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Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB vs Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"

Dive into our simplified comparison of two popular Apple laptops: the compact MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" and the robust MacBook Pro (2015) 15". Here's what you need to know in a nutshell - the MacBook Air comes equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor which runs at 1.8GHz, along with 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage.

Our aim? To help you decide which one ticks all your boxes, by breaking down their design, durability, and overall performance. Are you a creative professional seeking raw power for demanding tasks? Or perhaps a casual user prioritizing efficiency for daily use? Regardless, we've got just the details to assist!

Now let’s see how these two MacBooks measure up against each other.

Performance

System and application performance

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB
45
Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Gaming

Performance in popular 3D games

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB
45
Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Display

Viewing angle, color accuracy...

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB
32
Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
71
Connectivity

Ports, webcam and other interfaces

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB
41
Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
51
Battery Life

Potential battery life

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB
45
Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
44
Design

Materials, durability and portability

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB
62
Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
69

Design Comparison

Size Comparison

When examining the design features of the Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" and the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15", various elements impact user experience, practicality, and visual attractiveness to cater to diverse user requirements.

Ergonomics and Portability

  • MacBook Air (2017):
  • The MacBook Air's lightweight design, at just 3 pounds, offers exceptional portability, making it a top choice for students and professionals on the go.
  • The MacBook Air measures 12.8 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches, making it slim and compact for effortless portability in backpacks or briefcases. The backlit keyboard improves typing accuracy and comfort in low-light settings.
  • MacBook Pro (2015):
  • The MacBook Pro weighs 4.5 pounds but provides a larger screen size of 15.4 inches.
  • With a thickness of 0.7 inches, it matches the MacBook Air, retaining a sleek design even with the expanded display.

User Experience Influence: The MacBook Air's ergonomic design focuses on portability while maintaining functionality, making it ideal for users who prioritize mobility. On the other hand, the larger screen of the MacBook Pro suits individuals needing ample screen space for graphic design or video editing tasks.

Materials and Build Quality

  • Both laptops showcase Apple's renowned premium build quality through their durable aluminum enclosures, exuding a sleek aesthetic.
  • Both models feature a unibody construction that boosts structural integrity and reduces flex while in use.

User Experience Influence: Apple prioritizes high-quality materials to create durable laptops that can withstand daily use. The aluminum finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reinforces the durability of these devices.

Unique Design Features

  • MacBook Air (2017):
  • The absence of Thunderbolt ports may limit connectivity options compared to newer models but contributes to a streamlined design aesthetic.
  • MacBook Pro (2015):
  • Features two Thunderbolt ports along with HDMI output, providing enhanced connectivity for external displays or peripherals.

User Experience Influence: The availability of specific ports can impact users' device connectivity. The MacBook Pro provides more options with extra ports, while some users might prefer the streamlined port selection of the MacBook Air.

Aesthetic Appeal

  • Both laptops feature Apple's signature modern and minimalist design aesthetic.
  • Clean lines, precise engineering, and meticulous attention to detail create a timeless aesthetic that attracts a diverse user base.

User Experience Influence: The sleek design of both laptops enhances their visual appeal and showcases Apple's dedication to creating stylish and functional devices.

In sum, the decision between the Apple MacBook Air (2017) and Apple MacBook Pro (2015) boils down to personal preferences on mobility, display size, connection facilities, and overall look and feel. The MacBook Air shines in terms of being lightweight and straightforward, while the MacBook Pro is ideal for those who prefer a wider screen and more connection facilities.

Screen Comparison

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GBApple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
ResolutionHDQHD
Screen Size13.3"15"

# Comparing Screens: Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" and Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15

When deciding between the Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" and the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15", it's important to weigh the screen quality as a significant factor. Let's explore and compare their screen features closely.

Screen Size & Resolution

MacBook Air (2017)

  • Screen Size: 13.3 inches
  • Resolution: 1440 x 900 px
  • Pixel Density: 127 ppi

MacBook Pro (2015)

  • Screen Size: 15.4 inches
  • Resolution: 2880 x 1080 px
  • Pixel Density: 220 ppi

The MacBook Pro offers a larger screen size and higher resolution than the MacBook Air, delivering a more engaging visual experience with sharper details and crisper text. Its increased pixel density produces clearer images and more vibrant colors, making it perfect for tasks demanding precision, such as graphic design or photo editing.

