Apple updated the MacBook Pro in February. In doing so, they upgraded their own top-of-the-range notebooks, especially with the chip, and gave them new M2 chips. To be more precise, the M2 Pro or M2 Max. However, the update only applies to the two larger 14 and 16-inch models. The 13-inch variant is neglected and gets nothing.
So how do the various MacBook Pros stack up against each other? And even more important? How do they compare to the cheaper MacBook Air, which Apple also equipped with an M2 last year?
We compare the specifications of the individual models and reveal which device is worthwhile for which purpose. And if you stick with it to the conclusion (or scroll down) to the end, you’ll get a tip on how to get an even bigger bargain when buying a MacBook.
Some links included on this page are affiliate links. Depending on the provider, GameStar receives a small commission for purchases made via these links without affecting the price.
More info.
price and dimensions
| MacBook Pro 14/16 (2023) | MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | MacBook Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,399 to 7,599 euros | 1,599 to 2,979 euros | 1,499 to 2,999 euros |
| 1.55 x 31.26 x 22.12 cm 1.60 to 1.63 kg |
1.56 x 30.41 x 21.24 cm 1.4kg |
1.13 x 30.41 x 21.5 cm 1.24kg |
| Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, North Star, Space Gray, Midnight |
A Pro is more expensive than an Air, one would think. But in the top configuration, the current MacBook Air is even more expensive than the 13-inch Pro version. Otherwise everything is in order: the better the equipment and the larger the display, the more money you have to pay.
So if you only need a small display, you can save money here. In general, the 13 and 14-inch models are particularly suitable if they often end up in the laptop bag. The larger MacBook Pro 16 is the right choice if it is mostly in one place and only has to travel occasionally.
The wide range of colors of the MacBook Air ensures more individuality. In addition to the standard colors silver and gray, it is also available in black and the sand-colored polar star.
However, the MacBook Air seems to have problems with scratches. You can read more about this in our article.
more on the subject
Scratches on the Macbook Air M2: One model is particularly criticized
chip
| MacBook Pro 14/16 (2023) | MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | MacBook Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| M2 Pro / M2 Max | M2 | M2 |
| 6 to 8 performance cores 4 efficiency cores |
4 performance cores 4 efficiency cores |
4 performance cores 4 efficiency cores |
| 16 to 38 GPU cores | 10 GPU cores | 8 to 10 GPU cores |
| 16 neural engine cores | 16 neural engine cores | 16 neural engine cores |
An M2 chip is used in all of the models compared here. But M2 is not equal to M2. The larger MacBooks have recently been using the more powerful M2 Pro and M2 Max variants. They use six or even eight cores instead of the four P-cores of the basic chip.
In addition, significantly more GPU cores are used. So if you have particularly CPU and GPU-hungry tasks in front of you, you are better served with the larger Pro MacBooks. But that doesn’t mean that the M2 should be written off. The M2 should be sufficient for typical office tasks, but also for light image and video editing.
The M2 Pro in detail. (Image source: Apple)
screen
| MacBook Pro 14/16 (2023) | MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | MacBook Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Retina XDR display up to 120 Hz adaptive frame rate |
retina display | Liquid Retina display |
| 14.2 / 16.2 inches 3024 x 1964 pixels / 3456 x 2234 pixels 254 ppi |
13.3 inches 2,560 x 1,600 pixels 227 ppi |
13.6 inches 2,560 x 1,664 pixels 224 ppi |
| 1,600 nits peak brightness (XDR) | 500 nits brightness (SDR) | 500 nits brightness (SDR) |
| 2x 6K60Hz external displays (M2 Pro) 3x 6K60Hz + 1x 4K11Hz external displays (M2 Max) |
1x 6K60Hz external display | 1x 6K60Hz external display |
The new, large MacBook Pros also achieve a clear victory in terms of the display. Thanks to the XDR display, they have a stronger contrast and can display content much brighter. Instead of the 500 nits of the SDR displays, a peak of up to 1,600 nits is possible here.
Then, of course, there is the larger display. Even when comparing the two 14-inchers wins
the MacBook Pro by around half an inch display diagonal.
However, the most important sticking point for professional applications: significantly more external screens can be connected to the MacBook Pros, which makes stationary work at a desk easier.
