The MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Pro M4 both utilize Apple's M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU with four performance cores and six efficiency cores, along with a 10-core GPU. However, there are several key differences in performance and design:
Performance
- Cooling System: The MacBook Pro M4 includes a cooling fan, which allows for sustained performance during demanding tasks like video editing or photo editing. In contrast, the MacBook Air M4 is fan-less, providing silent operation but potentially throttling performance under heavy loads[3].
- AI Tasks: Both models benefit from the M4 chip's powerful Neural Engine, which accelerates AI-based tasks. However, the MacBook Pro's cooling system ensures consistent performance in prolonged AI-intensive workloads[1][3].
- Workload Handling: The MacBook Pro M4 is better suited for heavy creative workloads due to its cooling system and slightly more robust hardware setup, making it ideal for tasks like rendering complex scenes or editing gigapixel photos[5].
Battery Life
- Battery Capacity: The MacBook Pro M4 generally offers longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity compared to the MacBook Air M4. The Pro model's battery can provide up to 2 to 3 hours more runtime[3].
- Charging Speed: The MacBook Pro M4 comes with a faster 70W charger, whereas the MacBook Air M4 uses a 35W charger, affecting charging speed[3].
Connectivity and Design
- Ports: The MacBook Pro M4 offers more connectivity options, including three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and an SDXC card slot. The MacBook Air M4 is limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports[3].
- Display: While both models offer high-quality displays, the MacBook Pro M4 features a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates, which is not detailed for the MacBook Air M4[2].
In summary, the MacBook Pro M4 is designed for more demanding tasks and offers better sustained performance, longer battery life, and more connectivity options, making it suitable for professionals and heavy users. The MacBook Air M4 is ideal for general use, providing silent operation and a more portable design.
Citations:[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-the-m4-chip-and-a-sky-blue-color/
[2] https://support.apple.com/en-us/121552
[3] https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/features/story/macbook-air-m4-vs-macbook-pro-m4-what-are-the-differences-and-which-is-better-for-you-2689817-2025-03-06
[4] https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/specs/
[5] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/new-macbook-pro-features-m4-family-of-chips-and-apple-intelligence/
[6] https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-m4-refresh-price-release-date-specs
[7] https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/macbook-air-vs-macbook-pro-which-macbook-should-i-buy/
[8] https://www.macworld.com/article/2303200/m4-macbook-air-design-price-specs-release.html
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryejRyd3fY8