AI comparison report

MacBook Pro 2014 vs MacBook Air 2017

By CompareAI Editorial Team · Published 2026-09-25 · How we compare

The MacBook Pro 2014 is the superior choice for users needing high-resolution display quality and heavy computing performance, whereas the MacBook Air 2017 is…

Who wins: MacBook Pro 2014 or MacBook Air 2017?

Choose MacBook Pro 2014 first if visual fidelity, processing power, and external display connectivity are critical; choose MacBook Air 2017 first if battery endurance and lightweight portability take precedence.

Based on our analysis across 5 dimensions with 20 sources, MacBook Pro 2014 scores 7.7/10 overall while MacBook Air 2017 scores 6.5/10 overall.

DimensionMacBook Pro 2014MacBook Air 2017
Display Resolution and Panel Technology9/104/10
Processing Power and Graphics7.5/104.5/10
Portability and Weight6.8/109.2/10
Battery Life and Endurance6.5/109/10
Port Selection and Connectivity8.5/106/10
Overall7.7/106.5/10

Should I choose MacBook Pro 2014 or MacBook Air 2017?

Verdict: Choose MacBook Pro 2014 first if visual fidelity, processing power, and external display connectivity are critical; choose MacBook Air 2017 first if battery endurance and lightweight portability take precedence.

The MacBook Pro 2014 is the superior choice for users needing high-resolution display quality and heavy computing performance, whereas the MacBook Air 2017 is ideal for those prioritizing battery endurance and lightweight portability.

Choose MacBook Pro 2014 for its superior Retina IPS display with resolutions of 2560x1600 (227 ppi) or 2880x1800 (220 ppi), higher performance options up to a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M (2 GB GDDR5) graphics, and expanded I/O including 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports and a dedicated HDMI port. Alternatively, choose MacBook Air 2017 if you require greater mobility and endurance, as it delivers a lighter 2.96 lb tapered chassis (versus 3.46 lbs or 4.46 lbs on the Pro) and up to 12 hours of battery life compared to the 8 to 9 hours on MacBook Pro 2014.

Best for MacBook Pro 2014

  • Tasks requiring high display resolution and wide viewing angles
  • Demanding CPU workloads benefiting from quad-core performance
  • Graphics-intensive tasks requiring dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics
  • Workspaces requiring a native HDMI port and dual Thunderbolt 2 connections

Best for MacBook Air 2017

  • Users prioritizing maximum portability and a lightweight design
  • All-day computing requiring up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing
  • General daily productivity and web tasks on the go

When not to compare directly

Do not compare them directly when evaluating heavy multitasking or creative production against ultra-portable, all-day mobile travel, as their design priorities target fundamentally different workload demands.

What are the key differences between MacBook Pro 2014 and MacBook Air 2017?

  • Display Resolution and Panel Technology

    The MacBook Pro 2014 delivers a high-resolution Retina IPS panel at up to 2880x1800 native resolution, whereas the MacBook Air 2017 utilizes a standard-definition 1440x900 non-Retina TN screen.

    MacBook Pro 2014: The MacBook Pro 2014 comes equipped with a high-density Retina IPS display featuring a native resolution of 2560x1600 on the 13.3-inch model (227 ppi) and 2880x1800 on the 15.4-inch model (220 ppi), delivering superior pixel density and wide viewing angles.

    MacBook Air 2017: The MacBook Air 2017 features a 13.3-inch non-Retina TN display with a native resolution of 1440x900 at approximately 128 ppi, which offers noticeably lower pixel density, narrower viewing angles, and more limited color accuracy.

    Scores — MacBook Pro 2014: 9/10, MacBook Air 2017: 4/10

    Screen clarity and color reproduction significantly impact readability, creative work, and overall user comfort.

    Sources: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) - Technical Specifications

  • Processing Power and Graphics

    While the MacBook Air 2017 is limited to an ultra-low-voltage 1.8 GHz dual-core CPU with integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000, the MacBook Pro 2014 offers up to a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory.

    MacBook Pro 2014: The MacBook Pro 2014 delivers higher computational and graphical throughput, offering standard-voltage 2.6 GHz to 2.8 GHz dual-core Haswell processors on 13-inch models and up to 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processors on 15-inch models paired with Intel Iris Pro graphics or a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics processor with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory.

    MacBook Air 2017: The MacBook Air 2017 relies on an ultra-low-voltage 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz and integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000, limiting its capability under heavier multitasking and demanding workloads.

    Scores — MacBook Pro 2014: 7.5/10, MacBook Air 2017: 4.5/10

    CPU core count and GPU capabilities dictate responsiveness during demanding computing tasks and multitasking.

    Sources: MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) - Technical Specifications, MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)

  • Portability and Weight

    The MacBook Air 2017 is noticeably more portable than the MacBook Pro 2014, weighing 2.96 pounds compared to the 13-inch Pro's 3.46 pounds and 15-inch Pro's 4.46 pounds.

