Apple doesn’t usually update its laptops this frequently, but in just one year we’ve already got two back-to-back MacBook Air models.
The MacBook Air M3 launched in March 2024, and by March 2025, Apple released the MacBook Air M4 with an all-new chip, more memory, and a few minor upgrades.
At first glance, the two look almost identical. Same 13.6-inch display, similar lightweight design, and both are ultra-portable machines. But when you look at performance, RAM, and even the webcam, the M4 is clearly the leader in the Air lineup. However, battery life is about even depending on your usage – the M4 leads in light tasks and video playback, while the M3 lasts longer in gaming.
Now the question is simple: if you already have an M3, should you stick with it, or get the new M4 in 2025? Let’s take a look at it section-by-section.
Apple MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air M3: Key Features
Apple MacBook Air M4 13
- Release Date: March 2025
- Laptop Type: Traditional
- Series: Air
- Available on:
Apple MacBook Air M3
- Release Date: March 2024
- Laptop Type: Traditional
- Series: Air
- Available on:
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
| Processor | Apple M4 | Apple M3 |
| Core | 10 Cores | 8 Cores |
| Frequency | Up to 3.5 GHz | Up to 4.05 GHz |
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD |
| Graphics Card | Apple M4 GPU (10-core) | Apple M3 GPU (10-core) |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Operating System (OS) | macOS 15 | MacOS |
| Weight | 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs) | 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs) |
| Battery | 53.8 Wh, Li-Polymer | 52.6 Wh, Li-Polymer |
Apple MacBook Air M4 vs Apple MacBook Air M3: Full Specifications
Click Here to Check Full Specs and Benchmarks Comparison
Processor (CPU)
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Model Name | Apple M4 | Apple M3 |
| Processor Speed | 4.4 GHz | 4.05 GHz |
| Cores | 10 (4P + 6E)🏆 | 8 (4P + 4E) |
| Threads | 10 🏆 | 8 |
| L3 cache | 16 MB | N/A |
| Fabrication process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
Video Card
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor | Apple M4 GPU (10-core) | Apple M3 GPU (10-core) |
| Graphics Memory Capacity | System Shared | System Shared |
| Graphic Type | Integrated | Integrated |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 |
| GPU Frequency | Base: 500 MHz Boost Clock:1800 MHz | Base: 500 MHz Boost Clock: 1600 MHz |
| Fabrication process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
RAM
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Channels | 2×8 GB | 2×4 GB |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 |
| Frequency | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| Memory Slots | None (soldered) | N/A |
| Upgradable | No | No |
| Maximum RAM size | 32 GB | 24 GB |
Storage
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 512 GB 🏆 | 256 GB |
| Storage Type | SSD (M2) | SSD (M2) |
| Drive Interface | PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 | PCI-E Gen 4.0 x4 |
| Channels | 1×512 GB 🏆 | 1×256 GB |
| Total Slots | 1 | N/A |
| Upgradable | No | No |
Display
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 13.6 inches | 13.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1664 pixels | 2560 x 1664 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Display Screen Type | IPS LCD | IPS |
| Display Screen Technology | LCD with IPS | LCD with IPS |
| HDR support | Yes | Yes |
| PPI | 224 ppi | 225 ppi |
| Pantone Validated | No | No |
| Response Time | 29 ms🏆 | 24 ms |
| Touch Input | No | Yes |
| Coating | Glossy (Antireflective) | Glossy (Antireflective) |
| Maximum brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Contrast | 1384:1 | 1250:1 |
| sRGB color gamut | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Sync technology | N/A | No |
Battery
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 53.8 Wh 🏆 | 52.6 Wh |
| Full charge time | N/A | 2:30 hr |
| Battery type | Li-Po | Li-Po |
| Removable | No | No |
| Fast charging | Yes | Yes |
| USB power delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Charging connector location | Left | Left |
| Charging power | 70 W | 30 / 35 / 70 W |
| Output | N/A | N/A |
| Charger weight | 207 grams 🏆 | 184 / 208 grams |
Frame
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| The weight | 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs) 🏆 | 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 304.1 x 215 x 11.3 mm 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 304.1 x 215 x 11.3 mm 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches |
