After nearly a decade of loyal service from my humble 2014 MacBook Air, I recently realized it was time to upgrade.

The decision became apparent when I visited an Apple store at my local mall, Market Market, Taguig in BGC. Unfortunately, an unforeseen setback occurred when the store didn’t have the model I wanted in stock, preventing me from completing the purchase.

This incident prompted me to question whether it was time to retire my old MacBook Air. While part of me craved a faster and more visually appealing laptop, the other part—the voice of reason (some call it ‘conscience’)—reminded me that as a non-gamer, do I really need all those bells and whistles?

In this gadget review blog article, I’ll explore the dilemma between the MacBook Air 2022 and MacBook Pro 2022, helping you decide which model is the perfect fit for your needs.

Why Upgrade?
Before delving into the MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro debate, it’s important to address why an upgrade might be necessary. As a user who primarily engages in activities such as surfing the internet, vlogging, watching movies and YouTube, and conducting research, the question arises: Why invest in a new laptop? The simple answer is that I have the budget to make it happen. Whether or not you have the budget, the real challenge lies in making the right decision regarding which MacBook model to choose.

MacBook Air 2022 vs MacBook Pro 2022: Price, Design, and Display
When it comes to price, the MacBook Air 2022 starts at ₱76,990 for the 256GB SSD model, while the MacBook Pro 2022 starts at ₱80,990 for the same storage capacity. Both models offer a 512GB SSD variant as well.

In terms of design, the MacBook Air 2022 wins in portability with its sleek, aluminum construction, which is 20% smaller in volume compared to its predecessor. The Air’s thinner and lighter profile, measuring 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches and weighing 2.7 pounds, makes it more convenient for on-the-go use. Additionally, the MacBook Air offers a variety of color options, including Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray, while the Pro is limited to Silver and Space Gray.

Regarding display, the MacBook Air boasts a larger 13.6-inch screen compared to the Pro’s 13.3-inch display. The Air also offers a slightly higher resolution at 2560 x 1664 pixels, providing a bit more screen real estate. Both models support wide color (P3) and True Tone technology, ensuring vibrant visuals.

Ports and Performance
In terms of ports, both the MacBook Air 2022 and MacBook Pro 2022 come equipped with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack. However, the MacBook Air has the added advantage of MagSafe charging, while the Pro relies on USB-C for charging.

When it comes to performance, both models feature Apple’s new M2 chip for enhanced speed. However, the MacBook Pro 2022 pulls ahead with its standard 10-core GPU, offering better graphics performance. The Pro also benefits from active cooling, enabling it to handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing for larger projects, more efficiently. Benchmarks show that both laptops perform admirably, with slight variations depending on the specific tasks.

Webcam, Speakers, Battery Life, and Charging
The MacBook Air 2022 takes the lead in terms of webcam quality, featuring a sharper 1080p camera compared to the Pro’s 720p webcam. However, Apple claims that the image quality of the new Pro has improved thanks to the M2 chip.

Both models offer impressive speaker systems, with the MacBook Air M2 featuring a four-speaker setup positioned between the keyboard and the display, delivering clear audio with Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support. The MacBook Pro’s stereo speakers offer similar capabilities, located on the right and left sides of the keyboard.

Battery life is where the MacBook Pro 2022 shines, lasting an impressive 18 hours and 20 minutes in testing, making it the longest-lasting consumer laptop ever reviewed. Meanwhile, the MacBook Air 2022’s battery lasted for 14 hours and 6 minutes. Charging options include various power adapters, with the MacBook Air providing the option to upgrade to a dual USB-C charger for simultaneous charging of two devices.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Indeed, when deciding between the MacBook Air 2022 and MacBook Pro 2022, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. A faster model doesn’t really make a difference for me as I’m not a gamer.

The MacBook Air offers excellent performance, a larger display, and a sleek design at a lower price point. On the other hand, the MacBook Pro provides enhanced performance for demanding tasks, longer battery life, and a standard 10-core GPU. Ultimately, if portability and cost are key factors, the MacBook Air is an ideal choice, while the MacBook Pro suits those seeking more power and longevity. It’s advisable to read detailed reviews of both models to make an informed decision.

Why Not Wait for the Next Year’s Model?

The temptation to wait for the latest and greatest MacBook model is understandable. After all, technology advances at a rapid pace, and there’s always the allure of having the latest features and improvements. However, when it comes to deciding between the MacBook Air 2022 and MacBook Pro 2022, waiting for the next year’s model might not be the best approach. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Timing and Availability: Waiting for the next year’s model means delaying your upgrade, and there’s no guarantee that the release will align with your needs. Manufacturers often announce new models towards the end of the year, which means you may have to wait several months before you can even consider purchasing the latest MacBook. Additionally, initial stock may be limited, leading to potential delays and frustrations. By opting for the 2022 models, you can enjoy the benefits and features they offer right away without any unnecessary waiting.
2. Incremental Upgrades: Technological advancements in laptops, including MacBooks, are often incremental. While each new iteration brings some improvements, they might not be substantial enough to justify waiting for the next year’s model. The MacBook Air 2022 and MacBook Pro 2022 already come equipped with the powerful M2 chip, sleek designs, upgraded displays, and enhanced performance. These features ensure a smooth and efficient experience for everyday tasks, making the 2022 models highly capable for most users. Waiting for the next year’s model may offer marginal upgrades that may not significantly impact your usage, making it more practical to choose from the current lineup.

By considering these factors, it becomes clear that waiting for the next year’s MacBook model might not be a fruitful endeavor. The MacBook Air 2022 and MacBook Pro 2022 offer compelling features, performance, and value for their respective price points. Instead of delaying your upgrade, you can embrace the benefits of these current models and enjoy the advanced technology they bring to the table. Remember, there will always be new releases on the horizon, but choosing a laptop that meets your needs in the present is what truly matters.