Apple 2025 MacBook Air vs Apple 2024 MacBook Pro – Which One Should You Buy?

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by

Himanshu
in

If you’re planning to buy a new MacBook in 2025, you’re probably torn between the ultra-portable MacBook Air (M4, 2025) and the powerhouse MacBook Pro (M4, 2024).
Both machines are packed with Apple’s latest M4 chip, support Apple Intelligence, and deliver incredible battery life — but they’re made for different kinds of users.

In this guide, we’ll compare the two models in detail so you can choose the one that’s perfect for you.

1. Quick Specs Overview

FeatureMacBook Air (13″, M4, 2025)MacBook Pro (14″, M4, 2024)
Price₹92,900 (256GB, 16GB RAM)₹1,62,990 (512GB, 16GB RAM)
ProcessorApple M4 chip, 10-core CPU, 8-core GPUApple M4 chip, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU
Display13.6″ Liquid Retina, 1B colours14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 1,600 nits peak brightness
Memory16GB Unified Memory (Upgradable to 24GB)16GB Unified Memory (Upgradable to 32GB)
Storage256GB or 512GB SSD512GB or 1TB SSD
Battery LifeUp to 18 hoursAll-day (up to ~18 hours)
Weight~1.24 kg~1.6 kg
Ports2× Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, 3.5mm jack3× Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe, 3.5mm jack
Colour OptionsSky Blue, Midnight, Silver, StarlightSilver, Space Grey
Price LinkBuy Now on AmazonBuy Now on Amazon

2. Performance – Who Wins?

Both laptops feature the Apple M4 chip, but the Pro model edges ahead with a 10-core GPU compared to the 8-core GPU in the Air.
This extra GPU power makes the MacBook Pro more suitable for:

  • 4K video editing
  • 3D rendering
  • Pro-level photography workflows
  • High-end music production

If your work involves heavy graphics or multitasking with professional apps, the Pro will save you time.

The MacBook Air still packs serious performance for everyday users — you can run Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Adobe Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro without breaking a sweat. But if you’re into ProRes editing or complex 3D projects, the Pro is the safer bet.

3. Display – Brightness vs Portability

  • MacBook Air: 13.6″ Liquid Retina with support for 1 billion colours. Perfect for everyday productivity, entertainment, and photo editing.
  • MacBook Pro: 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR with up to 1,600 nits peak brightness. This is a professional-grade display ideal for HDR video editing and colour-critical work.

If you work outdoors or in bright environments, the Pro’s extra brightness will make a visible difference.

4. Battery Life – Surprisingly Close

Apple claims up to 18 hours on both machines — and in real-world use, both are excellent.
However:

  • The Air is more power-efficient because it’s fanless and lighter.
  • The Pro delivers sustained performance under heavy load, thanks to its active cooling system.

So if you’re running intensive apps on battery, the Pro maintains speed longer.

5. Port Selection – Creator’s Advantage

  • MacBook Air: 2× Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe charging port, headphone jack.
  • MacBook Pro: 3× Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC card reader, MagSafe, headphone jack.

If you often connect cameras, external monitors, or memory cards, the Pro’s extra ports save you from carrying dongles.

6. Portability – The Air’s Winning Card

  • MacBook Air: ~1.24 kg – perfect for students, writers, travellers, and anyone on the go.
  • MacBook Pro: ~1.6 kg – still portable, but noticeably heavier in a backpack.

If you’re a frequent traveller or use your laptop on your lap often, the Air feels more effortless.

7. Price – Big Gap, Big Decision

  • MacBook Air (M4) – ₹92,900 (16GB / 256GB)
    ➡ Best value for students, professionals, and casual creators.
    Check Price on Amazon
  • MacBook Pro (M4) – ₹1,62,990 (16GB / 512GB)
    ➡ Best for professionals in video, design, coding, and 3D work.
    Check Price on Amazon

8. Which One Should You Buy?

✅ Choose the MacBook Air (M4, 2025) if:

  • You want maximum portability and great battery life.
  • Your work is mostly office apps, browsing, video calls, and light creative work.
  • You want the latest Mac experience at the best price.

✅ Choose the MacBook Pro (M4, 2024) if:

  • You work with video editing, music production, coding, or graphic design.
  • You need extra ports and a brighter, HDR-ready display.
  • You’re okay with paying more for pro-level performance.

💡 Final Verdict:

If you’re a student, business professional, or casual creative, the MacBook Air (M4) is unbeatable in value and portability.
If you’re a creative professional or developer who pushes hardware to its limits, the MacBook Pro (M4) will pay for itself in saved time and better workflow.

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