If you’re trying to determine which new MacBook to buy this year, a comparison of the MacBook Air 2022 versus the MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022 is exactly what you need. Only $100 separates these two computers, which start at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. However, there are a few key distinctions to be aware of.
The powerful new M2 CPU, a slimmer and more colorful design, a brighter and larger display, and an updated webcam are all features of the new MacBook Air 2022. However, Apple is keeping the entry-level MacBook Pro 2022 13-inch around for a purpose, as it comes with the same CPU as the Air while providing some noticeable benefits.
Both the new MacBook Air and the new MacBook Pro have the potential to make our list of the best laptops. But which is the best option for you? This is how the new Air and Pro compare.
MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Specs Compared
| MacBook Air 2022 | MacBook Pro 2022 (13-inch) | |
| Price | from $1,199 | from $1,299 |
| Display | 13.6 inches (2560 x 1664) | 13.3 inches (2560 x 1600) |
| CPU | M2 | M2 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB |
| GPU | 8-core CPU | 10-core GPU |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Camera | 1080p | 720p |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 3/USB 4, heaphone | 2 Thunderbolt 3/USB 4, heaphone |
| Battery life (rated) | 18 hours video / 15 hours web | 20 hours video / 17 hours web |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds | 3 pounds |
MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Price
Starting at $1,199, the MacBook Air 2022 offers a considerable price increase over the MacBook Air M1. The older M1 Air is still available for $999.
Meanwhile, the $1,299 price of the MacBook Pro 2022 remains unchanged. So these are both high-end laptops, but the Pro tries to justify its price tag with a beefier 10-core GPU, longer battery life, and better-sustained performance, which we’ll discuss further down.
MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Design
The MacBook Air 2022 outperforms the MacBook Pro 2022 in terms of portability, thanks to Apple’s ability to produce a notebook that is 20% less in volume than the previous Air while maintaining a robust aluminum construction.
The MacBook Pro measures 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.6 inches and weighs 3 pounds, while the Air measures 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches and weighs 2.7 pounds. As a result, the Air is smaller and lighter, with a bigger display and narrower bezels.
The MacBook Air also comes in a variety of colors, including Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray. Silver and Space Gray are the only colors available on the chunkier Pro.
Although the MacBook Pro is the only one of these two computers with a Touch Bar, I prefer the Air’s dedicated function row.
MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Display
When it comes to their screens, the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are pretty close. In fact, the Air’s screen is a little bit bigger than the Pro’s, which is 13.3 inches. And the Air has a resolution of 2560 x 1664, while the Pro’s is only 2560 x 1660. Read Also; Apple is planning a foldable MacBook for 2026
Aside from that, both laptops have a strong 500 nits of brightness, support for a wide range of colors (P3), and True Tone technology. So the Air has a small edge in this case.
MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Ports
In this category, neither laptop has much to offer. Both the new Air and the new Pro have only two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack for plugging in wired headphones.
The only difference that stands out is that the new Air can be charged with MagSafe while the Pro can be charged with USB-C, so you could say that the Air has more ports. And that’s because you can charge the system while leaving the two USB-C ports open.
MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Specs
Here, the MacBook Pro 2022 comes out on top. Both the new Air and Pro have Apple’s new M2 chip, which makes them run faster, but the Pro comes with a 10-core GPU. You have to pay more to get that on the Air.
Also, the MacBook Pro has a cooling system that works while the Air doesn’t. Because of this difference, the Pro can do things like edit videos for larger projects faster and at a higher level of performance.
Webcam and speakers
The MacBook Air comes back in this category because it has a sharper 1080p camera than the MacBook Pro, which only has a 720p webcam. Apple, on the other hand, says that the M2 chip in the new Pro should make the images better.
We don’t know much about the sound quality yet, but the 2022 Air has a new four-speaker system between the keyboard and the screen. It also supports Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. The stereo speakers on the MacBook Pro can do the same things, and they are to the right and left of the keyboard.
We’ll have to put the laptops next to each other and look at how they look and sound to see which one is better. Read More; Mac Pro 2022: Apple’s Workstation Computer
Battery Life and Charging
With its larger 58.2-watt-hour battery, the MacBook Pro 2022 should last longer overall. It is rated to play videos for 20 hours and surf the web wirelessly for 17 hours. The 52.6 watt-hour battery in the new MacBook Air is meant to last for 18 hours of video and 15 hours of wireless web browsing.
When it comes to charging, the MacBook Air comes with a 30W power adapter. If you want to charge two devices at once, you can spend $20 to get a dual USB-C charger. Or, you can buy a 67W charger for $20 that will charge the Air to 50% in 30 minutes. If you customize your MacBook Air with a more powerful GPU and more storage space, you can choose between the free dual charger and the free fast charger.
The MacBook Pro comes with a 67W charger by default, but Apple doesn’t say that this system can charge quickly.
MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Bottom Line
The MacBook Air 2022 has a faster M2 processor, a bigger screen than the Pro, and a sharper webcam. It is also thinner and lighter. It’s also $100 cheaper than the MacBook Pro 2022. It seems obvious, doesn’t it?
Well, the MacBook Pro 2022 has some good points as well, like a bigger battery, active cooling for faster performance, and a standard 10-core GPU.
For my money, I’d probably rather get the MacBook Air, since it has Pro-level performance in a smaller package. But I could see people spending more on the Pro to get a little more power and spend less time plugged in. Stay tuned for our full reviews of both laptops.
