MBA M2 vs MBP 14, did I really make the right choice?

[titovenok88]

Dear colleagues!
Few days ago I became the proud owner of the new MBA M2 (512gb and 35w charger) in the best (in my opinion) new color MDN. Before that, I used MBP 13 on M1 in my daily work, I also experimented with iPad 12.9 on M1 and 11 on M1, but, unfortunately, the iPad is not the device, that can make me as productive as possible. But it was necessary to experiment. I didn't have iPads before.
On my MB I do the following daily tasks: browsing, work special services in browser, huge number of mails, work with different types of docs, communication in social networks and messengers with colleagues, Office, MS Teams, Zoom. I type a lot. And of course, in my free from work time, I like to watch movies or look through family photos.
Indeed, the MB A M2 is many times better than my previous MB Pro M1, it is much thinner, lighter, the keyboard is better and the new color is generally pleasing my eyes.
But I'm very disappointed with the screen, after using my iPad 12.9 M1 for 5 months, the screen on MB A M2 seems dull, faded, not with such rich contrasting colors and slightly slow delayed scrolling... I have read that the MB Pro 14 screen appears to be similar to the iPad 12.9 M1. Is it so? Should I change MB A M2 to MB Pro 14? What would You do in my place? Probably, there are those here who have tested MB A M2 and MB Pro 14 and can tell about their impressions. I need Your professional experience.
Many thanks!

 

[MajorFubar]

MBP 14" has the better screen of the two. If this is as important to you as you say, you'd be better off with 14" MBP.

 

[raylo32]

Go into settings and speed up the scrolling. The default is way too slow, IMO. I have mine set as fast as it will allow me to go. But, yes, the MBA M2 screen could be better. I don't believe it is any better than my 5 year old 13" Asus Zenbook. Still pretty good, though.

Dear colleagues!
Few days ago I became the proud owner of the new MBA M2 (512gb and 35w charger) in the best (in my opinion) new color MDN. Before that, I used MBP 13 on M1 in my daily work, I also experimented with iPad 12.9 on M1 and 11 on M1, but, unfortunately, the iPad is not the device, that can make me as productive as possible. But it was necessary to experiment. I didn't have iPads before.
On my MB I do the following daily tasks: browsing, work special services in browser, huge number of mails, work with different types of docs, communication in social networks and messengers with colleagues, Office, MS Teams, Zoom. I type a lot. And of course, in my free from work time, I like to watch movies or look through family photos.
Indeed, the MB A M2 is many times better than my previous MB Pro M1, it is much thinner, lighter, the keyboard is better and the new color is generally pleasing my eyes.
But I'm very disappointed with the screen, after using my iPad 12.9 M1 for 5 months, the screen on MB A M2 seems dull, faded, not with such rich contrasting colors and slightly slow delayed scrolling... I have read that the MB Pro 14 screen appears to be similar to the iPad 12.9 M1. Is it so? Should I change MB A M2 to MB Pro 14? What would You do in my place? Probably, there are those here who have tested MB A M2 and MB Pro 14 and can tell about their impressions. I need Your professional experience.
Many thanks!

 

[terryw1]

Was in the same dilemna. Had both for 2 weeks. Ultimately kept the mb pro due to pricing(amazon really sweet deal) and for the following reasons:
*MUCH better screen and pro motion. Hands down better experience than the air.
*superior speakers, watching/hearing movies was a joy. Again simply a better experience than the air.
*both had 16gb, ut could keep far more apps and browser tabs loaded on the pro. Night and day difference between the 2 macs
*the pro came with a 1tb hd while the air had 512. Being able to keep all my apps, photos, movies/shows locally became a big deal. Whilst I could have configured the air with 1 tb, it would have brought the cost over what I paid for the pro.
*didn’t necessarily need the additional computational power of the pro. But nice to how it’s there if I ever do need it. The pro is snappier than the air was, maybe due to the extra computational power.
*portability and weight were about equal. Know the air is lighter, but it didn’t feel that way like the old m1 air.

at the current amazon price of the pro versus the configured price of the air, it really was a no brainer decision.

Good luckwith whatever you decide. The air was a nice machine, loved the midnight color but the pro won out in every category.

