MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB
M3 · 16GB · 2024
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
M5 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB lands at 90 and MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) if…
- ✓18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- ✓Up to 22 hours video playback
- ✓Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) leads on cpu (98 vs 90).
Battery life
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) leads on battery (96 vs 80).
Portability
TieWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Display
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) leads on display (98 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GBSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB | MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M3 | — |
| RAM | 16GB | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 Max chip (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU base, configurable to 40-core GPU) |
| Storage | — | 1 / 2 / 4 / 8 TB SSD |
| Display | — | 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 at 254 ppi |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 22 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 16 hours |
| Weight | — | 2.15 kg |
| Ports | — | 3× Thunderbolt 5, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
- +18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- +Up to 22 hours video playback
- +Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
- −Heavy at 2.15 kg
- −Premium pricing unchanged
- −Limited gaming library on macOS
FAQ: MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB vs MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Which is better, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB worth the price? +
At $1,299, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) — leads on cpu (98 vs 90). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 16GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) — leads on battery (96 vs 80). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.