Apple’s best just got cheaper AND better - MacBook Air M4

All Notes

26 May 2025

Notes on the MacBook Air M4 Review

Overview

The MacBook Air M4 is Apple's latest iteration of its popular laptop, featuring the new M4 chip, a fresh color option, and several internal upgrades. While the design remains largely unchanged from previous models, the M4 offers improved performance and RAM options, making it a compelling choice for users in need of a reliable laptop.


Key Features and Specifications

Design and Build

  • Color Options: New "Sky Blue" color, similar to previous models.
  • Dimensions and Weight: Identical to the last generation (M2).
  • Ports:
    • 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
    • 2 x USB-C ports
    • 1 x MagSafe charging port

Display

  • Type: 13-inch Liquid Retina display
  • Brightness: Rated at 500 nits, tested at approximately 520 nits.
  • Refresh Rate: Stays at 60 Hz, no high refresh rate option.

Performance

  • Chip: M4 chip with:
    • 2 additional efficiency cores
    • Improved performance in CPU-dependent tasks
  • RAM:
    • Base model: 16 GB (increased from previous models)
    • Max option: 32 GB (up from 24 GB)
  • Battery: Slightly larger battery (1 Wh difference), but rated battery life remains at 18 hours.

Storage Options

  • Base Storage: 256 GB (lower than M4 MacBook Pro's 512 GB)
  • Performance:
    • Improved performance in productivity tasks (e.g., Blender, Photoshop, Premiere).
    • Gaming performance shows slight improvements, depending on the game.

Pricing

  • Starting Price: $999 USD (lower by $100 compared to previous models).

Performance Insights

  • Productivity Testing:
    • Significant improvements in multi-threaded tasks (e.g., Blender).
    • CPU performance scores increased from 600 to 800.
    • Single-threaded scores improved from 140 to 170.
  • Gaming Performance:
    • Minor frame rate improvements in various games.
    • Not designed for high-end gaming but performs adequately for casual gaming.

Conclusion

  • The MacBook Air M4 is a solid upgrade for users needing a reliable laptop for everyday tasks.
  • While not a drastic change from previous models, it offers better performance, more RAM, and a lower price point.
  • Recommended for users with older Intel MacBook Airs or Windows laptops, but current M1, M2, or M3 users may not find it necessary to upgrade.

Visual Representation of Key Concepts

FeatureM3 MacBook AirM4 MacBook Air
Base RAM8 GB (later 16 GB)16 GB
Max RAM24 GB32 GB
Base Storage256 GB256 GB
GPU Cores (Base)88
Price$1,099$999
Display Brightness500 nits520 nits
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz

These notes summarize the key points from the MacBook Air M4 review, highlighting its features, performance, and overall value proposition for potential buyers.