Apple sells two laptops with the standard M3 chip; the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air, which is available in a 13-inch and 15-inch version. As a user it can be difficult to make a choice between these two models, we list the differences and similarities.
The main differences are the screen, for example the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 processor has a Liquid Retina XDR miniLED display while the MacBook Air uses a Liquid Retina LCD display, but there are more differences.
Similarities MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M3
Before we list the differences, it may be more interesting to first list the most important similarities between both models. This way you immediately know which options are included in both the Pro and Air.
- Renewed design with notch in the display
- M3 chip with 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
- Ray tracing with hardware acceleration
- 16-core Neural Engine
- 100 GB/s memory bandwidth
- Advanced media engine
- Standard 8 GB RAM
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor
- WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports (USB-C)
- Equivalent Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Force Touch trackpad
- Support for two external displays (when MacBook is closed)
There are also more similarities between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. This includes support for spatial audio, mini-jack connection, Hey Siri, ambient light sensors, True Tone technology, Wide color reproduction (P3) and more.
Differences MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with M3
Below you can view the main differences between both laptops, which we have divided into the most important categories: Display, Performance, Audio and Video and Other.
Display
The MacBook Pro has a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting. An XDR brightness 1000 nits constant full screen, 1600 nits peak (HDR content only). SDR brightness: max. 600 nits and ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz.
The MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with 500 nits brightness.
Performance
Although the MacBooks contain the same M3 processor, there are differences to report. For example, the MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Air have a standard 10-core GPU, the 13-inch MacBook Air is equipped with an 8-core GPU as standard, but has the option to upgrade to a 10-core GPU.
It is good to mention that the MacBook Pro is equipped with a ventilation system that allows it to deliver longer peak performance. The Air has no active fans. Finally, the Pro has a 512 GB SSD as standard, the Air 256 GB.
Audio and Video
The MacBook Pro has a hi-fi system with six speakers and force-cancelling woofers, including wide stereo sound. The 15-inch MacBook Air is equipped with six speakers and force-cancelling woofers, the 13-inch MacBook Air only has four ‘normal’ speakers.
The MacBook Pro includes three studio-quality beamforming microphones with high signal-to-noise ratios. The Air models feature three beamforming microphones with Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes.
Finally, the MacBook Pro also has an HDMI port so you can connect an external display in this way.
Other
- SDXC card slot, exclusive to MacBook Pro
- MacBook Air is lighter and thinner than the MacBook Pro
- Built-in 70 watt-hour lithium polymer battery (Pro)
- Built-in 52.6 watt-hour lithium polymer battery (13″ Air)
- Built-in 66.5 watt-hour lithium polymer battery (15″ Air)
- Up to 15 hours of wireless internet use, 22 hours of watching movies (Pro)
- Up to 15 hours of wireless internet use, 18 hours of watching movies (Air)
Conclusion: MacBook Pro and MacBook Air comparison
If you are hesitating between a new MacBook Air or the entry-level model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro, it is very difficult for the consumer. Both models are very similar in terms of performance, functionality and specifications. Yet there are important differences.
You mainly choose the MacBook Pro for the brighter XRD miniLED display, extra ports and standard 512 GB SSD. Still, the MacBook Air is an excellent purchase and more than enough for the ‘ordinary’ consumer. The XRD screen is a big plus, but it is not worth the €730 additional cost (compared to the 13″ Air).
Buy MacBook
The new MacBook Air with M3 chip has a starting price of €1299 for the 13-inch model and €1599 for the 15-inch Mac. The MacBook Pro with M3 chip has a recommended retail price of € 2029. You can buy the Mac at Bol.com, Coolblue, MediaMarkt, Amazon, Paradigit, YourMacStore and Yorcom, among others.