MBA 15 inch vs 14 inch MBP vs 13 inch MBA comfort

[nfl46]

The screen on the MBA 15 is pretty good. After using it for a few days, it seems solid to me and I am coming from the 16-inch M1 Pro.

It's not of a drastic different as some are making it. Is the 16-inch screen better? Yes. Is it drastic? Heck no.

 

[ilikewhey]

1. That difference as it's been mentioned repeatedly in various threads is enough. It isn't only the actual weight, but the thickness as well. For me, I have the 16 inch, and that is a "chonky boy" with it's thickness. That thickness along with the weight, can make the MBPs unwieldy for some. Especially if you carrying it around one handed. The actual thinness of the MBAs is an attractive feature for some.

alot of folks mention traveling, so that thickness isn't a issue between 14 and 15 if its going into a bag. if you talking about hand carrying all the time, thats up to the individual, i'm used to carrying my old 2015 13inch so to me the 14 feels just fine.

2. Those that are using their laptop as only source for entertainment consumption are actively steered towards the Pro over the Air. The Pro has better screens for both creative work & consumption, and better speakers to boot. If one is using their laptop for such purposes, the Pros are the intended choice. The Air a cheaper compromise that will get the job done for many.

agreed.

3. The nuances are really only present if you are making the decision between a refurbished 14inch MBP VS a new 15inch MBA price wise. The "Apple Tax" isn't anything new to anyone that's even looked at an Apple computing product before. Apple seemed to make the decision to thread the needle and make an Air that's between their two Pros. A 15 inch model that finally gives those who wanted the reduced footprint of an Air, but didn't want to pay for the better screen, speakers, and chip.

not a refurb, various brick and mortar selling based 14 for 1750, costco, microcenter, b and h. you won't find specced up mba going on sale anytime soon, however any based mac will go for discount due to logistic advantage.

If one wants to make a product that Apple positioned as a "lower tier" to their Pro product, Apple is going to charge you. All with the intent of upselling you to their generally more expensive product. The nuance comes from wanting to take a product Apple doesn't intend it to be "pro", and trying to make it "pro". Only to hear from some after all that, that even that isn't "pro" enough for them.

yep, thats apple strategy since ever, best example being apple still use 128gb for base mba up until recently. unfortunately there are alot of folks speccing up a lower tier model to the point where the price gap to the pro is only 50 bucks or so.

Note: "Lower tier" isn't to say a cheaper / inferior product, it's to say that it doesn't include some features that a customer may not need or want. So if a customer wanted a 15 inch laptop they no longer needed to go PC, if they didn't want to pay for a 16 inch MBP. The option now exists for that larger screen without the bells & whistles a customer doesn't want. If one wants to add those bells & whistles back, one is going to pay the difference, but it might be wiser to step up to the Pro.

technically, the mba does have a inferior panel, traditional backlit lcd that has uniformity issues and washed out look thats inherent to the tech.

 

[JayMysterio]

alot of folks mention traveling, so that thickness isn't a issue between 14 and 15 if its going into a bag. if you talking about hand carrying all the time, thats up to the individual, i'm used to carrying my old 2015 13inch so to me the 14 feels just fine.

Yes, for YOU, that's fine. As you said, that's up to the individual. For others the combination of weight & thickness makes the MBP less desirable for travel, lugging around the house, and setting on the lap. Others maybe used to a carting heavier / thicker laptops and decided they would prefer lighter. Thus where the Air comes in.

agreed.

not a refurb, various brick and mortar selling based 14 for 1750, costco, microcenter, b and h. you won't find specced up mba going on sale anytime soon, however any based mac will go for discount due to logistic advantage.

I mentioned refurb, because it's from Apple ( meaning if you were considering like I was, you could trade in stuff at the Apple Store get gift cards, and apply them to your purchase. Bringing your cost down more ) and it's $1699. Once again for many the obsession is NOT to 'spec up' an Air, as that brings you closer to MBP pricing. If you are buying an Air just to 'spec up' to a pro equivalent, why not just buy the Pro?

yep, thats apple strategy since ever, best example being apple still use 128gb for base mba up until recently. unfortunately there are alot of folks speccing up a lower tier model to the point where the price gap to the pro is only 50 bucks or so.

