Macbook pro 14 m2 pro vs Macbook air m2

[s1mons]

Hi all, new to the forum.

I'm looking to purchase my first Mac. Mainly used to edit underwater photos.

What would be the better option?

1: MacBook Pro 14"
M2 Pro
16gb
512gb

2: MacBook Air 13"
M2
24gb
512gb

Thanks

 

[Toutou]

Performance-wise they're both great, but the Pro has a better, brighter miniLED display, so you might prefer the Pro if your budget allows. You could also get the Air with 16 GB of RAM (same as the Pro and comfortably enough) and save some money.

 

[wegster]

How's your eyesight? Will you be using an external display?
The MBP's display is nicer with a bit more effective space and an XDR display. The MBP will support IIRC up to 3 eternal displays while the MBA will only support one.
The MBA can likely still hit a level of thermal throttling under heavy loads, although I haven't kept up to see if the M2 MBA has improved on this - it's not a huge difference and not like some of the always hot Intel configurations. The memory bandwidth of the Pro chip is double that of the base M2.

None of the above may make any significant difference for your use.

For basic use and normal image editing, either system will be fine, as would an M1 generation MBA or MBP which are seeing pretty heavy discounts or available as Apple refurbs... for my wife (teacher) she's on a 2019 Intel MBA after several proper MBPs, and for document, slides, moderate photo and video editing I'll be getting her an MBA.

I like the MBP better, and just shifted from a 2019 Intel MBP16 to an M1 Max MBP14, and overall quite like it, but it doesn't sound like you need 'more' than the Air, and most of the improvements on the MBP/Pro chip aren't likely of much/significant value to you..

 

[s1mons]

How's your eyesight? Will you be using an external display?
The MBP's display is nicer with a bit more effective space and an XDR display. The MBP will support IIRC up to 3 eternal displays while the MBA will only support one.
The MBA can likely still hit a level of thermal throttling under heavy loads, although I haven't kept up to see if the M2 MBA has improved on this - it's not a huge difference and not like some of the always hot Intel configurations. The memory bandwidth of the Pro chip is double that of the base M2.

None of the above may make any significant difference for your use.

For basic use and normal image editing, either system will be fine, as would an M1 generation MBA or MBP which are seeing pretty heavy discounts or available as Apple refurbs... for my wife (teacher) she's on a 2019 Intel MBA after several proper MBPs, and for document, slides, moderate photo and video editing I'll be getting her an MBA.

I like the MBP better, and just shifted from a 2019 Intel MBP16 to an M1 Max MBP14, and overall quite like it, but it doesn't sound like you need 'more' than the Air, and most of the improvements on the MBP/Pro chip aren't likely of much/significant value to you..

Thanks for you help! No external displays, will be used mainly while away editing/storing photos etc after dives! Guess I'm also looking for best future proof option! Cost wise they both come out pretty much the same!

 

[Basic75]

The MBP will support IIRC up to 3 eternal displays while the MBA will only support one.

The MBP with M1/2 Pro chip supports 2 external displays (total 3), you need to get an M1/2 Max for more.

 

[wegster]

The MBP with M1/2 Pro chip supports 2 external displays (total 3), you need to get an M1/2 Max for more.

Good catch; sorry about that, I have Max stuck in my head as recently moved to a refurb M1 Max myself. Thx!

 

[wegster]

Thanks for you help! No external displays, will be used mainly while away editing/storing photos etc after dives! Guess I'm also looking for best future proof option! Cost wise they both come out pretty much the same!

CPU-wise, MBP is stronger with memory the same although higher memory bandwidth on the pro.
I'm not seeing how/where they could be the same price, but if they are for same or close enough memory I'd go with the MBP personally.

 

[s1mons]

CPU-wise, MBP is stronger with memory the same although higher memory bandwidth on the pro.
I'm not seeing how/where they could be the same price, but if they are for same or close enough memory I'd go with the MBP personally.

Ok great thanks for your advise! There is a difference in price of around 175! And for that the Air has 24gb and the pro 16gb

 

[OrenLindsey]

Get the MacBook Pro if you're willing to. The Pro has a better chip, better screen (crucial for photo editing), more ports (probably helpful with editing, but I don't know your workflow so maybe), and active cooling.
For editing the Pro is the better choice.