Comparing Apple MacBook Air 2020, 2023, 2024 Models: M1, M2, and M3

Published in

Laptops Online

4 min readMar 4, 2024

Apple’s MacBook Air lineup has evolved significantly over the years, offering a range of models that cater to various user needs, preferences, and budgets. The MacBook Air 13-inch models from the M1 (2020) to the latest M3 ( 2024 ) version highlight Apple’s commitment to innovation, performance, and portability. Here, we delve into a detailed comparison of these three models to help you understand their differences and decide which one might be the best fit for your computing requirements.

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Design and Build

The MacBook Air has always been celebrated for its thin and light design. While the M1, M2, and M3 models share similar dimensions, subtle differences exist. All models are available in multiple finishes, including Space Gray and Silver, but the M2 and M3 models introduce new colors like Midnight and Starlight, offering a broader palette for personal expression. The M2 and M3 models boast a slightly thinner profile and lighter build compared to the M1, reflecting Apple’s continuous effort to enhance portability.

Display

Apple upgraded the display from the M1’s 13.3-inch Retina display to a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display in the M2 and M3 models. This increase in screen size comes without compromising the laptop’s overall footprint, thanks to reduced bezels. The newer models also offer higher brightness (500 nits) and support for a wider color gamut (P3), along with True Tone technology across all models for comfortable viewing.

Performance

At the heart of these MacBook Air models lies the progression of Apple’s proprietary chips: M1, M2, and M3. Each generation brings enhanced CPU and GPU capabilities, with the M1 featuring an 8-core CPU and up to a 7-core GPU. The M2 and M3 models retain the 8-core CPU configuration but offer up to a 10-core GPU, indicating a significant leap in graphics performance. Memory and storage options have also expanded, with the M3 model supporting up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage, catering to more demanding multitasking and larger datasets.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect for users on the go, and Apple maintains up to 18 hours of battery life across all three models. This consistency ensures that users can expect reliable all-day performance without frequent recharging, regardless of the model they choose.

Connectivity and Ports

Wireless connectivity sees an improvement in the M3 model with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster and more reliable internet connections. Bluetooth technology has been upgraded to version 5.3 in the M2 and M3 models, enhancing wireless connection stability and range. All models feature two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports for versatile connectivity options.

Camera and Audio

Apple has addressed one of the common critiques of the M1 model by upgrading the webcam in the M2 and M3 models to a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, ensuring better video call quality. The audio experience has also been enhanced in the newer models with the introduction of a four-speaker sound system and support for Spatial Audio, providing an immersive listening experience.

Price

The M1 model when launched started at $999, making it a more budget-friendly option for users looking for the essential MacBook Air experience. The M2 model price also now starts at $999. The 2024 Apple M3 chip Macbook Air model price starts at $1,099. ( Pre-order now from Amazon US )

Conclusion

Choosing between the MacBook Air M1, M2, and M3 models boils down to balancing cost against performance and feature enhancements. The M1 model remains a solid choice for those who prioritize value and still desire strong performance. The M2 model offers a middle ground with significant improvements in display, camera, and sound system. Meanwhile, the M3 model is poised to be the go-to option for users seeking the pinnacle of performance and the latest technological advancements in Apple’s MacBook Air lineup.

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