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Head to head · 2 laptops

MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024) vs MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)

Verified specs side by side. The green tick marks the better value on each measurable row.

Comparing 2 laptops
MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024)
MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024)9.3Excellent· Top score
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MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)
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The short verdict

MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024) edges it on score

The MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024) leads overall; pick the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024) if its strengths below matter more to you.

MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024)
9.3
MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)
8.7
Choose the MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024) if
  • Students and office workers who want a quiet 15-inch Mac at a used price.
Full specs →
Choose the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024) if
  • Video editors and developers who want a 16-inch Mac at a used price.
Full specs →
At a glance

Key differences

Measured differences only. Ties and tiny gaps are left out.
Why pick theMacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024)1 win
−630 gLighter in the hand1,510 vs 2,140 g
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Why pick theMacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)3 wins
+100%Brighter screen outdoors1,000 vs 500 nits peak
+6%Larger screen16.2 vs 15.3 in
+50%More RAM for multitasking24 vs 16 GB
Check priceNo store price yet
Display7 differences
Screen size
15.3"
16.2"
Panel type
Liquid Retina display
Liquid Retina XDR display
Resolution
2880 x 1864
3456 x 2234
Refresh rate
—
120 Hz
Brightness
500
1000
Display brightness
500 nits brightness
1000 nits sustained full-screen, 1600 nits peak 3 (HDR content only)
Display type
Liquid Retina display
Liquid Retina XDR display
Performance3 differences
Chipset
Apple M3
Apple M4 Pro
CPU cores
8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
14-core CPU with 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
Gpu cores
10-core GPU
20-core GPU
Memory2 differences
RAM
16 GB
24 GB
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
Graphics1 difference
GPU
10-core GPU
20-core GPU
Battery1 difference
Capacity
Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback, Up to 15 hours wireless web
Up to 24 hours video streaming · Up to 17 hours wireless web · Up to 21 hours video streaming
Connectivity3 differences
Wireless
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) 4
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) 5
Ports
Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s) · MagSafe 3 port · 3.5 mm headphone jack
Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports with support for: · Thunderbolt 5 (up to 120Gb/s) · USB-C) ports with support for:
Webcam
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera - Advanced image signal processor with computational video
- 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View - 1080p HD video recording - Advanced image signal processor with computational video
Body2 differences
Dimensions
12 x 340 x 238 mm
17 x 356 x 248 mm
Weight
1510 g
2140 g
Battery & charging1 difference
Battery claims
Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback, Up to 15 hours wireless web
Up to 24 hours video streaming · Up to 17 hours wireless web · Up to 21 hours video streaming
Design2 differences
Dimensions
height: 0.45 inch (1.15 cm) · width: 13.40 inches (34.04 cm) · depth: 9.35 inches (23.76 cm)
height: 0.66 inch (1.68 cm) · width: 14.01 inches (35.57 cm) · depth: 9.77 inches (24.81 cm)
Weights
3.3 pounds (1.51 kg) 5
4.7 pounds (2.14 kg) 7, 4.7 pounds (2.15 kg) 7
Where to buy

Specs verified against manufacturer data. Prices in USD before tax; we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

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