Jason Hiner/ZDNET
The MacBook Air M1 was an important model when it was released at the end of 2020. It marked Apple's arrival in the world of processors. It is still excellent today, although the model has been overshadowed by more powerful machines. If you own one, you may be considering upgrading to a MacBook Air M2 or M3, but which should you choose?
The MacBook Air M3 was launched in March 2024, and as the name suggests, it features the M3 chip. The company claims that this chip is up to 60% faster than the M1. You're probably thinking that the MacBook M3 is the one for you. Unfortunately, the answer is not so clear-cut.
In many cases, it is not worth upgrading to a latest generation Apple machine. On the other hand, it can be useful if you are entering the ecosystem for the first time. With the MacBook Air M3, there are a few major additions that may warrant a jump over the Macbook Air M2. If you own an M1 or older model, you have even more reason to upgrade to a newer generation.
Do you need a little help deciding? Here are the main differences between the MacBook Air M3 and the MacBook Air M2. As well as some good reasons to buy one or the other.
MacBook Air M3 specifications
- Screen size : 13 inches and 15 inches
- Chip :M3
- CPU and GPU : 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Unified memory : Up to 24 GB
- Storage : SSD de 256 Go configurable en 512 Go, 1 To ou 2 To
- Ports : Two Thunderbolt / USB 4
- Battery : Until 6 p.m.
- Camera : FaceTime HD 1080p camera
- Prix : from 1300 €
MacBook Air M2 specifications
- Screen size : 13 inches
- Chip : M2
- CPU and GPU : 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
- Unified memory : Up to 24 GB
- Storage : SSD de 256 Go configurable en 512 Go, 1 To ou 2 To
- Ports : Two Thunderbolt / USB 4
- Battery : Until 6 p.m.
- Camera : FaceTime HD 1080p camera
- Prix : from €1200.
You should buy the MacBook Air M3 if…
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
1…you want faster Wi-Fi
If you do a lot of downloading at work or are a gamer, the MacBook Air M3 supports Wi-Fi 6e.
It allows for faster download speeds and lower latency (obviously provided you're using a Wi-Fi 6e router).
While the difference isn't obvious for everyday tasks, you'll appreciate it if high throughput is a critical factor for your needs.
2…you use more than one monitor
One of the main advantages of the M3, besides the purely technical improvements, is the support for dual monitors. While there are workarounds for using dual monitors on the MacBook Air M2, they have some drawbacks.
The MacBook Air M3 has suitable connectivity for two external monitors. This machine is worth it then, if you frequently work with multiple monitors.
There's a catch, however: you can only use two external monitors when the MacBook Air M3's lid is closed. So you don't have your laptop screen et two monitors; you only have the monitors in this case.
3…you want the best possible performance
If you want the best performance, especially for new artificial intelligence applications, look to the M3.
There are several versions of the M3 chip, and while MacBook Air laptops only come with the base version of the Apple-designed chips, it's a huge improvement over the M1 or a model older one that runs on an Intel processor.
If you do intensive work such as video editing or graphic design and find that your old machine often bogs down, you'll probably immediately notice the difference in rendering and startup speeds. The increase over the M2 model isn't as significant, but if you want or need the best ultraportable computer available for this price range, it's worth considering.
You should buy the MacBook Air M2 if…
Apple
1 … the price difference of €100 is significant for you
Opportunities to save a little money on Apple products are quite rare, but you have one here by opting for the MacBook Air M2 model.
Indeed, with the release of the M3, Apple reduced the starting price of the MacBook Air M2 to €1,200, and this price could fall further subsequently, which would allow greater savings.
Even though the M2 is a little older, it's still a perfectly capable laptop that will work for most people.
2…you don't need the latest and greatest features
Will you use your laptop mainly for surfing the web, listening to music or working remotely?
In this case, you probably don't need the power or pay the price of the MacBook Air M3.
For most users, the M2 is a more than reliable machine. It was voted product of the year 2022 by ZDNET!
3…you expected the M3 to be a bigger upgrade
If you were expecting a radical redesign of the latest MacBook Air, you won't get it with this MacBook M3.
It is almost identical to the M2, and apart from the anodizing on the “Midnight” color version which reduces fingerprints.
The real changes are inside, so if you want something that just looks like the latest thing, you'll have no advantage in choosing the M3 over the M2.
Alternative to consider
Kerry Wan/ZDNET.
With the right accessories, the iPad Pro M4 can replace a MacBook. Lightweight, it has a stunning touch screen and allows you to benefit from the performance of its chipset.
Source : “ZDNet.com”