| Area | 654 cm² (101.3 inches²) | 654 cm2 (101.3 inches2) |
| Screen-to-body ratio | ~82%🏆 | ~82% |
| Side frames | 5.6 mm🏆 | 5.6 mm |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Gold, Blue | Black, Silver, Gold, Gray |
| Transformer | No | No |
| Screen opening angle | 130° | 130° |
Thermal Management
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling type | Fanless (Passive) 🏆 | Active |
| Liquid metal | No | No |
| Evaporation chamber | No | No |
| Number of coolers | 0 🏆 | N/A |
| Noise level | 0 🏆 | N/A |
Sound
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Chip | Apple-designed stereo audio codec | Apple-designed stereo audio codec |
| Audio Format | 2.2 (2 tweeters and 2 woofers) | 2.2 (2 tweeters and 2 woofers) |
| Speaker Power | 2w | N/A |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Max. volume | ~82 dB🏆 | ~83.2 dB |
| microphones | 3 | 3 |
| Noise-canceling technology | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Recording | Standard | Standard |
Communications
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi version | v6E | v6E |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v5.3 |
| The fingerprint scanner | Yes | Yes |
| Optical drive | No | No |
| Webcam | Above the display | Above the display |
| Webcam Resolution | 12MP Center Stage webcam | 1920 x 1080 |
IO and Ports
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| USB-A | No | No |
| USB Type-C | 2x USB 4.0 | 2x USB 4.0 |
| Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 3 |
| HDMI | No | No |
| Display port | No | No |
| VGA | No | No |
| Audio port (3.5mm) | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet (RJ45) | No | No |
| SD card reader | No | No |
| Separate charging port | Yes | Yes |
Keyboard and Touchpad
| Features | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Key type | Island | Island |
| Numeric block | No | No |
| Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Key travel | 1 mm | 1 mm |
| Keyboard Type | Magic Keyboard | Magic Keyboard |
| Keyboard Layout | macOS QWERTY | macOS QWERTY |
| The size | 12.1 x 8.0 cm | N/A |
| Surface | Glass | Glass |
| Windows Precision | No | No |
Benchmarks
CPU Performance
| Test | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 |
| Geekbench 15 (Single-Core) | 3,839 🏆 | 3,060 |
| Geekbench 15 (Multi-Core) | 14,789 🏆 | 12,200 |
| Cinebench R23 (Single-Core) | 2,023 🏆 | 1,780 |
| Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) | 11,736 🏆 | 9,200 |
GPU Performance
| Test | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Metal Score) | 45,000 – 50,000 | 47,000–48,000 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 9,000 – 10,500 | 9,200–9,500 |
| GFXBench Aztec Ruins (High Offscreen) | 70 – 80 fps | 34–36 fps |
Storage Performance
| Test | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Blackmagic Disk Speed (Read) | 3,000 – 3,500 MB/s | 2,900–3,200 MB/s |
| Blackmagic Disk Speed (Write) | 2,800 – 3,200 MB/s | 2,700–3,000 MB/s |
Real-World Tasks
| Test | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Xcode Compile Time | 140 s | 155–160 s |
| Lightroom Classic (500 RAW export) | 16 min | 17–18 min |
| Lightroom Export | 55–60 fps | 45–50 fps |
| HandBrake (4K → 1080p) | 347 s (5m 47s) | 445 s (7m 25s) |
| Final Cut Pro (10 min 4K) | 9m 30s | 12m 30s |
AI Performance
| Test | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Neural Engine (16-core NPU) | 18 TOPS | 18 TOPS |
| ML Compute Benchmark | 2.0x | 1.0× |
Thermals
| Test | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Load Temp | 55 – 65 °C 🏆 | 68–72 °C |
| Peak Temp (Stress Test) | 80 – 82 °C 🏆 | 85–88 °C |
Battery Life
| Test | Apple MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity / Web Browsing | 15–17 hours🏆 | 17–18 hours |
| Video Playback (1080p, HDR Off) | 18–22 hours🏆 | 18–19 hours |
| Gaming (Metal Native, High Load) | 4–6 hours🏆 | 7.5–8 hours |
| Office / Light Tasks | 14 – 16 hours | 11–12 hours |
Apple MacBook Air M4 vs Apple MacBook Air M3
1. Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air lineup has always been focused on thin and light portability, and both the M3 and M4 offer exactly that. Each weighs 1.24kg and is 11.3mm thin, so they are easy to carry around. The aluminium unibody design feels premium, sturdy, and doesn’t flex even when typing or lifting the lid.
