Apple introduced the new MacBook models with its WWDC conference last Monday. But users are confused. Many people’s head is “Which MacBook model should I buy?” is full of questions. So, is it better to buy a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? Here is “Which MacBook model should I buy?” answer to the question…
Which MacBook model should I get? Here is the MacBook buying guide!
Let’s start with the design details first. In fact, both devices have the same design. However, there is a slight difference in screen orientation here. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models both have screen notches to hide the webcam. However, on the MacBook Pro model, this notch and screen bezel are thicker and noticeable.
When it comes to screen sizes, you have 16 and 14 inch screen options in the MacBook Pro series. In the Air series, 15 and 13 inches. There isn’t a significant weight difference between the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Air 13-inch models, but it’s not the same between the 16- and 14-inch models. The MacBook Pro 16-inch is much heavier than the 15-inch model of the Air series. In terms of screen quality, MacBook Pro offers much more dynamic color ranges.
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When we look at the ports, the MacBook Pro has 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Air version has the 2nd HDMI port, and both devices have an HDMI 2.1 port. However, while the Pro models support up to 4 screens, the Air series only supports 2 screens.
All the features mentioned so far were the same or similar features on both devices. However, perhaps the most important factor that will determine the difference in your purchase will be the chip versions. MacBook Air is only sold with the M2 chip. But in the Pro versions, you choose between M2 Max or M2 Pro chips. The table where you can compare the chips is as follows:
| Features | M2 Pro | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Core Count | 12 | 12 |
| Number of GPU Cores | 19 | 38 |
| Unified Memory | 32GB | 96GB |
The table where you can generally compare the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models is as follows:
| Features | MacBook Air | MacBook Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13.6 inches or 15.3 inches | 14.2 inches or 16.2 inches |
| Display Technology | LCD Liquid Retina screenshot | Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion |
| Maximum Brightness | 500 nits | 1,000 nits continuous brightness, 1,600 nits maximum brightness |
| Chip | Apple M2 | Apple M2 Pro or Apple M2 Max |
| CPU Core Count | 8 (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) | 12 (8 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) |
| Number of GPU Cores | M2 12 | Up to 19 cores with M2 Pro, up to 38 cores with M2 Max |
| Memory Bandwidth | 100GB/s | up to 400GB/s |
| Unified Memory | 8GB, 16GB or 24GB | 16GB or 32GB with M2 Pro, 32GB, 64GB or 96GB with M2 Max |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB |
| Cooling | passive cooling | Active cooling |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports | Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, HDMI 2.1 port, SDXC card slot |
| Sound system | Four speakers (13 inches), six speakers (15 inches) | with six speakers |
| Microphone | Three-microphone array with directional beamforming | Studio quality three-microphone array |
| Battery Capacity | 52.6 Wh or 66.5 Wh | 70 Wh or 100 Wh |
| Battery Life | up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours (MacBook Pro 14), up to 22 hours (MacBook Pro 16) |
| Power Adapter | 30W, 35W or 67W USB-C Power Adapter | 67W, 96W or 140W USB-C Power Adapter |
So you ask, “Which MacBook model should I buy?” What would you answer the question? Don’t forget to give your opinion in the comments section…