MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M1 Pro (bổ sung màn 120Hz)

Summary of YouTube Video: MacBook Air M4 vs. MacBook Pro M1 Pro

Key Concepts:

• Apple Silicon evolution (M1 Pro vs. M4)
• CPU performance (single-core vs. multi-core)
• GPU performance
• Real-world application testing (video editing, AI transcription)
• Display technology (LCD vs. Mini-LED, ProMotion)
• Connectivity and ports
• Audio quality
• Thermal management (fan vs. fanless)
• Upgrade considerations
• New vs. used devices

CPU Performance

• Main Point: The MacBook Air M4's CPU outperforms the MacBook Pro M1 Pro in both single-core and multi-core performance, according to Geekbench 6 scores.
• Details:
  • Apple has been upgrading the CPU architecture with each new generation of Apple Silicon, resulting in performance improvements of approximately 5-10% per generation.
  • The single-core performance of the M4 is significantly higher (around 50% better) than the M1 Pro, indicating substantial architectural improvements.
  • Real-world testing using a video transcription application that utilizes AI shows that the MacBook Air M4 completes the task faster than the MacBook Pro M1 Pro.
• Example: The presenter uses a video transcription application as a real-world test, demonstrating the M4's superior performance in AI-related tasks.
• Caveat: For basic tasks like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, the difference in performance may not be noticeable, as the M1 Pro is still a capable chip.

GPU Performance

• Main Point: The MacBook Pro M1 Pro has a higher GPU score in Geekbench 6 compared to the MacBook Air M4.
• Details:
  • The M1 Pro's GPU performance is even higher than some Intel Core Ultra 5 and AMD Ryzen AI 7 processors.
  • However, in real-world video editing tasks (4K editing in Final Cut Pro), the difference in experience between the two machines is minimal.
  • Both machines can handle 4K video editing with basic transitions and effects, but struggle with heavier effects.
  • The MacBook Air M4 can export video faster than the M1 Pro.
• Conclusion: For light to moderate graphics tasks, the MacBook Air M4 is comparable to the MacBook Pro M1 Pro.

Overall System Considerations Beyond the Chip

• Main Point: When choosing between the MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Pro M1 Pro, factors beyond the chip, such as display technology, connectivity, audio, and thermal management, should be considered.
• Details:
  • Display:
    • MacBook Air M4 uses a standard LCD display.
    • MacBook Pro M1 Pro uses a Mini-LED display with higher contrast and brightness (up to 1000 nits in HDR).
    • MacBook Pro supports ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), while MacBook Air is limited to 60Hz.
  • Connectivity:
    • MacBook Air M4 has two USB-C ports.
    • MacBook Pro M1 Pro has three USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot.
  • Audio:
    • MacBook Pro has superior audio quality compared to MacBook Air.
  • Thermal Management:
    • MacBook Pro has a fan for active cooling, allowing it to maintain high performance for extended periods.
    • MacBook Air is fanless, which can lead to thermal throttling under sustained heavy workloads.

Upgrade and Purchase Recommendations

• Main Point: If upgrading from an M1 Pro MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air M4 is a viable option, especially for users who prioritize portability. However, buying a new M1 Pro MacBook Pro is not recommended due to its age.
• Details:
  • If buying a new MacBook Pro, consider M2 Pro, M3 Pro, or M4 Pro models instead of the M1 Pro.
  • Buying a new device is generally recommended over a used one to minimize risks and ensure a longer lifespan.
  • The MacBook Air M4 is a recommended choice for new purchases due to its performance and features.
• Quote: "Nếu như các bạn bây giờ đi mua thì mình nghĩ là M2 Pro trở lên á thì nó hợp lý hơn m3 Pro thì ok thì còn mới quá thì không nói rồi hoặc là M4 Pro ha chứ M1 Pro thì thật sự là nó cũng đã hơi cũ rồi các bạn" (If you are buying now, I think M2 Pro or later is more reasonable, M3 Pro is okay, it's too new to say, or M4 Pro, but M1 Pro is really a bit old).

Conclusion

The MacBook Air M4 offers significant CPU performance improvements over the MacBook Pro M1 Pro, making it a compelling upgrade for users who value portability and don't require sustained heavy graphics performance. However, the MacBook Pro M1 Pro still holds an advantage in GPU performance, display technology, connectivity, audio quality, and thermal management. When making a purchase decision, consider your specific needs and prioritize the features that are most important to your workflow. Buying a new M1 Pro MacBook Pro is not recommended due to its age; instead, consider newer Pro models or the MacBook Air M4.