Gaming on the iPhone has never been better. Not only can users download retro-gaming emulators that allow them to play games from systems such as Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Game Boy, but console-quality games have also begun to arrive on the iPhone such as Death Stranding. This is why a gaming controller is essential if you want to play all of these games.

iPhone gamepads have come a long way since the first one debuted in 2013 for iPhone 5s. Logitech’s Powershell, for example, was as bulky as SEGA’s Game Gear handheld from the mid-90s, complete with a terrible DPAD. Fast forward to 2024 and we’ve got a bunch of controllers we can use with our iPhones — both wired and wireless via Bluetooth.

Out of them all, two stand out. The first is the Backbone One USB-C controller, which is a cross between a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and an Xbox controller. The second is Razer’s Kishi Ultra. This features Razer RGB Chroma, the company’s customizable lighting effects that feature on the controller, and an extra USB-C port so you can use it with your Mac. The Kishi Ultra can also extend to fit between an iPad mini, meaning you can play your games on the tablet’s 8.3-inch display with the controller whenever you want.

With this in mind, we’ve put them head-to-head to see which one wins out on top.

Backbone One vs. Razer Kishi Ultra: Specifications

The differences between the two controllers are small but significant. Here's a quick look at the disparities.

Backbone One vs. Razer Kishi Ultra: Design

Backbone and Razer’s controllers both follow a similar design in that they both slide out to accommodate the different sizes of iPhone models currently available. One big difference, however, is that Razer’s Kishi Ultra is wide enough to fit an iPad mini, meaning you’ll be able to play your Apple Arcade games, emulator apps, and more on the tablet’s 8.3-inch display.

Both controllers feature buttons that reflect the controllers that the Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation consoles offer. Backbone One uses the same button layout as a PlayStation controller, while the Razer Kishi Ultra uses an Xbox layout.

There are also capture buttons that can record screenshots and movies of games you’ll be playing with these controllers, meaning you can share the captured media with social networks and friends on the messaging apps you use on your iPhone.

One other similar feature of the two is the headphone jack. This is a great addition if you’ve got some wired headphones lying around and you want to be completely immersed when playing a game. Crucially, it also means you can use wired headphones and charge your device at the same time. 

One big difference between the two is the lack of RGB on the Backbone. This has been a big USP of Razer’s products for years, where different lights will be splashed across mice, keyboards, and more. On PC through Razer’s Chroma app, you can customize the lights to change and flicker however you want. For the Kishi Ultra, two RGB lights feature on each grip, and can be customized through the Razer Game Launcher app, explained in the ‘Apps’ section.

Backbone One vs. Razer Kishi Ultra: Feel

A big factor for a gamepad is how it feels when playing a game, which Razer’s Kishi Ultra delivers, thanks to its bulky design. It’s perfect for playing fighting games and certainly passes the ‘Hadouken’ move test from Ryu in Street Fighter IV CE.

All of the buttons feel clicky, with enough travel that makes every punch and kick feel so satisfying. The DPAD is also a winner, easily rivaling those found on the Xbox and PlayStation controllers. In addition, the triggers have enough depth when pressed, feeling as good as the classic Dual Shock 2 controller that came packaged with Sony’s classic console, the PlayStation 2.

Using an iPhone 15 Pro Max with Razer Kishi Ultra, it feels like I’m playing a PS Vita 2. Instead of a 5-inch OLED, I’ve got a 6.7-inch OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion.

When it comes to Backbone, the gamepad is thinner, which makes it feel more like the Joy-Cons from the Nintendo Switch. The grip of this gamepad is fine but not as good as the Razer Kishi Ultra, because it’s not thick enough, so you have to take some breaks to avoid a lot of sweating when trying to hold the Backbone. The DPAD also isn’t as good - it feels cheap compared to the Kishi Ultra, as it has a basic design, and doesn’t offer the same dexterity as the diagonal presses aren’t there on the Backbone.

Backbone One vs. Razer Kishi Ultra: Price

The Backbone One costs $99.99 / £99.99, while the Razer Kishi Ultra is $149.99 / £149.99, which puts both controllers at the very high end of third-party controllers for iPhone. With the Kishi Ultra costing 33% more than the Backbone, we can assume this is due to the RGB lighting on the controller, as well as the need for firmware updates and maintenance of the Razer Nexus app, which is explained below. However, if you’re someone who plays games on your phone daily, you want to have something that’s got great build quality. Both of these controllers will suffice, but if you want to bring your iPad mini along for a ride, the Razer Kishi Ultra can accommodate your tablet too.

Backbone One vs. Razer Kishi Ultra: Apps

Pressing the orange button on the Backbone One launches the Backbone app. Here, you can add friends who also have a Backbone account, so you can join them in multiplayer matches. You can also capture images and videos from the games you play, and there’s also the option to share them on social networks like Instagram and X. You may think that, for $99.99 / £99.99, you’ll be able to use Backbone’s app free of charge with what it offers — but you’d be mistaken. You need to pay a $49.99 / £48.99 yearly fee to use the capture features of the controller, which is frankly ridiculous in 2024.

Razer Kishi Ultra similarly has an accompanying app — pressing the ‘Razer Nexus Launcher’ button below its right analog stick will launch the Razer Nexus app once you’ve installed it. You can customize the Chroma RGB with the app, as well as ‘bookmark’ certain games so you can launch them from one place in the app, instead of trying to find them on your iPhone’s Home Screen. Another benefit of using the Nexus app is the ability to remap the Kishi Ultra’s buttons for your games. This can be very useful for changing up the control method in certain games for comfort, accessibility, or because the developers’ control scheme that was decided upon simply wasn’t good.

Which one should you buy?

When you tally up how both gamepads perform — from the grip to the travel of buttons and triggers from the Backbone One and Razer Kishi Ultra, there’s one that wins out.

Yes, it’s the Kishi Ultra. This feels like the best of what made previous gaming controllers so good that came packed with consoles, such as the Xbox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 2.

Its DPAD is the best we’ve tried in a handheld controller, which is as good as what was offered on SEGA’s Genesis controller from way back in 1989.

Backbone One supports a lot more devices that have a USB-C port, but its $49.99 / £48.99 yearly fee to use all the features of its app, as well as a lack of RGB and customization lets it down hard.

What you'll need

To play games on a Nintendo Switch, you'll need one of Nintendo's consoles. Here is the current lineup to choose from:

The digital advantage

The most obvious benefit of downloading a digital copy of a game onto your Nintendo Switch console is that it doesn't take up any physical space. You won't have a shelf full of old Switch games that you never play anymore. You also don't have to worry about losing those tiny thimble-sized cartridges, having your little brother steal them from you, or having your dog chew them up (even if they're designed to taste bad).

Another great reason to go digital is that you'll always have all of your games with you, no matter where you go. That way, you never have to tote all of those cartridges around in a case. Since digital game purchases are tied to your Nintendo Account, you could still access them if you had to replace your Switch or if you upgrade to a new Switch model.

One of the biggest perks of choosing the digital downloads of Nintendo Switch games is that they get pre-loaded onto your device at the time of your order. This means you can then start playing them right after they release. For instance, if a game has a midnight release, you won't have to wait in line at a store, nor do you have to wait for a delivery to start playing. If you stay up late enough, you could have most of the game completed before your friends even get up the next day.

If you're ecologically minded, you will be happy to note that digital downloads also cut down on the amount of waste produced for a game. Instead of dealing with the plastic of the cartridges, case, and sealed packaging, you are dealing with ones and zeroes. It's a much more environmentally friendly way to play Nintendo Switch.

Now, if you're going digital, a microSD card for Nintendo Switch should be high on your list of priorities. The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite only have a measly 32GB of internal storage (about three large games) while the Switch OLED is only slightly better at 64GB (about six large games), and some of that is eaten up by the system. You'll quickly run out of space if you plan on playing more than a few games regardless of which Switch you have.

We recommend a high-capacity microSD card like the Samsung EVO Plus 256GB, or if you plan on playing several games, the Samsung EVO Plus 512GB to ensure you have enough room to hold all the games you want. We also recommend these specific cards because they can transfer data quickly.

The physical advantage

The most apparent positive about buying a physical copy of a game is sharing it with others. If your sister wants to play a game after you're done with it, she can take the cartridge and put it in her own Switch. If you want to temporarily swap Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for your friend's copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, no problem.

You can also opt for a smaller microSD card, as physical games cartridges hold the bulk of the game data leaving the Switch to only hold save data. Another cool benefit — Physical collector's editions or definitive editions often come with limited-run memorabilia like statues, stickers, art books, and soundtracks. You often can't get this stuff when buying digitally.

You can also buy, sell, or trade in physical games to help support your entertainment hobby; something digital buyers are still dreaming of. Sometimes, used games are more than half-off their full price, so you can get them at a deep bargain. This typically happens when a game has sold really well or isn't particularly popular (strange how that works). Retail stores will frequently put games on sale, so you could potentially buy a brand new game at a discounted price (especially if you're a savvy shopper).

Plus, Limited Run physical copies of Switch games tend to greatly increase in price after a few years making many of them valuable collector's items. For instance, the physical copy of Celeste complete with the box sells for upward of $150 while the boxed version of Fox N Forests can sell for over $200. You could sell these physical games down the line when you're done with them to make a decent profit or simply collect them and show them off.

Digital games do go on sale from time to time in Nintendo's eShop, but they are at the whim of Nintendo instead of your discount-finding prowess. To be honest, the eShop deals usually aren't as good as they would be in physical format unless there's some kind of event going on.

If you determine physical is your style, consider investing in a carrying case for your Nintendo Switch game cartridges. We like the Fintie Nintendo Switch Carrying Case as it offers the best combination of protection, convenience, and portability. Up to 10 games slide into their own little slots in the case to make sure they aren't moving around. Since there are 24 designs to choose from, you can get the look you like best. The only downside is that if you lose the carrying case, all the games go with it, so don't lose the case!

Additionally, if you end up buying a bunch of Switch game cases, you're going to want a way to display them and keep them tidy. That's where you should consider some kind of game case display. Some of these also have the space to show off any other Nintendo collectibles or amiibo you might have.

Both have their perks

Both physical and digital versions of Nintendo Switch games have their perks as well as their shortcomings. To determine which route is right for you, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of both physical and digital games against each other while considering how you plan on playing your games.

Hot on the heels of Apple revealing the iPad Pro M4, Microsoft has revealed the Surface Pro 11, a device with similarly ambitious intentions to blur the lines between tablet and computer.

With both settling in at the same price (at least when looking at the 11-inch iPad Pro, but more on that shortly), it’s worth checking out both. While it’s not necessarily as easy as pointing out which is best (much of that could come down to your use case), there are clear points both for and against on each side of the divide, whether you work in iPadOS or Windows 11.

With that in mind, here’s our rundown of the iPad Pro M4 and the Surface Pro 11 ahead of the latter’s launch.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Price

The Surface Pro starts at $999, making it a pretty pricey device right off the bat. You can opt for double the SSD space (512GB up from 256GB) for $1199, but whichever model you go for you’re getting a 13-inch display with a resolution of 2880x1920 (more on displays in a moment).

On the iPad Pro side, $999 will get you the 11-inch version with 256GB of storage, but you’ll need to stump up an eye-watering $1,299 for the 13-inch version - and that’s still 256GB of storage.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Design

As Apple revealed during its Let Loose event, the iPad Pro is Apple’s thinnest tablet ever. That’s quite the accolade in itself, but it’s also lighter than the Surface Pro (0.98 pounds versus 1.97 pounds).

It’s still a slate of glass, of course, with slimline bezels around the display, and at quick glance, you may struggle to tell them apart save for the OS they’re running.

The Surface Pro 11 offers a rear kickstand, too, but you’ll need a case or the Apple Magic Keyboard for similar freestanding functionality on the iPad. Both really are very similar to look at, though.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Display

The Surface Pro matches its predecessors with a 13-inch display with a resolution of 2880x1920, and a 120Hz refresh rate. For $500 extra, you can opt for an OLED version instead, and here’s where things start to diverge.

The Surface Pro’s OLED display looks great, but it’s an additional investment. On the other hand, the iPad Pro uses “Tandem OLED” panels stacked atop one another to offer an excellent viewing experience on both sizes of tablets. While there is a nanotexture option for larger storage versions, the panel itself is uniformly OLED. 

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Cameras

Interestingly, the iPad Pro actually loses features from the prior M2 version, notably with the removal of the Ulta-Wide camera. While tablets aren’t likely to be your first choice for snapping shots, it’s interesting to see it removed given Apple positioned the M2 model as a sort of “all-in-one movie studio” when it revealed it.

What’s left is the 12MP Wide camera, and the 12MP front-facing camera which has shifted to landscape orientation (finally!).

On the Surface Pro 11, you’ll find a 10MP camera on the back and a landscape front-facing camera that the company calls “Quad HD” but doesn’t mention the MP count.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Processor and Software

Here’s where things get particularly interesting, because Apple’s M4 chip is powerful and energy-efficient. It’s also the start of a new generation, something which hasn’t happened on an iPad before.

The M4 chip has a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a Neural Engine for Machine Learning, sorry, AI tasks (Apple has shifted its lexicon this year). It affords things like ray tracing for games, while also allowing for powerful AI features like the session musicians in Logic Pro 2.

The question is, does that extra power mean anything when iPadOS still feels like it’s closer to an iPhone OS than it does a traditional computer?

Meanwhile, it’s all new for the Surface Pro 11, too, introducing the Snapdragon X Plus and Elite as options. We’re yet to go hands-on, and we’re excited to see how it benchmarks, but it could be really promising in terms of both power and efficiency.

It’s also running Windows 11 right out of the box, including features like Microsoft’s Copilot AI. If you need a specific Windows app to get work done, it’ll be your only real choice here, and Windows 11 is pretty easy to navigate with both traditional peripherals and as a tablet.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: AI

The elephant in the room when it comes to WWDC 2024 is AI, and while many will naturally drift to the idea of a chatbot, it appears Apple will have more user-friendly requests in mind.

With the reported Project Greymatter set to show off generative AI features like summarizing messages and transcribing voice memos, much of the processing will be done on-device - something the M4, with its powerful Neural Engine, is likely to be able to cope with ease.

On the other hand, the Surface Pro 11 running Windows 11 means it’s likely to be able to jump right into using web-based versions of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini through the web interface, all the while having Copilot as an extra option.

As more applications like Photoshop, Spark, and more start to incorporate AI across all platforms, though, we should see that gap start to close.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Memory and storage

Both tablets start off at 256GB of storage, with 512GB and 1TB models available, too. Neither are upgradable, though, but the iPad Pro does offer a 2TB version if you really have cash to burn.

The iPad Pro starts at 8GB of RAM, but the higher capacity ones reach 16GB. The Surface Pro has 16GB across the line, though, but you can go up to 32GB on the OLED version.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Battery life

The Surface Pro 11 offers up to 14 hours of battery, but that measurement appears to only be for watching video. Web browsing, or just about doing anything else, can see that drop down. It’ll still hit around 10 hours, so around a full working day.

iPad Pro fares similarly, with 10 hours for web browsing, closer to 9 with the cellular connection preferred over Wi-Fi.

With either, you’ll get more or less battery life depending on what you’re using it for, so more demanding tasks will sip away at the battery more quickly.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Wi-Fi and connectivity

The iPad Pro is offering a Wi-Fi 6E connection, as well as Bluetooth and 5G on cellular models. While the Surface Pro 11 has Wi-Fi 7, you’re unlikely to reap the benefits without an all-singing, all-dancing router that can take advantage of it. 

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Ports and I/O

On the iPad Pro, it’s still just the one USB-C port. That can be used for charging or connecting peripherals, including docks, but you can add an additional charging port with the (very expensive) Magic Keyboard that we’ll touch on in a moment.

The Surface Pro 11 has two USB-C ports on the body itself, meaning you can hook up a charger and a docking station, or just about anything else. That gives it the edge here.

iPad Pro M4 vs Surface Pro 11: Accessories

Both the Surface Pro 11 and the iPad Pro M4 embrace their modular designs, but if you want a complete set of compatible peripherals you can expect to spend a lot.

The iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard is redesigned from prior models, looking closer to a laptop with a larger trackpad. It’s not changed in price, but it’s still $349 for the larger version which is enough to buy you a base iPad and have some leftover.

Then there’s the Apple Pencil, with the USB-C version and the Apple Pencil Pro being available. The latter, with new features like haptics and shortcuts, is $129.

For the Surface Pro, there’s a new keyboard cover dubbed the Surface Pro Flex. It costs the same $349, but you can use it without it being connected to the iPad itself. You can also spend $449 to get it bundled with the Slim Pen, which can be stored inside the keyboard when travelling.

A close one

With the Surface Pro 11 not in reviewers' (or our) hands yet, it’s hard to make sweeping judgements as to which is better at this point. Still, it’s clear Microsoft has a powerful challenger on its hands, particularly with the option for OLED and the new Snapdragon CPU.

If you can work on iPad, then there’s nothing better than the iPad Pro M4, but if you’re a Windows aficionado it’s hard not to look enviously over at what the Surface Pro 11 offers.

Just 4 years ago, when the AirPods Max launched, anything above $250 or so would have been considered a super premium, and by extension extremely expensive, pair of headphones. Since then, we’ve seen some of the best Bluetooth headphones that march well over that price point, and some that make even the AirPods Max look positively affordable by comparison.

We’ve also seen a whole host that are more expensive than what we might have considered ‘costly’ back in the day, but less than the AirPods Max. Sonos has just launched a pair that match up very well to Apple’s most expensive AirPods, and even pack in some extra features that could sway you over to the newer option. They’re Sonos’ first headphone outing, and they look to bring some more competition to the Apple camp — but how do the Sonos Ace stack up?

AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace: Price

The AirPods Max are, while no longer the most expensive headphones that money can buy, still very expensive. If you head merrily off to the Apple Store, intent to pick up a pair, then you’ll need 549 of your finest American dollars in your mitts before Apple will hand them over. Make no bones about it, that is a lot of money for a pair of Bluetooth headphones, and while there are several reasons why they are worth that much, it is still tricky to justify spending such a large sum of money on a pair of headphones that you’re going to toss in a bag.

Thankfully, because they’ve been out for a little while, you can pick up a pair for less than Apple’s asking price if you shop around. They’re often available for $499, and sometimes for prices as low as $449 and $429 over deals events — if nothing else, it highlights how important it can be to shop around if you want to save some money.

While they’re yet to ship out to eager customers, the Sonos Ace are quite a bit cheaper than the AirPods Max. You can currently preorder a pair from Best Buy, for example, for $449, or, as you might prefer to think of it, $100 less than the AirPods Max. That also places them pretty well amongst their other competitors, which offer fewer features than Sonos’ headphone outing. The Sony WH-1000XM5 cost $399, or $50 less, but they lack some of the cool TV and Movie connection settings that you’ll find with the Sonos Ace.

They are, obviously, yet to receive any kind of discount from retailers given that they are yet to actually release. Even then, they are still less than the AirPods Max at full, or even their oft-reduced prices — so they take the spot here.

AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace: Build

The AirPods Max, by all approximations, are some of the nicest feeling headphones around. Their deep earcups are comfortable and hardwearing, and the metal that sits on the outside is cold to the touch and sumptuously luxurious. When they’re new, the headband material is taught and a comfortable alternative to the traditional padded options out there. The hinge mechanism is gloriously smooth on the earcups, made out of stainless steel with a lovely shiny sheen.

