MacBook Pro M5 16 GB vs. MacBook Air M4 24 GB

[C0re0]

Hi guys,

I already posted in another thread about the new MBP M5 vs M4 pro - however, this thread will be about another option.

I am planning to upgrade my "old" MBA M1 (Base model, 8GB) to a new MBA or MBP. Main use cases will be: Photo editing with Adobe Creative cloud, office work, browsing, streaming and gaming; though I am not a professional in photo editing and gaming.

I am torn between the following options.

MBP M5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, 1.679 EUR vs
MBA M4, 24 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, 1.469 EUR

Btw, I m getting education discount (with a gift until 21/10/2025).

I am also planning to use the laptop connected to a future Apple Studio Display (maybe V2 in 2026?), but also for out of the home/office work. The MBP M5 has the more powerful and future-proof chip and some specs which are far superior to the MBA. However, the MBA M4 has more RAM and will save me approximately 200 EUR.

I am planning to use this laptop for at least 3 years.

Spontaneously, I would have chosen the MBP; but honestly, my biggest concern is the 16 GB RAM. Regarding the fast spreading world of AI, would that still be sufficient in the future? Would 16 GB be enough for my aforementioned use case (editing, gaming etc.) or do I need 24 GB?

Ideas welcome!

Kind regards!

 

[rebelo]

My two cents. If the macbook is your main and only machine and you do a lot of photo editing on the road, go for the Macbook Pro. Most people only think about performance, that's understandable, but for me the game changer of the MBPro is the screen. There's no substitute. The Macbook Air is a tiny beast and, unless you do lots of VIDEO editing or any kind of IA/LLM bs, the MBAir can handle everything you throw at, including heavy RAW photo editing. But the screen, oh man, the crispness and brightness of the MBPro is a different league by itself. You should go to an Apple Store and compare side by side while opening and editing images. They will let you do it. I've heard a lot of people saying they don't see an actual difference. I envy them. Even for writing (I'm also a writer) it's so much better.

Having said that, after many years using a MBPro + MacMini, I currently use a MBAir (M3, 24GB RAM) as my main travel and mobile machine. And I do a lot of RAW photo editing. No sweat. The MBAir is very light, the keyboard feels better to write and it seems less fragile. Do I miss the screen from the MBPro? Yes, I miss that screen a lot. Every day. So I got a Display Studio at home hooked to a Mac Studio instead.

 

[thismarkjohnson]

For your use, the MBA M4 with 24GB RAM is the better balance. Extra RAM helps more in photo editing and multitasking than the small CPU gain from the M5. Unless you need the MBP’s brightness or fan cooling for heavy workloads, the Air will serve you well for years — especially with that €200 savings.

 

[C0re0]

Thanks fpor your ideas!

I think I will use the MBP/MBA as my main working station at home; and as i said i plan to connect it to an ASD.
If the 16 GB RAM is enough for the MBP, I will buy the MBP. But that is exactly my main concern, as already stated.

I will do everything on the MBP/MBA. Regarding the CPU - at least that´s what every review stated - the M5 is more than a step forward compared to the M4. Difficult decision...

 

[JPack]

Choose M4 MBA, not because of the RAM but because of the price.

For what you've described, you're a relatively light user and 16GB is plenty. 24GB doesn't make enough of a difference unless you're editing very large images and complex manipulations. Think images larger than 100MP.

If your plan is to connect to Apple Studio Display, don't waste money on the notebook LCD.

 

[Ryatzu]

Get the air, 16gb wont be enough in the future. I had a 16gb ram pro and my ram was constantly swapping.
Got the air M4 with 24gb ram and i won’t even notice a speed difference but do notice the ram usage.

 

[C0re0]

Hi,

thanks for alle the suggestions and ideas!

I pushed the "Buy" button and went for a Macbook Pro M5 24 GB RAM.
Little bit over the budget but I think it was better to go with 24 GB RAM and get the better Macbook, which hopefully will last me several years. At least I got an education discount and the new APP3 for almost free.