Exactly. Apple always wants you to buy higher up the product chain, but if you can't they want you to buy something. Even their base model as introduction hoping you will discover if you need a powerful product, or just a 'spec up'. If someone is "speccing up" ( me for instance ), it's probably because they know they have a specific desire for the Air, with that LITTLE bit of an extra bump for their individual needs.

technically, the mba does have a inferior panel, traditional backlit lcd that has uniformity issues and washed out look thats inherent to the tech.

I never said differently. I quite clearly said the Air has lesser screens, speakers, and chip. It's what brings the price down from the Pro. I personally don't need the better screen that my 16 inch ( while I have it still ) or it's speakers when I am out. I do appreciate the bigger screen over the 14 inch MBP I looked at as a replacement. For writing emails & projects, then watching some videos on a break, the screen gets the job done wonderfully.

 

[phillytim]

Seems like this thread summarizes exactly what has become wrong with Apple:

Too many choices, and everything ends up feeling like a compromise = bad and ill will; especially when you are trying to spend so much of your hard-earned money for a premium product.

 

[lJoSquaredl]

Definitely not ripping on the Air in all this conversation I just wanna make that clear. It's still a great computer for most people and most activities, and perhaps it's just cuz my MBA is 3 years old that it's got a worse contrast ratio who knows I don't test it every year. I can definitely see a difference tho, can see it just as well in this Linus video at 1:30 as well, and IF you need the contrast there is a tangible difference imo. Not all people may see it as well (like my eyes don't really feel impacted by 120hz at all) but with my MBA at around 1000:1, my TV at around 7000:1, and my MBP at around 1,000,000:1 I can see a difference between all 3 and it changes my viewing/editing/etc experience.

Not for YouTube videos tho for causal YouTube consumption I could care less about contrast ratio, like I said for most peoples viewing habits it's probably a non issue. We all know in a perfect world we'd have a 15" MBA with more ports, betters speakers, and the same Pro level contrast...this is just all Apple's fault lol

 

[edubfromktown]

Seems like this thread summarizes exactly what has become wrong with Apple:

Too many choices, and everything ends up feeling like a compromise = bad and ill will; especially when you are trying to spend so much of your hard-earned money for a premium product.

Apple has mastered the vehicle model sales "shell game".

No one option meets many folks needs. We are left accepting compromises or shooting for the stars and going for the premium hardware configuration (or some form of BTO).

 

[dmccloud]

Maxtech is literally an Apple fanboy channel that does nothing but Apple videos

Hard to take them seriously when they intentionally created a test designed to make the 14" Pro look bad and even admitted it wasn't based on any reasonable workloads. I wouldn't call them fanboys though.

 

[Saturn007]

Barely watchable and the whole nuance of the cinematography was completely lost.

LOL! Reminds me of when a friend derided us for watching movies on our TV rather than in a theater which is where the directors and filmmakers designed them for!

The idea of watching movies on a 14-16” screen and being ultra-focused on what differences there are (often minor) would have struck him as laughable.

Cinematography and small screens are an oxymoron!

Now, the first comparative photos in the thread showing an MBP with crisp blacks and good color vs. that particular MBA's washed out, ghost-like, purplish cast were strikingly different, literally good vs. bad, and would sway me. But the subsequent comparison photos suggests the differences are negligible in many or most viewing conditions. We'd never watch a movie on a laptop, anyway, preferring our TV, which at 720p barely qualifies as HD!

So, as the bards of old once said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!”

 

[Steelhead1957]

LOL! Reminds me of when a friend derided us for watching movies on our TV rather than in a theater which is where the directors and filmmakers designed them for!

The idea of watching movies on a 14-16” screen and being ultra-focused on what differences there are (often minor) would have struck him as laughable.

Cinematography and small screens are an oxymoron!

Now, the first comparative photos in the thread showing an MBP with crisp blacks and good color vs. that particular MBA's washed out, ghost-like, purplish cast were strikingly different, literally good vs. bad, and would sway me. But the subsequent comparison photos suggests the differences are negligible in many or most viewing conditions. We'd never watch a movie on a laptop, anyway, preferring our TV, which at 720p barely qualifies as HD!