Things aren’t all good, however, even from new. The worst aspect is the frankly woeful carrying case they come with. It's been compared to many things, from a nappy to a pair of dungarees, but it’s never a good comparison. It covers the earcups of the headphones with a magnetically closing lid, and puts the headphones in sleep mode. Considering that loads of other brands included proper hard cases with their headphones, it’s a shame that Apple doesn’t with those it makes. Instead, you have to opt for one of the best AirPods Max cases instead.

It’s not all been plain sailing after a year or so’s use. The headband loosens, so the two metal bars, which are unpadded, now support the considerable weight of the headphones on the top of your head. The white parts of the Silver color have become more and more not white over the course of ownership, and they’ve just been sitting on a desk and yoinked out for use. Of course, everything ages, but there are other headphones as old that have seen plenty of use and are holding up better.

The Sonos Ace won’t have the same metal-all-over build, but that will come with its own benefits. Sonos says that the Ace will be made out of premium plastics, supported by a metal headband mechanism that looks a lot like that on the AirPods Max. Their plastic build is going to make them lighter, and as a result, likely more comfortable over listening sessions. Of course, we don’t have them in hand, so we can’t be sure yet, but they sound like they mix all the best bits of the AirPods Max with the lightness and comfort of some of the other alternatives available.

The case looks to be a highlight as well, making sure that they are well protected no matter where you take them. Sonos has shown us the hard case that comes with the headphones, giving them their own dedicated headphone garage that will keep them away from damage when you’re not using them.

As for longevity, we obviously can’t comment. If its speakers are anything to go by, it should be good, although those aren’t generally carted around and used on buses or airplanes. For this round, despite the long-term issues and the terrible carrying case, the AirPods Max’s irresistible metal charm carries them through — although that may change when we get the Sonos in hand.

AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace: Color selection

If you like colorful headphones, then the AirPods Max are going to be right up your street. You can buy a pair from a range of different colors, including Space Grey, Pink, Green, Silver, or Sky Blue. If you want them to look nicer for longer, you should choose a darker color like Space Grey or Sky Blue.

The Sonos on the other hand only come in two colors, much like its speaker range — matte black, or matte white. That’ll make choosing a bit easier, at least.

AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace: Features

Beyond listening to music, there are loads of great features in the AirPods Max. First are the physical controls, although you might want more when it comes to actually using them. There are two buttons on the right earcup of the AirPods — a button for controlling the noise canceling on and off, and a wheel akin to that on an Apple watch which controls volume. Clicking the wheel pauses and plays, and skips with multiple clicks. It works very well, and a darn sight better than most of the touch options out there.

The noise canceling on board is still some of the best in the business, making even the busiest office or loudest tube ride fade into the background of whatever you’re doing. There’s a transparency mode as well, so that you can allow the noise of the outside world in when you need to hear someone calling you from the kitchen to do the dishes, or when you’re going to cross a road. They do, however, lack the adaptive modes of the AirPods Pro 2, unfortunately.

Our favorite feature, however, is their interoperability with the rest of the Apple ecosystem. Pop them out of their case near one of the best iPads, best iPhones, or best MacBook and they instantly connect, letting you use them with whatever device is nearby. They’ll also switch seamlessly from device to device, following whichever one is playing audio for you. It’s a great feature if you use multiple Apple devices, and could be the killer feature if it's important to you.

We particularly like how they can act like a surround sound system for Apple TV as well, letting you watch all your movies and TV shows on Apple TV+ with surround sound thanks to their Spatial Audio. That’ll work with Apple Music on iPhone, iPad, and Mac too.

The Sonos’ take this to a whole new level, however. The AirPods can play sound from your TV, but it's a weird workaround using the audio return channel on your TV in the back of your Apple TV box. The Sonos require a Sonos Arc soundbar, but then they, according to Sonos, connect up and play any of the sound that comes through the sound bar into your headphones. It uses the TruePlay room mapping of the Sonos Arc to make a realist 7.1.4 surround sound system in your headphones, which is a massive bonus compared to the AirPods Max.

That means you can listen to the headphones for whatever you’re doing, be that watching the news on the TV channels, playing games with an Xbox, or even watching Masters of the Air on Apple TV+. It swaps over with a physical switch on the headphones too, making it very simple to use.

There are more physical controls on the Ace as well, including a volume control, play/pause button, noise canceling control, and a voice assistant summoner. Again, these should be better than the touch controls on other options, although we’re yet to muck about with them ourselves.

There’s going to be noise canceling as well, although we’re not sure how good it's going to be, and given it’s Sonos’ first headphone outing, there’s no reference point to match up to. It will use all the mics on the outside of the headphones to read the noise coming in, and then block it out using fancy audio magic — and when we’ve given them a try, we’ll know how well it works. Sonos does say that there’s an aware mode, akin to the adaptive noise canceling on the AirPods Pro 2, so it’ll be interesting to see how that stacks up to Apple’s version. At the moment, from sheer virtue of coming out later than the AirPods Max, the feature set of the Sonos Ace seems more tantalizing to us — let’s just hope they all work as Sonos tells us they will.

AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace: Sound

The AirPods Max sound undeniably very good. Not the best out there, with options like the Focal Bathys coming out on top, but they still sound wicked with a very neutral sound signature. There's a decent amount of bass as well (some might say too much), and most people who strap them to their heads are going to be very happy with the sound that they can reproduce.

The Sonos Ace and their sound quality are a mystery to us as yet, given we’re yet to give them a whirl. If their other gear is anything to go by, however, then we should be in for a treat. The Sonos Era 300 is one of the best-sounding smart speakers both for its size and for its price, and the Bluetooth Sonos Move 2 is a great portable speaker that belies its size with some massive sound.

Both feature Spatial Audio with support for Apple Music, although the Dolby Atmos in TiDaL and Amazon Music will work with Sonos’ headphones. This is the trickiest category to score at the moment, given the AirPod's unfair advantage of actually existing on shelves — so we’ll call it a draw.

AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace: Battery

The AirPods Max have 20 hours of battery life when you’ve got noise canceling or Spatial Audio turned on. That’s not the best battery life around, although if you charge them for 5 minutes you’ll get an extra hour and a half of battery juice. In the real world, battery life varies depending on volume, content, and even your environment — but it’s never particularly exemplary.

The Sonos Ace, on the other hand, look to have 30 hours of battery life, according to Sonos. That’s about par for the course with over-ear Bluetooth headphones at the moment, and that’s with noise canceling turned on. Turn it off, and your battery could be boosted even further still. Better yet is their fast charging — 3 minutes of charging nets you an extra 3 hours of battery life. Even though we’re yet to confirm these stats for ourselves, it certainly seems like the Sonos are the ones to choose in the battery category.

AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace: Which should you buy?

The Sonos Ace were always going to have a difficult uphill battle on their hands when compared to the AirPods Max, but they already seem to be putting up a valiant fight. They win out on features, battery life, and price, and they only draw on sound quality because we haven’t used them yet.

The AirPods Max are obviously a more premium, metal product, but the lightness of the Sonos Ace might just sway to them as well. The only place where the AirPods win outright is in color, with more options than the simple two of the Ace. Both require an extra device for their surround sound TV bits to work, although the range of devices that the Sonos’ will work with is increasing soon, we’re told. For our money, even though they’re not out yet, we’d be waiting for the Sonos Ace to release and see how their sound stacks up — because almost everything else tells us they’re going to be the superior pair of headphones.

With the advent of Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop for 2024, Apple’s M3 MacBook Air finally has serious competition in the world of mobile computing. Apple’s 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are purportedly the most popular devices of their type in their respective categories, in part because Apple’s devices have been ascendant in the category for so long. 

However, the introduction of Arm to the Surface lineup means Apple silicon now has a serious contender on its hand in the world of portable, mobile computing. As expected for 2024, Microsoft has also doubled down on the power of AI, which comes baked into the software and hardware of its new Surface Laptop. 

On the face of it, the showdown seems well poised, yet Apple’s MacBook Air lineup lags in several key hardware stats, as well as price. Thankfully for Apple, there’s more to the choice than raw performance, but Microsoft makes a convincing case as the go-to mobile laptop vendor to beat in 2024. Here’s how the M3 MacBook Air and the Surface Laptop stack up on paper.

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Price

Apple’s M3 MacBook Air in 13 and 15-inch sizes costs $1,099 and $1,499 respectively. Despite offering some significantly better specs, the Windows Surface Laptop range starts at just $999 and $1,299 respectively.

The $999 price tag for a 13-inch Surface gets you 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage as standard. Adding the Elite variant of the Snapdragon X costs $300, with storage and more RAM around $200 each per upgrade. The $1,299 15-inch model comes with the Snapdragon X Elite as standard, and the storage is a little cheaper at just $100 per increment. 

Apple charges $200 for each step of memory or storage you add, all the way up to 24GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Design

Your preference of design language when choosing between two laptops is going to be largely subjective, but there are a few hard facts here that help distinguish the Surface Laptop from the M3 MacBook Air. 

The 13-inch variant of the Surface Laptop is decidedly bigger than Apple’s. It has a 13.8-inch display compared to Apple’s 13.6-inch display. We’ll get onto display specifics later, but that will naturally make for a more expansive screen. Despite having a larger display, the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop is not much different in size. It measures 11.85 inches by 8.67, versus Apple’s 11.97 x 8.46 inches. The 13-inch Surface Laptop is considerably thicker at 0.69 inches versus Apple’s 0.44 inches. Apple’s offering also weighs less at 2.7 pounds, compared to 2.96. 

Apple’s 15-inch model has a 15.3-inch display, compared to the Surface Laptop, which is 15 inches exactly. That means it measures 13.40 inches by 9.35 inches, compared to 12.96 inches by 9.41 inches for the surface. Apple again beats the Surface for thickness at just 0.45 inches, compared to the Surface’s 0.72. The Surface, despite having a smaller display, is 150 g, weighing in at 3.67 pounds over Apple’s 3.3-pound offering. 

Broadly, there’s not much to choose between the two when it comes to measurements. However, if mobility is key, you can clearly see the difference when it comes to weight, and even more so when it comes to the thickness of these respective devices. 

Apple’s MacBook Air now offers a much squarer, and arguably more modern, design, compared to the Surface Laptop, which looks a lot like MacBooks of old with its wedge-shaped design.

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Display

While Apple’s M3 MacBook Air display is decent, it hasn’t changed much in recent years and is overshadowed by the MacBook Pro’s excellent 120Hz ProMotion offering. Both MacBook Air models offer an LED-backlit display with IPS technology, measuring 13.6 and 15.3 inches respectively. That’s enough for 2560 x 1664 and 2880 x 1864 resolutions, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone. 

Here, the Surface Laptop has Apple well and truly bested. Microsoft offers a 13.8 or 15-inch PixelSense Flow Display. That’s a touchscreen with 10-point multi-touch support. Even if you’re not interested in touchscreen tech and don’t want or need a laptop that supports it, there are still plenty of reasons to choose a Surface here. The Surface can’t quite match the MacBook Air’s resolution. Its 2304 x 1536 and 2496 x 1664 resolution displays, good for 201 PPI, falling just short of Apple’s aforementioned pixels. However, it more than makes up for the shortfall with a 120Hz display and a dynamic refresh rate. That’s double the 60Hz of the MacBook Air and enough to compete with the MacBook Pro. When it comes to colors, contrast, and accuracy, some side-by-side comparisons will be necessary, but the Surface Laptop has a lot going for it here.

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Processor

This is where things really start to get interesting. Apple’s M3 Apple silicon chip features 8 CPU cores and up to 10 GPU cores (10 GPU cores by default in the 15-inch model), as well as a 16-core Neural Engine. 

The Surface Laptop comes with two processor options, a 10-core Snapdragon X Plus, or a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite. That immediately gives both an advantage over the M3 chip. More real-world testing will be required to determine which exactly is better, but Qualcomm and Microsoft both seem confident that they have Apple beat in at least some benchmarks and tests, touting performance advantages of up to 58% in one unspecified scenario. Microsoft also demonstrated a batch photo editing comparison versus the MacBook Air M3, which showed the Surface completing the tasks almost twice as fast. 

The question of processing power remains up in the air right now, but all signs point to a pretty even fight, with the Snapdragon X possibly having the edge. 

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Memory and storage

Another significant difference, and another Surface Laptop advantage, comes with memory. Apple offers the M3 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM as standard, with options for 16GB and 24GB worth $200 for each jump. By contrast, the Surface Laptop offers 16GB of RAM as standard, a baseline some Mac users are now crying out for. Although a pricey extra, Microsoft also offers 32GB of RAM as its upgrade, considerably more than the top offering of the MacBook Air. 

Both the Surface Laptop and the M3 MacBook Air offer 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage, however, the MacBook Air also offers a 2TB option. Not to be outdone, while the Surface Laptop doesn’t quite boast the same amount of storage options, its SSDs are removable, making them more repairable and letting users hot-swap drives.

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Battery life

Any good portable laptop worth its salt will have great battery life. Apple’s M3 MacBook Air is rated by Apple for up to 18 hours of use watching local video. Not to be outdone, Microsoft says its 13 and 15-inch Surface Laptops are good for up to 20 hours or 22 hours of local video playback respectively.  That’s a good deal more than Apple’s claims, but whether that stacks up in the real world remains to be seen. 

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Wi-Fi and connectivity

Microsoft’s Surface Laptops offer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. By comparison, the M3 MacBook Air only boasts Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The former will mean faster, more reliable Wi-Fi speeds, while the latter will increase the power of connectivity for peripherals such as mice and other Bluetooth devices. 

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Ports and I/O

The M3 MacBook Air offers two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Apple’s proprietary MagSafe charging port. The Surface Laptops both offer the same headphone jack and Thunderbolt array, however, they also include a DisplayPort 2.1 slot, and a USB-A slot. Finally, the larger 15-inch model also offers users a MicroSDXC card reader, a feature you’ll need to buy a MacBook Pro for in the Apple camp. 

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Audio and video

Both Apple and Windows offer a 1080p webcam for video conferencing, but Microsoft seems to have the edge here too with support for its own equivalent of Face ID. The Surface Laptops come with Omnisonic Speakers and Dolby Atmos support, and Dual Studio Mics with voice focus. The M3 MacBook Air also supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio but features an enhanced three-mic array with beamforming, voice isolation, and enhanced voice clarity that seems to give it an audio edge. 

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: AI

Microsoft is keenly touting the power of AI in its new Surface Laptop, introducing a whole new brand of Copilot+PC to denote AI capability. The Surface Laptop features a  Qualcomm Hexagon with 45 trillion operations per second which powers a slew of AI features in Windows. By contrast, Apple’s AI-focused chip is the new M4 variant featured in the M4 iPad Pro. While the Neural Engine (NPU) in M4 is good for 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS), the M3 can only do 18 trillion. Apple’s M3 Neural Engine has 16 cores, and powered lots of tools in macOS including its webcam, speech-to-text, accessibility, and more. Apple also says the MacBook Air is good for running large language models and diffusion models for image generation. 

The focus on AI is much heavier with the Surface Laptop, which boasts a swathe of new AI tools included in Windows. One such example is Recall, a feature that can virtually access “ what you have seen or done on your PC in a way that feels like having photographic memory.” Windows also features new embedded image creation and editing tools, and Microsoft as a whole looks to be all-in on AI. Apple’s approach may change with WWDC 2024 and macOS 15. For now, however, Apple is content to tout the more subtle tools built into macOS that rely on its Neural Engine and AI, which it previously would have referred to as machine learning.

M3 MacBook Air vs Surface Laptop: Software

Last but not least, is the software running on the respective devices. Despite the hardware, for many, this will actually be the most important choice when picking a device, and for some may even render the decision moot. The M3 MacBook Air runs macOS Sonoma and is a shoo-in for macOS 15 support when that drops later this year. As you might expect the Surface Laptop range runs Windows 11. Each of these comes with its various advantages and disadvantages in terms of UI, usability, and user experience that it would be impossible to dissect here. A couple of standout differences are Apple’s suite of creation tools, notably Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, offset somewhat by Windows' vastly better gaming support.  

A close fight

So there you have it. On paper at least, the new Surface Laptop seems to boast several advantages over the M3 MacBook Air when it comes to hardware, notably in terms of RAM, display, and quite possibly processor. However, many users will prefer the look and feel of macOS, as well as the potent hardware and software optimization Apple is famed for. Only time (literally) will tell whether these new Surface Laptops can offer up the longevity and staying power of a good MacBook, which will often last a user years. If software support isn't a deal breaker, and you're happy to dip your toe in either pond, the choice between Windows and Mac has never been closer. 

When the Apple Pencil Pro launched in early 2024, it shook up the tablet market and gave even more reasons to upgrade to the best iPad out there. Strangely, the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil 2 both come in at a price of $129 on Apple's own website, with the latter going on sale a little more thanks to its age. 

Needless to say, you often won't be picking between the two if you already have an iPad but it's worth considering what makes them different before you settle on your iPad setup. For most, the difference between the two will mostly come down to compatibility but the newest model has some really great features worth paying attention to. 

If you are looking to make the purchase, here's the difference between Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 2, and which we recommend picking up. 

Price

As mentioned before, both the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil 2 are available from Apple for $129. The caveat is that Apple’s Pencil 2 is much older. As such, it often features in deal events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday at significantly reduced prices. The best price we’ve ever seen it at is $79, and it spends more time reduced than it does at RRP. As such, if you’re shopping beyond the walls of the Apple Store, the Pencil 2 can often be found for much less. 

Features 

 Shared features

The Apple Pencil Pro and Pencil 2 share several features that are key to the Apple Pencil’s functionality. Both feature Apple’s “pixel-perfect precision” and low latency, so you can use them to draw, write, and sketch precisely with almost no lag, just as if you were writing on paper. Both also feature pressure and tilt sensitivity so you can shade and create lines of different thicknesses intuitively. Both also attach magnetically to your iPad and can be charged and paired wirelessly, although the pairing systems they use are different, hence compatibility differences that we’ll come to. Finally, both support Apple Pencil hover, which lets you preview inputs before you make them without touching the display, and the Double-tap function, which lets you quickly switch between tools.

Differences

That’s where the similarities end. The new Apple Pencil Pro has four unique features that set it apart from the Pencil 2. The barrel roll gesture lets the user rotate the Pencil for even more control of pen and brush tools, powered by a new internal gyroscope. The Pro also features a squeeze gesture, which can be used to access more tools, line weights, and colors quickly. Furthermore, the Pencil Pro delivers Haptic feedback so that your Pencil will buzz and vibrate as you make inputs, so you know when your squeezes and taps have been registered. Finally, the Apple Pencil Pro features Find My, so you can locate it using an iPhone or iPad with the Find My app if you lose it. 

As you can see, the Apple Pencil Pro offers the most comprehensive experience when it comes to creating art. All of the features that set it apart from the Pencil 2 will really benefit professionals looking to create artwork on their iPad. If you’re just looking for a Pencil to take some basic notes on your iPad, or as a quirky input tool for browsing the web then the Apple Pencil 2 might be more suited to your needs.

