MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Which is the better Apple laptop?

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro comparision
A comparative study between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (Image via Apple)

The MacBook Air M4 and the MacBook Pro M4, two distinct and powerful versions of Apple's iconic MacBook, were released with the powerful M4 chips. Ever since their release, customers have had to face the same hard question: which variant is a better investment between these two? While the MacBook Air M4 has made a name for itself by being superportable, MacBook Pro M4 always emerged as the more powerful one.

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This article compares some of the most crucial features of these two iconic MacBooks to end this conflict. Read on to explore more.


MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Specifications

Both of these MacBooks are backed by powerful hardware and macOS for reliable performance. However, while the MacBook Air M4 is better for portability and performance, the MacBook Pro M4 is perfect for more demanding tasks.

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Also read: Dell XPS 16 vs Lenovo Thinkpad P1 Gen 7 comparison

Check out the specifications of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro below:

FeaturesMacBook Air M4MacBook Pro M4
Processor10-Core CPU, M410-Core CPU, M4-M4 Pro
RAMup to 32 GB unified memoryup to 32 GB unified memory
Display13.6" Liquid Retina Display, 2560x166414.2" Liquid Retina XDR Display, 3024x1964
GPUup to 10-Core GPU10-Core GPU
Storageup to 2 TBup to 2 TB
Batteryup to 18hrs battery lifeup to 24hrs battery life
Weight2.7 pounds (1.24kgs)3.4 pounds (1.55kgs)
PriceStarting from $999Starting from $1,199
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MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Performance

Both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro variants come with a 10-core CPU to provide stellar M4-driven performance. However, if you need to complete professional tasks that demand a lot of power, switch to the MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro is better at completing demanding tasks (Image via Apple)
MacBook Pro is better at completing demanding tasks (Image via Apple)

Since the MacBook Pros provide active cooling and are configurable with more powerful RAM, M4 chips, and storage, they handle both demanding tasks and after-work gaming with ease.

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While both variants do well in the Geekbench 6 CPU test, the MacBook Pro slightly edges over the MacBook Air variant in both single-core and multi-core scores.

Geekbench 6 CPU test results:

LaptopSingle-Core scoreMulti-Core score
MacBook Air M43,75114,947
MacBook Pro M43,80715,114
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MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Display and resolution

The MacBook Air features a Liquid Retina display. It produces 224 pixels per inch (ppi), which makes it slightly better than the full-HD displays common in modern-day laptops. The Air M4 also comes with a 60Hz display, a locked refresh rate, and 500 nits of brightness.

MacBook Pro features a better display (Image via Apple)
MacBook Pro features a better display (Image via Apple)

On the other hand, the MacBook Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display that boosts the user's viewing experience by producing up to 254 pixels per inch. The Liquid Retina XDR display also unlocks sharpness at more than 3K, making tasks like photo and video editing easier. With ProMotion technology, the Pro M4 brings an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

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The MacBook Pro also comes with 1,000 nits of XDR brightness and sustained full-screen, which can increase up to 1,600 nits for HDR content. Additionally, the SDR brightness offers up to 1,000 nits when used outdoors.

However, since both variants have Retina Display, users will always get the most accurate colors.


MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Battery life

The MacBook Air M4 comes with a 53.8-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, which provides up to 15 hours of wireless web and 18 hours of video streaming. It has a 30W USB-C power adapter and is capable of fast charging with a 70W or higher USB-C power adapter.

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On the other hand, the MacBook Pro M4 has a 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, which provides up to 16 hours of wireless web and 24 hours of video streaming. The laptop comes with a 70W USB-C adapter and is capable of fast charging with a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter.


MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Price

We can compare the two devices all we want, but everything comes down to budget in the end. While you can grab the MacBook Air for $999 (₹99,900), the MacBook Pro will cost you $1,999 (₹1,69,900).

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Verdict: Which laptop should you pick?

While the MacBook Pro M4 is the pricier option, it is still a smart pick if you are a working professional whose work constantly demands top performance. However, if you are a traveller or a student and do not require a laptop for demanding tasks, the ultralight, superportable MacBook Air is a great option at a lower price.

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Edited by Abu Amjad Khan