MacBook Pro 15” (2017) vs. MacBook Air 13” 2018 - Detailed Specs Comparison (2023)

FAQs

MacBook Pro 15” (2017) vs. MacBook Air 13” 2018 - Detailed Specs Comparison? ›

Despite the similar specifications, the macbook pro is still the faster machine. It is also actually pretty portable, but not as portable as the macbook air. If you want more power and good portability go for the pro. If you want less power and more portability go for the air.

Despite the similar specifications, the macbook pro is still the faster machine. It is also actually pretty portable, but not as portable as the macbook air. If you want more power and good portability go for the pro. If you want less power and more portability go for the air.

The Macbook Air is cheaper, smaller, lighter and more portable but has no DVD drive and much less storage capacity compared to the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro is more expensive but has a more powerful processor and more ports.

The "Mid-2017" models use the "Kaby Lake" architecture whereas the "Mid-2018" models use the newer "Coffee Lake" architecture as well as newer processors with more cores, faster graphics processors, a newer system management chip (T2), and the option of more RAM and larger SSDs on some models.

MacBook Pro 13 2017 is much powerful device than MacBook Air and they are not even comparable because they are not in the same category. And don't worry about the 2017 model comparing with 2019 models, you will not feel that much of differences and 2017 models can do whatever their newer versions are doing.

The MacBook Air has a LCD Liquid Retina display, while the newest MacBook Pros have a mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display. The advantage of the Pro's display is that it gets brighter (maxing out at 1,600 nits, versus the Air's 500 nits), has significantly better contrast and delivers a more dynamic picture.

The 2017 Macbook pro might be a bit outdated right now, but it's still got the specs that a light to mid user will be perfectly fine with. The entry level model doesn't have a touch bar, but it comes with a capable Intel Iris Plus 640 GPU, and a battery life that's long enough to get you through a day's work.

The Geekbench 5 Compute benchmarks showed scores for the M2 MacBook Air with 10-core GPU were in line with the M2 MacBook Pro and almost 60 percent faster than the old M1 MacBook Air (with 7 GPU cores), and about 40 percent faster than the “full” M1 with 8 GPU cores in the M1 MacBook Pro.

On average, your MacBook Pro is expected to last 7.2 years and a MacBook Air for 5-7 years. However, the lifespan of your MacBook depends on what tasks you use your MacBook for, how frequently it is used, and how well you care for your battery and its components.

Can I still use a 2017 MacBook Pro? ›

Apple tends to support its devices for quite a few years once they've been launched, though it can fluctuate a bit. The latest version is macOS Ventura, which was released in October 2022. This model supports Mac models all the way back to the models announced in June 2017, including the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac.

Processing performance

The M2 processor is the improved version of Apple's M1 chip. The newer processor's cores are slightly more powerful and notably more efficient than the M1's cores. Both the M1 and M2 processors on the MacBook Air give you an 8-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficient cores.

On July 9, 2019, Apple quietly discontinued the MacBook line.

Apple in July 2019 discontinued the MacBook, and stopped selling the 2017 model. The MacBook has been replaced with the new, more affordable MacBook Air.

Depending on how you use it, the average lifespan of a MacBook Pro is 7 years. We'll explain more below, including a few care tips on how to make your MacBook Pro last longer.

The Macbook Air 2017 is one of Apple's most popular.

Its build quality and operating system really nailed it. Combination of hardware and software make it one of the best on the market.

A: Yes the 2017 MacBook Pro is still worth buying in 2020. It's an excellent machine and unless you have a specific reason to spend more money on a new model, there is really not a big different to notice between them.

Apple says the M2 Pro gives up to 20% faster CPU and 30% faster GPU performance than the M1 Pro. And the M2 Pro neural engine has seen a 40% speed increase over the M1 Pro. You've also got up to a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU with the M2 Pro.

However, Liquid Retina XDR displays are better than traditional LCD screens thanks to the mini-LED backlighting zones and XDR technology. They also don't have the same burn-in issues that OLED panels have.

Is 8GB unified memory enough? ›

8GB of unified memory will suffice for everyday tasks like browsing the web, answering emails, sifting through ten or fifteen tabs in Safari (or your web browser of choice), and it'll also deliver the kind of performance you need to do some light design work, video/photo editing, and so on.

The new MacBook Air is a success on virtually every level. It's got a better screen, thinner and lighter design, better speakers, a much-improved webcam, an excellent keyboard and trackpad, more convenient charging, and excellent build quality.