Compatibility 

The compatibility of the Apple Pencil Pro and Pencil 2 is fairly straightforward because neither works with the same iPads. The Apple Pencil 2 works with the following iPads:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
• iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil Pro only works with latest iPad Pro M4 and the iPad Air with M2. With compatibility as the final piece of the puzzle, which one should you choose? 

Which should you choose? 

 The first, and most vital consideration when choosing between the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 2 is this: Do you already own an iPad? If the answer is yes, the choice between the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 2 is largely irrelevant, as you’ll need to choose the one that works with your iPad. If that’s not one of Apple’s brand newest iPads, choose the Pencil 2. If you’ve bought Apple’s latest iPad Pro or iPad Air for 2024, you must buy the Apple Pencil Pro if you want it to work with your iPad. 

The question is more complicated if you’re a first-time iPad and Apple Pencil buyer. Ultimately, there are two things to consider, your budget, and your artistic ambition. 

If you want to make a budget-friendly choice, the Apple Pencil 2 might be the way to go. While the $50 difference in price between a new Pencil Pro and a reduced Pencil 2 might seem trivial, the accompanying iPad you’ll need to buy will be much cheaper. Apple’s M4 iPad Pro starts at $999, while the new iPad Air M2 starts at $599. You won’t be able to find an iPad that works with the Pencil 2 from Apple, but one you pick up from elsewhere is going to be considerably cheaper. If you’re on a tight budget, choose the Apple Pencil 2. 

If you’re buying an iPad and an Apple Pencil for the first time for the sole purpose of creating great artwork, the Apple Pencil Pro seems like a no-brainer. It has the most artistic potential of any of Apple’s iPad styli thanks to all of those new features. The Apple Pencil 2 is no slouch, but if you want the best Apple Pencil for drawing, sketching, and painting, the Pencil Pro is the one for you.

Cycling, whether on one of the best exercise bikes for Apple Fitness Plus or hitting the great outdoors, is considered by experts as a great way to get your cardio in. It’s easy on the joints, works your heart, glutes, and leg muscles, and it’s easily accessible for beginners all the way up to experienced fitness enthusiasts. 

Apple Fitness Plus offers a selection of impressive indoor cycling workouts. It’s a great way to get you familiar with the format, but how do Fitness Plus’ cycling offerings compare with the great outdoors? Should you invest in an indoor bike, or go for the real thing? We’ll break down the pros and cons of each below. 

Apple Fitness Plus Cycling Benefits

Apple’s workouts are excellent for beginners. They offer a gentle start with trainer Sherica Holman talking you through the basics of bike setup and getting started on your workouts. From there, Apple’s trainers will take you through workouts ranging from five to 45 minutes, and each one has options to make the ride easier or harder. The trainers will occasionally guide you to up your speed, intensity, and resistance to get a complete workout in a short amount of time. 

This method offers more guidance than riding outside on your own, and the ability to customize your ride. Outside, when you reach a hill, you either go up it or turn back, whereas you can adjust the resistance on your bike to suit your needs. This customization element means Fitness Plus is a fantastic choice for beginner cyclists, but Apple adds new workouts often, so even experienced riders can find a new challenge, using the customization element to make things harder, rather than easier, 

A 45-minute indoor cycling workout takes less time than a steady ride, as most of the workouts follow a high-intensity training principle, which is very effective for burning fat and squeezing maximum calorie burn into a short space of time. At points during the class, you’ll be cycling more intensely than you probably would if you were cycling outdoors, as most people tend to go at steady paces on public roads. 

If you’re using an exercise bike at your local gym, the Apple Fitness Plus subscription probably works out cheaper than buying a road bike, helmet, lock, and all the accessories you need to take up cycling. You’re able to do it in all weathers, too, as you'll be safely indoors. 

Apple Fitness Plus Cycling disadvantages

Although the cycling classes are, in many ways, more flexible than an outdoor ride, they’re also more rigid. You’re following along to the instructions on your screen, adjusting your exercise bike based on the prompts given to you, and the class is over after 45 minutes. 

There is the option to “stack” workouts and do multiple sessions, but an outdoor bike offers freedom in more ways than one: you can range as far from your home as you dare, and although you have less guidance in working out, you’re also not confined to the class format. If you don’t have a local gym that has exercise bikes you can use, you’ll need to buy a costly machine (an exercise bike) in order to get started with Apple Fitness Plus’ cycling workouts. 

Then you have to keep paying the Apple subscription on top and plug the bike in to power it. On the other hand, once you’ve got your bike, helmet, and lock, cycling outdoors is completely free after the initial investment (well, until you start getting good and looking at buying a power meter. 

Outdoor Cycling Pros

Many cyclists commute, using their time traveling to and from work to contribute to their health and travel in for free, and you obviously can’t do this with an indoor cycling workout.  You’re also drinking in sunlight by exercising outdoors, increasing your vitamin D levels (which, coincidentally, science says could make you a better cyclist overall). 

The unexpected element of training outdoors, while less controlled, can help you to push yourself when needed. You’re less likely to go all-out and try to climb a big hill when replicating the intensity of that moment at home, which could encourage you to work harder. One study found cyclists worked, on average, 30% harder when cycling outdoors in comparison to cycling indoors. You have to face wind, cold, heat, and rain on a bike against the elements, and they often come upon you unexpectedly, but they can make you a better rider as a result. 

Cycling can also bring unexpected community benefits. Strava, Zwift, Komoot, and other apps make it easier than ever to meet other riders in your area, but going on low-intensity bike friends with your friends and family to the local coffee shop also suddenly becomes an option, improving your quality of life in ways exercising at home, alone, simply can’t do. 

Outdoor Cycling Cons

We mentioned the elements, and while nothing short of storms can put off some cyclists, rain is unpleasant enough that the casual runner might end up staying home. When you are on wet roads, there is an element of danger and risk, which might not be ideal for beginner riders on public roads. 

Understanding your limits without guidance is another risk: It’s all well as good if you’re trained enough to handle big hills and other obstacles away from home, but beginners might want a more forgiving experience. Every cyclist has had the experience of getting tired while still 10 miles from home and having to drag yourself for 45 minutes back to your starting point.

Many of the benefits of indoor cycling workouts apply here, but in reverse: often, you’ll be cycling outdoors with little guidance and structure, rather than with Apple’s comprehensive, trainer-approved plan. If you’re cycling to get fit, you may want to find a good training plan online - meanwhile, if you’re using Fitness Plus, Apple’s service does all the legwork for you, complete with guided workouts. 

Finally, there’s the aforementioned cost of all the gear: the bike, sure, but the accessories like helmets and locks, inner tubes and a repair kit in case you get a puncture, and time spent maintaining the bike if you use it regularly enough. 

Verdict

Apple Fitness Plus' cycling workouts are excellent for beginners and those looking for a quick, convenient workout to do on an exercise bike. The HIIT format is great for cramming a big calorie burn into a short space of time, and cycling indoors, while especially convenient if you own a bike, is also cheap to do if you're already a member of a local gym. Keeps you out of the rain, too.

Meanwhile, cycling outdoors can end up more expensive with all the gear you need, but it's more versatile, offering a way to commute to work, exercise outdoors, and go adventuring with friends. The steady-state exercise of outdoor cycling, while not as effective as HIIT in burning fat, is still a fantastic low-intensity workout. 

Of course, you can always try both and see which is right for you. Or, if you have the resources to do so, why choose?

Apple Fitness Plus is an excellent workout service, with a library of 4K workouts, licensed artist music, helpful instructions from excellent trainers, and a real-time interface with metrics thanks to your Apple Watch. However, how does it compare with the biggest name in at-home fitness?

During the pandemic, Peloton soared to prominence as the premier at-home fitness service, but it faces stiff competition from Apple. Which is better value for money? Which service offers the best workouts? Who has more artist’s music in their pocket? Read on to find out which at-home fitness service is worth your time and cash. 

Price

Let’s start by looking at Peloton. It comes in three tiers: a free tier for just watching recorded workouts without interfacing with equipment, a $12.99 monthly / $129 annually tier for App One (three connected equipment classes per month, and you miss out on a few metrics like cadence tracking), and finally $24.99 monthly / $249 annually for App Plus. If you want to use a connected kit, which is Peloton’s main draw, you’ll want App Plus. 

Then there’s the cost of the kit itself. Although you can now use third-party treadmills and rowing machines with Peloton, provided you can connect the machine to the Bluetooth on your phone, you get more metrics with dedicated Peloton equipment and they come ready-made for the live classes with displays and interfaces that transmit data to and from the Peloton ecosystem. For example, when using Peloton equipment, your place on the leaderboard gets shown to everyone in the class. 

Equipment starts at $1,445 for the Peloton Bike, $2,995 for Tread, $2,995 for Row, and $249 for the strength-based Peloton Guide.

Let’s contrast this with Apple Fitness Plus: although there’s no free tier, Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually. Then there’s the cost of the best Apple Watch and whichever device you’re using to view the content, whether that’s an Apple TV or Apple One subscription, iPad or iPhone. However, we’re assuming you’ll have some of these devices already, and not buying them specifically for Fitness Plus. 

Unlike Peloton, you can use any rowing machine, treadmill, or exercise bike for equipment-based workouts, which lowers the barrier to entry significantly. As it doesn’t rely on broadcasting your metrics, other than the data from your Apple Watch, you can even use your local gym if you don’t want to purchase equipment. Besides, you no longer need one of the best Apple Watchs to use Apple Fitness Plus on your phone, which again lowers the barrier to entry even further.

Winner: Apple Fitness Plus

 Workout options 

Both apps have similar lists of guided workouts. Apple Fitness Plus has guided sessions, filmed in 4K, covering the following: strength, HIIT, yoga, cycling, core, meditation, kickboxing, pilates, dance, treadmill run, walking, rowing, and mindful cooldowns. The cycling, rowing, and treadmill workouts require equipment to follow along, and there are also Time to Walk and Time to Run audio-only options for outdoor workouts. If you're interested in doing treadmill exercises, for example, here are the best treadmills for Apple Fitness Plus.

Peloton covers strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, stretching, cycling, running, walking, outdoor (also focusing on walking or running, like Apple’s Time To workouts) pilates, and boxing. A slightly smaller list than Fitness Plus, but Peloton has been going for a lot longer, has been archiving its live workouts, and thus has a bigger library when it comes to the amount of videos you’re able to access. While not filmed in 4K, it is all filmed in Peloton’s studios in New York and London, and it’s all very slickly produced. 

Winner: Tie

 Workout content

Both Peloton and Apple Fitness Plus offer similar styles of workout, starting from short five and 10-minute sessions which can be used as warm-ups. Apple Fitness Plus offers workouts that last up to 45 minutes, while some Peloton rides can go as long as 90 minutes. They all operate in a similar way, using HIIT principles, encouragement from the trainer, and guided instructions to work out intensely for short bursts, following periods of active recovery. Searching either database by workout genre, time, and even instructor allows you to stack VOD workouts and create your own routines. 

A great part about Fitness Plus, which is missing in Peloton workouts, is that every workout comes with modifications to make it easier or harder, which is why three trainers are always onscreen at any given time. 

However, Peloton also offers its big hook here: live classes, connecting people all over the world whether they’re in-studio or at home. You get shoutouts from your favorite instructors, motivation to climb the class leaderboards, and rewards for milestone rides. It’s incredibly addictive, with the real-time leaderboard and shoutouts engineered to keep you coming back for more, gamifying the fitness experience in a way Fitness Plus can’t quite manage, despite its connection to the Apple Watch. It’s the best way to recreate that spin-class feeling at home. 

Winner: Peloton

 Music options

Both Apple and Peloton offer extensive playlists of officially licensed artists. Peloton offers an extensive list of dedicated workouts (mostly spin) set to the music of loads of huge artists from Iron Maiden to Imagine Dragons. The list is frankly mind-bogglingly big: third-party fan site Pelobuddy has compiled an extensive list of the options available.

Apple has also compiled an impressive array of collaborations with big names such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Madonna, and Miley Cyrus. However, the list isn’t quite as extensive as Peloton’s, hitting those poppy lowest-common denominators. If your playlist is of paramount importance to your workout and you like exercising to something a bit more niche, such as EDM or heavy metal, you might find that Peloton has more to offer in terms of variety.

 Winner: Peloton 

 Conclusion 

Although Peloton has won two out of four categories listed above to Apple’s one, it’s not as clear cut as it may seem. Peloton’s live class experience and vast library of content are hard to beat, but the price of admission is very steep, especially if you’re planning on investing in Peloton equipment. 

In comparison, Fitness Plus is far more financially approachable and flexible: you can use any equipment you have around or in your gym, although it loses that live element. Overall, Fitness Plus is the better value out of the two for most users, but if you’re willing to make the investment into the Peloton ecosystem, there’s great stuff to be found there. 

Some people hate running. Some people love it. And some people think they hate running because they remember being forced to do laps in high school, but might actually enjoy it — if they just found a way to train that works for them.

Apple Fitness Plus isn’t just for people who want to do high-intensity interval training (otherwise known as HIIT) or yoga workouts in their front room: the service also does a nice line of treadmill and cycling workouts. You can get guided audio-only workouts to use outdoors, and we’ll come to those a bit later on, but the treadmill workouts are where the meat of Fitness Plus’ running content is. 

Designed and structured a little like Peloton classes, these sessions are easy to follow along with if you have one of the best treadmills for Apple Fitness Plus. On the other hand, you might not want to purchase a treadmill, and would rather buy a pair of running shoes and practice jogging outdoors. 

Below, we’ll break down the benefits and disadvantages of each approach to running training, including which is easier for beginners to get started with, which costs more, and which is better for hitting your fitness goals.

 Treadmill workouts: Benefits 

To start with, Apple Fitness Plus’ treadmill workouts are great for beginners. Instructors like Jamie-Ray Hartshorne guide you on setting up your treadmill, exercising safely, and walking you through each workout. The workouts last up to 45 minutes, so you know exactly how long each workout is going to take. This is great for planning your day around: a jog around the park or on your local streets needs a little bit of planning to ensure you arrive back home in good time. 

Apple Fitness Plus’ content is always inclusive, providing clear, easy instructions to help users get started. This makes it more approachable to beginners than jogging alone, as going it solo can feel daunting if you don’t really know what you’re doing. 

Fitness Plus workouts tend to follow a HIIT structure. Once you’re all warmed up, you’ll be encouraged to up the speed or gradient for a short amount of time, working harder than normal, before bringing it back down for some active recovery. You’ll repeat this again and again, with modifications to make the workout easier or harder. 

HIIT is great for weight loss and improving exercise capacity, according to studies, as it encourages you to work harder (in short bursts) than you would do while jogging at a steady pace. This helps you burn more calories and encourages EPOC - post-exercise oxygen consumption, burning calories even after you finish the session. 

Finally, there’s the treadmill. Making an investment into your health by buying a large piece of exercise equipment may act as a financial prompt to get the most out of the machine - although not always, judging by the amount of Pelotons that turned into expensive clothes racks after lockdown! Depending on your choice of treadmill, the deck or belt is often slightly cushioned, making it more forgiving to run on for long periods than the hard concrete of your local roads. 

Treadmill workouts: Disadvantages 

There are a few disadvantages when it comes to training indoors with a treadmill. For one thing, while investing in yourself by buying a treadmill is generally a good thing, it’s not cheap: the expense includes not just the initial cost of the treadmill, but monthly subscriptions to Apple Fitness Plus, and if you don’t already own it, one of the best Apple Watches to properly use Fitness Plus as well. Add that all up over the cost of a year and compare it to a single pair of running shoes, and you start to see the appeal of running outdoors. 

Treadmills also come with practical considerations: they’re cumbersome things and tend to dominate all but the biggest of rooms. Unless you purchase a folding treadmill, they’re also not easy to store, and if you live in apartment buildings, running on them might make a lot of noise for the people below you. 

If you don’t own a treadmill, you can always take your phone to a local gym and use the treadmill there - but then you’re adding the cost of a Fitness Plus subscription on top of a monthly gym membership. 

There are also proven benefits to running outdoors, which we’ll go into later: getting more sunlight, finding a little patch of nature if you can, and taking your eyes off a screen. Fitness Plus treadmill workouts tend to necessitate looking at your TV, iPhone, or iPad, and you might not want to add more screen time into your life. 

 Outdoor workouts: Benefits 

Running outdoors is a great leveler. Simply put on some comfortable clothes, lace up your running shoe of choice, warm up, and get going. There’s no need for fancy equipment beyond a good pair of running shoes and perhaps a decent pair of AirPods, at least until you come to tackle long distances and want to invest in sweat-wicking clothes or better shoes. 

For beginners who need a little guidance, there are plenty of running plans out there, perhaps most famously Couch to 5K, which swaps between running and walking to help slowly build up your endurance. In fact, it uses the same approach as the Apple Fitness Plus workouts: running fast and intense, then slower to recover. Old hands won’t need this sort of guidance and will be happy to run for extended periods. 

Running outdoors for as little as twenty minutes can provide benefits beyond burning calories. Exposure to sunlight, even if the day is somewhat overcast, means getting your daily dose of mood-boosting, immune-boosting vitamin D. If you can jog to a local park or get into nature, even better: one study found just 10 minutes of time in nature has a positive impact on our mental health. 

If you want more guidance, you can still use your Apple Fitness Plus subscription with audio-only Time to Run workouts. There, one of the Apple Fitness Plus instructors, such as running coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm, will narrate their run around a famous location such as Yosemite National Park or Chicago, as well as help to guide your running speed and cadence through coaching tips.

Outdoor workouts: Disadvantages 

Running outdoors instead of using one of the Apple Fitness Plus treadmill workouts means less guidance and modularity. On a treadmill, you can adjust the gradient and speed to your desired setting, and every Fitness Plus workout includes modifications to make the exercise easier or harder. Running on solid ground is a very different story: if a big hill is in front of you, there are only three choices: you either run up it, walk up it, or turn around and go back.  

The weather is also a consideration. Truly committed runners used to training in all weathers might layer up and go for runs in the freezing cold or heavy rain, but for the rest of us, extreme weather means we stay indoors. If you live in an area that gets a lot of bad weather, this may have you wishing you invested in that treadmill beforehand. 

While running with groups – either friends or running clubs – can help you stick to a habit, running alone is hard, and it’s more challenging to motivate yourself to get out the front door than it is to hop on a treadmill. With Fitness Plus, you can choose your desired workout length and intensity, so if you want to fit in 15 minutes of exercise before work, it’s far easier to do so than to lace up and head outside. 

Verdict

Ultimately, it depends on what works for you: if you’re looking to save money and you don’t need as much guidance, running outdoors is always going to be the better choice. If you look at screens a lot during the day and see running as an opportunity to unwind, outdoors is probably better as well due to the therapeutic benefits of nature and anti-screen time. 

However, if you want to take full advantage of your Fitness Plus subscription, you would like more guidance and modularity on your fitness journey, or you already have a gym membership, Apple Fitness Plus’ treadmill workout content suite is stellar and well worth your consideration. Ultimately, try both and see what works - after all, Apple Fitness Plus does offer three months absolutely free…

Apple and Garmin are two of the biggest names in wearables. If you’re after a smartwatch, sports watch, or fitness tracker, these two juggernauts are responsible for making some of the best smartwatches in the business.

