There’s about two years of technological evolution between the M2 and M4 chips. This means that while both are powerful, the M4 brings significant improvements, especially in AI processing with its enhanced Neural Engine, as well as notable changes to displays and external connectivity.
M2 vs. M4 MacBook Air/Pro Comparison Table
| Feature | M2 MacBook Air | M2 MacBook Pro | M4 MacBook Air | M4 MacBook Pro |
| Chip | M2 | M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max | M4 | M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max |
| Screen Size | 13.6-inch<br>15.3-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 | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina<br>Liquid Retina XDR | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz<br>Up to 120Hz (ProMotion) | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Peak Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits<br>1,000 nits (sustained) | 500 nits | 1,000 nits (sustained), 1,600 nits (peak) |
| Weight | 1.24 kg<br>1.51 kg | 1.4 kg<br>1.6 kg, 2.15 kg | 1.24 kg<br>1.51 kg | 1.55 kg<br>2.16 kg |
| External Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3<br>HDMI, SDXC | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 |
| External Displays | Up to 1 | 2 or more (chip dependent) | Up to 2 | 2 or more (chip dependent) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 20 hours<br>Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Price (Approx.) | From ¥148,800 | From ¥178,800<br>From ¥288,800 | From ¥164,800 | From ¥248,800 |
Note: The M2 MacBook Pro was initially a 13-inch model. Later, 14-inch/16-inch models with M2 Pro/Max chips were released, which had port configurations and displays more in line with a professional-grade machine. The table reflects the different specs of these models.
【In-Depth Comparison】M4 MacBook Air vs. Pro: Which Mac is Right for You?
M2 vs. M4 Key Advancements
- Performance: The M4 chip is up to 1.5 times faster in CPU performance than the M2 chip and offers a significant jump in GPU performance as well. The M4’s Neural Engine, responsible for AI tasks, is also substantially more powerful, making it ready for future AI-driven features like Apple Intelligence.
- External Displays: This is a major upgrade for the MacBook Air. The M2 MacBook Air could only support one external display. The M4 MacBook Air can now support two external displays simultaneously, even with the lid open.
- Ports and Connectivity: The M4 MacBook Pro offers more Thunderbolt ports on its Pro models, giving you greater flexibility for connecting peripherals. Both M4 models also support Wi-Fi 6E, which provides faster wireless speeds on compatible networks.
- Display: The M4 MacBook Pro’s display has an improved peak brightness compared to its M2 Pro predecessor, allowing for an even more vivid and impactful HDR content experience.
While the M2 MacBook Air and Pro still offer excellent performance, the M4 models have evolved not just in raw power but also in key features like external display support and AI capabilities. If you’re looking for the very latest technology, particularly for AI applications or multi-monitor setups with a MacBook Air, the M4 models are a clear step up.
