M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: Which is best for students?

The M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro battle is closely contested, with each device excelling in different areas and catering to the distinct needs of students. The former is a traditional laptop that allows you to access a wider range of professional and academic software and is very convenient for multitasking. Meanwhile, the iPad Pro excels with its exceptional portability and raw power.

Selecting one device over the other can be challenging, as each is compelling for its unique offerings. This article will compare both devices and see which is best for students.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion.

M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: Specs

Internal hardware configurations comparison (Image via Apple)

Apple recently revamped its iPad Pro lineup with an M4 chip. Both models in this series — one 11" and the other 13" — use an Ultra Retina XDR display, a new Tandem OLED technology by the tech giant that offers exceptional visual fidelity.

On the other side, we have MacBook Air laptops with M3 processors, which are also available in two sizes — 13.6" and 15.3". These M3 laptops use a standard LCD with good color accuracy and a decent brightness level.

Here’s a complete overview of what both series offer:

Specifications	M3 MacBook Air	M4 iPad Pro
Screen size	13.6-inch and 15.3-inch	11-inch and 13-inch
Display technology	Liquid Retina display	Ultra Retina XDR display
Processor	M3	M4
Memory	Up to 24GB	Up to 16GB
Storage	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Battery life	Up to 18 hours of video playback	Up to 10 hours of video playback
Price	Starts at $1,099	Stats at $999

Both lineups offer similar options for storage capacity. However, the laptop series is available with up to 24GB, while its tablet counterpart can support up to 16GB. Apart from that, an M3 MacBook Air can run for around 18 hours on video playback, which is eight hours more than the iPad Pro.

M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: Performance

The new M-series processor is more powerful (Image via ImagineOnline)

The performance of a device is influenced by several factors, such as its processor, software optimization, memory, and storage capacity. The biggest difference between both series involves their processors. The Mac Air lineup features the M3 chip, whereas the iPad Pro one uses the latest M4 chip.

The latter CPU has a memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s compared to 102.6 GB/s of its predecessor, which means it can handle more data faster. To offer more insight, I have compiled some synthetic test results of both chips from the Nano Review website.

Tests	M3	M4
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)	3009	3810 (+27%)
Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)	11815	14541 (+23%)
Passmark CPU (Single-Core)	4847 (+8%)	4503
Passmark CPU (Multi-Core)	19628	25384 (+29%)

As seen in the table, Apple's M4 chip outperforms its counterpart on every test by a huge margin, except for the Passmark CPU (Single-Core), where the M3 chip delivers superior performance.

M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: Value for money

Additional accessories can enhance the productivity (Image via Apple)

The latest flagship iPad Pros from Apple start at $999, whereas the laptop counterpart lineup starts at $1,099. However, to maximize the functionality of an M4-based tablet, additional accessories are essential. For instance, an Apple Pencil is required for note-taking or doodling, and a Magic Keyboard for comfortable typing. These accessories will increase the total cost of a M4 iPad Pro.

M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: Productivity

iPad Pro is a versatile device (Image via Apple)

A key distinction between these devices lies in their software. Macs operate on macOS, providing a comprehensive desktop experience with advanced multitasking and file management features. These laptops also support a vast array of applications, catering to diverse student needs.

On the other hand, the iPadOS is much like a mobile OS with additional optimizations. It is an ideal choice for note-taking, drawing, or other creative tasks. However, its capabilities are limited compared to macOS.

M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: Design and portability

M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: The design differences (Image via Chroma/Apple)

Apple has completely redesigned its latest "Pro" tablets. The tech giant claims that these are the thinnest products ever made by it, at just 5.1 mm thickness. So, there is no comparison in terms of portability. Moreover, the tablets also feature a 12MP rear camera.

Moving on to the Air, which is also designed to be lightweight and slim, has some other advantages. This includes a MagSafe 3 power connection and a headphone jack. Moreover, you don’t need to buy a separate keyboard.

M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro: Final verdict

Both lineups are decent for students, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Based on the comparison above, I would suggest going for the MacBook Air. These laptops allow for efficient multitasking and grant easy access to advanced professional and academic software.

You should only go for an iPad Pro if you prioritize portability above all else. It is excellent for drawing and note-taking. Moreover, thanks to its new display technology, it is a great choice for watching videos and working on visuals.

So, in the end, the actual winner of the M3 MacBook Air vs M4 iPad Pro comparison depends on your personal needs and preferences, but the MacBook Air is definitely the superior device.