In the world of sleek laptops and powerhouse performances, Apple stands out with its array of offerings tailored to different user needs. The MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 and the MacBook Air M1 are two such devices that have stirred considerable interest among tech enthusiasts, business professionals, and everyday laptop shoppers. While both models boast impressive specs, they cater to slightly different audiences. This post dives deep into what sets these two apart, helping you decide which laptop suits your needs best.
Key Differences
At first glance, the MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 and the MacBook Air M1 may seem nearly identical with their premium build and high-resolution displays. However, the devil is in the details. The MacBook Air M1, released in late 2020, brings significant improvements over the Intel-based 2019 MacBook Pro in terms of performance and battery life, thanks to Apple’s custom silicon, the M1 chip.
Value for Money
When considering value for money, the MacBook Air M1 edges out the Pro 2019. Not only is it generally more affordable, but it also offers better performance per dollar, especially with the integration of the M1 chip that significantly boosts efficiency.
Tests and Specifications
Case
Both laptops feature Apple’s iconic aluminum casing, but the MacBook Air M1 is slightly thinner and lighter, emphasizing portability.
Display
The 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology is common between the two. However, one notable difference is:
- Resolution and Screen Size: Both models offer a 2560 x 1600 native resolution, but the MacBook Air M1 supports wider color (P3) and True Tone technology.
- Brightness and HDR: The MacBook Pro 2019 offers a slightly brighter screen at 500 nits compared to the 400 nits of the MacBook Air M1, though for everyday tasks, this difference is barely noticeable.
Battery
Battery life is a significant deciding factor for many users:
- Life on Programming/Coding: The MacBook Air M1 outperforms the Pro 2019, offering up to 17 hours of web browsing and up to 20 hours of video playback, thanks to the efficiency of the M1 chip.
- Battery Life on CPU Intensive Tasks: Again, the M1’s optimization shines, allowing the MacBook Air to handle intensive tasks without draining the battery as quickly as the Intel-based MacBook Pro 2019.
CPU
Testing the CPU performance across various tasks shows the M1’s superiority:
- Performance on Photo and Video Editing: The MacBook Air M1 not only runs cooler but also faster, rendering 4K videos and managing high-resolution photo editing more efficiently than the Pro 2019.
Benchmarks
Benchmarks consistently show the M1 chip outperforming the Intel Core i5 processor in the MacBook Pro 2019, especially in single-core performance, which is crucial for general productivity tasks.
Graphics Card
- Performance on Gaming: While neither machine is designed as a gaming laptop, the MacBook Air M1’s 8-core GPU provides a better gaming experience than the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 on the Pro 2019.
RAM and Storage
- SSD Speeds and Tests: The MacBook Air M1 features faster SSD reads and writes, largely due to Apple’s control over the hardware and software integration, enhancing overall system responsiveness.
Sound
Both laptops offer stereo speakers, but the MacBook Air M1’s audio is slightly more refined, providing clearer highs and more robust lows.
Connectivity
Each model includes two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and a headphone jack, with the MacBook Air M1 adding Wi-Fi 6 support for faster internet speeds.
Conclusion
The comparison between the MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 and the MacBook Air M1 reveals a clear shift in Apple’s laptop lineup. The M1 chip marks a significant leap in performance and efficiency, rendering the MacBook Air M1 not only a better value for money but also a more future-proof choice. Whether you’re a professional in need of a high-performing machine for creative work, a student looking for a reliable laptop for studies, or a casual user wanting to enjoy a seamless user experience, the MacBook Air M1 is an excellent choice that marries power with affordability.
Ultimately, your specific needs and preferences will dictate the best option for you, but for most users, the advancements of the M1 chip in the MacBook Air present a compelling case over the older MacBook Pro 13″ 2019.
MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 vs. MacBook Air M1 specs
Comparing the MacBook Pro 13″ from 2019 to the MacBook Air with the M1 chip from late 2020 provides insights into the evolution of Apple’s laptop offerings, focusing on performance, efficiency, and technological advancements. Here’s a detailed comparison based on their specifications:
Specifications Comparison: MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 vs. MacBook Air M1 2020
| Specification | MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 | MacBook Air M1 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) or 2.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) | Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU) |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB 2133 MHz LPDDR3 | 8GB or 16GB unified memory |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD |
| Display | 13.3″ Retina display with True Tone, 2560 x 1600 resolution | 13.3″ Retina display with True Tone, 2560 x 1600 resolution |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 | Integrated 7-core or 8-core GPU |
| Ports | Two or Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours of web browsing | Up to 18 hours of web browsing |
| Operating System | Initially shipped with macOS Mojave, upgradable to macOS Monterey | macOS Big Sur, upgradable to latest macOS |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 304.1 mm x 212.4 mm x 14.9 mm | 304.1 mm x 212.4 mm x 16.1 mm |
| Weight | 1.37 kg (3.02 lbs) | 1.29 kg (2.8 lbs) |
| Additional Features | Touch Bar and Touch ID (on some models), T2 Security Chip | Fanless design, M1 chip’s machine learning capabilities |
Key Differences
- Performance: The MacBook Air M1 offers a significant leap in performance over the 2019 MacBook Pro 13″ due to Apple’s M1 chip, which integrates CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance on a single chip, delivering not only better speed but also enhanced power efficiency.
- Battery Life: One of the standout features of the MacBook Air M1 is its battery life, capable of up to 18 hours of web browsing, nearly double that of the 2019 MacBook Pro.
- Graphics and Machine Learning: The MacBook Air M1 also features up to an 8-core GPU that outperforms the Intel Iris Plus Graphics in the MacBook Pro, along with dedicated cores for machine learning tasks.
- Cooling System: The MacBook Air M1 is fanless, which means it operates silently, unlike the MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 which includes a fan for cooling.
- Ports and Connectivity: Both models offer Thunderbolt 3 ports, but the MacBook Pro 2019 can come with four ports depending on the configuration, whereas the MacBook Air M1 only has two.
Ideal User
- MacBook Pro 13″ 2019: Better suited for users who may still prefer Intel processors for specific software compatibility, or who want more available ports directly on the device.
- MacBook Air M1 2020: Ideal for the majority of users who seek outstanding performance and efficiency for a wide range of tasks, from professional work to entertainment, all with incredible battery life and a silent, fanless operation.
Overall, the MacBook Air with the M1 chip represents a significant advancement in Apple’s laptop lineup, offering superior performance and efficiency, making it a compelling upgrade over the MacBook Pro 13″ 2019 for most users.