There’s been about three and a half years of technological innovation between the M1 and M4 chips. Because of this, there are significant differences in performance, display, design, port configuration, and many other areas.
M1 vs. M4 MacBook Air/Pro Comparison Table
| Feature | M1 MacBook Air | M1 MacBook Pro | M4 MacBook Air | M4 MacBook Pro |
| Chip | M1 | M1 | M4 | M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max |
| Screen Size | 13.3-inch | 13.3-inch (*)<br>14.2-inch, 16.2-inch | 13.6-inch<br>15.3-inch | 14.2-inch<br>16.2-inch |
| Display | Retina Display | Retina Display | Liquid Retina Display | Liquid Retina XDR Display |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz (*) | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Peak Brightness | 400 nits | 500 nits | 500 nits | 1,000 nits (sustained), 1,600 nits (peak) |
| Weight | 1.29 kg | 1.4 kg | 1.24 kg<br>1.51 kg | 1.55 kg<br>2.16 kg |
| External Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 20 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Design | Tapered (wedge shape) | Traditional design | Flat design | Flat design |
| Price (Approx.) | From ¥134,800 (*Discontinued) | From ¥148,280 (*Discontinued) | From ¥164,800 | From ¥248,800 |
Note: The M1 MacBook Pro was initially only available as a 13-inch model. Later, 14-inch/16-inch models with M1 Pro/Max chips were released, which had port configurations and displays in line with the Pro models. The specs listed here are for the original 13-inch M1 chip model.
【In-Depth Comparison】M4 MacBook Air vs. Pro: Which Mac is Right for You?
Summary
- M1 vs. M4: The M4 chip shows a significant performance boost over the M1, with an approximately 80% improvement in CPU performance and a substantial increase in GPU performance. The M4 generation also features many advancements, including a redesigned chassis, higher-quality displays (ProMotion, higher brightness), more diverse ports (on Pro models), and the introduction of MagSafe charging.
- Air vs. Pro: The Air consistently prioritizes lightness and portability, making it perfect for everyday tasks. The Pro, especially in the M4 generation, focuses on a high-quality display, a richer selection of ports, and superior cooling performance, making it specialized for professional use.
The M1 MacBook Air/Pro remain excellent notebooks that deliver great performance, but the latest M4 models have evolved in every aspect. If you prioritize performance, display quality, and port expandability, an M4 model is the better choice.