Storage
| MacBook Pro 14/16 (2023) | MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | MacBook Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 to 96 GB of memory | 8 to 24 GB of memory | 8 to 24 GB of memory |
| 512GB to 8TB of storage space | 256GB to 2TB of storage space | 256GB to 2TB of storage space |
Anyone who really needs a lot of RAM and storage is again better off with the 14 or 16-inch MacBook Pro. But even the smaller models have plenty of space with up to 2 TB of storage and up to 24 GB of RAM.
With all models, however, it should be noted that the better specifications have to be bought at a higher price. In the standard versions, the storage space is particularly limited at 256 or 512 GB.
battery pack
| MacBook Pro 14/16 (2023) | MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | MacBook Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| up to 18 / 22 hours of movie playback up to 12 / 15 hours of wireless surfing |
up to 20 hours of movie playback surf wirelessly for up to 17 hours |
up to 18 hours of movie playback surf wirelessly for up to 15 hours |
| Battery with 70 / 100 watt hours | Battery with 58.2 watt hours | Battery with 52.6 watt hours |
| 67 to 140 watt power adapter | 67W power adapter | 30/35 watt power adapter |
When it comes to battery life, you don’t really have to worry about any of the models. According to Apple, surfing the web for an entire working day works with any of the devices.
The question of the loading speed is more exciting. The MacBook Air in particular lags behind the Pro models here. With only 35 watts, it offers around half the charging power of its higher-class siblings.
You can read here how the MacBook Pro almost managed to make our editor Alex swear off his PC:
more on the subject
Apple’s new MacBook Pro almost made me swear off the PC
connectivity
| MacBook Pro 14/16 (2023) | MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | MacBook Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| 1x SDXC 1x HDMI 1x 3.5mm jack 1x MagSafe 3 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
1x 3.5mm jack 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
1x 3.5mm jack 1x MagSafe 3 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
| WiFi 6E (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3 |
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.0 |
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.0 |
When it comes to connectivity, the smallest MacBook Pro unfortunately has to admit defeat. Just two connections are simply not enough for a Pro model that is aimed at professional users. Especially the larger variants can shine here.
So if you often connect peripherals to your MacBook, you will have a hard time getting around the more expensive model. Those who are satisfied with a standard laptop or just an attached mouse can also fish in the cheaper segment.
If you need a lot of connections, you can use the larger Pro models. (Image source: Apple)
camera and audio
| MacBook Pro 14/16 (2023) | MacBook Pro 13 (2022) | MacBook Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
| Hi-Fi 6 speaker system 3D audio |
stereo speakers 3D audio |
4 speaker system 3D audio |
When it comes to the camera, MacBook Air and the new Pro models both appear with Full HD resolution. Only the 13-inch version offers 720p, which is no longer quite up-to-date.
3D audio supports each of the devices. For real hi-fi sound, however, you have to use the larger Pro models.
Did one of the MacBooks convince you directly? Then you will find cheap offers for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13 models discussed here below.
Conclusion
More is better, but also more expensive. This unhelpful conclusion is what applies to most product lines: Think carefully about which functions you really need and what you can do without.
If you work a lot on the go and mainly do office tasks, you can probably get by with a MacBook Air. If the cloud is used primarily, it doesn’t have to be that much storage space.
If you mainly work stationary, want to connect several displays and peripherals and then also depend on the stronger performance of the M2 Pro or Max, you will of course go for the more expensive MacBook Pro – but then you will also get a corresponding added value.
Finally, the promised tip for bargain hunters: The MacBook Air with the M1 chip is still available in stores. Here you can save a few hundred euros. What do you have to do without?
On the one hand, of course, on the newer M2 chip. But the M1 is still quite potent. Furthermore, Apple’s older notebook does not have its own MagSafe connection. So you have to sacrifice one of your Thunderbolt slots to load it. And even with the camera and sound, slight compromises have to be made. Nevertheless, the MacBook Air M1 can still prove to be the right choice if the budget is a bit smaller.
Are you thinking about switching from a Windows PC to Apple’s MacOS for the first time? Then be sure to read Sören’s experience report after his move.
more on the subject
27 years of Windows, now a MacBook for the first time: Learn from my confusion!
Which of the MacBooks do you find most interesting? And where would Apple still have to make improvements in its product range? Write us your opinion in the comments!
Tag: macbook issue, macbook pro, macbook release, macbook macos