Are you in the market for a new MacBook but can't decide between the new MacBook Air 15-inch (2023) and the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023)? Don't worry, you're not alone! Apple's latest release has left fans in a dilemma about which one to choose. In this blog, we'll compare the specifications, price, and power of both models to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to mid-range options, consumers tend to gravitate towards the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models as they offer a balance between affordability and performance. However, with the new MacBook Air 15-inch and MacBook Pro 14-inch, there are clear differences that need to be taken into consideration.
Let's dive deeper into these two models and see which one comes out on top.
Design
When it comes to design, the MacBook Air 15-inch (2023) stays true to the Air ideology of offering an incredibly portable laptop. It is slightly bigger, thicker, and heavier than the 13-inch version, but at 0.45 x 13.40 x 9.35 inches and 3.3 lbs (1.51 kg), it is still a relatively lightweight laptop that makes for an ideal travel or commute companion.
On the other hand, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) is thicker and heavier due to its more powerful components and cooling needs. However, the difference in thickness and weight is not significant. The MacBook Pro 14-inch is 0.61 inches thick and weighs 3.5lbs (1.60kg) for the M2 Pro and 3.6lbs (1.63kg) for the M2 Max.
Both laptops have the same Magic Keyboard with 12 full-height function keys, 4 arrow keys, and a Touch ID reader. They also have Apple's Force Touch trackpad and 1080p FaceTime HD camera. However, the speaker system inside the MacBook Pro 14-inch is high-fidelity, which is perfect for music production.
In terms of ports, the MacBook Pro 14-inch has a better selection than the MacBook Air 15-inch. The MacBook Air 15-inch only has two Thunderbolt ports and a 3.5mm jack, while the MacBook Pro 14-inch comes with an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, a 3.5mm jack, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Specs and Features
The MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) is a laptop designed for creative professionals and has more features than the MacBook Air 15-inch (2023). For example, the Pro has a Liquid Retina XDR display with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, 254PPI, and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, while the Air has a Liquid Retina display with a brightness of 500 nits and 224PPI. The Pro's display has a much higher contrast ratio and peak brightness, making it ideal for creative work such as photo and video editing.
Additionally, the M2 Pro model of the MacBook Pro 14-inch can support up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, while the M2 Max model can support up to three external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and one with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz via HDMI. This feature allows professionals to have a larger workspace and multitask more efficiently.
Performance
The 15-inch MacBook Air is a capable laptop that can handle everyday tasks such as web surfing, streaming, and productivity workloads. In fact, it offers similar performance to the 13-inch model. In benchmarks, the MacBook Air 15-inch scored similarly to the MacBook Air 13-inch in both Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 5.
One major advantage of the MacBook Air 15-inch over the 13-inch model is its larger display, which is great for watching movies or TV shows. The battery life of the MacBook Air 15-inch is also impressive, lasting 18 hours and 52 minutes in a looped 1080p video test.
However, the MacBook Pro 14-inch is a superior performer with its more powerful components. It is equipped with the M2 Pro or M2 Max SoCs, which offer more power than the MacBook Air 15-inch. The MacBook Pro 14-inch is ideal for professionals who need a powerful laptop for demanding tasks such as video editing, photo editing, and 3D modeling.
In benchmarks, the MacBook Pro 14-inch scored higher than the MacBook Air 15-inch in both Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 5. The M2 Pro model of the MacBook Pro 14-inch also supports up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, while the M2 Max model can support up to three external displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and one with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz via HDMI. This feature allows professionals to have a more extensive workspace and multitask with ease.
Battery Life
Both the 15-inch MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro boast impressive battery life. In fact, the MacBook Air's battery lasts up to 18 hours and 52 minutes in a looped 1080p video test, while the MacBook Pro's battery lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge.
In our own testing, we found that both machines are on par when it comes to battery life. Despite the MacBook Pro's more powerful components, it doesn't sacrifice battery life for performance. Both laptops are impressive in this regard and offer plenty of battery life for a full day of work.
Conclusion
Both the MacBook Air 15-inch and MacBook Pro 14-inch offer excellent features and performance. However, the MacBook Pro 14-inch is more suitable for professionals who need a laptop for demanding tasks such as video editing, photo editing, and 3D modeling. The MacBook Air 15-inch is ideal for everyday use, such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and handling light workloads.
Ultimately, the choice between the two laptops comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you're a professional who needs a powerful laptop for demanding tasks, the MacBook Pro 14-inch is the way to go. If you're a casual user who needs a laptop for everyday use, the MacBook Air 15-inch is a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the MacBook Air 15-inch and MacBook Pro 14-inch?
The 15-inch MacBook Air is a lightweight laptop that is suitable for everyday use. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is a more powerful laptop that is suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing, photo editing, and 3D modeling.
Which laptop is better for creative work?
A: The 14-inch MacBook Pro is better for creative work due to its Liquid Retina XDR display with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, 254PPI, and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, making it ideal for photo and 8k video editing.
Which laptop is suitable for everyday use?
The 15-inch MacBook Air is suitable for everyday use, such as web surfing, streaming videos, and handling light workloads.