Both offer multiple options to pick from, especially in the case of Garmin, to make sure you get something that’s a good fit for you. Whether you’re after rich smartwatch features like payments and music or want to keep much closer tabs on your health and fitness, these two smartwatch platforms can do it. 

The question is, if you have to choose between the two, which one should you turn to for your first or next smartwatch? Both have their strengths and weaknesses in the hardware and software departments that’s for sure and there are plenty of reasons you’d opt for a Garmin watch and vice versa for the Apple Watch.

Here’s how the two smartwatch rivals compare in the key areas to help the decision to pick between them a far easier one.

Apple Watch vs Garmin: Design and displays

When it comes to comparing what these watches are like to wear there are some clear differences. Apple has three main Watch models and all adopt more of a square look. Most of Garmin’s watches are round, bar watches like the Venu Sq series, and it also has a significantly larger number of watches in its collection.

Some Garmin watches seem to match up better with Apple’s key ones. The Apple Watch Series 9 is very close in price to the Garmin Venu 3, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Garmin Forerunner 165 are strong Apple Watch SE equivalents while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is as pricey as something like the Garmin Epix Pro.

All of those watches mentioned have color displays, something that Apple offered from the first Watch, while AMOLED displays have only recently started to filter into Garmin’s range. That means if you want color, vibrancy, and something punchy, both Garmin and Apple can offer that.

Materials in use are similar as well. Take the Apple Watch Series 9, which offers aluminum or stainless steel looks, while the Venu 3 offers a stainless steel finish. You’re also getting case color options and straps that can be removed. Apple has a more extensive collection of official straps compared to Garmin, along with a host of other retailers that make Apple Watch straps. So if you want variety, Apple has more to offer on that front.

Of the models mentioned, both offer a mix of touchscreen and physical button navigation. Garmin’s watches typically offer more buttons on its watches, with Apple placing a much stronger emphasis on swiping and tapping on that screen. It does also have Siri in its locker and its new Double Tap feature for more hands-free control.

If you’re planning to knock these watches around on rides and adventures, both Apple and Garmin do a fine job of offering some extra protection. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 for example is water resistant up to 100 metres, has been tested to military standards for scenarios like being operated in low temperatures, and does offer defence against dust. The similarly priced Garmin Epix Pro is also waterproof up to 100 meters and offers a titanium bezel and a sapphire crystal display like the Ultra to better protect the case and display.

Apple Watch vs Garmin: Health and fitness features

This is likely to be a decisive topic for the majority of people looking at whether to pick up a Garmin or Apple smartwatch. This has very much been Garmin’s territory for a while now, though Apple has learned quickly how to build a smartwatch for tracking your health and fitness and in many ways has matched what Garmin offers on the tracking front.

If you’re looking at these smartwatches as being ways to count your steps, track sleep, and motivate you to move more during the day, both can do that. Apple wants you to Close Your Activity Rings daily and helps you to do that in a really subtle yet purposeful way. Most, if not all Garmin watches will let you count daily step goals and can automatically adjust daily step goals based on progress, all while nudging you like the Apple Watch does to stay active through inactivity alerts.

Sleep tracking is also supported across Apple and Garmin’s watches, with Garmin a little further ahead in terms of the level of data and insights it offers natively. Apple only added its own sleep-tracking support when it launched watchOS 7 back in 2020. It does also have access to a range of third-party sleep tracking apps to make up for its more limited support. Accuracy-wise though, Apple has felt a touch more reliable in our testing, so if it’s accuracy over insights that matters, the Apple Watch has performed better for us.

If you care about serious health tracking, Apple’s latest watches (Series 9 and Ultra) offer ECG sensors that can be used to help detect signs of serious heart conditions like atrial fibrillation. Apple also includes optical heart rate sensors for continuous heart rate monitoring and a blood oxygen sensor though as highly documented has had to drop this feature from future Watches amid a patent dispute. 

Garmin’s watches do offer a blood oxygen sensor and optical heart rate sensor for most of its latest models. It has also added ECG sensors to a small number of its watches too, including the Garmin Epix Pro, Venu 2, and Venu 3, which come in similarly priced to Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra watches. Garmin is certainly playing catch up with Apple in terms of being utilized as serious health monitoring devices though.

Then we get into sports tracking and the good news is that both Apple and Garmin offer plenty on this front. If you want something to track runs, swims, hikes, and even more niche pursuits, both have you well covered.

Both include dual-band GPS modes, which offer improved outdoor tracking accuracy and offer two of the best examples of this new dual-band GPS mode. Heart rate monitoring during exercise is generally very good across Apple and Garmin’s watches, though we’ve found smaller Garmin and Apple models offer the best accuracy, with scope to pair up external heart rate sensors among other sensors well supported.

If you’re a runner or cyclist looking for a training plan for your next race, Garmin offers its Coach platform, which is free to access. Apple offers strong Watch integration with its Apple Fitness Plus platform, but you will have to pay extra for access to the very slick workout app. 

The core sports tracking experience is great across both, but where you’ll start to see some disparity is with the preloaded training and analysis features. With Garmin, and again, this depends on the watch model, it will natively offer more insight into your workouts and training. You’ll get that from Apple too, but you’ll need to seek out a third-party app from the App Store to get something that comes close to rivalling what you get from a Garmin out of the box.

Apple Watch vs Garmin: Smartwatch features

What these two wearable platforms offer in terms of smartwatches and when you’re not using them to track your swims or hikes is an important area to discuss.

Compatibility is an obvious thing to address first in that Apple’s Watch will of course only work with iPhones. That is not the case for Garmin watches, which work with both iPhones and Android phones. Using it with an Android phone will get you a little more smartwatch functionality, particularly with notification support and having the ability to respond to notifications, or view images in messages sent to you. Again, that’s dependent on the model.

The notification support is very good on the whole, though the presentation of notifications perhaps feels a touch more polished on the Apple Watch. If you care about music, you’re going to be able to have access to music controls and model dependent in the case of Garmin, you can also get built-in music players with support for offline playlist syncing from streaming services like Spotify and Deezer. Apple does work with Apple Music in that manner where Garmin unsurprisingly doesn’t. It’s the same story for contactless payment support, though Apple’s payment approach does feel slicker overall.

If you want your smartwatch to standalone through cellular connectivity, it’s an LTE variant of an Apple Watch you want to do that. Garmin does offer LTE functionality on a few of its watches, but that connectivity isn’t used in the same way as it is on Apple Watches and is actually reserved for using emergency features.

If you care about apps, Garmin and Apple both have storefronts, and they can help to elevate the software and hardware on both smartwatches. Ultimately though, Apple has more in the way of apps while Garmin’s focus is more on offering watch faces, extra data fields, and making sure it offers compatibility with third-party apps to share your data to.

Both watches offer a strong experience when you’re not tracking, with Apple perhaps just edging things in terms of slickness and the execution of similar features available on both. Garmin has stepped its game up on this front as well, and it certainly doesn’t shirk its duties to give you a good smartwatch feeling that doesn’t feel jarring or challenging to use.

Apple Watch vs Garmin: Battery life

We imagine this is going to be a decisive factor for a lot of people looking at whether to go Apple or Garmin. How regularly you’re going to have to charge it. 

If you generally want the best battery life on offer between the two, it’s the Garmin that’s going to give you that. Whether you go for a similarly priced alternative to the Apple Watch Series 9, Watch SE, or the pricier Ultra, a Garmin that’s going to cost you the same is going to give you more watch time in between charges.

That includes the newer Garmin watches that offer an AMOLED display, whether you use it in always-on mode, or you opt for the more battery-friendly raise to wake mode.

Take the Apple Watch Series 9 which offers up to 18 hours battery life or 36 hours in low battery mode. The similarly priced Garmin Venu 3 offers up to 14 days or up to 5 days when you have the AMOLED screen on 24/7.

It’s a similar story with the Ultra 2, which offers up to 36 hours or 72 hours in its low-power mode. The 47mm version of Garmin’s Epix Pro (Gen 2) offers up to 16 days of battery or up to 6 days with the screen set to always-on.

Whichever way you slice it, Garmin’s watches are going to give you more battery to play with across the board.

Apple Watch vs Garmin: Which should you go for?

The big question. We’ll start by saying that Apple quite clearly makes one of the best if not the best smartwatch and while Garmin has come to embrace smartwatch features later, it now offers a strong, feature-rich experience across its watches.

Here’s how we see it. If you’re an iPhone user locked into that Apple ecosystem and care mostly about those core smartwatch features like notifications, music, payments, apps, connectivity, and having a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your other Apple gear, then grabbing an Apple Watch is the way to go.

Garmin’s support for those features does vary across watches, though you can get something that delivers notifications, music, payments, and connectivity, and do it in a really polished fashion. Garmin’s watches are going to give you more battery life, iOS and Android compatibility, more in the way of preloaded sports tracking support (model dependent) and more on the training analysis front. Apple’s Watches are certainly no slouches on the sports tracking front and can leverage a host of apps to fill in the gaps, but this is what Garmin is known for and where it shines.

Whether you go Apple Watch Series 9 or Garmin Venu 3, Epix Pro, or Ultra 2, you’re going to get a great experience across the board. It just depends on what you value most from that smartwatch time.

The MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro are some of Apple’s most popular products. Incredibly powerful, wrapped in sumptuous aluminum, and equipped with some of the most attractive screens, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a line of more premium laptops.

One of the first things that you might wonder when you first look at the line, however, is which MacBook is better — the MacBook Air, or the MacBook Pro? Which of the two MacBook styles is going to suit my needs? Do I need a more powerful processor, but a slightly less portable chassis? Or do I need something that’s super portable, but not quite as all-conquering inside? There is a MacBook for everyone, but that question is still the first and most important one.

The MacBook Air is a slim and light laptop aimed at most people. They are still powerful, and there are some great configuration options you can choose from to make them more useful for heavier workloads. You buy a MacBook Air, however, for its super slick and thin chassis. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, sacrifices some of that portability for more cooling potential, a better screen, and more powerful processor options. You buy a MacBook Pro because you want the most powerful laptop you can lay your hands on.

There’s a lot more to it, however, when it boils down to the details. The MacBook line uses Apple’s homegrown M-series chips, and even the base model M3 at the heart of the MacBook Air computers is an incredibly powerful processor that gives you plenty of juice to do even more complicated and power-hungry tasks.

Then there are the size options of the machine, of which there are several, each different between the Air and the Pro. No matter how you cut it, there’s a lot to think about when you’re thinking about buying a MacBook. We’re here to help you work out whether a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro is the one for you, diving deep into what really separates the two models.

Quick Specs

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Price

Price at a glance

The MacBook Air models are the cheaper of the two MacBook lines, starting at $999. The MacBook Pro models on the other hand start at $1,599. You can also pay to upgrade RAM and SSD, bringing the prices up even more.

This is probably going to be one of the biggest decision-makers for you, so it’s worth detailing the prices of the available models. There are a range of different prices for different MacBooks here, so you can work out how much you need to spend to get what you want.

We’ll start with the MacBook Air. The MacBook Air starts at $999 for the M2 MacBook Air, going up $100 for the $1,099 13-inch M3 MacBook Air, and then finally another $200 for the $1,299 15-inch M3 MacBook Air. The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air has remained on sale even after the release of the M3 models and now takes its place as the cheapest MacBook that money can buy.

The MacBook Pro models come in at three different tiers as well, all with slightly different price points. The cheapest is the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro, which uses the same chip as the latest MacBook Airs. That model starts at $1,599, $300 more than the 15-inch MacBook Air. Then there’s the more powerful M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, which starts from $1,999, and finally, the 16-inch M3 Pro MacBook Pro which you can buy from $2,399. 

Straight out of the gate, the MacBook Pro models are more expensive than any of the MacBook Airs that you can buy — although you do get some nicer specs for the extra money spent. That’s not the end of the story, however, as all the different models can be made more powerful with spec bumps configured on the Apple website, although you’ll quickly watch those prices rise as you add additional RAM and extra SSD space.

For the M3 MacBook Air models, you can add up to 24GB of extra RAM in 8GB, $200 increments. SSD size can be increased as well, with a 512GB or 1TB increase costing $200 and $400 respectively. 2TB costs even more, with an $800 price tag. You can also add a more powerful M3 chip with an extra graphics core into the chassis with a $100 upgrade — it might start off cheap, but you can spec it up to be expensive, to the tune of $2,299.

The Pro models can also be upgraded, although things are a little different — albeit no less expensive. The base model M3 MacBook Pro features vastly the same upgrade path as its slimmer Air siblings, so you can add in a max of 24GB of RAM or a 2TB SSD. Doubling the RAM to 16GB costs $200, and an extra 8GB to bring you to 24GB costs another $200 on top. The SSD can be upgraded from the base 512GB to 1TB for $200, and then if you want the 2TB option you’ll have to pay another $400.

The more expensive Pro models, however, can become extremely expensive when you add more advanced internal components. The first thing you can pop in, and pay for, are upgrades to the M3 chip. The M3 Pro chip (for both the 14 and the 16-inch MacBook Pro) can be upgraded with more cores for an extra $200, or you can opt for one of the two incredibly powerful M3 Max chips, which cost $600 or $900 extra.

Then you move on to RAM, where you can add even more power (and expense) to your MacBook Pro. If you’ve put one of the M3 Pro chips inside, you can upgrade the 18GB that comes as standard to 36GB for $400. Or, if you’ve gone for one of the Max chips, you can increase the RAM up to 128GB. That max upgrade costs a grand total of $1,600, or as we like to say, more than a 15-inch M3 MacBook Air. Bear in mind as well that the RAM numbers will depend on the Max chip that you chose — the largest amounts are only available for the most expensive chips.

Storage-wise, You can add up to an 8TB SSD into your MacBook Pro, although again, you need the most expensive Max chip in order to be eligible for that storage option. Those SSD upgrades cost the same as the SSD upgrades on the M3 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and then the 4TB and 8TB upgrades cost $1,200 and $2,400 respectively.

A 14-inch MacBook Pro with all the bells and whistles costs $6,899, and a 16-inch model costs $7,199. It’s safe to say that the MacBook Pro is the more expensive of the MacBook family, although you do get more powerful specs for your money.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Screen options

Screen at a glance

The MacBook Air's feature stunning screens, but if you really want the best display possible then the HDR and high refresh rate screens of the Pro's are the way to go. You can hook up more displays to M3 MacBooks as well, although the Pro and Max chips allow for more display compatibility.

The screen is one of the most important parts of any laptop, and the MacBook line is well known for its stunning displays. There are some key differences between the displays on the MacBook Air line and the MacBook Pro, however, and they are well worth highlighting.

The MacBook Air is available in two different display sizes, 13 and 15-inch. The 13-inch display is a Liquid Retina panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 2560x1664 resolution. The 15-inch display is similar, although the resolution is a higher 2880x1864 to account for the larger screen size. Both feature more similar numbers under the hood as well, boasting 500 Nits peak brightness, P3 Wide Color, and True Tone.

In use, the MacBook Air screens are colorful, sharp, and smooth, making them perfect for most user tasks. For some users, however, there might be a demand for an even higher-quality display, for something like photo manipulation or video editing.

That’s where the incredible displays that come attached to the MacBook Pro models come into play. There are two different display sizes in this case, with a 14 and a 16-inch display on offer. Both options are Liquid Retina XDR displays, which means they have support for HDR color. They are super bright, reaching 600 nits in SDR content, and climbing to a peak of 1600 nits when viewing HDR content. They also have P3 Wide color, as well as True Tone.

There are two big bonuses of the Pro displays over those of the Airs — and that’s display resolution and refresh rate. The 14-inch display has a resolution of 3024x1964, while the 16-inch has a resolution of 3456x2234, both much higher than the resolutions of the MacBook Air displays. What does this mean during use? The Pro screens are crisper and more detailed, combining with the much higher brightness for a pretty incredible display experience, and one that’s much better in direct light.

The refresh rate of the two displays, however, will be the most noticeable difference in use. The Pro screens feature ProMotion, which ups the refresh rate to 120Hz for a super smooth experience while you’re scrolling around a document, video editing workspace, or web browser. It’s one of our favorite features of all, in fact, and we wish Apple would bring it to the Air.

The built-in display is only part of the picture, however, given that you may well want to plug in one or even two of the best external displays for MacBook. There are some caveats here, with each MacBook supporting a different number of displays, and some only allowing certain configurations when you’re using your MacBook.

The MacBook Air M2 can only support one display, whether the lid of the laptop is closed or open. The M3 MacBook Air ups that number to two external displays, although you have to keep the lid of the laptop closed for it to work. It’s a strange compromise, but an extra screen is a welcome addition.

The M3 model of the MacBook Pro has the same restriction to external displays, but the M3 Pro and Max models make things even more complicated. The M3 Pro MacBook Pro can support one display in a couple of different configurations. Single display-wise you can either hook up a 6K at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, an 8K 60Hz over HDMI, or a 4K 240Hz over HDMI. If you want two displays, you can connect two 6K 60Hz displays over Thunderbolt, or one 6K at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, and a 4K 144Hz display over HDMI.

M3 Max models are even more complicated, with different display layouts up to four separate external displays. If you want a single display, you get the same support as the Pro chip. For two displays, you can connect either two 6K 60Hz displays over Thunderbolt, or a 6K 60Hz monitor over Thunderbolt, and then up to 8K 60Hz over HDMI. For three displays it is three 6K displays over Thunderbolt, or two 6K displays over Thunderbolt, and up to an 8K display over HDMI. Four displays work the same as well — either four 6K 60Hz panels over Thunderbolt, or three 6K displays and one hooked up to HDMI up to 8K.

If you’re looking to connect more displays to your MacBook, then the MacBook Pro with Pro or Max chip is the way to go. If you’re just going to be hooking up one or two, however, then the MacBook Air will likely be just fine for you.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Processor

Processor at a glance

The MacBook Air computers are only available with the M3 chip inside, which is a super powerful little processor. If you want more power, however, you should look at the M3 Pro and Max-equipped MacBook Pro models.

The processor in the M3 MacBook Pro is the same that’s available in the slightly upgraded M3 MacBook Air — an 8-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. They also contain 10-core GPUs, making them potent graphically too. This processor makes them the perfect machine to do light video and photo editing on, as well as other lighter workloads. Make no mistake, these are powerful processors, but they pale in comparison to some of the options that you can spec into one of the more expensive MacBook Pro models.

The MacBook Air 13-inch does have an extra processor option, that you’ll find in the base model. That has the same 8-core CPU, but loses two cores in the GPU. It does, however, save you $100 over the more powerful option.

Things get more impressive when you look at the power you can equip one of the M3 Pro or Max models with. The M3 Pro chip comes in two different guises, one with an 11-core CPU and a 14-core GPU, and one with a 13-core CPU and an 18-core GPU. That’s going to bring a big boost to performance, perfect for much heavier workloads like more complex video editing, programming, or 3D rendering.

The M3 Max chips are even more potent, packing in some serious performance numbers. You can either have a Max chip with a 14-core CPU and a 30-core GPU, or one with a 16-core CPU and a a 40-core GPU. For most people, these chips are far, far too powerful, although for those who need proper portable workstations then they are absolutely incredible.