Display Technology & Features

Both Models

  • Display Type: IPS, LCD, LED-backlit
  • Supported Displays: 3

Additional Feature on MacBook Pro (2015)

  • Anti Reflection Coating: true

The laptops come with IPS technology for accurate colors and wide viewing angles. LED-backlit displays provide bright screens that are energy-efficient, ideal for different lighting conditions. The MacBook Pro's anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, improving visibility in bright environments. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor use or in professional settings with limited lighting control.

Practical Implications on Tasks

Gaming

  • Gaming enthusiasts who prioritize visual clarity and detail in games may prefer the MacBook Pro for its higher resolution and pixel density.

Professional Graphic Design

  • Graphic designers might choose the MacBook Pro for its exceptional screen quality, enabling precise color reproduction and detailed editing of high-resolution images.

In conclusion, the MacBook Air's display quality is suitable for everyday tasks, but users who require superior visual performance, especially in graphic design or gaming, prefer the MacBook Pro due to its larger screen size, higher resolution, and additional features like anti-reflection coating.

Hardware Comparison

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GBApple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
RAM8GB16GB
Storage Size128GB1000GB

Comparing the hardware aspects of the Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 1.8GHz / 8GB / 128GB with the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" reveals key components that affect their performance across different tasks. Let's explore further:

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" with Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage.

  • CPU: Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor running at 1.8GHz, the MacBook Air strikes a harmonious blend of performance and energy efficiency.

Performance Considerations: The MacBook Air is capable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. However, it may encounter challenges with more demanding software operations or multimedia tasks because of its less powerful CPU and GPU specifications.

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15

CPU: The MacBook Pro features an upgraded Intel Core i7 processor that can run at speeds of up to 4GHz, delivering improved performance for tasks that require high computing power. GPU: This model usually features a separate graphics card that offers better graphical performance than the integrated solutions in the MacBook Air.

  • RAM: The MacBook Pro boasts 16GB of RAM, allowing seamless multitasking and effortless handling of memory-intensive applications.

Performance Impact: The MacBook Pro's advanced components make it ideal for handling demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and running complex software programs smoothly with minimal slowdowns.

Comparative Analysis

  • CPU Performance: The MacBook Pro's faster processor boosts overall performance, surpassing the MacBook Air's energy-efficient CPU.
  • GPU Capability: The MacBook Pro's dedicated GPU provides enhanced graphical processing power compared to the MacBook Air's integrated GPU, making it more suitable for tasks that require high graphics performance. RAM Management: The MacBook Pro boasts double the RAM capacity of the MacBook Air, enabling more efficient handling of memory-intensive applications.

In conclusion: For demanding tasks such as video editing or graphic design, the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) stands out with its powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and higher RAM capacity. On the other hand, if you need a lightweight and portable option for everyday use with moderate computing needs, the Apple MacBook Air (2017) could be a good choice.

Battery Comparison

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GBApple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
Battery Life12 hours9 hours

Comparing the battery performance of the Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 1.8GHz / 8GB / 128GB with the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" reveals significant differences to note:

Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" with Intel Core i5 1.8GHz, 8GB RAM, and 128GB Storage:

  • Battery Life: Lasts up to 12 hours on one charge, ensuring extended use without the need for frequent recharging.
  • Magsafe Power Adapter: The Magsafe power adapter allows for convenient and secure charging through its magnetic connection.

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15":

  • Battery Life: Offers a solid 9-hour battery life, slightly less than the MacBook Air model.
  • Battery Capacity: The device features a 6600 mAh battery capacity, providing substantial power without necessarily extending battery life significantly.
  • Magsafe Power Adapter: The MacBook Air also includes a Magsafe power adapter for convenient and secure charging.

Comparison:

The Apple MacBook Air surpasses the MacBook Pro with its longer battery life, providing an extra three hours of usage per charge. The MacBook Pro boasts a higher battery power capacity, but it lags in actual usage time when compared to the energy-efficient MacBook Air model.

Verdict

Why Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13.3" Intel Core i5 128GB?

  • The Apple MacBook Air (2017) is more lightweight and portable, making it ideal for users who prioritize mobility.
  • It offers longer battery life compared to the Apple MacBook Pro (2015), providing extended usage without frequent recharging.
  • The MacBook Air's Intel Core i5 processor strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency, suitable for everyday tasks without compromising power.

Why ?

  • The MacBook Pro (2015) 15" features a faster Intel Core i7 processor, ideal for tasks requiring high computing power.
  • With a dedicated GPU, the MacBook Pro offers enhanced graphical processing power compared to the integrated GPU in the MacBook Air.
  • Boasting double the RAM capacity at 16GB, the MacBook Pro ensures efficient multitasking and seamless handling of memory-intensive applications.