Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro
Side-by-side comparison of viewing distance, PPI, and specifications
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro
16.2" · 3456×2234 · Mini-LED
Optimal Viewing Distance 34cm
Open in calculator →
| Specification | Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 2024 | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 15.3" | 16.2" (Better) |
| Resolution | 2880×1864 | 3456×2234 (Better) |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 224 | 254 (Better) |
| Optimal Viewing Distance | 39cm | 34cm (Better) |
| Panel Type | IPS | Mini-LED |
| Viewing Angle | 178° | 178° |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (Better) |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | None | None |
| Response Time | 25 ms GTG | 3 ms GTG (Better) |
| HDR Certification | None | None |
| SDR Brightness | 500 nits | 1000 nits (Better) |
| HDR Peak Brightness | 600 nits | 1600 nits (Better) |
| Contrast Ratio | 1:1,280 | 1:1,000,000 (Better) |
| Ports | 0x HDMI · 0x DP · USB-C | 1x HDMI · 0x DP · USB-C |
| USB-C Power Delivery | 70 W | 140 W (Better) |
| Color Gamut | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 99% · Adobe RGB 88% | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 100% · Adobe RGB 89% (Better) |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
Summary
The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro has higher pixel density (254 PPI), making it sharper at close range.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro allows sitting closer (34cm) while maintaining retina quality.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro offers a larger 16.2" display for more immersive viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better PPI: Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 or Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro has 254 PPI compared to 224 PPI for the Apple MacBook Air 15" M3.
Which has a closer optimal viewing distance?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro requires 34cm vs 39cm for the Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 to reach retina quality.
Methodology & Sources
Formula: Retina distance (cm) = 3438 / PPI. Displayed values are rounded for readability.
Sources: Official manufacturer spec sheets and product pages. Specs are normalized before comparisons.
Comparison winners are calculated metric by metric (higher is better for most specs; lower is better for distance/response time).
Last updated:
Related Comparisons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 2024 · 225 PPI · 13.6" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 2024 · 224 PPI · 15.3" · 60 Hz
Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 2024 · 225 PPI · 13.6" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M4 Pro 2024 · 254 PPI · 16.2" · 120 Hz
Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 2024 · 224 PPI · 15.3" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 2025 · 224 PPI · 15.3" · 60 Hz
Apple MacBook Air 15" M3 2024 · 224 PPI · 15.3" · 60 Hz
vs Apple MacBook Neo 2026 · 219 PPI · 13" · 60 Hz