While MacBooks are exceptional devices, the array of options can be overwhelming. With various models available and a mix of last-generation hardware, knowing which MacBook suits your needs and budget can be challenging. In this article, we’ll help you determine the right choice based on your preferences.
At the core, Apple presents two primary MacBook options: the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. Each is available in both smaller and larger sizes (13-inch and 15-inch for MacBook Air, 14-inch and 16-inch for MacBook Pro).
MacBook Air models come standard with the entry-level Apple Silicon, currently the M4 chip. If you’re hunting for deals on previous generation models, you might encounter the M2 or M3 chips. Conversely, MacBook Pro devices feature three variants of Apple Silicon: M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max, with 16-inch models exclusively offering upgraded options beyond the baseline M4 chip.
Understanding Apple Silicon
You might wonder: what distinguishes the baseline M4 chip from the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips? Excellent question.
In brief, the baseline M4 chip excels in efficiency, whereas the M4 Max chip is tailored for maximum performance. Choosing the baseline M4 chip means opting for the least powerful chip in the lineup, yet it still offers impressive battery life and adequate performance for most users, featuring a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
Upgrading to the M4 Pro grants you access to a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, with a second version featuring a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU—significantly boosting CPU and GPU capabilities. If you want even more power, the M4 Max elevates performance with a 16-core CPU and a staggering 40-core GPU, leading to remarkable improvements in graphics rendering.
This is a simplified overview: if you’re unsure about the advantages of enhanced CPU and GPU performance, the baseline M4 chip is likely sufficient for you. The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are best for high-demand workflows.
Furthermore, for those considering last-gen MacBook deals, the M4 series typically outperforms the M3 chips by around 10-20%.
Comparing M3 and M4 MacBook Air
Despite only a one-year gap, the M3 and M4 MacBook Air models possess differences that might matter to you beyond the chip.
For starters, the M4 MacBook Air features a brand-new 12MP center-stage webcam, offering an ultra-wide angle to capture more in your frame. This model also includes a unique zoom feature that focuses on subjects in the foreground.
Additionally, the M4 MacBook Air introduces a new Sky Blue color option, replacing Space Gray. Apart from this, both M3 and M4 MacBook Airs are available in similar colors: Silver, Starlight, and Midnight.
Why opt for an M3 over an M4, you might ask? The answer lies in pricing. With the M3 being relatively outdated, you can find significant deals on remnants of previous inventory, particularly if you prefer higher specifications. For instance, a 512GB/16GB 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is currently priced at $899 on Amazon, whereas the same configuration with an M4 would cost you $1068. You could save nearly $200 by choosing the older model.
For the 15-inch MacBook Air, an M3 version with 512GB/24GB is available for $1299. To get an M4 model with the same specifications, you would need to pay $1449, resulting in a $150 saving by selecting the previous generation.
Here’s a quick reference to the current pricing for all M3 and M4 MacBook Air configurations on Amazon:
M3 chip
M4 chip
Exploring MacBook Pro
Why choose a MacBook Pro over a MacBook Air? Beyond performance, the MacBook Pro offers several notable features: a much brighter HDR display, active cooling for sustained performance, and extra ports including HDMI, an SD card slot, and an additional Thunderbolt port on the right side.
The MacBook Pro boasts an exceptional display, providing a standard brightness of 1000 nits. As a comparison, MacBook Air devices typically have a standard brightness of 500 nits, with the Pro capable of reaching up to 1600 nits for HDR content.
MacBook Pro models also have larger batteries. The base model M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, as well as the M4 Pro 16-inch version, can deliver outstanding battery life—up to 24 hours of video playback on a single charge.
However, the MacBook Pro is slightly bulkier and heavier than the MacBook Air. The 14-inch MacBook Pro weighs approximately 0.7 pounds more than its 13-inch counterpart, while the 16-inch model weighs around 1.4 pounds more than the 15-inch MacBook Air.
Ultimately, if you seek the best performance from your Mac without concern for added weight and thickness, the MacBook Pro is the superior option, assuming it fits within your budget.
Pricing for the 14-inch MacBook Pro:
Pricing for the 16-inch MacBook Pro:
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, Apple offers a diverse lineup of MacBooks, ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone, regardless of budget. With the recent influx of great deals, now is a perfect time to purchase your first Mac or upgrade your existing MacBook.
My top Apple accessory recommendations:
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