When it comes to selecting the ideal MacBook Air, the decision can be a challenging task, especially with the introduction of the new M2 MacBook Air. Positioned at a price point of $1,099, the M2 MacBook Air stands as the latest addition to Apple’s laptop lineup, offering several enhancements over its predecessor, the M1 MacBook Air, which continues to be available at its initial price of $999 since its debut in November 2020.
To aid potential buyers in making an informed choice, it’s essential to delve into the nuances differentiating these two MacBook Air models.
MacBook M1 and M2 Similarities
Both the M1 and M2 MacBook Air models share fundamental features, including a Retina display with P3 wide color and True Tone, an ambient light sensor, Touch ID, a force touch trackpad, and a fanless design supported by passive cooling. Additionally, they incorporate Apple silicon chips with 8-core CPUs, video encode and decode engines for accelerated H.264 and HEVC video, and offer storage configurations of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB SSD. Other common aspects encompass two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, wide stereo sound, Dolby Atmos playback support, a three-microphone array with directional beamforming, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and impressive battery life of up to 18 hours. Both models are available in Silver and Space Gray.
Differences
The disparities between the two models are significant. The M1 MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch Retina display with 400 nits brightness, powered by the Apple M1 chip with up to an 8-core GPU. It offers memory configurations of 8GB and 16GB, a 720p FaceTime HD camera, stereo speakers, and a 49.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. The device comes with a 30W USB-C Power Adapter and is available in Gold.
On the other hand, the M2 MacBook Air boasts a 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness, driven by the Apple M2 chip featuring up to a 10-core GPU. It offers memory configurations of 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB, a superior 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and a four-speaker sound system or an upgraded six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers. This model is equipped with a 52.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery and supports fast charging with a 67W USB-C Power Adapter. Additionally, it features a 30W USB-C Power Adapter for the 8-core GPU variant and a 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter for the 10-core GPU variant. The M2 MacBook Air is available in Starlight and Midnight, showcasing a modern design language inspired by Apple’s latest MacBook Pro models.
The difference in design between the two MacBook Air versions is noticeable: the M1 iteration adheres to the traditional tapered form, consistent since 2018, whereas the M2 variant embraces a sleek uniform thickness, similar to the latest MacBook Pro models. The M2 model features a full-height function key row, unlike the half-height row found in the M1 model, and a distinct Touch ID scanner design. Despite its consistent thickness, the M2 MacBook Air is 0.19 inches (4.8 mm) thinner at its thickest point compared to its predecessor, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in volume and a lighter feel when held.
What happens if you buy MacBook M1 2020 model in 2023?
When it comes to the 2020 M1 MacBook Air, its performance prowess stands tall despite its older model status. The laptop boasts an impressive 8-core M1 SoC, Apple’s custom chip, along with a 7-core GPU, 8GB unified RAM, and a 256GB SSD, making it a reliable companion for everyday tasks. While it might struggle a bit with intensive 4K video editing, it effortlessly handles demanding apps like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.
Superb Build Quality
Apple’s commitment to quality shines through in the 2020 M1 MacBook Air. Despite its older design, it exudes premium vibes with its slim unibody construction. The laptop’s portability is highlighted by its sleek 0.63” thickness, making it a perfect fit for travelers. The 13.3” retina display offers vibrant visuals at a maximum brightness of 400-nits, ensuring clarity in various lighting conditions. What sets it apart is its fanless design, minimizing disturbances during intensive tasks like video editing.
Exceptional Battery Life
Beyond its performance, the MacBook Air surprises with its exceptional battery life. With 15 to 18 hours of web browsing and 8 to 10 hours of video playback, it effortlessly lasts a full day of varied usage. For users prioritizing battery life without compromising on moderate performance, the 2020 M1 MacBook Air proves to be a budget-friendly gem, delivering a seamless experience without draining your wallet.
Ultimately, the choice between the M1 and M2 MacBook Air models boils down to personal preference, budget, and specific use case scenarios. Each variant offers a unique blend of features catering to diverse user needs.