iPad Pro vs. MacBook Air: The Ultimate Comparison
With the introduction of the new M4 iPad Pro, the line between Apple’s two 13-inch devices has become even more blurred. Both devices offer cutting-edge features, but which one is right for you? Here’s a detailed comparison of the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) and the MacBook Air 13-inch (M3):
Specs
| Feature | iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) | MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) |
|—|—|—|
| Dimensions | 11.09 inches x 8.48 inches x 0.2 inches | 11.97 inches x 8.46 inches x 0.44 inches |
| Weight | 1.28 pounds | 2.7 pounds |
| Processor | Apple M4 (9-core) | Apple M4 (10-core) |
| Graphics | 10-core | 10-core |
| Neural engine | 16-core 120GB/s memory bandwidth | 16-core |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Display | 13-inch OLED 2752 x 2064, 120Hz | 13.6-inch LED 2560 x 1664, 60Hz |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt / USB 4, 1x MagSafe 3 | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, 1x 3.5mm audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Webcam | 12 megapixel, ultrawide camera | 1080p FaceTime camera |
| Operating system | iPadOS 17 | macOS Sonoma |
| Battery | 39 watt-hour | 52.6 watt-hour |
| Price | $1,299+ | $1,099+ |
Pricing
The iPad Pro M4 starts at $1,299 for the 13-inch model, while the MacBook Air 13-inch M3 starts at $1,099. However, to make a fair comparison, we need to add the $100 for the 10-core GPU on the iPad Pro. This brings the price difference down to just $100.
Design
The M4 iPad Pro features a completely redesigned chassis, making it the most striking iPad yet. It is incredibly thin at just 0.2 inches thick. However, once you add the Magic Keyboard, the thickness increases to 0.6 inches, which is thicker than the MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air, on the other hand, offers a more traditional laptop design with a wider range of viewing angles. It also features a dedicated MagSafe 3 power connection, freeing up the two Thunderbolt ports.
Display
The iPad Pro boasts a stunning 13-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2752 x 2064 and a 120Hz refresh rate. This is a significant upgrade over the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch LED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 and a 60Hz refresh rate.
The OLED display on the iPad Pro offers exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. It is also capable of displaying HDR content, which enhances the viewing experience.
Keyboard and ports
The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro features a larger haptic feedback trackpad and a 14-key function row. This makes the iPad Pro more versatile and comparable to a MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air has a slightly more spacious keyboard layout with full-sized function keys. However, both devices offer comparable port selection with two Thunderbolt ports each.
Performance and battery life
The M4 chip in the iPad Pro is a significant upgrade over the M3 in the MacBook Air. Apple claims that the M4 is four times faster than the M2 and 10 times faster than the M1. This should result in improved performance for demanding tasks such as video editing and multitasking.
However, the MacBook Air is likely to have better battery life due to its larger battery capacity.
Software
Ultimately, the choice between the iPad Pro and the MacBook Air comes down to software and how you intend to use the device. The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, which offers a more touch-centric experience with support for the Apple Pencil. The MacBook Air runs macOS, which provides a more traditional desktop operating system experience with a focus on productivity.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro and the MacBook Air are both excellent devices, but they cater to different needs. The iPad Pro is ideal for creative professionals and users who prioritize portability and a touch-centric experience. The MacBook Air is a more traditional laptop that offers better battery life and a more versatile operating system.
The decision between the iPad Pro and the MacBook Air ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs.