With Apple’s newfound focus on AI, there are some impressive neural engines in its M-series chips as well. All of the chips are equipped with 16-core neural engines, which at the moment make for some solid extra performance numbers — although it's likely they’ll see more use with whatever AI applications Apple is currently cooking up.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Design

Design at a glance

The current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines have very similar styles of design, although the Air is thinner. Both look slim and stylish, however.

Apple’s current crop of MacBooks currently sit along the same design language, which means smooth curves and boxier looks. There are differences between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, however, and there are some features that might make one better for you than the other.

The MacBook Air is all about being as thin and as light as possible. The 13-inch, for example, is only 0.44 of an inch tall, making for an unbelievably slim chassis that will slip into a bag without any worry at all. There are some more colorful options as well, as the MacBook comes in either Starlight, Midnight, Space Grey, or Silver options. It even comes with color-matched charging cables.

The MacBook Pro models are thicker on the other hand, but not by much. It’s enough to notice it when slipping it into a bag, however, and while the 16-inch Pro is portable, you’re not going to want to carry its bulk around all day. It’s a less colorful machine as well, only coming in three different colors: Space Black, Space Gray, and Silver. Keep in mind that the Space Black option is reserved for the more expensive M3 Pro and Max models.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: RAM

RAM at a glance

The base RAM in the MacBook Air is 8GB, so you should upgrade to 16GB. Upgrades are expensive across the board, but they are often worth it to pull more performance from your MacBook.

The kind of RAM that comes equipped with the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro is technically the same, although you’ll be able to spec out more for the MacBook Pro at the Apple Store.

The M3 MacBook Pro and the two M3 MacBook Air models are all available with the same RAM configuration options — 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB. You have to choose exactly the amount that you need when you’re initially buying the MacBook, because Apple solder the RAM directly to the motherboard, so there’s no upgrading once the MacBook is actually in your hands. With pretty much all these models, we recommend upgrading to the 16GB option, as it allows for more multitasking and the laptop is capable of heavier workloads.

The M3 Pro and M3 Max laptops have different RAM configurations to make them even more powerful, although again, you won’t be able to upgrade the RAM after the fact. The M3 Pro comes with either 18GB or 36GB of RAM, and then the configuration for the two Max variants changes again. The 14-core variant can handle either 36GB or 96GB, while the 16-core version gets either 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB. All of the RAM upgrades will cost you, but if you want a more powerful computer you’ll need to pay the extra for the upgrade.

The MacBook Air is no slouch RAM-wise, and if you want an everyday laptop or one that's capable of some lighter editing tasks, then its RAM is more than enough. For more professional and heavier workloads, however, you’ll want to look at the more potent RAM options of the MacBook Pro.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Storage

Storage at a glance

The 256GB SSD in the MacBook Air models could do with bumping up to the 512GB option, but storage is all around very quick in both the Pro and the Air models. You can go all the way up to 8TB of storage with the MacBook Pro, although you'll need the most powerful (and expensive) chip.

Storage options are one of the easiest things to figure out when looking at the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. Both have similar options, although if you want the most amount of portable storage, then the MacBook Pro is the way to go.

The MacBook Air is available in four different SSD sizes. There are 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options available for you to choose from. One thing to bear in mind is that the base, 256GB M2 MacBook Air that you can still buy has a single NAND SSD, making it slower than the base model M3 MacBook Air which has a dual NAND setup. The rest of the storage options on all the other SSD sizes are dual NAND, so they are all as blisteringly fast as you’d hope from an internal SSD.

The M3 MacBook Pro starts at 512GB, and then you can upgrade to either a 1TB or 2TB SSD. The M3 Pro and Max have more storage options again. The M3 Pro gets an extra 4TB option, while the M3 Max lets you choose a 4TB or an 8TB SSD.

All of these SSDs in all the different MacBooks cannot be upgraded, so make sure you’re getting the amount you need from the day you order your machine. You can always grab a USB-C hard drive later on down the line, of course, but it's always worth getting as much as your budget will stretch to when you initially buy the laptop.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Battery life

Battery at a glance

Battery life on MacBooks is excellent on every model, with most lasting for 18 hours after a charge. If you go for a bigger, 16-inch Pro, however, you'll get a few more hours of juice for 22 hours of battery life.

Battery life is fairly similar throughout the whole of the MacBook line, so no matter the machine you go for you’re going to get a long-lasting powerpack. The MacBook Pros will net you a little more time powered on, but it’s not much and they are all more than enough to last you through a day without a plug socket nearby.

The MacBook Air is going to last you, according to Apple, 18 hours of Apple TV movie playback. It goes down a little if you’re browsing the web to 15 hours, which is perhaps more representative of a normal workday when you’re checking emails and checking over documents.

The MacBook Pro models, on the other hand, get a bit more movie playback, bumping the time up to 22 hours.  You’ll still get that 15 hours of web browsing, however, although this will depend on the workload that you’re demanding of the laptop.

Remember that you’ll see those battery numbers drop if you do super heavy work on your laptop, no matter the MacBook you’ve got, so don’t expect those numbers if you’re going to start exporting your latest 512GB video project in Final Cut Pro.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Extra features

Extra features at a glance

Connectivity on the MacBook Air models is ok, with two USB-C ports and a charging port. Pro models get more inputs, however. Keyboards are excellent, and both get high-impedance headphone jacks.

Most of the extra features are shared throughout the MacBook line, although the MacBook Pros do wrangle a couple of bonuses thanks to their larger chassis’, most notably when it comes to port count.

On that note, the MacBook Air models all feature two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, and you can use both for peripherals thanks to the addition of the MagSafe charging connector. On the other side of the MacBook is a headphone jack — and that’s it. You’ll likely need a docking station for this one if you want to plug in anything more than a mouse or a keyboard, or if you want to plug in anything USB-A.

You’ll also need a dock to plug in USB-A devices into the MacBook Pro line, although you won’t need one for a more modern desk setup. On the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro you’ll find two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, and a headphone hack. The M3 Pro and Max models get an extra USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, and all the MacBook Pros feature the MagSafe charging port.

The keyboards on the whole MacBook line are similar, all featuring spacious, clicky keys that are perfectly adequate for use both on the go and at a desk. Those looking for mechanical click and satisfaction might want to go for one of the best mechanical keyboards for Mac, however. All the keyboards feature a Touch ID key as well for password-free entry and Apple Pay in various apps including the App Store.

Track pads are virtually identical throughout, although the larger the MacBook the larger the pad. You’ll find them slick, responsive, and extremely smooth, and the Force Touch built-in adds more options to your clicking that you can customize in the settings menu. Whatever MacBook you buy, you’re going to get an excellent trackpad.

The FaceTime cameras that sit in the notches at the top of the screens of all the MacBooks are all the same — a 1080p HD camera that features computational improvements to make sure that video calls and recordings look as good as possible. They’re not going to blow you away, but they’ll more than get the job done and Jen from accounting isn’t going to complain that she can’t see you properly on the next company group call.

Finally there are the headphone jacks on all the models, which all feature high impedance so that you can plug in a pair of power-hungry audiophile or reference headphones. This is one for the audio producers, as you can do more on the go with your fancy studio headphones without the need for a separate headphone amp.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: macOS

macOS at a glance

All the latest Macs work with the latest version of macOS.

All of the different current line of MacBooks feature the latest version of Apple’s homegrown OS, macOS Sonoma. These are all brand new machines as well, so they’re going to support the latest versions of the software as it is updated over the years. Buying any one of these laptops isn’t going to lock you out of Apple’s next big feature.

Apple’s AI focus is expected to be announced this year, and thanks to the incredible power of the MacBook M-series processors that Apple has put into the line this year it's likely they’ll excel at whatever AI application Apple has prepared. The still available M2 MacBook Air might not be quite as prepared as its M3-powered siblings, however, so if you’re set on finding out what Apple has in store this year, then an M3 machine might be the way you want to go.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Which is the best for you?

So after all that, we’re left with a question  — which should you buy, a MacBook Air, or a MacBook Pro?

We’ve been through all of the different specs and features of the two lines, and now we can wrap everything up. If you want something super portable and don’t want to spend all of your money on a laptop, then you should choose the MacBook Air. They are glorious machines, filled with great features and stunning design. They’re not powerful enough for the really heavy workloads, but they are plenty for people who just need enough power without going overboard.

For the power user or the professional, however, the MacBook Pro is the way to go. You trade in some portability for power, but you’ll get one of the most powerful laptops on the planet. Of course, not everyone is going to need the max specs of the MacBook Pro, but there is a MacBook Pro out there to cater to a load of different use cases and workloads. Just don’t feel like you need all of the options on offer, for most people the base model M3 Pro is going to be plenty.

One thing we would say, however, is that no matter what MacBook you’re going to buy, make sure the specs are all sorted from the moment you order. None of them can be upgraded once you’ve taken delivery of your MacBook, so you won’t be able to add more RAM or a larger SSD, for example. You don’t want to find yourself short on SSD storage or RAM further down the line, once you’ve already bought and started using the MacBook.

The ones we’d really recommend upgrading are the base model MacBook Airs. Those only come with 256GB SSDs and 8GB of RAM — spend the extra and upgrade to the 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM. That will give you far more laptop for your money, and one that will stay snappy no matter how many tabs you open in Safari, or how many PDFs or sheets you have open.

MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: The models to buy

Which are the most cost effective of the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro options? These are the MacBooks you should be speccing out if you're looking to pick one up.

The MacBook Air M2 barely feels like it’s had time to bed in, especially if you’ve only just bought yourself one of the newer MacBook Air 15-inch models. That’s not stopped Apple from unleashing new models, however, with the M3 MacBook Air range featuring the firm's latest and greatest in-house silicon.

But are there any extras beyond the M3 processor that the new models bring to the table, and how do the two laptops compare? Let’s take a look at the M2 MacBook Air and the M3 MacBook Air side-by-side.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Price

When it first launched, the MacBook Air M2 cost $1,099. That’s the same as the launch price of the MacBook Air M3, although since the latest announcement the M2 model has dropped to $999. If you want the 15-inch MacBook Air, then you can now only choose an M3 model— that will cost you $1,199. Apple will no longer sell the M2 15-inch MacBook Air, though third-party retailers will likely stock it for some time to come.

That price drop makes the M2 a great option if you don’t need the latest and most powerful model, saving you a decent sum while getting you a still-powerful computer. 

With the 15-inch MacBook Air M2 now discontinued, it becomes one of the shortest-lived Apple products for some time, barely on shelves for 8 months. Farwell, sweet prince, we barely knew you. It could also make those who’ve only recently bought a 15-inch M2 model a little frustrated, making them think that they could’ve waited a few months for the latest model.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Screen and external display support

The displays on the M2 MacBook Air and the M3 MacBook Air are the same 13- and 15-inch Liquid Retina panels that we’ve come to love. They are absolutely stunning, featuring incredible color reproduction, crisp quality, and wicked brightness. If you’re looking for something with a higher refresh rate then you’re out of luck, unfortunately. You’ll want to opt for a MacBook Pro with the ProMotion feature.

New with the M3 however, is something that’s going to please a whole load of MacBook Air users — native dual-screen support. Now, there are is a caveat; you can only use the dual screen mode with the laptop closed. For getting more work done, however, this is going to be what many love most about the new MacBook Air — especially given that the MacBook Air M2 couldn’t do it.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Processor

This is the biggest change between the two laptops, although you wouldn’t know if you just took a glance at the spec sheet. Both the M2 and M3 chips feature 8-core CPUs that have 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, and both have 10-core GPUs. Those are identical numbers.

Internally, however, things have changed more than you might think. Comparing the two chips means you have to take into account the new 3nm production process, which fits more transistors into the same space as would have been possible with an older chip. The M3 uses this process, and it gives significant boosts to performance. The M2, on the other hand, uses the older 5nm process, which means it doesn’t fit as many transistors in its surface area.

The M3 now has 25 billion transistors whereas the M2 only has 20 billion. What does this mean for power? It means that the M3 performs faster in editing and workflow tasks, with Apple estimating that there’s 20% better CPU and GPU performance.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Design

The MacBook Air 13 and 15-inch with M3 and the M2 versions have identical chassis, featuring the same super slim aluminum design. It’s no problem, they look incredible and feel unreasonably thin. If you were hoping for a massive visual upgrade, however, you’re not going to find it here.

That doesn’t mean that the MacBook Air looks stale at all, far from it. It’s a glorious angular machine, smothered with glorious premium aluminum. The colors on offer are lovely too, with Starlight, Midnight, Space Grey, and Silver options available.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: RAM

The RAM options also remain the same between the two processors, with 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB available to choose from. As always with MacBooks you’ll want to choose the amount you’ll need over the life of the laptop, as Apple won’t let you upgrade once the machine has already been put together.

The upgrades will cost you as well, and they’re not cheap. For the 16GB upgrade, you’ll pay an extra $200, and then a further $200 for the 24GB. That’s a lot of money to add to an already costly machine, but the performance upgrades are well worth the spend. If you can afford it, of course.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Storage

Storage options also remain the same from the previous model when you buy an M3 MacBook Air, letting you choose between 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB SSDs. Like the RAM, you can’t add more storage into the laptop once it’s been delivered, although it's less important to be picky here given that you can stick a USB-C hard drive in one of the ports if you run out of space. Make sure you choose enough to install all your apps, however, no matter the MacBook Air you buy.

It’s worth bearing in mind here that the base 256GB M2 models, in our testing, only had single-channel SSD speeds whereas previous models had dual-channel. This, in turn, led to data transfer bottlenecks, and slower transfer speeds. It’s not known yet whether the M3 model will have this issue. The higher storage options didn’t have this issue, moving back up to dual channel. Either way, this limitation was only likely to be felt by the most demanding of super-users. Even in single-channel scenarios, the SSDs are incredibly fast.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Battery life

Battery life on the two versions of the MacBook is exactly the same, with Apple saying you’ll get up to 18 hours in normal use with both M2 and M3 devices. That will go down depending on what you’re using the MacBook for, so if you’re doing loads of video editing then you’ll see that battery indicator plummet faster than if you’re just doing some writing or web browsing.

Of course, it’s not quite a like-for-like battery experience though. You’ll be able to do more demanding tasks with the M3 chip than you would over the same space of time that you could with the M2 chip. So it’s a more efficient workhorse across that single battery charge than with the previous generation.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Extra Features

All of the extras here are shared between the two laptop models, although they are all important parts of the MacBook Air experience. The webcam, port layout, keyboard, and trackpad are all excellent on the MacBook Air no matter the model you buy, but it's still worth talking them over.

The FaceTime camera is a highlight of the current crop of MacBooks, with the 1080p webcam found in the display notch providing some top-quality video for those FaceTime calls at work or with friends. There’s some impressive computational image improvement going on here as well, making for some good-looking video call footage.

Ports-wise, you’re going to get 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a MagSafe charging port. The MacBook Air has never been known for its massive selection of ports, but the two ports on the current models are a useful addition. The MagSafe port is one of the best elements however, as it frees up one of the ports that’d otherwise be required for charging, and it means that you won’t send your $1,000+ laptop tumbling to the floor when you accidentally stand on the charging cable. The magnetic connection will just snap off, leaving your MacBook safely in place.

The keyboards and trackpads are lovely too. The keys are clicky with plenty of travel, and while it doesn’t compare to your home keyboard, it’s the perfect typing companion when traveling. Both models feature a full-size row of function keys. The trackpads are large and responsive, and thanks to their Force Touch panels they allow for multi-touch gestures and pressure sensitivity.

There’s a high-impedance headphone jack on both models so that you can connect more power-hungry headphones, and they each support Spatial Audio with their internal speakers. You can connect AirPods for head-tracked personalized Spatial Audio as well.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: macOS

The M2 and M3 MacBook Air models both support the latest version of Apple’s operating system, macOS 14 Sonoma. Given the two versions are only a year or so apart, they’re likely to be supported by Apple for longer than older machines might be.

One thing to note, however, is that the AI focus of Apple’s messaging around the M3 models shows that there could well be features in later versions of macOS that are either only supported by the latest M3 MacBooks, or that will work better on them. If you’re really into the AI-scented future that Apple seems to be looking to delve into, then you’re going to want the M3 chip.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Which should you buy?

If you’re looking for a new MacBook Air and you want to get the latest and greatest, then the MacBook Air M3 brings some massive power gains to the table that make it well worth the extra cost. If you want to save some money and you’re not bothered about the latest device, however, then you might want to consider grabbing the now-reduced MacBook Air M2. Apart from the processor, it’s almost the same computer.

For our money, we’d opt for the latest model with a little extra RAM. That gives you a mighty machine that’s going to be powerful for some time to come, as well as being ready to handle any future AI applications that Apple might stuff into macOS. It might cost more, but it will handle future workloads much better.

MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3: Should you upgrade?

That’s a resounding ‘no’ on that one. The MacBook Air M3 brings loads of power, yes, but it's not enough to justify the need to buy the latest version of the MacBook Air if you’re already working on an M2 machine. Instead, wait another couple of years and enjoy the most bang for your buck possible with your current MacBook Air M2.

But what about older Air models? Check out our breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of the M3 MacBook Air vs M1 MacBook Air. 

The MacBook Air is one of the most portable PCs around, and it brings some wicked features to the table for those looking for a powerful laptop that’s easy to slip into a backpack. The new M3 MacBook Air comes with Apple’s latest home-grown silicon, the M3 processor, and the same stunning design as the previous MacBook Air with M2 chip.

If you’ve got one of the slightly older MacBook Air M1 machines then the new M3 model could look like a very powerful upgrade choice. There’s a massive performance boost (as we’ll soon find out) and you’ll get that lovely new design — but we hope you won’t miss the wedge-shaped option, as these squared-off models are all you’re going to get now!

But just how do the two machines compare? Is it worth trading in your old one and buying one of the latest MacBook Air models? Let’s take a deep dive to find out.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Price

This is an important one, and worth looking at first. The MacBook Air with M1, when it was new, cost you $999. The MacBook Air M3 13-inch, however, will start at $1,099, a $100 price bump over the MacBook Air M1. Of course, if you were looking to replace your aging M1 Air like-for-like, then you could save some money and find a new one somewhere like Amazon for anywhere from $799 to $899.

For the price that you’ll pay today, a $799 MacBook Air M1 is still a solid machine, with 8GB of RAM, an M1 processor, and a lovely slim MacBook Air design. Bear in mind that it will be supported by Apple for a shorter period of time, however, as the M1 chip falls behind and won’t be able to keep up with macOS future features.

Keep in mind as well that you have more configuration options with the MacBook Air M3 as well. The MacBook Air M3 has a 15-inch model for starters, so you can get a bigger screen for $1,199. That’s an option that the MacBook Air M1 never had. You’ll also pay slightly more for internal upgrades with the M3 Air devices, although now that the M1 model has disappeared from the Apple Store and been discontinued by the company, you won’t be able to customize one yourself anyway unless you head to a store like Best Buy or B&H Photo.

Whichever way you look at it, the MacBook Air M1 may well be cheaper, but it’s likely not to last as long if you’re looking to keep up to date with the latest advancements to the macOS ecosystem. If you want the cheapest MacBook you can lay your hands on without going for something that’s used, then M1 is your ticket. If you want a laptop that will last you longer, it will cost more, but the M3 is the best for you price-wise regardless.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Screen

The MacBook Air M1 is only available in one size — 13-inch. That has a 13.3-inch Retina display, which looks good enough. Stack it up next to the newest MacBook Air models, however, and your eye will be instantly drawn to the newer model.

