The M3 MacBook Air was finally released yesterday. The first comparisons of the eagerly awaited MacBook Air with M3 chip have started to be published. So which device will win the M3 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air race? Is it worth paying the difference? Here are the details…
M3 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air!
The most powerful member of the MacBook Air series joined the family yesterday, on March 4, 2024. The first questions about the highly anticipated new member of the Air series are “Is the M2 MacBook Air?” M3 MacBook Air?” was in its orientation. So, who will be the winner when we compare the two devices?
Let’s start with the software differences first. MacBook Air with M3 processor not only offers its users a faster and more capable chip, but also offers faster wireless connection support with Wi-Fi 6E. In addition, the device, which supports up to 2 external displays, also offers higher quality sound transmission with Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes.
It also has a new paint protection seal against fingerprint smudge retention, which is one of the biggest problems of the M3 MacBook Pro. When it comes to speed tests, Apple stated that the M3 MacBook Air is up to 60 percent faster than the M1 model and up to 13 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. Compared to the M2 chip family, the device has 30 percent more efficient cores.
The table comparing the features of MacBook Air models with M3, M2 and M1 chips is as follows:
Feature | MacBook Air M1 | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
---|---|---|---|
Processor | Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU) | Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | Apple M3 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or 16GB | 8GB or 16GB | 8GB or 16GB |
Storage | 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | 256GB, 512GB or 1TB |
Screen size | 13 inch Retina | 13 inch Retina | 13 inch Retina |
Screen resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
Graphics Processor | 7-core GPU (M1) | 8-core GPU (M2) | 8-core GPU (M3) |
Battery Life | About 15 hours | About 15 hours | About 15 hours |
Weight | 2.8lbs (1.29kg) | 2.8lbs (1.29kg) | 2.8lbs (1.29kg) |
Microphone | Three microphone array | Three microphone array | Three microphone array |
Speaker System | Four speaker system, wide sound | Four speaker system, wide sound | Stereo speaker system, wide sound |
Cooling system | No fan (fanless) | No fan (fanless) | No fan (fanless) |
The results of the “video editing speed performance test” of the devices published by Apple are as follows:
MacBook Air with M3 chip is 1.8 times faster than the model with M2 chip, 2.5 times faster than the model with M1 chip and 18 times faster than an Intel-based MacBook Air.
Comparison of other features of the devices is as follows:
Feature | 13 inch (M1 chip) | 13 inch (M2 chip) | 13 inch (M3 chip) |
---|---|---|---|
Actual Screen Size | 13.6 inches | 13.6 inches | 13.6 inches |
Resolution | 2560×1664 | 2560×1664 | 2560×1664 |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 + notch | 16:10 + notch | 16:10 + notch |
PPI | 224 | 224 | 224 |
Brightness (Nit) | 500 | 500 | 500 |
Liquid Retina Display | There is | There is | There is |
ProMotion (up to 120Hz) | None | None | None |
True Tone | There is | There is | There is |
P3 Wide Color | There is | There is | There is |
So, who do you think is the winner of the “M3 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air” comparison? Don’t forget to express your opinions in the comments section…