    MacBook Pro 2014: The MacBook Pro 2014 weighs 3.46 pounds (1.57 kg) for the 13-inch model with a uniform 0.71-inch thickness, or 4.46 pounds (2.02 kg) for the 15-inch version.

    MacBook Air 2017: The MacBook Air 2017 weighs 2.96 pounds (1.35 kg) and features a tapered design measuring from 0.11 to 0.68 inches in height.

    Scores — MacBook Pro 2014: 6.8/10, MacBook Air 2017: 9.2/10

    Weight and physical dimensions determine travel convenience and everyday mobile usability.

    Sources: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) - Technical Specifications

  • Battery Life and Endurance

    The MacBook Air 2017 offers up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing, outlasting the MacBook Pro 2014 which reaches a maximum of 8 to 9 hours.

    MacBook Pro 2014: The MacBook Pro 2014 provides up to 9 hours of wireless web browsing on the 13-inch version and up to 8 hours on the 15-inch model.

    MacBook Air 2017: The MacBook Air 2017 offers superior endurance with up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 30 days of standby time.

    Scores — MacBook Pro 2014: 6.5/10, MacBook Air 2017: 9/10

    Longer battery runtime enables all-day productivity without relying on a power outlet.

    Sources: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) - Technical Specifications

  • Port Selection and Connectivity

    The MacBook Pro 2014 provides 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports and a dedicated HDMI port, whereas the MacBook Air 2017 includes only 1 Thunderbolt 2 port and lacks an HDMI port entirely [1, 2].

    MacBook Pro 2014: The MacBook Pro 2014 features 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports delivering up to 20 Gbps, 1 dedicated HDMI port, 2 USB 3.0 ports at up to 5 Gbps, an SDXC card slot, and a MagSafe 2 connector [1].

    MacBook Air 2017: The MacBook Air 2017 provides 1 Thunderbolt 2 port with speeds up to 20 Gbps, 2 USB 3.0 ports at up to 5 Gbps, an SDXC card slot, and a MagSafe 2 connector, lacking a native HDMI port [2].

    Scores — MacBook Pro 2014: 8.5/10, MacBook Air 2017: 6/10

    Available I/O determines peripheral compatibility and external display support without dongles.

    Sources: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) - Technical Specifications

What are the pros and cons of MacBook Pro 2014 vs MacBook Air 2017?

MacBook Pro 2014

Strengths

  • Equipped with a high-density Retina IPS display featuring a native resolution of 2560x1600 (227 ppi) on the 13.3-inch model and 2880x1800 (220 ppi) on the 15.4-inch model with wide viewing angles.
  • Offers standard-voltage 2.6 GHz to 2.8 GHz dual-core Haswell processors on 13-inch models and up to 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processors on 15-inch models.
  • Provides stronger graphical capabilities with Intel Iris Pro graphics or a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M GPU featuring 2 GB of GDDR5 memory on 15-inch models.
  • Includes a broader port selection with 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports (up to 20 Gbps) and a dedicated native HDMI port.

Weaknesses

  • Heavier and thicker chassis, weighing 3.46 pounds (1.57 kg) for the 13-inch model and 4.46 pounds (2.02 kg) for the 15-inch model with a uniform 0.71-inch thickness.
  • Lower battery life, delivering only up to 8 hours of wireless web browsing on the 15-inch model and up to 9 hours on the 13-inch model.

MacBook Air 2017

Strengths

  • Significantly more portable lightweight chassis weighing 2.96 pounds (1.35 kg) with a tapered thickness of 0.11 to 0.68 inches.
  • Longer battery endurance, providing up to 12 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 30 days of standby time.

Weaknesses

  • Features a lower-quality 13.3-inch non-Retina TN display with a native resolution of 1440x900 at approximately 128 ppi, offering narrower viewing angles and limited color accuracy.
  • Limited processing power, relying on an ultra-low-voltage 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz.
  • Restricted graphical performance powered only by integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000.
  • Lacks a native HDMI port and includes only 1 Thunderbolt 2 port compared to two on the Pro.

Where does this data come from?

  1. MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
  2. MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) - Technical Specifications
  3. MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)
  4. MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13" (2017*) Specs (13-inch ...
  5. MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.6 13" Mid-2014 Specs (Retina ...
  6. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017) in 2025 – Still Worth Buying?
  7. 2014 Retina MacBook Pro 13" vs 15" Comparison Smackdown
  8. MacBook Air 7,2 (13-Inch, Mid 2017) - Full Information, Specs
  9. MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.5 15" Mid-2014 (DG) Specs ...
  10. MacBook Air
  11. Apple MacBook Pro MGX92LL/A “Core i5″ 2.8 13” Mid 2014 ...
  12. MacBook Air 2017: Still worth to buy in 2020
  13. MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)
  14. All Apple MacBook Air Specs (2008-Current)
  15. MacBook Pro (2014) 15" Review
  16. An old friend shows its age
  17. MacBook Pro (2014) 13" Review
  18. Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) Review: It's Still Good
  19. What's My MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
  20. Apple MacBook Air 13 2017 Laptop (1.8 GHz) Review

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