MacBook Pro M2 13-Inch vs. MacBook Air M2: Do You Need to Go Pro?
This story is a part of WWDC 2022, CNET’s full protection from and about Apple’s annual builders convention.
Apple introduced its new M2 system-on-chip Monday throughout its WWDC 2022 keynote. Whereas Apple’s developer’s convention is concentrated on its numerous working methods, software program and companies, the corporate’s homegrown chips are integral to the {hardware} and software program working collectively. So it wasn’t a lot of a shock to see Apple introduce two new laptops working on M2 SoCs, the MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Professional M2 13-inch.
The smallest MacBook Professional has lengthy been what Apple followers picked once they wished a extra highly effective laptop computer than the MacBook Air however nonetheless wished the very best mobility attainable. Nevertheless, with the brand new model of the Air, it is likely to be higher for professionals to go together with that as a substitute of the MacBook Professional, except you are a business purchaser who wants platform consistency.
MacBook Air (13-inch, M2) vs. MacBook Professional (13-inch, M2)
| MacBook Air (13-inch, M2) | MacBook Professional (13-inch, M2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning value | $1,199, £1,249, AU$1,899 | $1,299, £1,349, AU$1,999 |
| Show | 13.6-inch 2,560×1,664-pixel Liquid Retina (500 nits brightness) | 13.3-inch 2,560×1,600-pixel Retina (500 nits brightness) |
| No. of CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| No. of GPU cores | As much as 10 | As much as 10 |
| Beginning / max RAM | 8GB / 24GB | 8GB / 24GB |
| Beginning/max storage | 256GB / 2TB | 256GB / 2TB |
| Wi-fi | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Connections | Thunderbolt/USB 4 USB-C (x2) | Thunderbolt/USB 4 USB-C (x2) |
| Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD digital camera | 720p FaceTime HD digital camera |
| No. of audio system / mics | 4 / 3 | 4 / 3 (studio-quality) |
| Battery life | As much as 18 hours | As much as 20 hours |
| Energy adapter | 30-watt USB-C (8-core GPU), 35-watt twin USB-C (10-core GPU) | 67-watt USB-C |
| Weight | 2.7 kilos (1.24 kg) | 3.0 kilos (1.4 kg) |
The very fact is, the brand new 13-inch MacBook Professional is identical as its predecessor however with the brand new M2 chip changing the M1. Not like its 14- and 16-inch line mates, the smallest Professional by no means obtained a redesign. As an alternative of the extra blocky, slab-like design of the newer fashions, it has a extra curved base and lid.
The 13-inch MacBook Professional can also be the final mannequin to have a Contact Bar instead of the perform key row. It additionally has a few hours extra battery life in comparison with the Air and it contains Apple’s extra highly effective 67-watt USB-C charger. However in comparison with the revamped Air, that is just about the place the great occasions finish.
Watch this:
Hands-On With Apple’s New M2 MacBook Air
5:57
The Air has a nicer, larger display but is about the same size and actually weighs less than the Pro. The MacBook Pro also has a lower-resolution webcam and no MagSafe charging option. The MacBook Pro does have an active cooling system, however, aka fans, which might enable the 13-inch Pro to work harder than the fanless M2-based MacBook Air. We won’t know for sure until we test them both.
Apple
The 2022 version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro is identical to its predecessor, with the exception of the new M2 chip. That means it has the same look and older features, such as a 720p webcam and no support for MagSafe charging. For fans of the Touch Bar, this is the last option with the new Apple silicon. It also has a slightly longer battery life and comes with the more powerful 67-watt USB-C charger. Plus, its active cooling might mean better performance than the Air M2. Otherwise, the new M2-based MacBook Air is better in every way.
Read our MacBook Pro M2 13-inch first take.
Dan Ackerman/CNET
The new Air with the M2 chip has the same internal components as the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro. However, the Air has a new fanless design, a larger, higher-quality display, a higher-resolution webcam and four-speaker audio. Plus, it weighs less. The lack of an active cooling system could potentially hinder its performance, but we won’t know for sure until we test these new M2 machines in-house.
Read our MacBook Air M2 hands-on.
