The recent announcement of the iPad Pro featuring the M4 chip has sparked discussion among Apple enthusiasts. Let’s compare the iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3 by examining their specifications, advantages, and disadvantages.
Technical Specifications
The iPad Pro M4 is Apple’s first tablet capable of replacing a laptop. The M4 chip, built on 3 nm technology, has 9 cores for data processing, 10 cores for graphics, and 16 cores for neural tasks, surpassing the M3 in the MacBook Air in terms of power. Key differences between the devices:
- iPad Pro M4: 13″ OLED display, 120 Hz, M4 chip, up to 16 GB RAM;
- MacBook Air M3: 13.6″ LED display, 60 Hz, M3 chip, up to 24 GB RAM;
- iPad Pro is lighter (1.28 pounds (0.58 kg) vs. 2.7 pounds (1.22 kg)).
Additionally, the MacBook Air has more ports and a larger battery. The latter directly affects battery life — the Air M3 operates for up to 18 hours, while the iPad Pro M4 lasts up to 10 hours.
Price Comparison
The MacBook Air M3 starts at $1099 (8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD), with the maximum configuration at $2299. The iPad Pro M4 starts at $999 (11″, 256 GB, 8 GB RAM). The top-tier 13″ model with 2 TB and 16 GB RAM costs 2399. The Magic Keyboard ($299–349) and Apple Pencil Pro ($129) are sold separately.
Design and Construction
The MacBook Air M3 is a classic laptop with a built-in keyboard and trackpad. The iPad Pro M4 is a versatile tablet that can be used standalone or with accessories. The MacBook Air has more ports, including a headphone jack. The iPad Pro supports 5G and has two cameras compared to one on the MacBook.
Displays
The iPad Pro M4 is equipped with a superior OLED display with brightness of up to 1600 nits for HDR content. The MacBook Air M3 has an LED display with a maximum brightness of 500 nits.
Use Cases
If you are considering whether to purchase the iPad Pro M4 or the MacBook Air M3, it is important to first determine your intended use. Your choice depends on which device characteristics are most significant to you.
The MacBook Air M3 excels in scenarios such as::
- word processing and document handling;
- programming and web development;
- multitasking and file management;
- graphic design and video editing;
- extended work outside the office;
- working with professional software.
The iPad Pro M4 is preferable for:
- mobility and portability;
- creative work and design with Apple Pencil Pro;
- media consumption;
- note-taking and reading;
- basic office tasks;
- video conferencing;
- use with various accessories.
Choose the MacBook Air M3 if you need a powerful, versatile laptop for work and study, especially if you’re accustomed to macOS. If mobility is essential, you’re a creative professional, or you actively consume media content, then the iPad Pro M4 is an excellent choice.
Source: Blog Techtoro.io