When considering the iPad Pro M4 and MacBook Air M3, from the name to the outward appearance, one might initially believe them to be vastly different devices. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that they share many similarities in terms of portability, functionality, display options, and price point. Deciding between the two can be a challenging task, but fear not, we have created a comprehensive guide to assist you in selecting the ideal device for your specific needs and preferences. As you ponder on which device to buy, ensure to purchase either the iPad Pro M4 Screen Protectors or the iPad Pro M4 Cases and Keyboards to protect your soon-to-be baby from scratches, accidental drops, or impacts.
Now, let’s move on to give you a clearer understanding of which device aligns best with your priorities, whether it be performance, portability, display quality, software capabilities, or any other criteria you may have in mind.
iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3
1. iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3: iPadOS vs macOS
The main difference between the iPad Pro M4 and the MacBook Air M3 lies in their operating systems and user experiences. The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, which is touch-focused and supports cursor input. It allows text selection with a mouse, trackpad, or Magic Keyboard, and offers multitasking features like Slide Over and Split View. It also supports Apple Pencil for drawing and note-taking. On the other hand, the MacBook Air uses macOS, providing a traditional desktop experience with a visible Dock and robust desktop applications. It offers more software choices and can run iOS and iPadOS apps with the latest macOS Big Sur update, given an Apple Silicon processor.
2. iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Cameras and special features
When it comes to content creation, the iPad Pro M4 has some distinct advantages. It features a 12MP wide camera and a new 10MP ultra-wide camera, allowing for versatile photography. The iPad Pro M4 can also record 4K video at 60 frames per second, a capability not found in the MacBook Air M3. Additionally, the iPad Pro M4 has a front 7MP TrueDepth camera for selfies and facial recognition. The iPad Pro 2024 further excels in augmented reality (AR) with its built-in LiDAR scanner, enhancing performance in AR apps. It also supports the Apple Pencil, a $129 accessory that enables seamless note-taking, drawing, and document markup. The Apple Pencil conveniently charges when magnetically attached to the iPad Pro.
In contrast, the MacBook Air M3 has a lower-resolution 720p camera for video chats and utilizes machine learning to improve video quality. It relies on a Touch ID button on the keyboard deck for device authentication. However, one notable advantage of the MacBook Air M3 is its ability to run iPhone and iPad apps, providing additional functionality. In summary, the iPad Pro M4 offers superior camera capabilities, including an ultra-wide camera and 4K video recording. It also incorporates a LiDAR scanner for improved AR performance and supports the Apple Pencil. While the MacBook Air M3 has limitations in camera resolution and lacks facial recognition, its ability to run iOS apps contributes to its appeal.
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3. iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Display
The new iPad Pro 2024 is now thinner and lighter, has a better screen, and is much faster thanks to a new chip. It can do amazing things with artificial intelligence.
The new iPad Pro comes in two colors, silver and space black, and two sizes: a big 13-inch model and a small 11-inch model. Both sizes have a really good screen called Ultra Retina XDR display. The iPad Pro 2024 also has a new chip called M4 that makes it work faster and better. While the 2024 MacBook Air, boasts a stunning Liquid Retina display available in either 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch sizes. With LED backlighting, IPS technology, and a native resolution of 2560 x 1664 or 2880 x 1864, this display offers unrivaled clarity and detail. At 500 nits of brightness, supporting 1 billion colors, and delivering double the resolution of its PC counterparts, the MacBook Air M3 sets a new standard of visual excellence.
4. iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Performance Check
Both the iPad Pro M4 and the MacBook Air M3 have powerful processors. The iPad Pro features a highly capable chip, while the MacBook Air has significantly improved performance compared to previous models. The iPad Pro and the MacBook Air both have 8-core CPUs, with the MacBook Air offering a choice of 7-core or 8-core GPUs. However, the new MacBook Air with the M3 chip has even higher speed and performance. In summary, both devices have made significant strides in processing power, with the MacBook Air’s M3 chip demonstrating impressive performance gains.
5. iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Price
The smaller iPad Pro M4 costs $999 for the Wi-Fi version and $1,199 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. The larger iPad Pro M4 costs $1,299 for the Wi-Fi version and $1,499 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. However, the cost increases significantly with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro also offers a Wi-Fi + Cellular option and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. On the other hand, The new MacBook Air comes in two sizes, 13-inch and 15-inch. The 13-inch one starts at $1,099 and the 15-inch one starts at $1,299, but students can get a discount. You can pay for them monthly if you want. They come in four colors: midnight, starlight, silver, and space gray.
6. iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Ports
In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Air has a clear advantage over the iPad Pro. The MacBook Air is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports as well as a headphone jack, providing flexibility for various connections. On the other hand, the iPad Pro has a single USB-C port and lacks a headphone jack. However, if you choose to use the Magic Keyboard accessory with the iPad Pro, you gain an additional USB-C port for passthrough charging.
7. iPad Pro M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Keyboard and Touchpad
The MacBook Air features an improved scissor-switch keyboard with better key travel and a comfortable typing experience. It also has a large touchpad. The iPad Pro’s optional Magic Keyboard offers a similar typing experience and attaches magnetically to the iPad. The main difference is that the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard comes at an additional cost, starting at around $299.
Conclusion
The MacBook Air M3 is considered the best laptop due to its better battery life, more ports, and robust operating system. It offers better value than the iPad Pro M4, which serves a narrower demographic. However, if you specifically need a touch-screen device, the iPad Pro M4 is reliable but may be more expensive than the MacBook Air M3.
