Quick Answer
If you need raw performance and faster storage, choose the refurbished MacBook Pro 2020 M1; if your budget is tight and you mainly browse and write, the MacBook Air 2019 i5 is a solid, lighter choice.
Why the M1 chip changes the game
The MacBook Pro 2020 M1 uses Apple’s first-generation silicon, which delivers significantly better performance per watt than the Intel Core i5 in the MacBook Air 2019. That means snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better efficiency for video calls or light creative work.
The MacBook Air 2019’s Intel i5 is older and can struggle with sustained heavy loads, but it remains perfectly capable for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing.
Storage and RAM: 128GB vs 512GB
The MacBook Air 2019 comes with 128GB of SSD storage, which is enough if you rely on cloud storage and only keep a few apps installed. The MacBook Pro 2020 M1 offers 512GB, giving you four times the space for local files, photos, and larger applications.
Both models have 8GB of RAM, which is fine for typical use, but the M1’s unified memory architecture uses that 8GB more efficiently than the Intel MacBook Air.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Performance: MacBook Pro 2020 M1 offers far better CPU and GPU performance than the MacBook Air 2019 i5, especially for video editing, coding, or running multiple apps. If performance is your priority, the Pro M1 is worth the extra cost.
- Storage: MacBook Air 2019 has 128GB; MacBook Pro 2020 M1 has 512GB. Choose the Air only if you rely on external drives or cloud storage. If you store lots of local files, the 512GB Pro avoids external drive hassle.
- Price: The MacBook Air 2019 is priced at USD 164.99, while the MacBook Pro 2020 M1 is USD 324.29. That’s a significant gap for budget shoppers. Set a budget before comparing features to avoid overspending.
Product Facts
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MacBook Air 2019 (13-inch) – Core i5 1.6 GHz – 8GB RAM – 128GB SSD – Grade B – Silver: MacBook Air 2019 (13-inch) – Core i5 1.6 GHz – 8GB RAM – 128GB SSD – Grade B – Silver The Intel i5 and 128GB storage suit light, portable use, but you’ll need to manage storage carefully and may see slower performance under heavy multitasking.
MacBook Air 2019 (13-inch) – Core i5 1.6 GHz – 8GB RAM – 128GB SSD – Grade B – Silver
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MacBook Pro 2020 (13-inch) – M1 – 8GB RAM – 512GB SSD – Grade B – Space Grey: MacBook Pro 2020 (13-inch) – M1 – 8GB RAM – 512GB SSD – Grade B – Space Grey The M1 chip and 512GB SSD deliver faster performance and much more room for apps and files, making it a better long-term investment for most users.
MacBook Pro 2020 (13-inch) – M1 – 8GB RAM – 512GB SSD – Grade B – Space Grey
Which One Should You Choose?
Best for
- Students or casual users who need a lightweight laptop for browsing, email, and documents
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable Mac without spending extra
Not for
- Creative professionals or developers who need sustained performance for demanding apps
- Users who need ample local storage for large media libraries