 

[aajeevlin]

Was in the same dilemna. Had both for 2 weeks. Ultimately kept the mb pro due to pricing(amazon really sweet deal) and for the following reasons:
*MUCH better screen and pro motion. Hands down better experience than the air.
*superior speakers, watching/hearing movies was a joy. Again simply a better experience than the air.
*both had 16gb, ut could keep far more apps and browser tabs loaded on the pro. Night and day difference between the 2 macs
*the pro came with a 1tb hd while the air had 512. Being able to keep all my apps, photos, movies/shows locally became a big deal. Whilst I could have configured the air with 1 tb, it would have brought the cost over what I paid for the pro.
*didn’t necessarily need the additional computational power of the pro. But nice to how it’s there if I ever do need it. The pro is snappier than the air was, maybe due to the extra computational power.
*portability and weight were about equal. Know the air is lighter, but it didn’t feel that way like the old m1 air.

at the current amazon price of the pro versus the configured price of the air, it really was a no brainer decision.

Good luckwith whatever you decide. The air was a nice machine, loved the midnight color but the pro won out in every category.

Would you have made the same decision if the MBP isn't your primary machine?

I have a Mac mini connected to a huge monitor already. I picked up the MBP 14 mostly due to pricing (very nice discount). But all and all it's simply a replacement for my MBP 13 (from 2011), and I'm not using it as much as I thought I would. I was thinking to just pick up the base MacBook 14. In the end the price difference is roughly $700 difference...sigh..

 

[Mcdevidr]

I had the 14 but returned it after trying the air. The screen on the m2 is better than the m1 noticeably and the new case is quite nice. To each their own though, I prefer the smaller and lighter device. I actually am returning this m2 once I get my 16gb ram 10 core gpu model.

 

[jav6454]

The 14" MBP has a better screen. Can you test them at an Apple Store?

 

[wilberforce]

As soon as you add a few options to the M2 MBA (like 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD) it is very close in price to the often-discounted base 14" MBP, which is essentially better in every way except for weight and battery life. In which case the only good reason to get the MBA is if portability is a priority. You would be giving up a lot if you buy the M2 MBA just because of the color.
The other use case for the MBA is someone who only needs the basic MacBook (no upgrade options) and wants to spend at little as possible. In which case the M1 MBA is probably more suitable ($200 cheaper).
At least, this is the way I see it.

 

[Isamilis]

Dear colleagues!
Few days ago I became the proud owner of the new MBA M2 (512gb and 35w charger) in the best (in my opinion) new color MDN. Before that, I used MBP 13 on M1 in my daily work, I also experimented with iPad 12.9 on M1 and 11 on M1, but, unfortunately, the iPad is not the device, that can make me as productive as possible. But it was necessary to experiment. I didn't have iPads before.
On my MB I do the following daily tasks: browsing, work special services in browser, huge number of mails, work with different types of docs, communication in social networks and messengers with colleagues, Office, MS Teams, Zoom. I type a lot. And of course, in my free from work time, I like to watch movies or look through family photos.
Indeed, the MB A M2 is many times better than my previous MB Pro M1, it is much thinner, lighter, the keyboard is better and the new color is generally pleasing my eyes.
But I'm very disappointed with the screen, after using my iPad 12.9 M1 for 5 months, the screen on MB A M2 seems dull, faded, not with such rich contrasting colors and slightly slow delayed scrolling... I have read that the MB Pro 14 screen appears to be similar to the iPad 12.9 M1. Is it so? Should I change MB A M2 to MB Pro 14? What would You do in my place? Probably, there are those here who have tested MB A M2 and MB Pro 14 and can tell about their impressions. I need Your professional experience.
Many thanks!

Just curious, how is the M2 / MBA screen compared to M1 / MBP 13”? Did they look same?

 

[aajeevlin]

As soon as you add a few options to the M2 MBA (like 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD) it is very close in price to the often-discounted base 14" MBP, which is essentially better in every way except for weight and battery life. In which case the only good reason to get the MBA is if portability is a priority. You would be giving up a lot if you buy the M2 MBA just because of the color.
The other use case for the MBA is someone who only needs the basic MacBook (no upgrade options) and wants to spend at little as possible. In which case the M1 MBA is probably more suitable ($200 cheaper).
At least, this is the way I see it.

This is basically my conclusion as well.

