Apple
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB
M3 · 32GB · 2024
90
/ 100
From $1,599
VS
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB wins by 8
Apple
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB
M5 Max · 128GB
98
/ 100
From $4,699
Specdex verdict
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB lands at 90 and MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB at 98. That puts MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB if…
- ✓M5 generation perf-per-watt leader
- ✓Larger unified memory ceiling
- ✓Improved ray-tracing iGPU
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB 90
vs 98 MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB
Score breakdown
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB
90 cpu 90
gpu 85
display 86
battery 80
portability 85
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB
98 cpu 98
gpu 96
display 92
battery 96
portability 90
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB | MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M3 | — |
| RAM | 32GB | ▲ 128GB |
| Release year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Chip | — | M5 Max |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB
Pros
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB
Pros
- +M5 generation perf-per-watt leader
- +Larger unified memory ceiling
- +Improved ray-tracing iGPU
Cons
- −macOS-only
- −Memory non-upgradable
- −High-end configs expensive
FAQ: MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB vs MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB
Which is better, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB? +
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB scores 98 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB worth the price? +
At $1,599, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB worth the price? +
At $4,699, MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB delivers a Specdex score of 98 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 128GB 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.