Mac Book Pro and Mac Book Air Which Is The Best? Apple unveiled the highly anticipated M2 MacBook Air during WWDC 2022, showcasing a revamped internal architecture alongside a sleek new design. In addition to the MacBook Air M2, the company also debuted the 13-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the same cutting-edge M2 chip. Below, we present a comprehensive comparison between the M2 MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro M2, aiding users in selecting the optimal laptop for their needs.
The redesigned M2 MacBook Air showcases a notably refreshed aesthetic compared to its predecessors, aligning closely with the design language of recent MacBook models. Notably, its frame bears a striking resemblance to that of the 13-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M2 chip. While the design may appear similar, the M2 MacBook Air 2022 holds a distinct advantage over its counterpart, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 chip, in terms of its slender and lightweight build. However, conversely, the M2 MacBook Pro boasts a larger battery capacity and incorporates a built-in fan for enhanced thermal management.
The M2 MacBook Air 2022 offers a broader spectrum of color options, including Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver. In contrast, the M2 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in a more limited selection, comprising solely Space Gray and Silver variants.
The M2 MacBook Air is equipped with a MagSafe charging port in addition to two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. Conversely, the Pro M2 13-inch model lacks MagSafe charging and features only two USB Type-C ports. Both models include a 3.5 mm audio jack with advanced compatibility for high-impedance headphones. The Air M2 distinguishes itself with a 4-speaker sound system, whereas the M2 MacBook Pro features a stereo speaker configuration. Additionally, the MacBook Pro incorporates a Touch Bar with Touch ID functionality, while the M2 Air boasts a complete set of physical function keys alongside Touch ID integration located in the upper right corner of the keyboard.
Both models feature IPS LCDs. The M2 MacBook Air boasts a slightly larger screen size of 13.6 inches. Notably, it adopts the display design seen in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, featuring a wide notch at the top housing a 1080p webcam. On the other hand, the 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 maintains the same display specifications as its M1 predecessor, offering a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 720p webcam. Both displays deliver a peak brightness of 500 nits.
Both MacBook models are powered by the new M2 chip. Apple asserts that the MacBook Air 2022 is equipped with an M2 chip, while the new MacBook Pro M2 boasts enhancements including up to 18 percent faster CPU, 35 percent faster GPU, and 40 percent faster Neural Engine performance. The base configuration for both the M2 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models includes 8GB of RAM. The M2 MacBook Air features up to an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, while the base model of the M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch also offers an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration.
Users have the option to expand the RAM up to 24GB and the internal SSD storage up to 2TB on both models. The M2 MacBook Air and M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch base configurations are equipped with 256GB of internal storage. Notably, the MacBook Pro model incorporates a fan for efficient heat dissipation, potentially enabling sustained performance over longer durations by facilitating cooling during demanding tasks.
Apple claims that the MacBook Air M2 provides up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. The 8-core GPU variant is accompanied by a 30W USB Type-C power adapter, while the 10-core GPU variant with 512GB internal storage is packaged with a 35W dual USB Type-C adapter. Users also have the option to opt for a 67W USB Type-C fast charger as an alternative to the 35W dual USB Type-C adapter. Additionally, a USB Type-C to MagSafe charging cable is included in the M2 Airbox.
In contrast, the MacBook Pro offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge and includes a 67W USB Type-C adapter and USB Type-C cable.
Thus far, it’s evident that the M2 MacBook Air outperforms the M2 MacBook Pro in several aspects. It boasts a slightly larger display with an enhanced webcam, MagSafe charging capabilities of up to 67W, and houses the same chip as the MacBook Pro 2022. Additionally, the inclusion of more ports, including the MagSafe connector, further amplifies its appeal. The M2 MacBook Air also offers a wider array of color options compared to the limited options of space gray and silver available for the Pro M2.
Priced starting at Rs 1,19,900 for the base configuration, the MacBook Air M2 should cater well to the needs of most users. Conversely, the M2 13-inch MacBook Pro appeals to individuals seeking consistent peak performance, thanks to its active cooling fan system. Moreover, the M2 Pro features a larger battery compared to the M2 MacBook Air, positioning it favorably against many Windows laptops. Notably, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro stands as an ideal choice for those desiring the Touch Bar functionality, absent in the M2 MacBook Air. Even when considering the pricier 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with M1 Pro/M1 Max chips, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro remains a compelling option.
