MacBook Air 2024 vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

Discover the new MacBook Air 2024 models featuring Apple’s latest M3 chip, stunning Liquid Retina displays, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or business user, find out why these laptops are redefining portability and performance.

Introduction

The 2024 Apple MacBook Air models continue to redefine the thin-and-light laptop category, standing out in today’s digital era. With Apple’s proprietary M3 chip powering this new generation, the MacBook Air offers exceptional performance tailored for both work and play. Unlike most other laptops in the market, the M3 chip brings enhanced processing power and energy efficiency, thanks to its unique integration of Apple’s Neural Engine for advanced AI tasks. The Liquid Retina display supports over 1 billion colors, offering vivid contrast and sharp details perfect for both creative professionals and casual users. Meanwhile, its robust connectivity features, including support for Wi-Fi 6E and up to two external displays, make it an ideal choice for versatile workflows.

Key Highlights

  • Physical Design Advancements: The 2024 MacBook Air models come in both 13-inch and 15-inch options, retaining their slim profile at under half an inch thick. With a recycled aluminum enclosure, Apple continues its commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing, making this the most environmentally conscious MacBook Air to date. The lightweight design ensures the device remains highly portable, ideal for users on the go.
  • Software Features: Running on macOS, the MacBook Air 2024 leverages the M3 chip’s powerful Neural Engine, enabling advanced AI-driven features such as real-time speech-to-text, intelligent camera enhancements, and seamless multitasking. With macOS’s ecosystem of apps, users can now work more productively and creatively with features like AI-powered math assistance and background noise removal for videos.

Detailed Specification

Detailed Macbook Air 2024 specification comparison table for the MacBook Air 13-inch and MacBook Air 15-inch models based on the 2024 specifications:

FeatureMacBook Air 13-inch (M2)MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)MacBook Air 15-inch (M2)MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)
Display13.6-inch Liquid Retina13.6-inch Liquid Retina15.3-inch Liquid Retina15.3-inch Liquid Retina
Resolution2560×16642560×16642880×18642880×1864
Brightness500 nits500 nits500 nits500 nits
Color Support1 billion colors, P3, True Tone1 billion colors, P3, True Tone1 billion colors, P3, True Tone1 billion colors, P3, True Tone
ProcessorM2, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPUM3, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPUM2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPUM3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
Neural Engine16-core Neural Engine16-core Neural Engine16-core Neural Engine16-core Neural Engine
Memory8GB, Configurable to 16GB or 24GB8GB, Configurable to 16GB or 24GB8GB, Configurable to 16GB or 24GB8GB, Configurable to 16GB or 24GB
Storage256GB, Configurable up to 2TB256GB, Configurable up to 2TB512GB, Configurable up to 2TB512GB, Configurable up to 2TB
Battery LifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours
ChargingMagSafe 3, 30W or 35W USB-C AdapterMagSafe 3, 30W or 35W USB-C AdapterMagSafe 3, 35W or 70W USB-C AdapterMagSafe 3, 35W or 70W USB-C Adapter
Ports2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 32x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 32x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 32x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 3
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6E
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Camera1080p FaceTime HD1080p FaceTime HD1080p FaceTime HD1080p FaceTime HD
Audio4-speaker sound, Spatial Audio4-speaker sound, Spatial Audio6-speaker sound, Spatial Audio6-speaker sound, Spatial Audio
Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth)0.44 in x 11.97 in x 8.46 in0.44 in x 11.97 in x 8.46 in0.45 in x 13.40 in x 9.35 in0.45 in x 13.40 in x 9.35 in
Weight2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)3.3 pounds (1.51 kg)3.3 pounds (1.51 kg)
Operating SystemmacOS SequoiamacOS SequoiamacOS SequoiamacOS Sequoia
Color OptionsSilver, Starlight, Space Gray, MidnightSilver, Starlight, Space Gray, MidnightSilver, Starlight, Space Gray, MidnightSilver, Starlight, Space Gray, Midnight

Key Comparison Highlights for MacBook Air 13-inch and 15-inch Models (M2 vs. M3)

  1. Design & Build:
    • Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models are ultra-thin, with the 13-inch at 0.44 inches and the 15-inch at 0.45 inches in thickness. The weight varies between 2.7 pounds for the 13-inch model and 3.3 pounds for the 15-inch.
    • All models come in the same sleek finishes: Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, and Midnight, with premium build quality and eco-friendly materials like 100% recycled aluminum.
  2. Display Performance:
    • The 13-inch models feature a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2560×1664 resolution, while the 15-inch models boast a larger 15.3-inch display with 2880×1864 resolution. Both models deliver 500 nits of brightness, wide color (P3), and support for 1 billion colors.
    • True Tone technology is standard, providing adaptive color adjustments for comfortable viewing.
  3. Chip & Graphics:
    • The 13-inch and 15-inch models offer the choice between M2 and M3 chips. The M3 models benefit from enhanced performance with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a 10-core GPU option (compared to the M2’s 8-core or 10-core GPU depending on configuration).
    • Both M2 and M3 chips come with an 8-core CPU with a mix of performance and efficiency cores. However, M3 also includes AV1 decode and more advanced media engines for ProRes and HEVC tasks​
  4. Battery Life & Charging:
    • Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models offer long-lasting battery life with up to 18 hours of Apple TV playback and 15 hours of wireless web usage. The 13-inch uses a 52.6-watt-hour battery, while the 15-inch uses a 66.5-watt-hour battery.
    • Fast charging is supported across all models, with MagSafe 3 and a 35W or 70W USB-C Power Adapter, depending on the configuration​.
  5. Audio & Camera:
    • The 13-inch models feature a 4-speaker sound system, while the 15-inch models are equipped with a 6-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, ensuring more immersive sound with Spatial Audio support.
    • All models come with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, powered by an advanced image signal processor for enhanced video quality​
  6. Connectivity & Ports:
    • Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models include two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, along with a MagSafe 3 charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable connections​