The difference is in the details. The MacBook Air M4 also has a new Sky Blue color option in addition to the classic Silver, Gold, and Black. The M3, on the other hand, is only available in Midnight, Silver, Starlight, and Space Grey. Another important change is in the cooling:
- MacBook Air M4 uses a fanless design, making it completely silent even under load.
- MacBook Air M3 has active cooling, which helps sustain performance for longer but does produce some fan noise.
For most users, silence and portability are more important than hearing a fan during heavy workloads.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
The M4 takes the win for its new color option and fanless, silent design, while still maintaining the same sturdy build.
2. Display and Visual Experience
Both laptops feature a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 × 1664 pixels and a brightness of 500 nits. Text looks sharp, colors pop, and both are perfect for work, content creation, and entertainment.
But when we look closely, there are a few important differences:
Color accuracy: The MacBook Air M4 covers 98.4% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it slightly more accurate for creative professionals. The M3 is strong but slightly behind.
Contrast ratio: M4 reaches 1384:1, while M3 manages 1250:1. This means deeper blacks and more vibrant visuals on the M4.
Touch input: The M3 actually has an advantage here with touchscreen support, while the M4 does not.
For color accuracy, contrast, and video call quality, the M4 is ahead. However, if you specifically want a touch display, the M3 is the only option.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
Better color coverage, stronger contrast, and an improved webcam give the M4 the edge, even though the M3 offers touch input.
3. Performance (CPU and GPU)
This is where the MacBook Air M4 really differs from the MacBook Air M3. Both are built on Apple’s 3nm process, but the M4 brings more cores, faster clock speeds, and better graphics.
CPU Benchmark Comparison
| Test | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 15 (Single-Core) | 3,839 | 3,060 | M4 🏆 |
| Geekbench 15 (Multi-Core) | 14,789 | 12,200 | M4 🏆 |
| Cinebench R23 (Single-Core) | 2,023 | 1,780 | M4 🏆 |
| Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) | 11,736 | 9,200 | M4 🏆 |
The M4 has a 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), while the M3 has an 8-core setup. This makes app launches faster, file exports faster, and multitasking easier. Even tasks like compiling code in Xcode are completed much faster.
GPU Benchmark Comparison
| Test | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Metal Score) | 45,000–50,000 | 47,000–48,000 | Tie |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 9,000–10,500 | 9,200–9,500 | Tie |
| GFXBench Aztec Ruins (High Offscreen) | 70–80 fps | 34–36 fps | M4 🏆 |
Both laptops use 10-core integrated GPUs, but the M4’s graphics are about 30% faster in real tests. In fact, the M4 can handle games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p High) at 55-65 fps, which is impressive for a fanless ultraportable. The M3, while capable, falls behind in heavy workloads like video rendering or modern gaming.
Real-World Productivity
| Task | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xcode Compile Time | 140s | 155–160s | M4 🏆 |
| Lightroom Classic (500 RAW Export) | 16 min | 17–18 min | M4 🏆 |
| Final Cut Pro (10 min 4K Video) | 9m 30s | 12m 30s | M4 🏆 |
| HandBrake (4K → 1080p) | 347s | 445s | M4 🏆 |
The difference is even more pronounced when it comes to creative workloads. Video exports are faster, RAW photo editing is smoother, and even AI workloads are enhanced thanks to the M4’s performance improvements.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
With higher benchmark scores and faster performance in real-world tasks, the M4 is the better choice for power users, content creators, and anyone who values speed.
4. Memory and Storage
Apple has made a big change in terms of memory in the MacBook Air M4. While the design remains the same, the default configuration is now much more powerful and future-friendly than the MacBook Air M3.