Of course, the biggest difference between a MacBook and a laptop is the operating system. A MacBook runs on the macOS developed by Apple while a Windows laptop runs on Microsoft's Windows OS. Both are exceptional operating systems and delivers smooth performance.

The MacBook Air remains an excellent ultraportable choice for students and other macOS fans with basic computing needs, but despite killer battery life, it will disappoint power users with its low-resolution display and outdated processor. PCMag editors select and review products independently.

These older laptops include low-quality screens — the 2017 MacBook Air doesn't even have a Retina display — and users can actually see the individual pixels. That is unacceptable in 2022, and users will notice a difference coming from more recent devices, like newer smartphones.

While it may still work well for basic tasks, it may not be able to handle the latest software or demanding applications as well as a newer model. 2. Performance: The MacBook Air 2017 has relatively modest hardware compared to more recent models, and its performance may not be sufficient for demanding tasks suc...

No matter which operating system you use, we always recommend updating it to the latest software. You get all the latest features, as well as any security patches and software fixes. Updating your Mac to the latest software keeps your system safe and secure.

The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) is a great MacBook for programmers who need more power than the MacBook Air, but don't need the power (or can't afford) the MacBook Pro 14-inch.

According to MacWorld, the average MacBook Pro lasts from five to eight years. Based on OS updates alone, you can see that a Mac typically lasts between eight and 11 years, depending on the model.

You won't find huge differences in battery life between the Air and the Pro overall, but some models will last longer than others. For instance, Apple rates the 13-inch M2 Air at 18 hours and the 13-inch M2 Pro at 20 hours. The Apple Macbook Pro 16-inch gets an extra two hours.

How often should you replace your MacBook Air? ›

This means that in general, you can expect at least 10 solid years of life from a Mac, barring any unforeseen hardware issues. Now let's look at some signs your Mac is at the end of its life.

However, given that Apple currently supports their Macs for up to 8 years and that time has been expanding rather than shrinking lately, I would say that the 2015 MacBook Pro will likely still be getting OS updates until at least 2023 and probably continue to get security updates for several years after that.

The best years for a used Macbook Pro are 2014 and 2015, or 2020 and 2021 if a more recent model is in your budget. Typically, you'll want to avoid Macbook Pros from 2016 to 2018 as these are notorious for keyboard problems. Price-wise, Macbook Pros from 2014 and 2015 will be cheaper than a used Pro from 2020 or 2021.

For a used Mac to be a good value, you want one that puts that obsolescence date as far in the future as possible. It's a good idea to not invest in a used Mac that is more than three years old, because Apple tends to support its computers for about six years.

They use completely different architectures

Both the Apple A15 Bionic and Apple M1 processors use a 5nm fabrication process, yet have a special number of transistors: 15 billion and 16 billion respectively. a better number of transistors generally allows for speedier performance, giving the Apple M1 the advantage.

Apple uses memory, which is designed to serve both large chunks of data and do it very quickly. It is called 'low latency and high throughput'. This removes the need to have two different types of memory and all the copying of data between them, making the M1 faster.

Benchmarks show that Intel's latest Core i9 processors received a higher score than Apple's ‌M1 Max‌ chip in tests, but that 4% increase in performance is offset by a marked reduction in battery life compared to Apple's chips.

Like the Late 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, each 2017 model includes a Touch Bar, Touch ID functionality and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Retail pricing starts at $2,399, but shoppers can save instantly with cash rebates and exclusive coupon savings at popular Apple authorized resellers.

MacOS 13.2 supports the 2017 MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac and newer. You can find Apple's official list of compatible Macs here.

When was the last MacBook Pro 15-inch? ›

Apple continued to sell the 2015 15-inch model until July 2018.

The "Mid-2017" models use the "Kaby Lake" architecture whereas the "Mid-2018" models use the newer "Coffee Lake" architecture as well as newer processors with more cores, faster graphics processors, a newer system management chip (T2), and the option of more RAM and larger SSDs on some models.

Macs are capable of all the same general functions as PCs, such as word processing, playing music and videos, games, accessing the internet, and more. Most features require different programs than those on a PC, however. Apple Macs have a number of advantages over PCs.

Quit apps that you aren't using. Even an app you aren't using may be working in the background and consuming energy. Disconnect any accessories that you aren't using, such as external hard drives. Keep your software up to date.

Upgrading to macOS Monterey is highly recommended, especially if you have a newer Mac powered by one of the Apple silicon chips, such as the M1 or M2 processors. Not only will you get better performance, but you'll also be able to take advantage of all the new features, some of which are really helpful.

