It’s been almost 1-year since Apple introduced their first M1 chip-powered MacBook Air and Pro. All the latest-gen MacBooks provide excellent graphical and computing performance, battery life, sleek design, and outstanding value.
Previously with just one MacBook Pro version, there weren’t too many options to choose from. However, the scenario has changed with the release of 2 new MacBook Pros. Nonetheless, when buying the M1-powered MacBooks, you may get overwhelmed thinking about which one to get.
Fret not! That’s why I’m here. And in this Macbook Air M1 vs. Macbook Pro M1 article, I’ll illustrate which one is the right pick for you.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1
If I’m talking about value over anything, then hands down, the MacBook Air is the winner. It has a bit of everything that an everyday consumer needs. Or, if you’re someone who wants cutting-edge technology and uncompromised computation power, then the Pro versions are for you.
MacBook Air M1
MacBook Air can be a get-go choice for anyone. Thanks to the M1 chip, the laptop is extremely fast and responsive. To boost the computational performance even further, it comes with 8 cores.
Whereas the 7-core GPU significantly boosts up its graphical performance.
Furthermore, it comes with 8GB of RAM that allows the laptop to handle multiple applications smoothly.
As far as the storage goes, it features 256 GB of SSD that’ll be sufficient for storing any essential data.
According to apple, you can get a maximum of 18 hours of battery life.
MacBook Pro M1
For Pro versions, there’re 3 models available. Those variants are 13”, 14”, and 16” models.
13-inch MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro(2020) version doesn’t have much difference compared to MacBook Air.
Like the Air version, it does come with an 8-core CPU which is fast nonetheless.
Equipped with 8GB of RAM, it can handle multitasking pretty well. The additional perk you get is increasing the RAM capacity up to 16GB.
On the GPU side, it features an integrated 8-core GPU that can tackle any graphical overload.
If you choose the 256 GB variant, you can extend the space up to 2TB. There’s also a 512 GB version available.
The most noteworthy feature of this MacBook is the inclusion of an in-built fan, which is absent in the Air version.
14 and 16 inches MacBook Pro
Keeping the professional in mind in 2021, Apple introduced the 2 latest Pro versions to the consumers.
The 14-inch model comes with an 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.
Apart from that, the storage capacity of the 14-inch variant is 512GB which can be expanded up to 8TB.
As for the 16-inch model, it has a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU.
Featuring 1TB of storage, the capacity of this model can also be extended up to 8TB.
Both variants have 16GB of RAM and a peak brightness of 1600 nits. You will get up to 17-hours of battery life.
Other notable advantages are that you will get 4-thunderbolt ports. HDMI port, MagSafe 3 port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and an SDXC card slot on these MacBooks.
Comparison Chart of MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences between the Macbooks:
| Parameters | MacBook Air | 13-inch MacBook Pro | 14-inch MacBook Pro | 16-inch MacBook Pro |
| Price | $999 | $1299 | $1,999 | $2499 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | 3024 x 1964 | 3456 x 2234 |
| CPU Core | 8 | 8 | 8/10 | 10 |
| GPU Core | 7/8 | 8 | 14/16 | 16/32 |
| Storage | 256GB to 2TB | 256GB to 4TB | 512GB to 8TB | 512GB to 8TB |
| Memory | 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | 16GG, 32GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB |
| Port | 2 Thunderbolt | 2 Thunderbolt | 3 Thunderbolt, SD Card, HDMI, MagSafe | 3 Thunderbolt, SD Card, HDMI, MagSafe |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds | 3.0 pounds | 3.5 pounds | 4.7 to 4.8 pounds |
MacBook Air M1 vs. MacBook Pro M1: In-depth Comparison
Let’s take a deep dive and look at the difference closely.
Design
All the MacBook Air and Pro variants come with a machined aluminum shell and have a few color options: Space Grey, Light, and Dark Silver. Note that the Air has a gold color option available.
All of them have a tear-drop design. Surprisingly, the Pro 14-inch and 16-inch versions are slimmer than the previous generations.
Besides, all the M1 chip-powered laptops are extremely portable and lightweight.
Display
Both the 2020 MacBook Air and Pro version screens are colorful and sharp. The brightness of the Air can reach as far as 365.8 nits, whereas the Pro can reach 434.8 nits.
On the other hand, the MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch versions are brighter than their predecessor. Thanks to the mini-LED technology, the details look more vivid and crisp. Furthermore, because of the 1000 nits brightness, you’ll have no problem working in daylight.
Last but not least, both these MacBooks have a 120hz refresh rate which makes your viewing experience more smooth.
Ports
Both MacBook Air and Pro(2020) versions have an HDMI port, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, MagSafe 3 port, charging port, display port, SDcard slot, and USB 4 port.
Plus, they both include two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Performance
You’ll notice quite a difference in performance is also. The first-generation M1 MacBook Air and Pro came with 8 core CPU. So, for the computational performance, there was barely any difference.
In contrast, the new 14-inch and 16-inch Pro models come with increased cores. The 14-inch variant has an 8-core CPU, but they’re much more efficient and faster than the 2020 versions.
Alternatively, the 16-inch version comes with a 10-core CPU which, needless to say, outperforms all the other MacBook Pro models.
GPU
MacBook Air utilizes a 7-core GPU in its based variant model of 256GB SSD, whereas the 14-inch MacBook Pro model features 14-core GPU, and the 16-inch packs a 16-core GPU in the vanilla models.
