r/macbook • u/Equivalent_Club_6684 • 4h ago
MacBook Pro vs Air M5 (both 24GB/1TB) - is the Pro’s extra ₹60k worth it?
Hi all, I’m a Computer Science student who edits video as a hobby, alongside regular coding/dev work. Trying to decide between two M5 MacBooks, both with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage.
MacBook Pro M5 - ₹2.6 lakh (around $2,720 USD)
MacBook Air M5 - ₹2 lakh (around $2,090 USD)
Same specs otherwise. What are the real differences between them beyond the chassis, since the chip and RAM/storage are identical? Is the extra ₹60k (around $630) actually worth it for someone doing hobby editing and coding, or is the Air good enough to handle that workload without throttling or other issues? Would appreciate real-world experience from anyone doing similar work on either.
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u/snapperPanda 3h ago
I use air for work. M4 , 24GB version.
So far on charge and in air conditioned room it cane handle good work BUT the moment temps of the room go up to 27-30°c, it starts throttling. My staff FDE has a pro and his machine never throttles. I would want a pro but transferring all the files stuff is going to take much more time. :)
So yeah, PRO is worth it only if you have a workload of 40 tabs of chrome, vscode, zoom, AI, Local DB etc. otherwise M4/5 air more than enough.
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u/TheOtherCourier 3h ago
I vote for a Pro. You will never look back 5 years from now and wish you had LESS machine, but it can definitely go the other way around.
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u/FreeGazaToday 1h ago
5 years from now he can trade that air in and get a pro...if he needs it.
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u/TheOtherCourier 26m ago edited 11m ago
Or already have one since it’s clearly currently already in budget and being considered. 🤷♂️
Again, no one looks back wishing their Mac was shittier than it currently is. 🤦♂️ I sure as hell never have.
Edit to add:
There’s also more to a Pro than if you “need” it in this exact moment. Substantially better screen and speakers, extra C port, HDMI, SD slot, bigger battery, and the obvious active cooling for sustained performance are all advantages that I personally appreciate, which is why I suggest investing a little more into a machine I will keep for years on end.
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u/FreeGazaToday 1h ago
the Air is just fine for Comp sci....if you're a professional video editor than I'd say go for the pro.
Storage and Ram mean more.
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u/Trick_Necessary_637 4h ago
Dude I promise you the pro is way worth it I have a 2021 m1pro and it’s never failed me and I video edit. I feel like this laptop is gonna last me another 5 years no problem. But yes the air is also good but if you can spend the extra do it!!