The processor is the first difference, but not the last
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This article compares them to help you understand which one might be best for you.
Overall Findings
Apple M4 chip: 9- or 10-core CPU.
10-core GPU; 16-core Neural Engine.
Up to 20% faster than MacBook.
11- or 13-inch screen.
8 or 16 GB RAM; 256GB-2TB hard drive.
Up to 10-hour battery.
Apple M3 chip: 8-core CPU.
13- or 15-inch screen.
8, 16, or 24 GB RAM; 256GB-2TB hard drive.
Up to 18-hour battery.
They’re also about how the devices are used.
The MacBook is a traditional laptop, while the iPad is a tablet.
The iPad could be your only rig, but that requires a little more work.
For one thing, an iPad keyboard is a separate purchase.
Processor Speed: iPad Is About 20% Faster
Uses the M4 chip.
9- or 10-core CPU.
120 GB/s memory bandwidth.
Uses the M3 chip.
100 GB/s memory bandwidth.
These two devices have different processors at their heart.
Both are great, but the M4 has Apple’s latest technology and advancements.
The M4’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) has 9 or 10 cores, depending on the model.
The M4 can also handle more data faster, thanks to its 120 GB/s memory bandwidth.
Processor Power for Graphics and AI: iPad Is a Bit Faster
10-core GPU.
Apple is no exception; bothmacOS SequoiaandiPadOS 18will include some AI functionality.
With these features, the M4 is still faster, but only slightly.
The basic architecture of the two chips in this area is the same.
Remember, raw processing power isn’t all that matters here.
So do RAM and the apps being used.
Screen: MacBook’s Is Bigger, iPad’s Does More
Screen sizes: 11- and 13-inch.
OLED Retina Display with ProMotion, TrueTone color.
Screen sizes: 13.6- and 15.3-inch.
LED Retina Display with TrueTone color.
Both the iPad and MacBook have terrific screensroomy and bright with brilliant colorbut the iPad Pro offers more features.
First off, it’s a touchscreen and supports thelatest Apple Pencil.
It also uses Apple’sProMotiondisplay technology for extra-smooth scrolling andOLEDtechnology to reduce battery drain.
Still, the MacBook’s screen looks great and is larger than the iPad’s.
will be more taxing regardless of which gear you use.
Camera: iPad’s Two Cameras Are Better
One user-facing camera, one back-facing camera.
Photos and videos at 4K resolution.
Flash, zoom, low-light features.
Photos and videos at 1080p resolution.
No flash, no zoom, no low-light features.
If you want a unit to take photos or videos, the iPad Pro M4 is the clear choice.
The MacBook only has a 1080p user-facing camera.
Options and Peripherals: MacBook Is More Versatile
Thunderbolt, headphone, volume buttons.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional 5G cellular.
4 speakers, surround sound, Spatial Audio.
2 Thunderbolt ports and headphone jack.
6 speakers, Spatial Audio (with AirPods).
The iPad only has one USB port.
One area where the iPad outpaces the MacBook is networking.
As we’ve seen, both devices have a lot of similarities.
They share the Apple ecosystem and use features like iCloud, Apple Pay, iMessage, and so on.
For versatility and a more traditional computing experience, the MacBook Air offers a great, lightweight alternative.
If you value portability and performance, check out the iPad Pro.
Ultimately, which gadget is best for you depends on how you plan to use it.