The MacBook Air M3 laptops have the same displays as their predecessors — a 13 and 15-inch Liquid Retina display with resolutions of 2560x1664 and 2880x1864 respectively. Now, that’s not that much higher than the older model, but it’s that Liquid Retina moniker that does all the talking.

They’re bright, crisp, and stunning to look at. They don’t have the slick 120Hz refresh rate of the ProMotion MacBook Pro displays, but the 60Hz is plenty for most applications. If you’re a video editor or photo editor, the extra sharpness and color you get with the Liquid Retina display is well worth the extra cost.

There is something else you’ll notice when you open up the M3 MacBook Air — the divisive camera notch at the top of the screen. While it might seem off-putting, it quickly blends into the control bar at the top of the screen, and it allows for more useable space below, and a slimmer display bezel.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Processor

The primary difference between the new MacBook and the older models is the M3 at the core of the machine. Last seen in the redesigned base model M3 MacBook Pro, the M3 chip is a very potent processor that brings plenty of performance to the table.

There’s an 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, alongside a 10-core GPU. That adds to a 100GB/s memory bandwidth for some very speedy RAM.

The M1 on the other hand has an 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, to go with its 7-core GPU. It’s that GPU where the numbers of the M1 drop on first glance — although there’s more to the story.

The M3 is built on the 3nm process, meaning that Apple has been able to make a more powerful and efficient chip than the M1, squeezing more transistors into the same space than is possible with the M1's 5nm process. The performance figures look to speak for themselves. Apple says that the M3 will run game titles like No Man’s Sky up to 60% faster than the M1, for one, giving a massive boost to game performance.

There’s more performance to be had when using AI features, too. Apple gives the example of editing an image using Photomator’s Super Resolution tool — it’s going to be up to 40% faster than M1, and up to 15x faster than an older intel-powered Mac. That’s a massive bonus for creatives, and caters to more strenuous workloads.

Final Cut Pro will show off more of the power of the M3 processor as well, bringing 35% faster speeds than the M1 chip. It’s when compared against an Intel Mac that users will again see the biggest boost, with performance up to 13% faster.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Design

The MacBook Air line received a visual update in 2022, bringing a snazzy new aluminum chassis to the table that does away with the wedge shape of the M1 generation. That chassis remains in use for the M3 MacBook Air models, available in 15-inch and 13-inch sizes. It looks lovely — although some do miss the tapering and (at points) slimmer MacBook Air M1. 

Remarkably, despite its slightly larger screen, the comparable 13-inch MacBook Air M3 only adds a little extra depth to the device — 8.46 inches as opposed to the 8.36 inches of the older device. It’s lighter too, although only .1 of a pound. Overall, you won’t notice too much of a difference when slipping either the MacBook Air M1 or M3 into a bag, although the more uniform thickness (or slimness) of the M3 model makes for a more modern-feeling product.

The keyboard on the MacBook Air M3 is different too, borrowing its board from the previous M2 model. It’s a lovely clicky affair, and makes typing super comfortable. There’s also TouchID on both so that you can log in without the need to input your password every time you log in — though you’ll want the M3 model if you want a dedicated row of function keys along the top.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: RAM

The MacBook Air M1 is available with two RAM configurations — 8GB and 16GB. The 8GB option should be fine for most, but if you find yourself needing more multitasking headroom, then the 16GB option is going to be much better. It will cost you an extra $200, however, and you can’t buy it from Apple anymore. Instead, you’ll have to look somewhere like Best Buy or B&H Photo.

The RAM options on the M3 are larger. The base model still has 8GB, although you can now spec up 16GB or 24GB for some extra multitasking power, so that you can do more with your MacBook. That RAM will be quicker as well, as the M3 chip has more memory bandwidth.

Remember that for both machines the RAM is shared by the GPU and the CPU, so you’ll want to get as much as possible if you’re looking to do any graphics work. It’s also non-upgradeable, so you should future-proof the purchase with as much as you may need for the lifespan of the Mac so that you don’t find yourself wishing for more later on down the line. Either way, the MacBook Air M3, even in its base 8GB model form, is going to be better for multitasking thanks to its faster memory.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Storage

The MacBook Air M3 and the MacBook Air M1 have the same storage options. You can get an SSD that’s either 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB inside your new laptop. Just like the RAM, you can’t upgrade the internal storage later on down the road so you’ll want to make sure you get it right the first time you order your MacBook. Note that M2 MacBook Air models had single-channel SSD read and write speeds in that entry-level storage configuration, which created data transfer bottlenecks. It’s not yet clear if that’s an issue to be shared in the M3 line.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Battery life

The MacBook Air M3 has, just like the M2 model, a battery life of up to 18 hours. That’s a very long-lasting battery, and will allow you to take your work on the go where you might not have access to a power outlet. That battery life will drop depending on your workload, so don’t expect to get the same battery life as a writer if you’re a video editor.

Similarly, the battery in the MacBook Air M1 will get you 18 hours — so you get the same battery life in the newer model despite the performance boost the M3 will bring to your applications. 

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Extra features

There are a couple of things that you want to make sure your laptop has. A webcam, plenty of ports, and a decent trackpad are some of the most important, arguably, and both models have some excellent additions. 

First of all, is the FaceTime camera that sits on the top part of the screen. The camera on the M1 MacBook Air is, alas, not very good. It’s a 720p camera that struggles in low light, although the MacBook does its best to improve the image with some clever computational improvements. The M3 model on the other hand comes with a much nicer 1080p webcam, nestled in the notch at the top of the screen. It’s a much nicer webcam, and the extra resolution makes for a better image at the end. There are the same computational improvements as well, although the base picture it has to work from is much better.

The MacBook Air M1 and M3 have the same ports — a pair of USB-C ports. The MacBook Air M3, however, has more usable ports because of the addition of a MagSafe charging connector. The M1 model requires one of the ports to be used for charging, only leaving you with one port that you can actually use to plug in peripherals if you’re looking to charge it from a wall outlet at the same time. The MagSafe connector not only frees up a port, but it also makes for a better user experience, as you don’t have to worry about the laptop careening off a desk if you accidentally step on the charging cable. Instead, the cable just pops right out, not taking the laptop with it.

The trackpads on the two laptops are similar, both featuring accurate Force Touch panels. That means multi-touch gestures, different levels of clicking response, and pressure sensitivity. No matter the MacBook you buy, the large trackpads are some of the best around.

Audio support is good on both, although you’ll find the MacBook Air M3 superior to the older model. While both feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, for example, you’ll get support for high-impedance headphones with the MacBook Air M3. That means the laptop will drive some of those snazzy audiophile headphones, or better reference models for music production.

The speaker setup is better on the MacBook Air M3 as well, with a four-speaker setup. Whereas the M1 model only offers stereo audio, the M3 supports Spatial Audio through its built-in audio system. The speakers in the M1 are known for being excellent, but the M3s are the same as the M2 MacBook Air’s — and they’re even better. You can also connect up your AirPods Pro and AirPods Max for head-tracked Spatial Audio, something that’s not supported on the MacBook Air M1.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: macOS

Both the M1 and M3 MacBook Air support the latest version of macOS, otherwise known as 14, Sonoma.  Both are likely to be supported by Apple for some time, although the M1 will cease getting support sooner than the M3 model. If you want to know more about macOS Sonoma, then check out our macOS coverage.

If you want the ‘future-proofed’ MacBook Air, then the M3 is the way to go. Sporting more powerful internals, Apple will be able to provide it with new, more demanding software features for longer than the aging M1 model.

MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Air M3: Should you upgrade?

If you’ve just bought a MacBook Air M1, then no, you shouldn’t. While the improvements are many, you likely saved lots of money by buying the M1 model, so you shouldn’t feel like you made a purchasing mistake. It remains a great machine.

If, however, you’ve had your MacBook Air M1 for some time and you want something new, then the MacBook Air M3 is certainly something you should consider. It’s a stunner of a machine, and you’ll get much better performance if you upgrade. If you want more performance but don’t want to pay the $1,099 for the M3 model, then you should also take a look at the now reduced M2 13-inch model, which you can buy from Apple for $999.

The MacBook Air M3 is a superb upgrade to the MacBook Air line — although whichever MacBook you end up with, you’ve got one of the best portable machines around. The MacBook Air M3 is available to preorder now, and releases on March 8, 2024.

It's only been one year since the M2 was released, and the M3 has many of the same specs but manages to make a splash in smart design like Dynamic Caching and on-device hardware-accelerated ray tracing. This is an incremental change on the still very powerful M2 chip, but the M3 stands out in its own right. 

Though you may not rush out to pick it up, you will notice the difference almost immediately and set yourself up for the future.

Apple M3 vs Apple M2: Specs

Here are all the specs for the M2 and M3 chips:

Though many of the central specs have stayed the same, noticeable improvements have been made in the form of ray tracing, Mesh Shading, Dynamic Caching, and the chip process size. Based on a 3nm process, rather than the 5nm process present in the M2, the M3 is capable of GPU and CPU speeds up to 20% faster with certain apps. The specifics of these performance increases haven't been fully unveiled by Apple.

This means that not only should gaming be much better on M3 Macs but the faster speeds and higher max GPU cores make it a more efficient device that should last you a little longer. Unfortunately, as is in character for Apple, these specs don't tell the full story of what they are capable of and you will have to test out all those new features to fully grasp the difference. 

Apple M3 vs Apple M2: Features

Here are a handful of features you can find in the Apple M3 chip that you won't find in the Apple M2 chip:

Dynamic Caching

Dynamic Caching is a brand-new feature invented by Apple engineers. On the fly, it dedicates GPU resources to tasks you have compiled, individually allocating memory depending on the use. If you are using a more intensive app, it intelligently detects that and spreads resources to the most demanding tasks, allowing it to get more power out of the same basic specs. 

Hardware-accelerated ray tracing 

Running ray tracing on-device means that M3 Macs can dynamically produce light and effects when it comes to playing and creating games. Instead of showing a light texture, they are more dynamic and expressive, making things like reflections, windows, and more, seem more lifelike. This all serves to make games look much better on Mac. 

Hardware-accelerated Mesh Shading

The GPU allows for hardware-accelerated Mesh Shading, which means it has greater capabilities to manage and process geometry in a scene. This allows the M3 Mac to simulate more complex scenes with extra moving parts. Apple didn't reveal how this process works but did show a render of a complex hand made up of many rocks in the Scary Fast event. 

Both the M2 and M3 chips have ProRes and ProRes Raw rendering in their media engines, with a video encode and video decode engine. The M3 chip is the only one capable of av1 decoding, making it a slightly better machine for working with and editing video. 

The M3 chip is more power efficient, being able to deliver the same GPU and CPU performance as the M1 with half the power consumption. This means that M3 devices will get a little more battery life, too. Despite being significantly more powerful, you can expect about two extra hours of battery out of a full charge. 

Apple M3 vs Apple M2: Price

The Price is a little hard to compare for a few specific reasons. The M3 MacBook Pro retails at a base of $1,599, which is $300 more than the base price of $1,299 seen for the M2 13-inch MacBook Pro. Not only is this a smaller device, but it has half the storage of the M3 MacBook Pro. While you are paying more, you are also getting more. 

Then, moving over to the iMac range, you can pick up an M3 iMac with 256GB of storage for $1,299, the same price as the M2 MacBook Pro. There was no M2 iMac to compare prices. 

Apple M3 vs Apple M2: Should you upgrade?

M2 Mac owners will likely be very happy with their devices for a few more years. There are some undeniable upgrades here but the specs are very similar. If you are still happy with your M2 MacBook and don't want to turn it into a gaming machine, the answer is probably 'no you don't need to upgrade to an M3 Mac'. 

However, if you're like me and you wanted the iPhone 15 Pro Max partially because of how impressive it looks for gaming, there's much more of an argument to be made here. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Mesh Shading mean that games will not only look better but will also run better. As well as this, Dynamic Caching ensures that everything else just runs a little smoother. 

In raw figures, these design upgrades, plus the M3 Chip's 3nm process, make the GPU and CPU both run 20% faster. This change will feel incremental when moving from an M2 device but will be more noticeable if you have an M1 chip or earlier. 

If you have an Intel chip, the benefits Silicon chips have on Macs are undeniable and a perfect reason to finally make that upgrade. 

Forgoing the cost of Apple’s most expensive iPhones doesn’t mean you have to make do with a sub-standard alternative. That’s because the company’s consumer-facing iPhones – the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus – are absolutely packed with quality that belies their lower prices.

The question is, which one is right for you? The key difference here is the size, with the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 squaring up alongside the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. But there’s more to it than that, and making the right choice can help you avoid a bad case of buyer’s remorse.

That’s where our guide comes in. We’ve analysed both iPhones to help you decide which one is right for you, whatever your circumstances. By the end, you should be ready to pull the trigger on your brand-new iPhone.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Features and specs

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus may both be aimed squarely at entry-level Apple consumers, but there are still plenty of ways to pick them apart. We’ve laid out the main similarities and differences in the table below to help you pick between the two devices.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: What’s new?

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are fairly alike (aside from the display size, of course). That means they’ve both received a slate of similar updates.

Perhaps the most significant change has come to the camera system. Both phones are now capable of shooting 48MP photos, something that was previously reserved for Apple’s Pro handsets. There’s also 2x zoom for the first time, as well as next-generation Portrait mode and an upgrade to Smart HDR 5.

The Lightning port has been replaced by a USB-C slot, while the edges of the chassis have been smoothed for a better feel in the hand. On the inside is the A16 Bionic chip that was found in last year’s iPhone 14 Pro phones. It’s still one of the best chips you can get in any smartphone (more on that below).

Finally, the display on both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus has been tweaked and improved. Both phones now get the Dynamic Island, while their maximum brightness has ramped up from 1,200 nits to 2,000 nits.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Processor and memory

As we mentioned above, both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus are now outfitted with Apple’s A16 Bionic chip. This comes with a six-core CPU, a five-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. At the time this chip launched, Apple said its GPU offered 50% more memory bandwidth than its predecessor, while the company also claimed the CPU was 40% faster than the competition. Against this year’s phones, it’s still a phenomenal chip.

As for memory, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come with 6GB of RAM. That’s a little less than the 8GB found in the Pro models, but still more than enough to handle almost anything you’ll be looking to do.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Colour choice

Both devices have a range of colour choices, with five options to pick from: Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green and Black. This year Apple says the back glass itself is infused with colour, whereas in past years this was not the case.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Battery life

Apple gives a few different figures for the battery life of these phones, and the numbers differ depending on what you want to do. According to Apple, the iPhone 15 will give you 20 hours of video playback, 16 hours of streaming and up to 80 hours of audio.

The iPhone 15 Plus lasts a bit longer thanks to the larger battery Apple can fit into its heftier chassis. It gets 26 hours of video playback, 20 hours of streaming and 100 hours of audio, as per Apple’s numbers.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Which should you buy?

On the surface, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus might appear pretty different thanks to their obvious size disparities. But look a little closer and you’ll notice they’re more similar than you’d first think.

Both have received a raft of parallel upgrades to their cameras, chips, ports and more. You can expect 48MP photos, 4K video recording, up to 512GB of storage and a beautiful OLED display whichever model you pick.

That means your choice comes down to a handful of key factors. These two phones diverge in a couple of key ways: size, price and battery life. How much you value each of those aspects will likely determine which model you pick.

If you regularly use your phone to watch movies or play games, you’ll love the larger display on the iPhone 15 Plus. The extra screen space is perfect for immersing yourself more fully in the action, and the extra battery life certainly helps there too.

On the other hand, the iPhone 15 hardly misses out on anything that its larger sibling has, and its lower price makes it a more palatable purchase too. If you’re not fussed about the larger display (or feel it would be too bulky for your hands anyway), the iPhone 15 will be a great choice.

The iPhone 15 range is upon us, with four new devices for phone fans to take in. From the entry-level iPhone 15 to the flagship iPhone 15 Pro Max, there are tons of differences and similarities along the way.

Speaking of those two models, understanding where they differ can help you understand which one is worth your cash. Is the iPhone 15 the perfect balance of price and features? Or should you opt for the high-end extras that come with the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

That’s what this guide aims to help you decide. We’ve put the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max head to head, comparing all their key pros, cons and features to see which one will suit you best. If you’ve been wondering which to buy, read on.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Features and specs

Given the differences in both size and cost, there are a lot of points to compare between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. We’ve put all the main divergences in the table below, giving you a quick and easy way to see what’s what.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: What’s new?

For starters, the iPhone 15 has seen its display get a sizeable boost. It now has the Dynamic Island instead of the notch, giving you more functionality on the front of the display. The screen can also now get even brighter than before, topping out at 2,000 nits versus the 1,200-nit maximum of the iPhone 14.

Compared to last year’s models, both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max have added a lot of new features. Here’s the rundown of all the new additions you need to know about.

Camera

Both new iPhone models have received updates to their cameras, and both are fairly significant. For the iPhone 15, it now gets the ability to take 48MP pictures using its Main camera – just like on the Pro models – for the first time. You can also now zoom in up to 2x using its optical zoom feature. As for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it can now zoom in all the way up to 5x.

As well as that, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has gained a few advanced video-recording features, such as compatibility with the Academy Color Encoding System and Log video recording. You can even record straight to external storage.

Chassis

On the outside, both phones have swapped out the Lightning port and replaced it with a USB-C slot. There’s a difference, though: the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 Pro Max can hit speeds of up to 10Gbps (but you’ll need a compatible cable), while the iPhone 15’s port tops out at 480Mbps.

While the iPhone 15 retains the aluminium frame of its predecessors, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has an all-new titanium chassis. This helps make it more lightweight, while adding a new look to the device.

The larger iPhone also replaces the mute enable/disable switch with an Action button, like the one found on the Apple Watch Ultra. This can be programmed to perform one of a number of tasks, including launching the camera or a Shortcut, starting a voice memo, or enabling and disabling the mute function.

New chip and display

Both iPhones get an updated chip. While the iPhone 15 has stepped up from the A15 Bionic to the A16 Bionic, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a new A17 Pro chip. Apple says both result in much nippier devices (more on that later).

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Processor and memory

As we mentioned earlier, there are different chips inside both of these phones compared to what came before. Starting with the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15, Apple says its performance cores use 20% less energy than its A15 Bionic predecessor, while the chip’s GPU has 50% more memory bandwidth. It's essentially the chip the iPhone 14 Pro had last year.

As for the A17 Pro inside the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple claims its CPU is up to 10% faster than the one in the A16 Bionic, with the GPU being 20% speedier.

Apple never publicly publishes the memory capacities inside its phones, but this information can be ascertained from regulatory filings and internal code. Investigators have apparently revealed that the iPhone 15 has 6GB of memory (the same as the iPhone 14), while the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with 8GB, which is an increase of 2GB over last year’s model.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Colour choice

Starting with the iPhone 15, this comes in five shades of aluminium: Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green and Black. As for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, its titanium frame can be outfitted in one of four different colours: Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium and Black Titanium.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Battery life

In some scenarios, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the longest battery life of any iPhone. Apple says you’ll get up to 29 hours of video playback and up to 95 hours of audio. The former bests the iPhone 15 Plus’s 26 hours, but the latter falls just behind the 100 hours the 15 Plus can hit.

