MacBook Air 15 M4
92/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $1,199
Manufacturer source ↗MacBook Air 15 M4 vs MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) leads by 4 editorial points. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
96/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $3,899
Manufacturer source ↗Start with the tradeoffs
Consider MacBook Air 15 M4 for
- Fanless M4 silicon — silent
- Best-in-class battery life
- 15.3″ display in compact body
Tradeoff: No ProMotion 120Hz
Consider MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) for
- 18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- Up to 22 hours video playback
- Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
Tradeoff: Heavy at 2.15 kg
Scores and judgments are editorial. Specdex does not run an in-house benchmark lab. Manufacturer claims and independent measurements may use different test conditions.
Editorial fit by scenario
Performance
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
leads on cpu (98 vs 92)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Battery life
Effectively tied
neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Display
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
leads on display (98 vs 90)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Specifications side by side
Arrows indicate a higher capacity, higher power rating, or lower weight/time for comparable simple quantities. They do not establish overall product quality. Unknown values remain unavailable.
| Specification | MacBook Air 15 M4 | MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 15.3″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 at 254 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M4 (10-core) | Not documented |
| GPU | 10-core integrated | Not documented |
| RAM | 16 / 24 / 32 GB unified | Up to 128 GB unified |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 / 2 TB | 2 / 4 / 8 TB SSD |
| Battery | 66.5 Wh | Not documented |
| Weight | ↑ 1.51 kg | 2.15 kg |
| Chip | Not documented | Apple M5 Max chip (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU base, configurable to 40-core GPU) |
| Battery (video) | Not documented | Up to 22 hours |
| Battery (web) | Not documented | Up to 16 hours |
| Ports | Not documented | 3× Thunderbolt 5, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, 3.5 mm |
| OS | Not documented | macOS Tahoe (26) |
Inspect the shared editorial ratings
Missing criteria are excluded from pairwise scenarios. A difference below two points is treated as a tie. These are not raw benchmarks.
- cpu
- 92 / 98
- gpu
- 86 / 92
- display
- 90 / 98
- battery
- 96 / 96
MacBook Air 15 M4
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,199. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $3,899. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.