Comparison to Competitors

Macbook Air 2024 vs Windows laptops
FeatureMacBook Air 13-inch (M2)MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)HP Pavilion Plus 14-inchYoga Slim 7i Gen 9 (14” Intel)
Display13.6-inch, 2560×1664, 500 nits13.6-inch, 2560×1664, 500 nits15.3-inch, 2880×1864, 500 nits14-inch, 1920×1200, 400 nits, Eyesafe® Certified14-inch, 1920×1200, OLED, 400 nits, Dolby Vision®
ProcessorM2 (8-core CPU, 8/10-core GPU)M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)AMD Ryzen™ 5 7540U (up to 4.9 GHz, 6 cores)Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor 155H, Intel® ARC™
Memory8GB, up to 24GB8GB, up to 24GB8GB, up to 24GB16GB LPDDR5Up to 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage256GB, up to 2TB256GB, up to 2TB512GB, up to 2TB512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDUp to 1TB PCIe Gen 4.2
Battery LifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hoursUp to 9 hoursLong-lasting battery, supports Rapid Charge Boost
Weight2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)3.3 pounds (1.51 kg)3.09 pounds (1.4 kg)Approx. 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg)
Ports2x Thunderbolt, MagSafe 32x Thunderbolt, MagSafe 32x Thunderbolt, MagSafe 32x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack2x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB-A, 3.5mm headphone
Operating SystemmacOSmacOSmacOSWindows 11 HomeWindows 11 Pro
Price (Starting)$1,099$1,299$1,499$549.99approx. $780

Comparison Summary:

  • The MacBook Air models focus on providing an ultra-portable, high-performance experience with Apple’s custom M2 and M3 chips, ensuring long battery life, excellent display quality, and strong integration with the macOS ecosystem.
  • The HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch offers a more budget-friendly option with solid performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen processor, though it lacks some premium features found in the MacBook Air, such as higher display resolution and Apple’s custom silicon.
  • The Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9 stands out with its OLED display, offering excellent visuals, and a powerful Intel Ultra 7 processor, making it a strong competitor in terms of performance and display, though it’s heavier than the MacBook Air models and focuses more on productivity with Windows 11.

Use Cases and Limitations

Use Cases:

  • MacBook Air 13-inch (M2/M3): Ideal for students, professionals, and casual users who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. The 13-inch model’s smaller form factor is perfect for frequent travelers and those who work on the go, providing all-day battery life.
  • MacBook Air 15-inch (M3): Suitable for creatives and professionals who need more screen real estate for multitasking, video editing, or graphic design. The larger display and increased GPU performance make it better suited for more demanding tasks.
  • HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch: A great budget option for general users looking for a balance between price and performance, suitable for everyday computing, media consumption, and light productivity tasks.
  • Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9: Best for users who need a high-performance machine with excellent display quality for content creation, photo editing, and productivity tasks. Its portability and OLED display make it an excellent choice for professionals on the go.

Limitations:

  • MacBook Air 13/15: While powerful, these models may not be ideal for heavy gaming or intensive 3D rendering, as they lack discrete GPUs typically found in more gaming-centric laptops.
  • HP Pavilion Plus: The display resolution and battery life are lower compared to the MacBook Air, and it may struggle with very intensive tasks such as 4K video editing.
  • Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9: While powerful, the Yoga Slim 7i can be more expensive for users on a budget, and its slightly heavier design may not be as portable as the MacBook Air models.

Who is Right For:

Macbook Air 2024 comparison
  • MacBook Air 13-inch: Right for students, business professionals, and casual users who need an ultra-portable, fast, and reliable laptop for everyday tasks, such as note-taking, web browsing, and content consumption.
  • MacBook Air 15-inch: Ideal for creative professionals who need more screen space and additional performance for creative tasks like video editing, graphic design, and coding.
  • HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch: Suitable for budget-conscious users or students who need a well-rounded laptop for daily tasks, basic productivity, and media consumption at a lower price point.
  • Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9: Perfect for content creators, photographers, and professionals who need a high-performance machine with an exceptional OLED display and productivity features.

Conclusion:

The 2024 MacBook Air models continue to offer leading-edge technology with Apple’s custom silicon, providing a perfect balance between performance, portability, and battery life. Whether you opt for the 13-inch or 15-inch variant, these laptops excel in user experience and integration within the Apple ecosystem. Competitors like the HP Pavilion Plus and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i offer great alternatives, with the HP Pavilion Plus catering to budget-conscious buyers and the Yoga Slim 7i providing a high-performance option for creators.

Ultimately, the MacBook Air models are best for those looking for a premium, high-performance laptop with seamless software integration and top-notch build quality, while HP Pavilion Plus and Yoga Slim 7i provide solid alternatives depending on your needs and budget.

Link:

Apple Macbook Air

Lenovo Yoga

HP Laptops

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