Memory (RAM) Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | M4 🏆 |
| Max RAM | 32 GB | 24 GB | M4 🏆 |
| Type | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 | M4 🏆 |
| Frequency | 7500 MHz | 6400 MHz | M4 🏆 |
| Channels | 2×8 GB | 2×4 GB | M4 🏆 |
The M4 doubles the base memory to 16 GB, which is a big upgrade for those multitasking or working with large files. Not only is it more, but it’s also a faster LPDDR5X at 7500 MHz compared to the M3’s 6400 MHz LPDDR5. For most users, this means improved performance when keeping multiple apps and browser tabs open.
Storage Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | M4 🏆 |
| Max Storage | 2 TB | 2 TB | Tie |
| Storage Type | SSD (M2, PCIe 4.0) | SSD (M2, PCIe 4.0) | Tie |
| Read Speed | 3,000–3,500 MB/s | 2,900–3,200 MB/s | M4 🏆 |
| Write Speed | 2,800–3,200 MB/s | 2,700–3,000 MB/s | M4 🏆 |
Storage is also better on the M4. The base model has 512GB of SSD storage, while the M3 only has 256GB. Speeds are also slightly faster, making it easier to transfer large files and install apps.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
With more base RAM, higher memory speeds, and twice the default storage, the M4 is way ahead of the M3 in this category. It is more future-ready and better suited for professionals and creators.
5. Battery Life and Charging
Apple has always been strong in battery efficiency, and both the MacBook Air M4 and M3 deliver excellent endurance. But the M4 brings slight improvements thanks to its more efficient chip and charging options.
Battery Life Comparison
| Usage Scenario | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Browsing / Productivity | 15–17 hours | 17–18 hours | M3 🏆 |
| Video Playback (1080p) | 18–22 hours | 18–19 hours | M4 🏆 |
| Gaming (High Load) | 4–6 hours | 7.5–8 hours | M3 🏆 |
| Office / Light Tasks | 14–16 hours | 11–12 hours | M4 🏆 |
In real-world use, the MacBook Air M4 manages to last a little longer for video playback and light productivity tasks, making it a solid all-day laptop. But the M3 surprisingly comes out ahead when it comes to gaming, probably because its active cooling helps maintain performance without draining it too quickly.
Charging Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 53.8 Wh | 52.6 Wh | M4 🏆 |
| Charging Power | Up to 70W | 30W / 35W / 70W | Tie |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Charger Weight | 183 / 207 g | 184 / 208 g | Tie |
Both laptops support fast charging and USB-C power delivery. The M4 supports up to 70W charging, so you can charge it faster if you use a higher wattage adapter. Both models have a MagSafe connector, making charging easy and safe.
Winner: Tie 🤝
The M4 leads in terms of battery efficiency for light workloads and video playback, while the M3 leads in terms of gaming battery life. For most users, the difference is small, so this round is a draw.
6. Thermals and Noise
Cooling is one area where these two MacBooks differ significantly. Apple has kept the MacBook Air M4 completely fanless, while the MacBook Air M3 uses a traditional active cooling system.
Thermal Management Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling Type | Fanless (Passive) | Active (Fan-based) | Depends |
| Average Load Temp | 55–65 °C | 68–72 °C | M4 🏆 |
| Peak Temp (Stress Test) | 80–82 °C | 85–88 °C | M4 🏆 |
| Noise Level | Silent | Noticeable under load | M4 🏆 |
The MacBook Air M4 runs completely silent as it doesn’t have a fan. Even with Cinebench loops or video exports, you won’t hear anything. The downside is that in very long workloads, performance may drop a bit due to heat build-up.
The MacBook Air M3, on the other hand, has an active cooling fan, which helps it maintain better performance for longer in heavy tasks. But this comes at a price in the form of noise. On pushing harder, you will hear the fan, although it is still quieter than most Windows laptops.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
For everyday users, the M4’s quiet operation and low temperatures make it a better choice. If you regularly perform long and demanding tasks, the M3’s fan helps maintain performance, but most buyers will prefer a quieter fan.
7. Ports and Connectivity
Apple keeps things minimal with the MacBook Air series, and both the M4 and M3 follow the same philosophy. But there are a few important differences in port standards that matter for professionals.
