MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air - Display Differences

[A4orce84]

Hello Everyone,

I'm currently trying to decide between a M2/M3 MacBook Pro vs. M2/M3 MacBook Air. I know one of the big differences is the display MacBook Pro vs. Air. I know the Pro has the 120hz display and is 'better', but is it really that big of a difference ?

If anyone can offer any feedback / thoughts / advice, I would super appreciate it. Thank you!

 

[kitKAC]

You should go to a store that has both machines and check out the displays with your own eyes, in the end, it's your preference that is the only thing that matters.

 

[Iwavvns]

You should go to a store that has both machines and check out the displays with your own eyes, in the end, it's your preference that is the only thing that matters.

Agreed! This is the only way to see which device works best for you. I went to an Apple Store to test various devices and I couldn't see any real difference between the MP vs MBA displays. But, I wear glasses and someone else may see a difference. But, I agree with kitKAC.. seeing the devices yourself is the best way to test the device.

 

[throAU]

it’s not just 120hz. it is variable refresh rate so it can sync to your content in addition to faster refresh rate.

its 1600 nits peak brightness so it can display HDR content properly. the air can not.

make sure to test both displays with a 4k hdr video (trailer in the tv app perhaps).


the difference is huge on hdr footage. but you won’t see that unless you check some hdr content. the desktop isn’t displaying hdr content. if you just look at the desktop or non media apps you will not see much difference because they aren’t trying to display hdr.

this is also not something you can convey in pictures over the internet to someone not using a hdr screen to display it.

 

[Logunnsblade]

Hi I’m looking at getting a new MacBook. Trying to decide between the 13 inch MacBook Air M4 the 15 inch A4 or the 14 inch MacBook Pro. All with 512GB and either of the airs with 16GB or maybe push for the 24GB Ram but the Pro can only afford the 16GB RAM. Will be doing some work using Adobe suite inc photoshop and lightroom a small amount of video editing short videos and reels, but will mainly be doing work on websites in WordPress browsing Internet and word processing won’t be doing anything like gaming but might watch some media content. What should I go for and what is best. Coming from a Mac Mini M2 with 8 GB RAM. Mobility is a factor but not a major one as any would be more portable than the Mac mini. Looking to buy today or tomorrow. What does the community suggest?

 

[ashman70]

Hi I’m looking at getting a new MacBook. Trying to decide between the 13 inch MacBook Air M4 the 15 inch A4 or the 14 inch MacBook Pro. All with 512GB and either of the airs with 16GB or maybe push for the 24GB Ram but the Pro can only afford the 16GB RAM. Will be doing some work using Adobe suite inc photoshop and lightroom a small amount of video editing short videos and reels, but will mainly be doing work on websites in WordPress browsing Internet and word processing won’t be doing anything like gaming but might watch some media content. What should I go for and what is best. Coming from a Mac Mini M2 with 8 GB RAM. Mobility is a factor but not a major one as any would be more portable than the Mac mini. Looking to buy today or tomorrow. What does the community suggest?

The Airs will throttle when pushed, whereas the MBP has a fan and will not throttle. The main advantages IMO of the MBP over the Air are, display, ports and battery life, however the Air is a little more portable and lighter. If your work with Adobe and video editing increases, you may be better off with the MBP IMO.

 

[Logunnsblade]

The Airs will throttle when pushed, whereas the MBP has a fan and will not throttle. The main advantages IMO of the MBP over the Air are, display, ports and battery life, however the Air is a little more portable and lighter. If your work with Adobe and video editing increases, you may be better off with the MBP IMO.

The next question then the 24GB air or the 16GB pro both M4 chip. I understand the 15inch air does score higher in the single and multi core test but not sure why

 

[Logunnsblade]

went for the 16GB 512SSD Pro M4 14inch. Found a great deal and got the extra features for £50 more then a 512ssd 16GB 15inch M4 so was happy with that deal thanks for your help.