 

[kp98077]

does anyone worry however, with the MBP over the Air being an M2 vs. M1, and soon to be outdated technology in comparison, overall? I do notice the MBP screen looks more "yellowish" to me anyway. Such a tough decision!!!

 

[hungryghosty]

does anyone worry however, with the MBP over the Air being an M2 vs. M1, and soon to be outdated technology in comparison, overall? I do notice the MBP screen looks more "yellowish" to me anyway. Such a tough decision!!!

That's part of the reason I ordered the M2 Air. If the performance isn't good enough, or I don't like the device, I'll return it and wait for the Macbook Pro M2 refresh. It's too late in the product cycle to be buying an MBP M1 Pro IMO with the M2 being out. Not that there's anything wrong with the device but I don't want to spend nearly £2k for what's soon to be the "old model".

 

[kp98077]

That's part of the reason I ordered the M2 Air. If the performance isn't good enough, or I don't like the device, I'll return it and wait for the Macbook Pro M2 refresh. It's too late in the product cycle to be buying an MBP M1 Pro IMO with the M2 being out. Not that there's anything wrong with the device but I don't want to spend nearly £2k for what's soon to be the "old model".

Yes makes sense - the return policy is just two weeks tho?

 

[aajeevlin]

Yes makes sense - the return policy is just two weeks tho?

That’s why you go Costco if you can. 90 days return.

 

[erasr]

Of course the MBP is more powerful and has a better display. We all know that.

But the M2 Air is a nicer laptop to pick up and move around with. The form factor is better, without question.

I don’t get why everyone argues and compares so much. The Air is miles better to move around with. So nice.

The Pro is more powerful. Most people don’t need that power though.

 

[Isamilis]

Just curious, why M2 MBP 13" is not compared? Is it very bad, not comparable to M2 14" or M2 MBA? Even in my country, M2 MBP 13" is cheaper than M2 MBA 13"

 

[ian87w]

Dear colleagues!
Few days ago I became the proud owner of the new MBA M2 (512gb and 35w charger) in the best (in my opinion) new color MDN. Before that, I used MBP 13 on M1 in my daily work, I also experimented with iPad 12.9 on M1 and 11 on M1, but, unfortunately, the iPad is not the device, that can make me as productive as possible. But it was necessary to experiment. I didn't have iPads before.
On my MB I do the following daily tasks: browsing, work special services in browser, huge number of mails, work with different types of docs, communication in social networks and messengers with colleagues, Office, MS Teams, Zoom. I type a lot. And of course, in my free from work time, I like to watch movies or look through family photos.
Indeed, the MB A M2 is many times better than my previous MB Pro M1, it is much thinner, lighter, the keyboard is better and the new color is generally pleasing my eyes.
But I'm very disappointed with the screen, after using my iPad 12.9 M1 for 5 months, the screen on MB A M2 seems dull, faded, not with such rich contrasting colors and slightly slow delayed scrolling... I have read that the MB Pro 14 screen appears to be similar to the iPad 12.9 M1. Is it so? Should I change MB A M2 to MB Pro 14? What would You do in my place? Probably, there are those here who have tested MB A M2 and MB Pro 14 and can tell about their impressions. I need Your professional experience.
Many thanks!

The weight difference between the MacBook Air and the 14” MacBook Pro should be the deciding factor. If portability is not an issue, then go wih the Pro. But if you like to carry the laptop around, etc, the Air is the winner.

 

[Zest28]

Just curious, why M2 MBP 13" is not compared? Is it very bad, not comparable to M2 14" or M2 MBA? Even in my country, M2 MBP 13" is cheaper than M2 MBA 13"

I don't understand it either. The M2 13" MBP is 50% faster in games than the M2 MBA basically. That is not insignificant. And you also get better battery life with the M2 13" MBP.

The 13" M2 MBP is the most underrated laptop ever.

 

[ilikewhey]

sounds like your laptop doesn't leave the house? 14inch is much better than the m2 air in almost every regard except weight. plus they are on sale often at costco for like 1700 bucks. some user even sold a 14inch base for 1k here couple of weeks ago.

 

[Mcdevidr]

I don't understand it either. The M2 13" MBP is 50% faster in games than the M2 MBA basically. That is not insignificant. And you also get better battery life with the M2 13" MBP.

The 13" M2 MBP is the most underrated laptop ever.