You’ll notice tremendous graphical performance is far more impressive in the pro models. Accomplishing any photoshop or video editing task can be done swiftly. You can also play games, but they might not feel as optimized as you’d want them to be.
RAM
The Air and Pro (2020) comprise 8 GB of unified RAM. Moreover, it can be enhanced up to 16 GB to get more out of the MacBooks.
Benchmark Scores
Let’s take a look at how they perform in some of the benchmarks:
| Parameters | MacBook Air | 13-inch MacBook Pro |
| Geekbench 5.4 | 5,962 | 5,925 |
| Video Transcoding | 9:15 | 7:44 |
| PugetBench Photoshop | 653 | 649 |
You can see that in the performance, Geekbench 5.4 MacBook air wins by a slim margin. In the PugetBench Photoshop benchmark, the Air version also takes the lead.
But in CPU and GPU-intensive tasks, the MacBook Pro(2020) takes the game away from Air. In video transcoding, where we converted a 4k file into a 1080p file, the Pro took only 7:44 minutes compared to Air’s 9:15 minutes.
Storage
You’ll be glad to know that the Air MacBook comes with a 256 GB SSD that can be extended up to 2 TB.
Additionally, the M1 Pro (2020) has a 512 GB SSD that can be configured up to 2 TB.
Webcam
The M1 Pro (2020) and Air have a built-in 720p FaceTime HD camera that makes everything look bright and clear.
Microphone and Speakers
Apple M1 MacBooks have stereo speakers with a high dynamic range and support Dolby Atmos playback.
The mics capture audio in studio quality with noise cancellation, making everything sound more smooth.
Keyboard and Trackpad
M1 Air and Pro come with a special backlit Magic Keyboard. These variants will have 78 or 79 keyboards, 2 functions, and 4 arrow keys.
Both MacBooks feature Touch ID, making it a lot easier to use.
You can force-click, scroll, and draw sensitive objects with the TrackPad’s pressure-sensing function.
Operating Requirements
Operating temperatures range from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit on M1 MacBook Pros.
Due to the fast and efficient SSD inside the M1 Macbooks, the temperature will remain between -13°F and 113°F. These devices work even at altitudes over 10,000 feet.
Battery Life
Thanks to Apple’s phenomenal silicon efficiency, the battery life of the M1 MacBooks is bonkers.
You’ll get up to 18 hours of battery life with the Air. Conversely, the Pro version can provide up to 20 hours of battery life.
The Air is equipped with a 49.9wh battery and comes with a 30W USB-C adapter.
Alternatively, M1 Pro(2020) has a 58.2 wh lithium battery and 61w adapter.
As for the latest pro models, you can get a maximum of 17 and 21 hours of battery life for the 14-inch and 16-inch versions, respectively.
On the other hand, the M1 MacBook Pro 2021 comes with a 70wh lithium-polymer battery and a 67w charger.
Compatible Softwares
M1 MacBook doesn’t run on typical x86 architecture. Instead, it uses Rosetta 2 named simulator to run all the apps.
Initially, the apps weren’t solely optimized for the M1MacBooks, so there was a bit of a performance drop. But day by day, many apps are being optimized for M1 MacBooks, such as the adobe software, chrome, Mozilla, Microsoft apps, docker, software development tools, zoom, and many others.
Pricing
No matter how you look at it, the Air version is the winner of the pricing segment. At a price of just $999, you get unparalleled performance and neat features.
The Pro(2020) costs $1299, which is a letdown, to be honest. The Air version is very similar to the Pro version, but it costs $300 more.
If I talk about the latest pro versions, these are more well-suited for professionals.
Even though they cost a hefty amount of money, their pricing is justified. You get a super fast and efficient CPU and some remarkable features to optimize your user experience.
MacBook Air M1 vs. Macbook Pro M1: Which One Gives You The Best Deal?
After the in-depth analysis, I concluded that the winner of the better deal segment goes to MacBook Air M1. It gives you an outstanding value proposal and the performance boost you’ll need in your everyday life.
Despite its positives, the 13-inch MacBook Pro gets outshined by the more recent 14-inch MacBook Pro. Even though the price difference is pretty enormous, I still think the 14-inch variant is the winner of the two.
Lastly, the 16-inch variants should be the ultimate choice for those who don’t compromise anything.
If you want to know the audio quality, just know that you will be impressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is M1-chip distinct from the Intel chip?
The M1 chip is built upon ARM architecture used on iPhones and iPads. On the other hand, the Intel chips used x86 architecture.
Does the M1 chip consume less battery?
Yes, M1-powered MacBooks drain less battery due to CPU and performance efficiency.
Does the Air Version come with a built-in fan?
The MacBook air doesn’t come with any fan. But don’t worry! It doesn’t get very hot and can easily handle any workload.
Can you add extra storage to these MacBooks?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Because storage is soldered to the logic board of MacBooks released in 2016 and later, you can’t expand internal storage after purchase.
Which M1 MacBook is the best for professionals?
Obviously, the MacBook Pro-16-inch variant. It has all the cutting-edge features that are bound to fascinate any professional.
Conclusion
Hopefully, my Macbook Air M1 vs. Macbook Pro M1 comparison helped you make the right choice. Overall, the gist here is that all these MacBooks have distinct features that set them apart.
Whichever you pick, you’ll get an experience that you won’t forget. People already in the Apple ecosystem will have more options in their hands now.
On the contrary, those who never used an Apple MacBook before, they can get to try something different.
I can promise that these laptops will change your user experience for the better.
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