Apple Trade In. Trade in any device in any condition, and we'll give you credit or recycle it for free.

Why is my Mac running slow? Your Mac might be slow because of an outdated operating system or a full hard disk — especially if you have an older model Mac. If your Mac is new, it might be slow because you're running too many background programs and apps or even have a malware infection.

After 5 years or so you're MacBook Air should still be in good shape… but will likely need a new battery. I personally wouldn't upgrade to a new laptop if the only issue I predict to have in the next few years is a battery that is draining quickly. A new laptop is likely unnecessary when the battery is the only issue.

The Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Air also has a 720p FaceTime HD camera, and the screen operates at 1440x900 resolution. Retail pricing starts at $999 USD and maxes out at $1,549 USD for the 2.2GHz, 8GB, 512GB SSD configuration. Price with $25 promo code APINSIDER.

Why does 2017 MacBook get so hot? ›

There are many things that could be causing your MacBook to overheat. One of the most common reasons is something could be blocking the vents, or that you've placed it near another device that generates heat.

Specifically, the 2019 model has average single-core and multi-core scores of 4,639 and 16,665 respectively based on eight Geekbench results, while the 2017 model averages 4,341 for single-core and 9,084 for multi-core.

macOS Catalina compatibility

Catalina arrived in October 2019, and the latest version is macOS 10.15.7 with Security Update 2022-05 and can run on the following Macs: MacBook (2015 to 2017) MacBook Air (Mid-2012 to 2019) MacBook Pro (Mid-2012 to 2019)

Processing performance. The M2 processor is the improved version of Apple's M1 chip. The newer processor's cores are slightly more powerful and notably more efficient than the M1's cores. Both the M1 and M2 processors on the MacBook Air give you an 8-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficient cores.

The M2 is better than the M1, but it's still a marginal upgrade. The M1 Pro is similarly topped by the M2 Pro, and the M2 Max beats out the M1 Max in pretty much every test.

One of the main differences between the M1 and the M2 chip is the number of GPU cores. The M1 chip has 8 cores, while the M2 chip has 10 cores, allowing the M2 chip to provide up to 25% higher graphics performance than the M1 while at the same power level.

The Macbook Air 2017 is one of Apple's most popular.

Its build quality and operating system really nailed it. Combination of hardware and software make it one of the best on the market.

Overall, the MacBook Pro is way, way nicer. The huge advantage of the Pro is Retina screen which does much better with small fonts, which would benefit you for programming. The Pro also has more ports, which can be helpful.

Overall the new model is smaller and lighter, all while boasting some serious upgrades under the hood. Dimensions: MacBook Air 2018: 0.41-1.56cm x 30.41cm x 21.24cm; 1.25kg. MacBook Air 2017: 0.3-1.7cm x 32.5cm x 22.7cm; 1.35kg.

Quit apps that you aren't using. Even an app you aren't using may be working in the background and consuming energy. Disconnect any accessories that you aren't using, such as external hard drives. Keep your software up to date.

How long will a 2017 Mac last? ›

iMacs typically last between 3 to 8 years depending on how they are configured.

The 2017 model remained available for sale after Apple launched the next generation in 2018. It was discontinued in July 2019. Before its discontinuation it was Apple's last notebook with USB Type-A ports, a non-Retina display, and a backlit rear Apple logo.

Taking a look at macOS compatibility (discussed below), we can see that most of the time, Macs are eligible to get the latest macOS version for about seven years. Apple generally supports each macOS version for three years. Third-party apps are a bit more lenient.

The average life of a MacBook Air is 6-7 years, after that it will stop getting updates. You might need to upgrade your MacBook Air to be in the line with the latest technology and software updates.

According to MacWorld, the average MacBook Pro lasts from five to eight years. Based on OS updates alone, you can see that a Mac typically lasts between eight and 11 years, depending on the model.

On July 9, 2019, Apple quietly discontinued the MacBook line. On June 7, 2021, Apple released macOS Monterey which dropped support for Early 2015 model MacBook. On June 30, 2021, Apple added the Early 2015 model MacBook to its "vintage products" list, making it eligible for only limited product support.

The best Mac laptop for most people is the 13-inch MacBook Air with Apple's M1 processor. It's more than fast enough for browsing, working on documents, and making light photo and video edits, and it has an excellent high-resolution screen, a great trackpad, a totally silent fanless design, and a reasonable price.

2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz, with 4MB L3 cache. 256GB or 512GB SSD.

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 1.8GHz / 8GB / 128GB vs Apple MacBook Pro (2016) 13" with Touch Bar and Touch ID.