iPad Pro M4 vs. MacBook Air M3: Which is Better and More Powerful

The recent announcement of the iPad Pro based on the M4 chip has given a boost to an active discussion among Apple devices fans. Now, everyone is concerned about what is better and more powerful when comparing iPad Pro M4 vs. MacBook Air M3. In this article we will provide comparative characteristics of both models, learn the pros and cons of each of them, as well as give our own conclusions whether the new generation of Apple tablets with M4 chip can completely replace the MacBook.

iPad Pro M4 vs. MacBook Air M3: Specs

The iPad Pro M4 is Apple's first tablet that can replace a laptop. The M4 chip is the latest development with multiple features, built on second-generation 3nm technology. The M4 chip has at least 9 cores for data processing, 10 cores for graphics and 16 cores for neural tasks. This makes it the most powerful Apple chip to date, with considerably superior performance if compared with the M3 chip in the latest MacBook Air.

Specifications:

MacBook Air M3 vs. iPad Pro M4: Price Comparison

The most basic model of the MacBook Air M3 can be purchased for $1099. For this money, you'll get 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, an eight-core processor, an eight-core GPU, and a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. The maximum package with 24GB of RAM, 2TB SSD and a 10-core GPU costs $2299.

The starting price of Apple's iPad Pro M4 is $999. The basic version has 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, a 9-core processor, a 10-core GPU and an 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display. The maximum configuration of the 11-inch model has 2TB of storage, 16GB of RAM, a 10-core processor and nano-textured glass, and it costs $2099. The most powerful version of the 13-inch iPad Pro with an M4 chip, similar specs and a larger screen will cost $2399.

It's important to remember that the tablet prices listed above do not include additional accessories. The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro M4 costs $299 for the 11-inch version and $349 for the 13-inch version. The Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $129.

Also: MacBook Air M4 Release Date and What to Expect from it

MacBook Air M3 vs. iPad Pro M4: Design Comparison

The 13-inch MacBook Air M3 and iPad Pro M4 are different in form and usage: a laptop vs. a tablet.

MacBook Air M3 is a notebook where a screen, keyboard, and trackpad are combined in one device. It's easy to take it with you and start working right away. It has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack. The MacBook Air M3 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and is available in four colors. It has six speakers and supports Spatial Audio (with AirPods). Touch ID is used for authentication.

The iPad Pro M4 is a tablet that can be used in many different ways. You can use it as a separate device using the Apple Pencil Pro, or connect the Magic Keyboard for a convenient keyboard and trackpad. It has one Thunderbolt/USB 4 port and a headphone jack, as well as physical volume buttons. The iPad Pro M4 supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional 5G cellular connectivity. It is available in two colors and has four speakers that support surround sound and Spatial Audio (with AirPods). Face ID is used for authentication.

Keyboard

Everyone loves the MacBook Air M3 keyboard, but the iPad Magic Keyboard features some unique advantages. Metal palm supports provide comfort when a user types for a long time. Soft key backlighting makes working in low-light conditions a pleasure. Function keys such as Exposé, Spotlight search, volume and brightness controls add convenience. Apple Pencil Pro support with intuitive touch and pinch gestures and pointing makes working more accurate and entertaining.

Camera

The iPad Pro M4 has two cameras: one on the front panel and one on the back. The cameras support photo and video resolutions up to 4K and have flash, zoom and low-light shooting features. The MacBook Air M3 has only one front camera with 1080p photo and video resolution. It does not have flash, zoom or low-light shooting features.

Display: MacBook Air M3 vs. iPad Pro M4

The 13-inch MacBook Air M3 has a Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. Though this display is excellent, the new iPad Pro M4 features a much better new OLED display. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro M4 feature the Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR, which can reach a brightness of 1,000 nits for SDR and HDR content and up to 1,600 nits for HDR content. These OLED displays deliver rich black and bright colors, making games, TV shows and artwork more vivid. Additionally, nano-textured glass is available for the 1TB and 2TB iPad Pro M4 models, which helps reduce glare by diffusing ambient light.

Also: macOS Sequoia: Release Date, Features, How to Download It

Battery Life: MacBook Air M3 vs. iPad Pro M4

In terms of battery life, the MacBook Air M3 beats the iPad Pro M4. The MacBook Air M3 can last up to 18 hours, while the iPad Pro M4 can last up to 10 hours. However, it's important to remember that battery life depends on usage. More demanding tasks such as gaming, AI work and video editing drain the battery faster on either device.

iPad Pro M4 vs. MacBook Air M3: Which is Better to Buy

If you're wondering whether you should buy an iPad Pro M4 or a MacBook Air M3, first it's important to determine what you need the device for. The choice depends on which device features are the most important to you. Whether it's battery life, power, mobility or usability, each of these gadgets has unique advantages that can cater to different user needs.

Let's take an in-depth look at what MacBook Air M3 and iPad Pro M4 are suitable for:

MacBook Air M3:

• Word processing and documentation: Perfect for writing and editing documents, creating presentations and working with spreadsheets thanks to the comfortable keyboard and large screen.
• Programming and Web Development: Supports full-featured IDEs and development tools, making it suitable for programmers and web developers.
• Multitasking and file management: macOS makes it easy to work with several applications simultaneously and organize your files.
• Graphic design and video editing: The large screen and powerful processor allow you to work with graphic and video editors such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.
• Long battery life: The MacBook Air M3's battery lasts up to 18 hours, making it a great choice for long hours outside of the office.
• Work with professional programs: Supports professional applications that are often not available on iPadOS.

iPad Pro M4:

• Mobility and Portability: Lightweight and compact, it is convenient to take with you on trips and use on the go.
• Creative work and Design: Support for Apple Pencil Pro makes it a perfect tool for artists, illustrators and designers.
• Media Consumption: The bright OLED display provides a high quality picture, making it great for watching videos and playing games.
• Taking notes and reading: Handy for taking notes, reading and working with electronic documents.
• Simple office tasks: Suitable for e-mail, calendar and basic office applications.
• Video conferencing and communication: Built-in cameras and microphones make it convenient for video calls and online communication.
• Accessory Usage: The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro extend your device capabilities, making it more versatile.

So give preference to MacBook Air M3 if you need a powerful, versatile and reliable laptop for work and school, especially if you're used to macOS. If mobility is important to you, you're a creative artist, or you actively consume media content, then the iPad Pro M4 is a great choice.