MacBook Air vs MBP display scaling

[mystery hill]

MBP 14” and 16”: 254 ppi
MBA 13” and 15”: 224 ppi
Studio Display and Pro Display XDR: 218 ppi

MBP 14” and 16” have sharper displays but everything is smaller and more difficult to see when running at the default (integer) scaling.


MBA 13” and 15” have a similar ppi to the Apple external displays. The UI elements are almost the same size, when using the “looks like 1280*800” integer display scaling, which makes it a good match when viewing them next to each other.

UI elements are larger and easier to see compared to the MBP14 and MBP16 with the default integer display scaling.


MBP14 and MBP16 have miniLED, higher peak brightness, and ProMotion 120hz, but I prefer the lower ppi of the Air for easier legibility at the “looks like 1280x800” integer display scaling.

 

[antibolo]

The default scaling on a 13-inch MBA is not actually integer scaled (it's "looks like 1440x900" on a 2560x1600 display)

 

[mystery hill]

The default scaling on a 13-inch MBA is not actually integer scaled (it's "looks like 1440x900" on a 2560x1600 display)

Sorry, my mistake. I meant when running it at “looks like 1280x800” it’s integer scaled. Will edit.

 

[antibolo]

But then "looks like 1280x800" is waaaay too big, you're losing too much display real estate. Which is likely why Apple decided to default to non-integer.

In any case what I was trying to say is that you're still likely to want to use non-integer scaling on a MBA.

 

[mystery hill]

In any case what I was trying to say is that you're still likely to want to use non-integer scaling on a MBA.

Not if you don’t have good vision or find the larger size to cause less eye strain.

But then "looks like 1280x800" is waaaay too big, you're losing too much display real estate.

It would look the same size as the default (integer) scaling on the Studio Display, which is “looks like 2560x1600”

 

[antibolo]

It's different usage contexts, though. When using a laptop one tends to have their face closer to the screen than with a desktop monitor (especially a large one).

Anyone's mileage may vary of course, but from my personal experience, desirable text/UI size on desktop vs laptop is not necessarily a 1:1 match.

 

[maerz001]

Whats this clickbait headline? Maybe just buy new glasses?

 

[neo_cs193p]

I agree with the OP, and use the M2 Air screen in 1280x832 for the same reason.
This plus the lack of PWM make the Air screen better for me than the Pro.

Of course the Pro display has a lot of advantages that I would like to have, but all things considered, the Air is the better fit for me at this point, as I can use it comfortably for many hours.

 

[IJBrekke]

The 13” MBA and the 14” MBP have default scaling that “looks like” 1440x900 (or close to, can’t remember the actual number factoring in the notch). The new 15” MBA should default to “looks like” 1680x1050+notch, a carryover from the older 15” MBP from 2016-2018.

So, when comparing the 15” Air to 14” MBP, the new Air is going to feel like more screen real estate. To access 1680x1050 on the 14” you have to use custom scaling, it’s not built in (searchable on this forum).

 

[MacManiac76]

Until the Air has mini LED with ProMotion there really is no comparison. The MacBook Pro display wins hands down, regardless of display scaling differences.