I just purchased a new MacBook Pro 14 M1 yesterday. I have been using the MacBook Air M1 for the last year and plan on giving the laptop to my wife, so I picked up a new MBP 14 from Best Buy. Once I got my data transferred, I started comparing the MBP 14 and the Air M1. Unfortunately, I found the difference somewhat underwhelming. First, I was assuming the MBP 14 display would be noticeably better and brighter that the Air. I didn’t notice really any difference when viewing photos, streaming a Netflix show, or browsing the web (except ProMotion was definitely noticeable). But sharpness and contrast, not so much. As for brightness, I was expecting the screen to be brighter, but it was about the same, both inside and outside on the deck. Second. The speakers are underwhelming as well. The Air speakers seem louder, although tinny sounder, than the MBP. The MBP had better stereo separation but seem very soft compared to the Air. Am I missing something about display and sound? Thanks!
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MacBook Pro 14 Display and Sound
- Thread starter darkstar710
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Only thing that matters is your opinion and if it’s worth your money. I can sit here and list specs or say how I think you’re crazy by not seeing/hearing the differences but none of that matters.
I wouldn’t want to waste my money if I didn’t notice a difference after an”upgrade” so if you don’t nothing people say can help. Return it and wait for something better for you.
I wouldn’t want to waste my money if I didn’t notice a difference after an”upgrade” so if you don’t nothing people say can help. Return it and wait for something better for you.
I get what you are saying. I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience or do most think it is a night and day difference regarding the display and sound. Maybe my eyes and ears are just getting older... 
I also came from a M1 Air base model after selling my 16" 2019 Intel machine. The only downsides for me coming from the Air are :
1) Battery life simply isn't the same, the 3-4h difference makes a dent for me.
2) Weight, it's not just grabbing it and head to the pool/beach to do some work.
Honestly I'm still rocking my base model Air for when I get out of the house due to the weight.
1) Battery life simply isn't the same, the 3-4h difference makes a dent for me.
2) Weight, it's not just grabbing it and head to the pool/beach to do some work.
Honestly I'm still rocking my base model Air for when I get out of the house due to the weight.
I think the display difference will only be noticeable when viewing HDR content. Having settled for a maxed out M1 MBA, that's just my guess. And for what it's worth, I'm very pleased with the MBA, even though it's about to be superseded.
return it and calm down. it is a computer, not something magical.
I just purchased an M1 MBA for my wife and a 14” MBP for myself. Switching back and forth, the display quality difference is noticeable, but it’s not like the MBA is all the sudden un-useable…I probably adjust back to it within a minute. Biggest difference is scrolling and smoothness, then probably the better blacks. FYI, unless viewing HDR content, the MBP limits brightness to 500 nits for battery conservation (MBA 400 nits max). You’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference indoors.
The speakers, however, are noticeably better on the MBP, so that experience is different than yours. I haven’t tested both at highest volume and can’t comment on that. Especially anything below about 300 hz, the MBP is easily superior.
The speakers, however, are noticeably better on the MBP, so that experience is different than yours. I haven’t tested both at highest volume and can’t comment on that. Especially anything below about 300 hz, the MBP is easily superior.
Hey StoneJack. I was just asking a question based on my experience. Please don't read into anything more than that.
I guess I was expecting the brightness to be noticeably brighter when outside and the volume level of the speakers to be more than what they are. The MBP is definitely a great computer.
I don't notice Pro-motion that much at all, but I do see that the black levels on my 14 MBP screen are much better so I enjoy watching content on it more. I notice a significant difference with sound. It used to be that I'd always wear headphones to watch shows on my laptop but the sound has improved to the point where I don't have to. It's not like having a dedicated sound system mind you but surprisingly good for a laptop.
However, as Sheep pointed out, if *you* don't notice these things that's what matters.
However, as Sheep pointed out, if *you* don't notice these things that's what matters.
My impressions are the same as yours. My wife has a MBA and I've got a Pro. The speakers are vastly superior on the MBP and obviously the webcam is better. With the screen though, you quickly get used to the difference in quality (and brightness) after you use it for a while and assuming you're not just doing HDR work on it. Unless you're doing a side-by-side test or need the retina-burning 100% brightness of the Pro, I quickly adjust.
To be fair, I've found that with most modern Mac retina screens - but then I'm not doing professional video/photo work.