Apple‘s latest unveiling, the MacBook Air M3 in both 13-inch and 15-inch models, marks a significant evolution featuring the third-generation Silicon as its core attraction. However, potential buyers often find themselves in a quandary over which model to choose, as they appear similar at first glance but differ in key aspects. This article aims to dissect these differences, helping you make an informed choice.
Design and Connectivity
The MacBook Air M3 comes in two sizes – 13 and 15 inches, as opposed to the Pro’s 14 and 16-inch variants. It’s noteworthy that the 16-inch Pro starts at a steep 3,000 euros, twice the starting price of the Air model.
Connectivity is another differentiating factor. The Air sports 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm jack, while the Pro adds an SD card reader and HDMI port to this mix. These differences also translate to a weight difference, with the 14-inch Pro being significantly heavier.
Screen and Display Quality
The display technology sets these two models apart significantly. The Air boasts a Liquid Retina display, whereas the Pro features a superior XDR screen. This upgrade in the Pro model enhances brightness and peak brightness, particularly notable when viewing HDR content. Additionally, the Pro includes Pro Motion technology, ensuring smoother navigation across various applications.
SSD Storage Options
Both models offer SSD storage, but with a crucial difference. The Air starts with a 256GB memory, whereas the Pro comes with a 512GB standard. If you upgrade the Air’s storage to 512GB, the prices of both models become quite comparable. This is a vital aspect to consider, especially since the storage is soldered to the motherboard and can’t be upgraded post-purchase.
Performance: Air M3 vs. Pro M3
Despite housing the same Silicon chip, the two models differ in performance. The Air M3 lacks active cooling, leading to higher temperatures and potential performance throttling during intensive tasks. The Pro M3, with its fan-based cooling system, doesn’t face this issue, making it a more stable choice for heavy usage.
The fanless design of the Air does have its perks, making it exceptionally quiet, a desirable trait for general usage. Performance tests show a notable difference: the Air M3 scores 6,932 points, while the Pro M3 reaches 7,900 points with 92% performance stability, compared to the Air’s 46%.
Which One to Choose?
While the MacBook Air M3 is more affordable, upgrading its SSD narrows the price gap significantly. The Pro model stands out with its superior screen, greater storage capacity, additional ports, and better cooling system. Considering the longevity of a MacBook, which often spans 6-7 years, the Pro model might be a more future-proof investment. It caters to evolving power needs, preventing the requirement for an early upgrade due to inadequate performance.