The M3 and M4 chips represent a single generation of evolution, but the M4 brings several key improvements that could be significant for certain users. While both are incredibly powerful, the M4 focuses on enhanced AI capabilities and improved external display support.
M3 vs. M4 MacBook Air/Pro Comparison Table
| Feature | M3 MacBook Air | M3 MacBook Pro | M4 MacBook Air | M4 MacBook Pro |
| Chip | M3 | M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max | M4 | M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max |
| Screen Size | 13.6-inch<br>15.3-inch | 14.2-inch<br>16.2-inch | 13.6-inch<br>15.3-inch | 14.2-inch<br>16.2-inch |
| Display | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina XDR | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz (ProMotion) | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Peak Brightness | 500 nits | 1,000 nits (sustained), 1,600 nits (peak) | 500 nits | 1,000 nits (sustained), 1,600 nits (peak) |
| Weight | 1.24 kg<br>1.51 kg | 1.55 kg<br>2.16 kg | 1.24 kg<br>1.51 kg | 1.55 kg<br>2.16 kg |
| External Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 |
| External Displays | 1 (2 in clamshell mode) | 2 or more (chip dependent) | 2 (with lid open) | 2 or more (chip dependent) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Price (Approx.) | From ¥148,800 | From ¥248,800 | From ¥164,800 | From ¥248,800 |
【In-Depth Comparison】M4 MacBook Air vs. Pro: Which Mac is Right for You?
M3 vs. M4 Key Advancements
- External Display Support on MacBook Air: This is the most significant practical difference. The M4 MacBook Air can now run two external displays with the laptop lid open, a major improvement over the M3 MacBook Air which required the lid to be closed (clamshell mode) to support a second external monitor.
- Performance: The M4 chip offers a modest but noticeable performance bump over the M3. Apple states the M4’s CPU is about 15-30% faster. More importantly, the Neural Engine is significantly more powerful, making the M4 better optimized for AI features like Apple Intelligence.
- Other Features: Both generations are very similar in design, display quality, and port configuration. The M4 MacBook Pro offers little change from its M3 counterpart, other than the updated chip.
Summary
The M3 and M4 MacBooks are both incredibly capable machines. For most users performing everyday tasks, the performance difference between them is not as dramatic as the jump from M1 or M2.
- If you’re a user who needs to connect to two external monitors and use your MacBook Air’s built-in display at the same time, the M4 MacBook Air is the clear choice.
- If you’re already on an M3 MacBook and don’t need the enhanced multi-display support on the Air or the latest AI optimizations, an upgrade may not be necessary.
- If you are a professional and choose a Pro model, the M3 and M4 generations are more alike. The M4 offers a faster chip and better AI capabilities, but the core features and display remain the same.