I think it’s mostly the old design that people are not into. I wouldn’t say it’s twice as fast but even assuming it is, I just throw a quite noctua fan under my air while gaming and a lot of that discrepancy disappears. Also having used both the screen on the air is better. It also has a slightly better response time while being bigger.

 

[aajeevlin]

sounds like your laptop doesn't leave the house? 14inch is much better than the m2 air in almost every regard except weight. plus they are on sale often at costco for like 1700 bucks. some user even sold a 14inch base for 1k here couple of weeks ago.

So I returned my 14inch (I actually got it at a crazy discount), the totally was still about $700 more than the base m2. I’m home mostly, but will be my secondary machine (I have a Mac mini with a huge monitor). The new machine is to replace my aging MacBook Pro 13 (2011). Of the 13 days I own the 14inch pro I was on it for maybe 2 hours max.

While I do completely agree with that the 14 is more worth it if you are just going to upgrade the M2 (and don’t get me wrong the build quality is Amazing). I just can’t see myself spent that much money for a machine to be used casually. Now, if I have only one machine I would certainly have gone with the 14 (or even the 16).

 

[kp98077]

Just curious, why M2 MBP 13" is not compared? Is it very bad, not comparable to M2 14" or M2 MBA? Even in my country, M2 MBP 13" is cheaper than M2 MBA 13"

cant go wrong with any of them rerally! all beautiful -

 

[kp98077]

THE MBP 13 M2 is worse than the MBA m2 based on what I have read and seen...

 

[Barham]

Dear colleagues!
Few days ago I became the proud owner of the new MBA M2 (512gb and 35w charger) in the best (in my opinion) new color MDN. Before that, I used MBP 13 on M1 in my daily work, I also experimented with iPad 12.9 on M1 and 11 on M1, but, unfortunately, the iPad is not the device, that can make me as productive as possible. But it was necessary to experiment. I didn't have iPads before.
On my MB I do the following daily tasks: browsing, work special services in browser, huge number of mails, work with different types of docs, communication in social networks and messengers with colleagues, Office, MS Teams, Zoom. I type a lot. And of course, in my free from work time, I like to watch movies or look through family photos.
Indeed, the MB A M2 is many times better than my previous MB Pro M1, it is much thinner, lighter, the keyboard is better and the new color is generally pleasing my eyes.
But I'm very disappointed with the screen, after using my iPad 12.9 M1 for 5 months, the screen on MB A M2 seems dull, faded, not with such rich contrasting colors and slightly slow delayed scrolling... I have read that the MB Pro 14 screen appears to be similar to the iPad 12.9 M1. Is it so? Should I change MB A M2 to MB Pro 14? What would You do in my place? Probably, there are those here who have tested MB A M2 and MB Pro 14 and can tell about their impressions. I need Your professional experience.
Many thanks!

I've mostly been recommending the M2 Air around here lately because the people's concerns are mostly drummed up click-panic about very specific benchmarks that those users are unlikely to ever encounter (or extremely rarely) in their daily use. However, in this case it sounds like you'd actually be happier with the 14-inch MBP because of the significant difference in screen quality, which seems to be really important to you.

The only thing I'd note, is that regardless of what a spec sheet or a "data-backed" review on YouTube might say, the MBP class devices feel significantly thicker and heavier if you're actually carrying them around a lot. But it seems you're coming from more or less this size class with the MBP 13. So I think a 14 with that awesome screen is going to be great for you.

 

[ilikewhey]

So I returned my 14inch (I actually got it at a crazy discount), the totally was still about $700 more than the base m2. I’m home mostly, but will be my secondary machine (I have a Mac mini with a huge monitor). The new machine is to replace my aging MacBook Pro 13 (2011). Of the 13 days I own the 14inch pro I was on it for maybe 2 hours max.

While I do completely agree with that the 14 is more worth it if you are just going to upgrade the M2 (and don’t get me wrong the build quality is Amazing). I just can’t see myself spent that much money for a machine to be used casually. Now, if I have only one machine I would certainly have gone with the 14 (or even the 16).

well thats the difference, you already have a main, your mac mini, if you didn't and just picking a main, a 14inch is just a much better experience.

the m2 air only makes logical sense if you stick to base, but as soon as you throw any upgrades on it, either ram or storage or both, the 14inch instantly becomes the much better option.