MacBook Pro 14 (M1 Pro) or a MacBook Air M5?

[Yamcha]

Hello Everyone! I'm thinking about purchasing a secondary laptop, either a MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro or an entry level MacBook Air M5. I plan on using it for Web/Graphic Design work. The 14" M1 Pro is going for $1100CAD, while the M5 Air is going for $1359CAD. Do you guys think It's still worth it to purchase a renewed 14" M1 Pro over a M5 Air?

Specifications
14-inch MacBook Pro M1 Pro (Apple M1 Pro with 14-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage)
13-inch MacBook Air M5 (Apple M5 with 8-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage)

 

[kitKAC]

Do you guys think It's still worth it to purchase a renewed 14" M1 Pro over a M5 Air?

No.

 

[hdfridge]

Since the RAM and SSD are equal and both plenty fast for what you're doing, the remaining differences come down to the screen, body, and processor. The MBP will have the HDMI output and more Thunderbolt ports. It'll also have a slightly larger screen, which gets 2x as bright and has better contrast. Both are pretty color-accurate and have TruTone. Your GPU capabilities on that MBP will be somewhat better as well, as will the sound from the speakers.

On the downside, the MBP 16" I have is chunky, and the 14" is only slightly better. If weight is important to you, that's a point that goes to the air. However, if this is a desktop-replacement, then the MBP will be able to drive up to three screens vs. 2 on the air. The HDMI is very useful if you find yourself at other locations or giving presentations, as well.

With web or graphic work, neither of these will be pushed to the limit in the processor. The M5 will feel snappier due to the single-core speed, and it might last longer on battery. It's a more efficient chip, and that renewed MBP will have some amount of wear on the battery.

If it were me, I'd choose the M5 air and probably save up a bit more for the 15" screen. Everyone's needs are different, though.

 

[sublunar]

Length of remaining macOS support has to be a factor, an M5 Air will have many more years of support and in theory should bench at similar or better speeds to the M1 Pro - only losing out on GPU I think.

 

[delsoul]

The m5 air is going to be 4-5 years newer all the way around…electronics, battery, etc. Unless it was a HUGE discount in price compared to the air, I’d stay away from the M1 Pro and get the m5 air. It’s shockingly powerful. I have an m4 air and in many ways it was more powerful outright over my old M1 Pro unless doing some oddball graphics intensive stuff. If you needed GPU power, you’d already know it. I say go with the air!

 

[Alameda]

Hello Everyone! I'm thinking about purchasing a secondary laptop, either a MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro or an entry level MacBook Air M5. I plan on using it for Web/Graphic Design work. The 14" M1 Pro is going for $1100CAD, while the M5 Air is going for $1359CAD. Do you guys think It's still worth it to purchase a renewed 14" M1 Pro over a M5 Air?

Specifications
14-inch MacBook Pro M1 Pro (Apple M1 Pro with 14-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage)
13-inch MacBook Air M5 (Apple M5 with 8-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage)

Apple pays about $450 USD for a used MacBook Pro M1 with 16/512.
You should be able to buy one used in excellent condition for maybe $600 USD or less.