So, as the bards of old once said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!”

All true but I do travel a bit and don't fly coach so the extra size is not a bother. I DO notice black levels and nothing makes me crazier than gray looking content, poor contrast and the FOMO on production value. Life is short, My TVs are all OLED, Home theatre Projector is JVC so Black level/Contrast perfectionism keeps my $ accounts at a not so favorable level...

 

[Saturn007]

so Black level/Contrast perfectionism keeps my $ accounts at a not so favorable level...

Great comment. Chuckled out loud over that!

My spouse and I are grateful that we grew up on SD content, are well satisfied with 720p, are not that particular about either sound or picture quality (“good enough” is all that matters), and even still enjoy old reruns, many of which are in SD and low-fi sound.

Helps our bank accounts lots! Of course, we have old high school friends who gently mock us for it all and for not having the latest high-end gear! 😎

 

[lJoSquaredl]

Great comment. Chuckled out loud over that!

My spouse and I are grateful that we grew up on SD content, are well satisfied with 720p, are not that particular about either sound or picture quality (“good enough” is all that matters), and even still enjoy old reruns, many of which are in SD and low-fi sound.

Helps our bank accounts lots! Of course, we have old high school friends who gently mock us for it all and for not having the latest high-end gear! 😎

I remember my friend used to download like 360p movies shot in the theater with a camcorder and like "property of Warner Bros" titles at the bottom the entire movie. He still enjoyed em, and that's fine tho I prefer watching a movie as it was intended first and foremost. 720p is fine as well, but 4k/pure contrast/wicked speakers just helps me appreciate art that much more is all.

And I'm kinda already doing a disservice to many movies not watching it with the theater experience, 4k on my phone or laptop is nice but Top Gun Maverick just hits different at home for sure. At the end of the day I just go for the best I can get...I try to be somewhere in between an elitist and luddite

 

[StoneJack]

bigger and lighter is always better than smaller and heavier

 

[StoneJack]

I remember my friend used to download like 360p movies shot in the theater with a camcorder and like "property of Warner Bros" titles at the bottom the entire movie. He still enjoyed em, and that's fine tho I prefer watching a movie as it was intended first and foremost. 720p is fine as well, but 4k/pure contrast/wicked speakers just helps me appreciate art that much more is all.

And I'm kinda already doing a disservice to many movies not watching it with the theater experience, 4k on my phone or laptop is nice but Top Gun Maverick just hits different at home for sure. At the end of the day I just go for the best I can get...I try to be somewhere in between an elitist and luddite

your friend also probably lives in basement, got no job, no wife and probably 20 year car, right?

 

[lJoSquaredl]

your friend also probably lives in basement, got no job, no wife and probably 20 year car, right?

Nope, works at Ford and makes 6 figures, he says "there's enough chumps out there to pay for it I ain't doing that crap when I can get it for free." To be fair the quality has got slightly better over the years but some are still bad or always have something lacking.

I have a couple friends with decent jobs and family that do it this way, feels more like a Michigan or midwest thing than a broke ass thing.

 

[ctjack]

your friend also probably lives in basement, got no job, no wife and probably 20 year car, right?

Nowadays are crazy. My 2 cars cost me $1000 while any of my apple tech was more than that.

 

[ignatius345]

For size, probably not yet. But there are tons of “m2 13 air vs 14 pro” comparisons on YouTube with a section about the display quality

And we all know YouTube is the best source for information, and not at all driven by people stirring up "controversy" as a form of clickbait.

I'll just go to a store and see for myself, thanks.

 

[hch720]

And we all know YouTube is the best source for information, and not at all driven by people stirring up "controversy" as a form of clickbait.

I'll just go to a store and see for myself, thanks.

There is no "controversy" to be stirred up from a simple display comparison in which both displays are being filmed playing the exact same thing.

 

[Purrific]

I am very pleased with myself for having resisted the new Air so far. I have tried it out in the Apple Store twice so far and found it to be gorgeous, but I do love the size of my MBP 14 and do not find it to be bulky or heavy. I just wish it came in Starlight. 😁 Although it's great that my new computer glasses have resolved my issues with the screen, a part of me is a little disappointed not to have an excuse to switch to the MBP 15. Downside of vastly improved vision - I can now see a tiny black speck on my screen which I was previously oblivious to.

