fits My Needs?
- Thread starter GeorgeBrzl
- Start date
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The screen on the M4 Pro is a lot better than the Air screen. It's night and day. The 10000 nits on the Pro is a game changer. So nice when in bright daylight, it is eye blasting bright. I think more laptops should have this feature even though it can't be manually turned on and off. You also really notice the extra 6" screen size on the Pro and it doesn't feel as cramped as the Air 13.
The extra ports on the Pro is also nice. Don't have to carry a USB hub anymore. The Air feels so limiting after getting used to all the ports on the Pro.
Yes the Air is thinner (the only benefit) but it's Razer sharp and easy to cut your fingers.
I wouldn't go back to the Air.
The extra ports on the Pro is also nice. Don't have to carry a USB hub anymore. The Air feels so limiting after getting used to all the ports on the Pro.
Yes the Air is thinner (the only benefit) but it's Razer sharp and easy to cut your fingers.
I wouldn't go back to the Air.
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
I am probably going to upgrade to the pro soon 🙂 that's a good point, with my MacBook Air m1, I couldn't see anything on my screen during sunny days outside... Now with the pro, I fell I willl be able to do it !! Speakers are also better, the extra ports are cool and you get even Moree with the pro model !
throAU
macrumors G4
The display on the pro is gorgeous. If you can afford it and are willing to have the slight extra weight go for it; personally I'd step from an air to a base model 14" pro for the screen alone, but that's my preference, yours may vary. Bonus: you get a better cpu and gpu, better speakers and more ports. The pro feels much more like "zero compromises", whereas the air has slightly downgraded screen and speakers to meet the price point.
But for your needs, either machine will run that in its sleep.
I daily carry a 14" Pro to/from the office (previously had 15" Pro, 13" Pro and 13" Air), it's not like it isn't portable.
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
I was considering the m4 MacBook Air but I just realized the m4 MacBook Pro is way better upgrade!
throAU
macrumors G4
M4 air isn't out yet; if it is available with nano texture and the price is right, it may be a great choice for some. I'm a sucker for that XDR display on the pros though. If you watch movies or work with HDR photos, etc. its so much better.
If you don't watch movies on your machine or work with HDR content, that will be less relevant though.
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
Nano texture isn’t going to make the air screen as good as the MacBook Pro… + the pro has extra things
I went from 16' MBP M1 32GB/1TB Max to 15' MBA M3 16GB/512GB. So much lighter, and still meeting my requirements quite well. I work less off-site without external display, and use 49' wide screen onsite in different locations. Serious contender unless you do really Pro stuff requiring the extra oomph.
throAU
macrumors G4
I never said it would. I said if nano was available and the price is right it might be a good choice and then said "I'm a sucker for the XDR display on the pros though".
I also mentioned that if you do not do HDR things, the screen is less relevant (as it will be, because HDR is the major feature it has).
I'm not sure how much clearer I could make that. I also literally rattled off the extra/better things the pros have in a post above.
Maybe read my posts?
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
I think the Pro screen going up to 1000 nits outdoors or when enough sunlight hits it even through a window is a very nice feature. That's double of the Air's 500 nits and it's noticeable. At first my eyes had to get adjusted to it being so bright but its something I wouldnt want to live without now. I just wish you could turn it on when you want it but it's better than not having this feature at all and it works well.
Yes the speakers on the Pro are also way better. The Pro is the first laptop Ive ever had where I actually don't mind using the speakers because they sound quite good.
Having a USB-C port on the right side comes in handy. Pretty much all laptops now come with a HDMI port. I think the Air should have it. If it can't fit it then Apple should put in a mini HDMI port as HDMI ports are found in every laptop, even in cheap budget ones. I find HDMI is more bulletproof and less finicky than USB-C when connecting to a monitor or TV.
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I don't think any mid-grade to high end laptop should be still using regular LED screens anymore in 2025. Not with how common OLED and mini-LED screens are found now even in desktop monitors. A lot of laptops coming out this year will have mini LED or OLED screens.
The extra weight and slightly larger frame is totally worth it on the Pro. You will really only notice it if you have an Air 13 and Pro 14 in each hand. If anything the Pro is easier to handle and pick up. The Air 13 is too thin that it was very difficult to handle without it sliding all over the place.
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
Yeah very cool, also for the speakers I have the HomePod mini that might be better, but yeah extra usb-c, magsafe (yeah m1 air doesn't have this), SD card... and also some extra like the battery, the fan for better performances and more !!
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
In my case I don't care about about weight but screen is a good upgrade from the air !!
Im still blown away that the fans on the Pro M4 only come on when you push it with 3rd party apps like rendering a video or doing 3D stuff. Otherwise it's completely silent and for me, the Air being fanless is no longer seen as an advantage. Also the battery life is about 15% better on the M4 Pro over the current Air. The new M4 Air likely won't match the M4 Pro for battery life.
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
throAU
macrumors G4
dalestrauss
macrumors regular
I have waffled so badly between MBA (first M3, now soon to be released M4) vs the base M4 MBP that my head spins. However, for 0.7# and about 1/4" thicker, the M4 MBP is far superior. Just go pull up the YouTube Costa Rica 4k video on both devices and the MBP mLED puts the MBA M3/M3 LCD to shame; port selections are much better; sound is much better; and I've yet to hear the fan. Best of all, if the M4 MBA matches the M3 MBA price, it will only be $90 less than the M4 MBP which can be picked up at Amazon or Best Buy for $1589 (price match the Amazon price). That's a LOT of extra value for a minimal price delta.
Unless weight and slightly less heft are premium features for you, give the M4 MBP a real shakedown cruise...
Unless weight and slightly less heft are premium features for you, give the M4 MBP a real shakedown cruise...
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Miles Fu
macrumors regular
I choose a M4 MBP 14' rather M3 air: 1)better screen, 2)more ports (to me is important) 3)better performance
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Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030
Better battery, better camera, larger screen, 512gb in base model and better speakers !!
I pick base model of MacBook Pro (so m4 not m4 pro) which has a better battery but less performances (which I don't need)
Miles Fu
macrumors regular
I chose the M4 base MBP too, the M4 Chip is powerful enough for me
Astuces iOS
macrumors 68030