With the iPhone 15, Apple’s materials point to 20 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio (the same as the iPhone 14).

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which should you buy?

Given the $400/£400 price difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it’s safe to say that these are very different devices. Choosing between them requires knowing what you want from a phone and how much you’re willing to spend on one.

The iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 14. You now get a much better camera system that can produce higher-resolution photos, an improved display with the Dynamic Island, and a more performant chip – as well as the introduction of USB-C. At $799/£799, you get an awful lot of phone for your money.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, meanwhile, takes Apple’s best features and pushes them further. It’s a smaller update over its predecessor, but still worthwhile if you want the best iPhone you can get. Its chip has been improved, as has its camera, while the new titanium chassis and Action button bring a new look and functionality to the device.

If you’re after a feature-rich iPhone that is stacked with upgrades, go for the iPhone 15. If you want a large display to watch movies and play games, or need the best photo and video system you can get in an Apple phone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be ideal. It may even be the best iPhone of them all.

Apple has launched the new iPhone 15 range, and there are plenty of new models to choose from. But if you’re looking to spend between $900/£900 and $1,000/£1,000, it really comes down to two main options: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Plus.

While the former is in Apple’s high-end range, the latter is more of an entry-level model, yet its larger size pushes its price up. There are a lot of points of comparison – sometimes the two phones differ significantly, other times they are very much alike. Understanding where these differences lie can help you decide which device to purchase.

That’s what we aim to do with this buying guide. By the end of it, you should have a clearer idea of which iPhone model is right for you.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus: Features and specs

Not sure where these two iPhones differ and where they’re the same? There are plenty of points of comparison, and keeping track of them can be tricky. Not to worry though, as we’ve summarised all the key points in the table below. It should help you see which model you need at a glance.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus: What’s new?

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Plus come with a bunch of new features compared to the iPhone 14 series, while the former has a few new things that the latter misses out on.

Chassis and Action button

While the iPhone 15 Plus looks fairly similar to last year’s model from the outside, some of the biggest changes to the iPhone 15 Pro are to be found externally. The Pro model now has a titanium frame versus the stainless steel in the iPhone 14 Pro, and Apple says this new material is both durable and lightweight. The company also highlights its heat dissipation abilities, as well as the new contoured edges on the titanium models.

On the Pro, Apple has also added a new Action button, which replaces the mute/unmute toggle. Much like the equivalent on the Apple Watch Ultra, this is a programmable button that lets you assign one of various different functions to it. By default it’s set to mute or unmute, but you can change it to launch the camera, start a voice memo, activate a shortcut, and much more.

USB-C

At the bottom of the chassis are other changes. Gone is the Lightning port, replaced by USB-C on both the Pro and Plus models. There’s a key difference here though – the iPhone 15 Pro’s USB-C port is USB 3 certified and can reach speeds of up to 10Gbps. On the Plus, the port is USB 2 and is limited to 480Mbps transfer speeds. Note that you’ll need a compatible USB 3 cable to hit the Pro’s 10Gbps target.

Camera

As with last year’s phones, the iPhone 15 Pro has three lenses while the iPhone 15 Plus sticks with two. There are plenty of new features here, though.

One of the niftiest additions is the ability to add Portrait mode depth to photos even if you weren’t using Portrait mode at the time you took them. In other words, you can enable Portrait mode after the fact. That’s available for both iPhone models compared here.

Both devices also add Smart HDR 5 versus the Smart HDR 4 found in last year’s versions, while the iPhone 15 Plus gets a 48MP main camera lens to match that on the iPhone 15 Pro – a huge step up from the Plus’s previous 12MP shooter.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus: Processor and memory

On the inside, there are changes afoot to the chip that powers these iPhones, with the iPhone 15 Pro getting a new A17 Pro chip. Compared to the A16 Bionic, Apple says it offers 10% faster CPU performance, 20% faster GPU performance, and double the performance for the Neural Engine.

The iPhone 15 Plus steps up to last year’s A16 Bionic chip. It’s not quite as zippy as the A17 Pro, but it’s still miles ahead of the Android competition, as well as being a welcome upgrade over the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 14 Plus.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus: Color choice

The iPhone 15 Pro comes in four colour options: Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium and Black Titanium. The iPhone 15 Plus, meanwhile, has five colour choices: Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green and Black.

Note that the different materials used for the edges of each model produce slightly different looks from each other. There’s another thing to note with the iPhone 15 Pro – its titanium edges are much less glossy than those found on the iPhone 14 Pro’s stainless steel borders.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus: Battery life

Apple hasn’t increased the battery life of either model this year, which was slightly disappointing to see. Interestingly, the actual capacities of these devices’ batteries have been raised, although not by much. According to regulatory filings, the iPhone 15 Pro has a 3,274mAh battery compared to 3,200mAh in the iPhone 14 Pro, while the iPhone 15 Plus has increased from 4,325mAh to 4,383mAh versus last year’s version.

In practice, Apple says you’ll get 23 hours of video playback and 75 hours of audio on a single charge with the iPhone 15 Pro. With the iPhone 15 Plus, it’s 26 hours of video and 100 hours of audio. That’s the same as last year in both cases.

Fast charging is present in both models. With a 20W charger, Apple says the iPhone 15 Pro charges to 50% in 30 minutes. It takes 35 minutes for the iPhone 15 Plus to reach the same amount, Apple says.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus: Which should you buy?

With prices only $100/£100 apart for these models, there’s not a huge gulf in cost, so deciding between them comes down to more than just the financial outlay. Really, it depends on whether you want a large phone or not.

There’s no doubt that movies and games look superb on the iPhone 15 Plus’s 6.7-inch OLED display. If that’s primarily what you’ll be using your iPhone for – or you just feel that the iPhone 15 Pro is a bit too small for your taste – then the iPhone 15 Plus should be a good fit.

There are still plenty of great reasons to get the iPhone 15 Pro, though. From its titanium frame and faster USB-C port to its third camera lens and more performant chip, it’s the flagship iPhone that packs in (almost) all of Apple’s best features. Only the $1,199/£1,199 iPhone 15 Pro Max offers more, and even then it’s a close-run thing.

So it essentially comes down to this: do you want a larger phone or more high-end features? Get to the bottom of that and you’ll know which iPhone is best for you.

Another year, another suite of high-end Apple smartphones – but if you’re trying to choose between one of the larger iPhone 15 models, you may be a little unsure of which to get. 

Both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature an expanded 6.7-inch screen, compared to the 6.1-inch display found on the base model, but there are many key differences under the hood that you should know about before making your purchase – from refresh rate, storage, and chipset to the complexity of the built-in camera.

For the full rundown, read on for our iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus comparison below.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus: Features and specs

With the iPhone 15 models now fully unveiled, we have all the specification info we need to compare them thoroughly – the main differences being that the iPhone Pro Max features more developed zoom capability, a LiDAR Scanner to improve distance measuring in photography and AR, a newer A17 Pro chipset, and a slight boost to predicted battery life when playing video. 

The Pro Max also offers a range of 256GB-1TB onboard storage, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus offers from 128GB to 512GB – though when it comes to iOS 17, the 48MP camera, IP68 water resistance, and the USB-C port now common to all new iPhones, both models are on a par across a lot of metrics.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus: What's new? 

This year's iteration of the iPhone packs in a host of new tweaks and features, offering some clear upgrades over last year's iPhone 14 – and in some cases flattening some prior distinctions between the base iPhone and higher-end 'Pro' models.

48MP camera parity

While a 48MP rear camera was once the reserve of the iPhone 14 Pro models, that high-detail specification has now become standard across every iPhone 15 – meaning the Plus and Pro Max are equal on this front, though there's a little variation on aperture between lens on either device. 

The Pro Max model gets the most upgrades, mind, with improvements to Smart HDR and Night Mode (thanks to a built-in LiDAR Scanner you won't get on the Plus), faster transfer speeds for video/photo files, and "an all-new 5x Telephoto camera exclusively on iPhone 15 Pro Max". That 5x zoom is a step above the maximum 2x zoom on the iPhone 15 Plus, so expect more effective zooming and long-range detail on the more expensive model – Apple calls it "the longest optical zoom ever on iPhone".

Titanium smartphones

For the first time ever, Apple has released a range of titanium iPhones, using a precious alloy that Apple gleefully informs us is "the same used in spacecraft" and has "one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal". This only applies to the Pro models but ensures that the Pro Max is surprisingly light for a higher-end iPhone. (The iPhone 15 Plus makes do with the usual aluminum.)

Dynamic Island

Every new iPhone 15 features the Dynamic Island, which debuted on last year's iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max and refers to the black pill shape at the top of your iPhone display, which changes length and size in response to certain notifications, such as incoming calls, battery alerts, Apple Pay confirmations and more.

USB-C for all

Apple has succumbed to an EU court order and finally implemented USB-C connections in all of its new smartphones – ensuring that it's easier to use common charging cables across both your iPhone and other Apple devices (and some non-Apple devices too).

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 15 Plus: Processor and RAM

The iPhone Pro and Pro Max both benefit from a brand-new processor, called the A17 Pro, featuring a 16-core Neural Engine that can perform up to 35 trillion operations per second, and a 6-core GPU that should enable better mobile gaming performance and even hardware-based ray tracing (for more realistic depictions of light, shadow, and reflection). 

The older A16 Bionic (in the iPhone 15 Plus, and last year's Pro models) won't be quite as fast, or optimised for gaming – its successor is meant to see a 10% CPU performance increase, and 20% GPU performance increase – but as a relatively recent chipset it should still offer a premium experience overall.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 15 Plus: Color choice

The base and Pro iPhone models offer quite distinct colorways and build materials – so you can certainly tell the difference in sight and feel.

The iPhone 15 Plus uses primarily an aluminium and glass construction and comes in Black, Blue (light), Green, Yellow, and Pink color options. Black aside, these colors are broadly bright, pastel hues.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in slightly more subdued colors befitting its titanium and glass construction: Black, White, Blue (navy), and a khaki-like 'Natural'. An interesting thing to note: these are reportedly the lightest Pro models ever, meaning they shouldn't weigh down your pockets quite as much.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 15 Plus: Battery life

Apple helpfully provides average battery life predictions for its smartphones, so we have a good sense of how these models compare to each other. The iPhone 15 Plus sports 26-hour video playback, 20 hours if you're streaming, and 100 hours for less-intensive audio playback.

For the iPhone Pro Max, that jumps to 29 hours of video playback, 25 hours if you're streaming, and 95 hours of audio playback – generally comparable, but you should get a little more juice out of the higher-end model on the whole. It's worth noting that the Plus' battery life estimates beat both the base iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro, though. 

Perhaps more interestingly, real-world testing has revealed that it's actually the iPhone 15 Plus that has the advantage in battery life. This is because it has the same larger size as the Pro without its power-hungry features. In a real-life test by Mrwhosetheboss, the iPhone 15 Plus was good for 13 hours and 19 minutes of scrolling and other daily activities, 1 hour 40 minutes more than the Pro Max. 

Both models are compatible with MagSafe wireless charging, Qi wireless charging, and fast-charge functionality to get up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 15 Plus: Which should you buy? 

So, between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which is right for you?

Both of these models sport a 6.7-inch display, so in either case, you're getting the large screen option – irritating for a tight jean pocket, but great for a more cinematic smartphone experience.

The main thing to consider here is the price: the iPhone 15 Plus retails at $899, whereas the 15 Pro Max will set you back a hefty $1,199. In general, that's enough of a price difference that your intended budget will likely make the decision for you.

If you're still uncertain, though, here's what's important. If you're mainly looking for a new iPhone with a larger screen, the 15 Plus will have you sorted – though anyone wanting a more advanced camera experience, a higher refresh rate, or a faster A17 Pro processor (particularly for improved gaming visuals) will want to pick the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead.

The latter's Action button, which allows for a medley of different available shortcuts in a single switch, is also a hugely convenient feature for those who aren't satisfied with the iPhone 15 Plus' simpler 'mute' option. And as ever, the pricier phone looks fancier, and feels fancier (thanks, titanium!), so that may factor into your decision too.

Though the Watch Ultra 2 is an excellent watch, it doesn’t have any huge features the previous watch doesn’t have. Instead, it focuses on incremental changes - giving users a slightly better experience. If you were to put it on, the two are almost indistinguishable but the Ultra 2 has some features that will make the next ultra much better as a result. 

It looks identical to the Ultra but has a better chip, a brighter screen, and some really interesting Siri support. If you already have the first Ultra, you may not notice the difference but, upgrading from a Series watch or nothing, you will be getting the very best smartwatch available on the market. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Specs

Here are all the specs for the two watches

The two watches are very similar but the first difference you may notice is the new S9 SiP chip, which is a bit smarter and more powerful. This comes with a 4-core Neural Engine, allowing the watch to process machine learning tasks on the go. This new chip allows for on-device Siri that can use basic functions without your phone, as well as precision finding — meaning you can find your iPhone with your watch using accurate real-time data. It also has better storage at double the capacity which is a neat but small upgrade. 

Designed to replace the original Ultra watch, one thing a spec sheet can’t fully account for is the battery life. Though both watches share the same battery life, as batteries age and go through charge cycles, they tend to lose their efficiency. A new Ultra 2 will last a good bit longer than the standard Ultra purely because it’s newer and the first Ultra is a year old now. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Features

Here are the new features in the Apple Watch Ultra 2

Improved Find My

The new chip has improved Find My functions, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where your devices are. It gives you a small notification with the direction and range of your iPhone. If you have a habit of forgetting where you have placed your phone, this watch can give you exact directions to get it.

On-device Siri

Used for small activities like setting timers and activating workout mode, you can now use Siri directly on your watch. Previously, it couldn’t activate without being connected to your phone but the S9 SiP makes your phone just a little more effective in those circumstances

Double Tap controls

If you have ever found yourself with just one hand struggling to navigate your watch, the brand-new Double Tap controls leverage that smart chip to allow you to use your watch with simple gestures. You can tap your thumb and forefinger together to click on certain buttons or activate some apps. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Sensors

The sensors in the Ultra 2 are identical to the first Ultra watch. Both have a heart rate monitor, ECG, temperature sensors, Blood Oxygen sensors, Accelerometer, Gyrometer, and depth gauge. 

These will function a little better than previous watches due to upgraded specs but there is nothing new this time around. This means that, if you have the Ultra, there is no reason to upgrade when just looking at the sensors. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Processor

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an impressive S9 SiP chip. System in Package chips, or SiP chips for short, are a processor, storage, and RAM all in one as it is a very smart way of stacking integrated circuits. This allows Apple to ram more power into a smaller frame. The watch can get more powerful without having to get bigger. 

It is a 64-bit dual-core processor, like the first Apple Watch Ultra, but the new Ultrawide gen 2 chip adds those Find My upgrades and it features double the storage capacity of the previous model at 64GB. 

The S9 SiP has a 30% faster GPU and the 4-core neural engine is twice as fast as the original Ultra. The processor is one of the biggest upgrades between the Ultra and Ultra 2 with some real difference on paper. In everyday use though, you may not notice just how much stronger it really is. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Display

Both the Watch Ultra and Watch Ultra 2 have an OLED display and only come in 49m. They have the same dimensions and look identical from a distance. However, there are some upgrades to the display that come in the form of brightness

Whereas the first Watch Ultra has a peak brightness of 2000 nits, the Watch Ultra 3 can go all the way up to 3000 nits. This makes it better on those particularly bright days — something that compliments the very active lifestyle of many Ultra users. Despite this, the Ultra 2 appears to have the same basic battery life. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Colors

There are no new colors this year, with both Ultra watches coming with a Titanium finish. While you can customize straps, you cannot customize the color of the frame itself. There were rumors earlier this year that a black Ultra Watch would launch but this didn’t happen.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Strap options

From the official Apple shop, the strap options available have not changed at all with the options being: Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band. The Alpine Loop is a polyester rugged band with ridges that originally came in Starlight, Orange, Abyss Blue, and Green but the Ultra 2 Alpine Loop is currently available in Blue, Indigo, and Orange. 

The Trail Loop, on the other hand, is a very light stretchy strap that originally came in Blue/Gray, Black/Gray, and Yellow/Beige. You can now only get the Ultra 2 in Green/Grey, Blue/Black, and Orange/Beige

Lastly, the ocean Band is designed to be used in water so has a tubular design. The Ultra Ocean Band came in Black, White, and Yellow, whereas the Ultra 2 Ocean Band is available in Blue, White, and Orange. If you pick up the bigger Series straps, they are also compatible with the Ultra line.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: should you upgrade?

If you already have an Apple Watch Ultra, there isn’t much of a reason to upgrade. Though the spec differences are certainly welcome, they don’t feel nearly powerful enough to throw down another $799 to get them. The Ultra 2 is, however, a superb upgrade over the Series line so, if you are looking for a reason to get a more lavish watch and feel like you will get the most out of its more durable frame, this is a great upgrade choice. 

If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, the added Find My functions are pretty great and will work nicely into the ecosystem. As well as this, that processor will make you a little bit more future-proofed but the first Watch Ultra still performs excellently today as it’s only one year old. 

If you don’t yet own a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, with good battery life and a huge selection of unique features, is an excellent place to start. 

Over the past few years, many of the flagship Apple Watches have gone for small but positive changes rather than a big move that changes up the future of the device. Apple Watch Updates instead tend to be more incremental, building on the device each year.

However, the Watch Series 9 does have a few upgrades worth talking about, from a better chip to a smart temperature sensor. You will notice the difference if you put down the extra cash for it. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Specs

On paper, there are some pretty impressive spec improvements for the Apple Watch Series 9.

Though many of the specs remain the same, you will notice the new S9 SiP 9 (System in Package), essentially the central chip responsible for the watch. This helps with the brand-new watch control mode, double tap, allowing you to execute certain actions with just your finger and thumb. It also allows it to measure temperature and, when in direct sunlight, the display will shine much brighter. 

One thing that a spec sheet can’t fully track is how devices age. With the Series 7 being two years old now, its battery will perform worse than it did at launch (unless you buy it new)). Batteries degrade with time so this is to be expected of older watches. The Series 9 will have a better battery regardless of specs. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Features

Here are some new features on the Series 9 that aren’t built into the Series 7:

Temperature sensor

Coming with the ability to measure your temperature, the Apple Watch Series 9 will automatically take a measurement every night to get a baseline, where it will then indicate if your temperature is higher or lower than usual. This is a great way to track illness and menstrual cycles, as well as get a better read on your overall health. 

On-device Siri

Where the Series 7 cannot use Siri without access to your phone, the Apple Watch Series 9 can answer basic commands on-device without the need for an iPhone or data. This is good for shortcuts and ease of use, and it's all thanks to that impressive new chip and its neural upgrades.

Improved Find My

The Gen 2 Ultrawide band chip comes with the added advantage of much better Find My capabilities, with specific directions and sounds to point you to the precise location of your Apple devices.

Crash Detection

If you ever find yourself unlucky enough to be in a crash, the Series 9 can detect it and immediately call emergency services — a potentially life-saving extra.

