Comparison between MacBook Pro M4 and MacBook Air M3
Apple has finally launched the MacBook Pro M4, which features multiple upgrades to the processor, display, camera, and more. The entry-level MacBook Pro M4 is a great choice for many users looking for an Apple laptop that is suitable for intensive tasks, has excellent performance, and has long battery life.
However, many people will prefer the M3-powered MacBook Air, which can handle most intensive tasks smoothly and is lightweight enough to suit students and people who work on the go.
Both computers look similar on the outside but there are a lot of differences between them, and choosing one can be difficult if you don't know the main differences between them.
To help you choose, we will provide below a comparison between the MacBook Pro M4 and MacBook Air M3 computers to clarify the similarities and differences between the two computers:
1- Both computers come with the same design:
The MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M4 share a common design, but the MacBook Pro has noticeably thinner bezels and the Pro model's keyboard is all black.
MacBook Air is very lightweight, MacBook Pro is heavy. As for colors, MacBook Air M3 is available in four colors:
- White (Starlight).
- Space Gray
- Silver
- Midnight Black is fingerprint resistant.
The MacBook Pro M4 is available in two colors:
- Silver
- Space Black
2- Both computers are powered by Apple's most powerful processors:
The M3 and M4 processors are the latest and most powerful processors launched by Apple, and both processors have super-fast performance.
The base M4 processor comes with a number of improvements over the M3 processor; it has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, and is paired with unified memory ranging from 16GB to 32GB.
The M3 processor has an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and unified memory ranging from 16GB to 24GB.
There's also a difference in memory bandwidth, with the M4 clocking in at 120GB/s compared to the M3's 100GB/s, meaning the M4 can handle complex tasks more efficiently than the M3.
These differences affect the device's ability and speed to process intensive tasks, so you should think carefully about the tasks you want to accomplish using the computer to be able to determine the model that is right for you.
Both computers support Apple Intelligence , and Apple has begun rolling out the first set of these features with the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update and will roll out more in the coming months.
3- MacBook Pro M4 has a screen that supports XDR technology:
The new Pro laptops are available with XDR displays, which means they deliver up to 1,000 nits of brightness when displaying SDR content, and peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits. Apple says XDR displays use a different LED technology, with more precise backlight control, which Apple says means more realistic images.
The MacBook Air doesn't have this technology, and its display offers a brightness of 500 nits.
4- MacBook Pro M4 supports Center Stage:
The new MacBook Pro M4 includes a 12-megapixel webcam, and it supports Apple's Center Stage technology, which ensures that individuals and groups remain in the center of the frame during video calls, even when they are moving.
Additionally, the webcam supports Desk View, which allows users to show their faces and a virtual back view of their desks without the need for complicated setup.
5- MacBook Pro M4 outperforms MacBook Air M3 in battery life:
The MacBook Pro M4 has up to 24 hours of battery life, six hours more than the MacBook Air M3's 18 hours.
6- Price:
The MacBook Pro M4 starts at $1,599 , and the MacBook Air M3 starts at $1,099.