 

[Cashmonee]

I appreciate those trying to highlight the differences between the screens of the Air and Pro, but please do not make any decisions based on photos. Any display review worth its salt will always have a disclaimer that the video/photos are not an accurate representation. Go see them in person, and if possible, use them the way you would normally use them (generous return policies are helpful).

For most people and the way they will use these displays most of the time, either of the two will deliver exceptional performance. The Pro will definitely be better, especially in ideal conditions. However, that comes at the cost of money and weight (particularly the 16"). If you need or desire the extra compute performance and/or just want the absolute best and do not have budget constraints, get the Pro. If you are looking for the best ratio of size to portability or are on more of a budget and have no need for the compute performance, the Air is a wonderful machine that will not leave you wishing you had gotten the Pro for 95% of users.

Personally, I was drawn to the 15" Air. However, I enjoy having the extra performance and really do feel like the 14" form factor fits me perfectly. I had no budget constraint and am never taking this out of the house. So I went with a 14" Pro.

 

[Saturn007]

No one option meets many folks needs. We are left accepting compromises or shooting for the stars and going for the premium hardware configuration (or some form of BTO).

Alas, even “shooting for the stars” and going high-end configuration still involves trade-offs! For example, money, weight, and portability!

Go see them in person

Good idea — just keep in mind that under the bright blue-white fluorescent or LED lighting in a store, the displays will not look the same as they do at home under ambient natural light and home fixtures.

 

[dizmonk]

I have to say I'm learning a lot with these two machines. I'm working on my 14 MBP now after the last few days spent on the 15 MBA. I've been mainly writing in a coffee shop, browsing, etc. I'm finding the 14 more uncomfortable on my wrists than the 15. I'm not sure which made typing easier or more comfortable. I've got a few more days to decide but I'm leaning toward the 15 and selling my 14 on Swappa.

 

[vivek28]

15 Air presents the most comfortable typing experience. I have had the MBP 13 2010, MBA M1, MBA M2, and MBP 14.

The spacious palm rest on a 15 Air is amazing and adds to big screen experience. This machine also easily stays in the lap compared to awkward smaller feeling of earlier smaller Airs.

14 has a great screen and deep blacks in the dark.. but to spend 500-600 dollars more only for that without needing for any performance doesnt seem like a good buy.

My Base 15 had been amazing in general computing tasks. Movies, Youtube, some sheets in excels, code in java, running some docker containers.

 

[dizmonk]

15 Air presents the most comfortable typing experience. I have had the MBP 13 2010, MBA M1, MBA M2, and MBP 14.

The spacious palm rest on a 15 Air is amazing and adds to big screen experience. This machine also easily stays in the lap compared to awkward smaller feeling of earlier smaller Airs.

14 has a great screen and deep blacks in the dark.. but to spend 500-600 dollars more only for that without needing for any performance doesnt seem like a good buy.

My Base 15 had been amazing in general computing tasks. Movies, Youtube, some sheets in excels, code in java, running some docker containers.

What configuration did you get? What's your battery life been like especially as compared to the 14?

 

[vivek28]

What configuration did you get? What's your battery life been like especially as compared to the 14?

I have standard base 8gb/256 model. Space grey.

14 battery’s been inconclusive. Sometimes its 10 hours, or 6-7 some days. Battery life depends on your use cases, brightness but in general air 15 has the best battery imo.

 

[TorontoSS]

I started this thread a couple of years ago when the 15 inch came out. Wondering if anyone has any new views on this?
- Do you find the 15 inch more comfy than the 14 inch physically?
- What about the screen size and usability? Are they similar to you when reading, or just doing normal macbook stuff?
- Have people changed their views? I.e moved from any one macbook to the other for comfort?
- Have you found noticeable differences in the air and pro screens (when I had the M1 Pro MBP a few years ago, I didn't notice a HUGE diff in the quality but I did notice a difference with the speakers!)

Thanks!