MacBook Air (15-inch, M2) vs. MacBook Air (13-inch, M2): How Apple’s thinnest laptops compare
Introduction:
Apple’s MacBook Air lineup has always been known for its sleek design and lightweight body, making these laptops the go-to choice for students and professionals alike. With the recent launch of the new 15-inch MacBook Air M2 and the 13-inch MacBook Air M2, customers are left wondering which one suits their needs better. In this article, we’ll dive into the important differences between the two models and help you make an informed decision.
Display & Design:
The most apparent difference between these two laptops is their size. The 15-inch MacBook Air M2 boasts a larger 15.4-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, while the 13-inch variant offers a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Both displays provide excellent color accuracy and brightness levels.
As for their design, both models carry on with Apple’s signature sleek look, utilizing aluminum chassis for enhanced durability. The larger MacBook Air understandably weighs slightly more at 4 lbs compared to the smaller variant’s weight of approximately 2.8 lbs; however, both devices maintain their slim profile with less than an inch in thickness.
Performance & Battery Life:
Both the MacBook Air (15-inch, M2) and (13-inch, M2) are powered by Apple’s latest M2 chip that offers improved performance and efficiency over their previous counterparts. While both models share identical processing capabilities thanks to this new chip, users might notice a slight difference in graphical performance due to their GPU configurations.
The larger MacBook Air benefits from an additional GPU core over its smaller sibling, providing it with a slight edge when it comes to graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing or gaming. On the other hand, both devices are expected to deliver similar overall performance and battery life, with Apple promising up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge.
Storage & Connectivity:
Both the 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air M2 models come with a base storage of 256GB, upgradeable to 512GB or even 1TB SSDs for those needing more space. Both units also feature the same connectivity options, including two USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 3, an SDXC card slot, HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Price:
As you might expect, larger display size and slightly better GPU performance does come with a higher price tag. The MacBook Air (15-inch, M2) retails at a starting price of $1,899, while the MacBook Air (13-inch, M2) starts at $1,299.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing between the new MacBook Air (15-inch, M2) and MacBook Air (13-inch, M2) comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you require more screen real estate for multitasking or prefer improved graphical performance for gaming or content creation tasks while not minding some extra weight and cost – the 15-inch model would suit you best. However, if portability is your top priority and you are willing to compromise slightly on performance and screen size for a lighter laptop at a lower cost – then the 13-inch MacBook Air should be your pick.