Double Tap control

One of the central selling points in the Apple Event, Double Tap control allows you to use some Apple Watch functions without ever actually touching it. Though there is a similar function in the accessibility options in the Series 7, it isn’t quite this powerful or intuitive. This can be super useful when your hands are full and for accessibility purposes. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Sensors

As well as the temperature sensor and high-g accelerometer, the Apple Watch Series 9 has a more accurate heart rate sensor. All previous sensors have also been improved. 

This is partially because the suite of sensors in the Apple Watch line is already very impressive, making it the perfect fitness companion for those who like to run, swim, or cycle. You can pick up Apple Fitness Plus to get even more out of it. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Processor

The brand new S9 SiP powers the Apple Watch Series 9 and it’s an impressive bit of tech. SiP technology uses many integrated circuits inside a single chip package, allowing it to more efficiently stack its internals. The SiP is essentially a processor, storage, and RAM all in one. The way they are stacked together allows for a smaller watch with a better chip. 

Like the S7 featured in the Watch Series 7, it is still a 64-bit dual-core processor but it has double the storage at 64GB and benefits from the power of the Ultrawide band gen 2 chip. 

The S9 chip has 60% more transistors than the S7 and is reported to be 30% faster - a much bigger speed bump than the Series 7 to Series 8. It also has a 4 core neural engine, allowing it to use machine learning and AI functions on the go. This improves everything from the heart rate detection algorithms to the use of Siri. This is a noticeable upgrade that will affect almost every action you take with faster responses and more accurate data. It will also ensure your watch is futureproofed for watchOS updates beyond watchOS 10. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Display

Both Apple watches have an OLED display and are available in both 41mm and 45mm. Though the size has not had a refresh of any kind, one of the biggest differences this year is in the potential brightness of the display. 

The brand new Series 9 display can go all the way up to 2000 nits on a particularly sunny day. This means it is much easier to read when it's bright and allows the flashlight function to work much better. As well as this, it can go all the way down to 1 nit at night, allowing you to better conserve battery. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: colors

One of the most notable color changes this year is the introduction of a Pink Series 9 in Aluminium. As well as this, it is available in Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED. The Series 7 has all of these colors except for the Pink and also offers a Blue and Green model. 

As far as the Stainless Steel option is concerned, the Watch Series 9 comes in Gold, Silver, and Graphite. The stainless steel Series 7 offered the same colors as well.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Strap options

With the Apple Watch Series 9, you can use all previous watch straps given they are the right size. Bands designed for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases are all compatible with each other, and all bands that are 42mm, 44mm, or 45mm work together.

There are a handful of brand-new styles to accompany the launch of the Series 9. The recent Apple Event had a focus on environmentally friendly design and the new watch strap choices are part of this. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the company's first carbon-neutral device. In service of this, all leather straps are gone, with textile, rubber, and FineWoven straps taking the spotlight. This is a brand-new material made from 68% recycled materials, essentially made to replace leather.

You can still pick up second-hand leather straps and leather straps from third-party sellers but there’s no official way of doing so from the Apple website.

For the Apple Watch Series 7, you could get the traditional Sport Loop, as well as the Braided Solo, Solo Loop, and Alpine Loop. These come in medium and large sizes, depending on your wrist size and watch choice.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: should you upgrade?

If you have the cash and find yourself asking this question, the answer is likely yes, you should upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9. You are getting two years' worth of upgrades in one swoop and this means you have a faster chip, better brightness settings, and a handful of great new sensors. 

You’re also likely finding that your Apple Watch Series 7 is starting to show its age as it comes to the end of its two-year contract if you bought it from a carrier. The battery will have suffered two years' worth of nightly charging cycles, and its internals likely won’t feel quite as spritely as you might like. Upgrading to Series 9 is going to feel like a big jump to you — while it may look very similar, the changes under the hood make it a very different watch to use.  

If you are looking to finally pick up your first Apple Watch, the Series 9 is a pretty great place to start. It has plenty of fancy features and the new Pink color looks very nice. In an effort to be a little more future-proofed with the great chip and Neural engine, it may be worth the investment. You might, however, want to think about looking for a reduced Series 8 — That is a slightly newer watch than the Series 7, and if you want to replace your aging watch then it's a great way to save money. You’d best be quick with this option, however, as new examples are running out as the Series 9 replaces them on shelves.

If you can get a Series 7 refurbished or second-hand, it may be worth considering but buying the Series 9 new comes with the added benefit of Apple care and support. Buying second-hand also comes with the worry of your device not lasting quite as long. The Series 9 is a better watch and that price tag shows it. 

The iPhone 15 has arrived to some fanfare, with some big updates arriving during Apple’s most recent Wonderlust event. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, is rounding the bend to its third birthday, and that means that those with slightly longer three-year contracts are getting those ‘time to upgrade!’ messages from their carriers.

If you are one of these people, then you are likely already thinking about getting yourself an iPhone 15 — or, you’re wondering what upgrading to the latest handset will bring to the table that makes it that much better than your old one. Well, with features like Dynamic Island, USB-C, and a brand-new 48MP camera, you can expect some massive upgrades over the phone in your pocket. It’s also the same price that you’ll have paid for your iPhone 12 on launch, and with a trade-in, it might even be free — feels like a no-brainer to us.

Here is the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 12 put up against one another so that you can make the final decision.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Specs

While there are a couple of similarities between the two models like OLED screen size and chassis width, thickness, and weight, for the most part, the specs of the iPhone have been completely refreshed in the new iPhone 15. The new features and specs announced at the most recent event make for some truly impressive reading, and it only justifies an upgrades from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 15 even more.

As we can tell from the spec list above, the iPhone 15 is a cut above the iPhone 12 in more ways than one. The A16 Bionic chip under the hood is the same as the iPhone 14 Pro’s, making it a whole lot more powerful than the iPhone 12 and its A14 Bionic chip. Then there’s that monster of a 48MP camera at the back, quadrupling the megapixels that you would’ve found on the slightly older iPhone — you won’t even be able to compare the pictures without cringing.

There are more extra features to bring you across as well, like the 2000 nits peak brightness display, and a vastly improved front camera. On top of that, it’s a brand-new phone, so while the battery life might not be improved on paper, it's not suffered three years' worth of battery rotations that will have likely tanked its prognosis. If you’re coming from an iPhone 12 contract, you’ll soon notice the difference.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: What’s new

There is a whole three years between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 12, so you’d expect some new stuff to have come along the way in the generations that filled the gap. The iPhone 15 has taken most of the improvements of these generations, and then added it’s own as well — when you pluck the iPhone 15 out of its box, these are going to be the features that are new to you.

Dynamic Island

Coming fresh off the iPhone 14 Pro, Dynamic Island gets rid of that horrible notch at the top of your screen, replacing it with a camera hiding a black digital pill. The contents of that pill change depending on what’s going on in the background — you can use it to check what music is streaming over AirPlay for example, or see tracking details for a takeaway order on UberEats. 

It’s a well-implemented alternative to the standard screen notch that covers the tops of iPhones of old, and you’ll soon notice it if you jump over from the very much-enotched iPhone 12.

Camera

This is going to seem like a massive jump if you’re coming from the iPhone 12 — there’s a new 48MP camera on the iPhone 15 which will really up the photo quality from the iPhone 12 that’s in your pocket. When you look at the raw numbers, that’s quadruple the megapixels from your old phone, and the differences will be very noticeable.

There are also some new features coming to the portrait mode, which use machine learning to do some really clever stuff. First off, portrait mode can now detect multiple subjects in frame, and then you can select which one to apply the bokeh effect to. You cando this to a photo after it’s been taken — even if it wasn’t initially a portrait mode photo, which is cool. Place the two cameras side by side and you’re going to notice a massive difference in photo quality.

USB-C

On the bottom of the iPhone 15 is the biggest change to the outside of the iPhone — the inclusion of a USB-C port. Gone is the Lightning port of old, and in with the industry standard oval of dreams. That means you’ll be able to use a wider range of devices with the iPhone 15, including external displays and external DACs for Apple Music Lossless. You won’t even need a new wall adapter, as the USB-C port on the other end will plug straight in.

Alas, some of the USB-C features of the Pro models aren’t coming over to the 15, like faster charging and quicker data transfer, but it does mean you’ll only need one cable for your iPad, MacBook, and new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C — unless you’ve got an old pair of AirPods. Old iPhone accessories will need updating too, as they’ll all be for the Lightning standard. Think games controllers like the BackBone One, and numerous docks that you might have. It will have it’s teething issues for users, but overall it is a net good.

Battery packs and other accessories will be fine, however — as long as there’s a USB port you can plug into, there won’t be any issues.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Processor

The iPhone 12 had, at its time, a very solid processor at its core in the shape of the A14 Bionic. Now, however, the game has very much been changed with the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15. As said up top, that’s the same chip that shipped in the iPhone 14 Pro, a very powerful phone indeed, so you know you’re going to get something slick and snappy.

That A16 should also bring better battery life with increased efficiency, as well as being better for some light gaming. If your iPhone 12 isn’t feeling quite as powerful as it used to, then the iPhone 15 is the way to go.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Colors

The new colors for iPhone this year really shake things up, with some very fetching pastel shades. 2023’s color lineup consists of Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink, and each one is a lighter, classier shade than the colors we might have seen before. There are some notable absences — PRODUCT(RED) for one, which is a massive shame.

The iPhone 12 came in some slightly different, more saturated colors, including Blue, White, Black, Green, and PRODUCT(RED). They were more vivid colors, perhaps, but this year’s make the iPhone look more refined and subtle to go with its more curvaceous frame.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Battery life

iPhone battery life is always a tricky one to guage, given that Apple very rarely talks exact numbers about its battery life figures. The most we get is something along the lines of ‘All Day Battery Life’ which, given that most people’s definition of ‘all day’ means something a little different, is tricky to quantify. What we can say, however, is that the battery life in brand new iPhone 15 is going to be far better than the battery life of the iPhone in your pocket that at this point has gone through three years of battery cycles.

Battery life on the iPhone 12 on launch was fine, if not good, and it’s likely that the iPhone 15 will be much the same. When numbers did come around for the iPhone 12, it was around 20 hours while watching video — although it was likely slightly less than this in actual use. The iPhone 15 is most likely going to match the stats, but we won’t know for some time.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: Should you upgrade?

Now that we have a better idea of what all the different iPhones look like, we can make a more informed decision as to what you should do with your aging iPhone 12. It goes without saying that the iPhone 15 is the better phone of the two, with a massive bump in specs, and most notably, camera megapixels.

The iPhone 15 has loads of extra features too, from the Dynamic Island that now sits at the top of the screen, to a new sleeker chassis. Dynamic Island is particularly good because it not only gets rid of the unsightly notch at the top of the display, but also because it adds a new, interactive portion to the top of the screen. You can track takeaway deliveries, check what music is playing and where, and even watch timers tick down — all whilst doing something else.

The USB-C port is also a big upgrade, although you won’t get some of the benefits like the Pro models get. It does trim down the cables you need to take on a trip, and if you get a pair of the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, you’ll be able to use your iPhone’s battery to charge them up.

The interesting part is that upgrading, especially if you’re coming from an iPhone 12, is the price. You’d expect that a massively upgraded iPhone would come at a higher price than you paid three years ago for your now outdated iPhone, but that’s not the case. Instead, you’ll find that the iPhone 15 costs $799, the same price that you’ll have paid for your 12.

Combine that with the fact that you’ll be able to upgrade with trade-in and save, if your phone is in good condition then you could get the phone for free with selected carriers. Upgrading doesn’t just make sense from a specs point of view, but a monetary one too.

The iPhone 15 will ship out to those who preordered on September 22, and you can still preorder an iPhone 15. You will find that your shipping date will be slightly different, however, as launch stock seems to have completely evaporated since preorders went live.

The iPhone event has come and gone now, and we have a much better idea of what the latest handsets from Apple are going to look like. The most exciting iPhones are the Pro and the Pro Max — two extremely powerful phones packed with features and new finishes that look to draw you away from the iPhone that’s already in your pocket.

Will they succeed? Most likely; When you compare the older iPhone with the brand-new models, it’s almost ridiculous how improved the iPhone 15 Pro is. With the Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, and the USB-C port on the bottom, the iPhone 15 Pro is really a no-brainer when it comes to an upgrade — especially when you consider that if your phone is in good shape, then you can trade it in and end up paying little to nothing for the new iPhone.

Of course, you’ll want to know about all the bits inside before you make any kind of decision as to whether it’s an iPhone that you want to grab for yourself. This is the iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro — and whether you should upgrade to the latest iPhone.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Specs

One of the best ways to stack the iPhone 15 Pro against the iPhone 13 Pro is to compare their specs. This year has brought some big boosts to the iPhone line, mostly in terms of the 3nm produced A17 Pro chip that now powers everything in the background. The new 3nm process means that Apple has been able to make a more powerful chip in the same space as an old one, with massive shrunk-down components and structures.

You don’t need to look closely at the spec sheet to see that the iPhone 13 Pro is completely outclassed by the iPhone 15 Pro. There’s way more power on tap than you’d find on the iPhone 13 Pro, the camera is far superior, and the USB-C port on the bottom really brings the phone up to modern speed.

You might expect that you have to pay a great deal more for all these spec bumps and extra power — but you don’t. The iPhone 15 Pro launches at $999, the same price as last year's iPhone 14 Pro. Also, given that Apple has plastered the deal all over the iPhone product page, it looks like there’s a chance that you’ll be able to potentially grab an iPhone for free, with up to $1000 off when you trade in an old device at a bunch of different carriers. That will depend on the cosmetic quality and whether it works or not, but you could stand to save lots of money.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: What’s new

There's some wicked new features on the iPhone 15 Pro over the iPhone 13 Pro — some of which you may have missed by skipping the iPhone 14 Pro last year. From Dynamic Island to the USB-C port on the bottom, there's loads to make the iPhone 15 Pro feel super fresh.

Dynamic Island

While this isn’t a new feature to this year's Pro model iPhones, it’s one that will be new to you coming from an iPhone 13. It replaces the unsightly notch that you will no doubt have become used to with a kind of digital pill that changes shape and size depending on what notification it’s tracking — It’s great for showing things like takeaway orders while doing something else, such asplaying a game or browsing social media. It’s far less intrusive than the notch and brings back a little more useable display real estate at the top of the iPhone — which can only ever be a good thing.

The screen otherwise remains about as fancy as is humanly possible for the top-shelf iPhone. 120Hz refresh rate with ProMotion, and 6.1 inches of OLED goodness. This year you’ll also get a couple extra screen features too, with an improved 2000 nits peak brightness, and the Always-On display feature from last year's iPhone 14 Pro. 

Titanium finishes

There’s a new material around the sides of the iPhone 15 Pro, and it’s designed to make the iPhone 15 Pro feel lighter than the Stainless Steel iPhones that we’ve had before. It’s a more premium-looking option as well, with a brushed finish and some more refined color options. More refined and polished than the previous finishes, it will also make the latest iPhones a few grams lighter than the last models — great if you’ve got smaller hands.

Camera

The biggest updates this year to the Pro line are reserved for the Pro Max, which is receiving the new zoom that offers 5x zoom. That will, unfortunately not make it to the standard iPhone 15 Pro, but you’ll still get some camera improvements with the latest iPhone. There’s a big bump over the iPhone 13 Pro in the form of a 48MP sensor, that will make your photos really pop, with buckets of detail. Portrait mode will be the first big camera software update, with some cool extras that you might not expect. You can now choose subjects while taking a portrait mode picture, and even go in and make a non-portrait mode picture a portrait mode picture after it’s already been taken.

USB-C

The most talked about new feature of them all; the USB-C port that’s now made it’s way to the bottom edge of the device. Spelling the end of proprietary Apple connections, this new port will bring (to the Pro models, at least) quicker charging and faster data transfer — including allowing you to take video directly to external storage. You can hook it up to a photography rig as well so that you can really dial in all the settings and formats you need when taking professional photos with your iPhone.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Processor

The iPhone 15 Pro has a massive update over the iPhone 13 Pro in the shape of its new processor. The A17 Pro is the first Apple chip that uses the 3nm process, a manufacturing method that can pack more processing bits (transistors) into the same die (chip) size as before. That makes not only for a more powerful chip, one with an extra GPU core but also a more efficient one, likely allowing for more battery life.

It also means that the iPhone 15 Pro is pegged to run some very demanding games, such as Resident Evil 4 Remake, Resident Evil Village, and even the latest Assassin’s Creed, Mirage. This won’t just make it a monster of a smartphone, but a very impressive gaming machine as well. You’d hope that a brand-new device would be more powerful than one from two years ago — but it looks like it’s going to be even more impressive than that. If you want power, then the iPhone 15 Pro is going to be a big upgrade from the 13 Pro.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Colors

So alongside the new Titanium material, the color lineup of the Pro model iPhones is also receiving a refresh. This time around, there’s going to be a Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium, and Blue Titanium. In the grand scheme of things, these colors aren’t all that different from the colors that the iPhone 13 Pro was available in; Blue, Gold, Silver, and Black. The difference this year is the lack of Gold, replaced by the natural Titanium finish.

The colors are also more muted than prior models, although the matte Blue of the 15 Pro is very fetching indeed. The color finish is different as well. Rather than the shiny Stainless Steel luster of iPhones we’ve seen before, the 15 Pro has a much fancier and less flashy brushed finish.

If you want something more colorful, then you might miss the iPhone 13 Pro's more ‘out there’ color selection — but the new colors for the 15 Pro bring their own brand of class, elegance, and sophistication. As always, worth getting a good look in person before you make a final decision, if color is something that matters to you.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Battery life

It’s worth noting here that if you’ve got a two-year-old iPhone 13 Pro, then it’s likely that the battery is starting to go off now after goodness only knows how many charging cycles, so any new phone is going to have better staying power than the one that's currently in your pocket.

Having said that, the iPhone 15 Pro should bring some improvements to battery life, thanks to its new, more efficient processor. Apple, however, remains tight-lipped to actual battery life, only saying so much as ‘all-day battery life’ — whatever that means. Expect it to last you a full working day, in essence, with regular, nightly charging. 

This is much the same as the iPhone 13 Pro on release; Apple didn’t give houred estimates around the battery life, instead sticking with that ‘all-day battery life’ line. Reviewers and testers put the battery life at around 20 hours — a number we think will likely be similar to the latest iPhone models.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade?

Is your contract up? If yes, then you should absolutely upgrade, and for more reasons than those above — Upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro might actually save you some money. Over the course of the Apple event, the firm commented on a trade-in deal around some of the most popular carriers in and around the US, like AT&T and Verizon.

Take your iPhone 13 Pro to trade in, and if it’s in good condition, you could get up to $1000 off the new device. That means that you could get the $999 completely paid for by your old device, leaving you with no monthly device cost — only your data plan.

Even then, you’d expect the new, improved device to cost loads more than the old one did on release: But it doesn’t. Despite being a great upgrade to the Pro line, it’s still going to cost a nice, round $999, just like the Pro models have cost now for some time.

Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro is a massive upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro, and given the above trade-in deal, you should absolutely be considering upgrading as your contract comes to it’s end. If nothing else, it is always a good idea to make sure that your phone is future-proofed — after all, a new iPhone 15 Pro is going to receive more software updates down the line, and feel faster for longer with that fancy new processor.

The iPhone 15 Pro is available to preorder now, and it will be shipped out on September 22.