Ports Comparison
| Port / Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C | 2× USB 4.0 | 2× USB 4.0 | Tie |
| Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 3 | M4 🏆 |
| HDMI | No | No | Tie |
| Audio Jack | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes (3.5mm) | Tie |
| MagSafe Charging | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| SD Card Reader | No | No | Tie |
| Ethernet (RJ-45) | No | No | Tie |
Both laptops include two USB-C ports with USB 4.0 support, a MagSafe charging connector, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This is enough for basic use, but if you need HDMI or an SD card slot, you will have to buy an adapter.
The main difference is in Thunderbolt support:
The MacBook Air M4 features Thunderbolt 4, which offers faster and more stable connections to external displays, storage devices, and docks.
The MacBook Air M3 only features Thunderbolt 3, which is still good, but not as future-proof.
In terms of wireless features, both laptops include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring robust connectivity for modern accessories.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
With Thunderbolt 4 support, the M4 is more future-ready for external monitors, docks, and high-speed peripherals.
8. Keyboard, Trackpad, and Audio
Apple has set the standard for laptop input devices and multimedia, and both the MacBook Air M4 and M3 deliver a premium experience. Still, there are small differences worth noting.
Keyboard and Trackpad Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Type | Magic Keyboard | Magic Keyboard | Tie |
| Key Travel | 1 mm | 1 mm | Tie |
| Backlight | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Trackpad Size | 12.1 × 8.0 cm | N/A (similar) | Tie |
| Trackpad Surface | Glass | Glass | Tie |
Typing is excellent on both laptops, with the Magic Keyboard being consistent, responsive, and comfortable over long periods of time. Key travel is just 1mm, but the keys feel stable and precise. The M4’s slightly firmer hinge adds stability to the keyboard deck, especially under hard pressure.
The trackpads are equally excellent. Apple’s glass trackpad is one of the best in the industry, offering smooth gestures and perfect precision. Multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom or three-finger swipe work quickly and reliably.
Audio Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaker Setup | 2.2 (2 tweeters + 2 woofers) | 2.2 (2 tweeters + 2 woofers) | Tie |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Max Volume | ~85 dB | ~83.2 dB | M4 🏆 |
| Microphones | 3 (noise-canceling) | 3 (noise-canceling) | Tie |
Both laptops deliver surprisingly powerful audio despite their thin frames. The 2.2 speaker setup delivers clear highs and good bass, which combined with Dolby Atmos support, provides a more immersive experience.
The MacBook Air M4 has a slightly louder sound, reaching around 85 dB, while the M3’s sound is around 83 dB. It also sounds a bit clearer in the midrange, which is clearly visible when watching movies or during video calls.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
While both laptops have fantastic keyboards and trackpads, the M4 edges out with slightly louder, clearer speakers and a sturdier typing deck.
9. Webcam and Video Call Quality
Apple has taken a big leap in this area with the MacBook Air M4. Although both laptops look similar on the outside, the camera setup is different and makes a lot of difference in everyday use.
Webcam Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 MP (Center Stage) | 1080p (Full HD) | M4 🏆 |
| Center Stage Support | Yes | No | M4 🏆 |
| Video Quality | Sharper, better low light | Standard HD | M4 🏆 |
| Microphones | 3 (noise-canceling) | 3 (noise-canceling) | Tie |
The MacBook Air M4 has a 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam, the same technology that Apple uses in its iPads. It not only delivers sharper images but also keeps you in the center of the frame during video calls, even if you move a little. This is a big upgrade for remote workers, students, and professionals who spend hours in online meetings.
The MacBook Air M3, on the other hand, has a powerful 1080p webcam. It’s fine for casual calls, but it doesn’t match the M4 in terms of detail, color accuracy, or adaptability to different lighting.
Both laptops have triple microphones with noise cancellation, so voice clarity is excellent on both models.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
The jump from a 1080p webcam to a 12 MP Center Stage camera makes the M4 far better for professional and casual video calls.
10. AI Performance
Artificial intelligence is becoming a big part of Apple’s ecosystem, and both the MacBook Air M4 and M3 come with a 16-core Neural Engine, designed to accelerate machine learning and AI-related tasks. But the new chip in the M4 delivers much better results.
AI Benchmark Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 16-core | Tie |
| TOPS (Trillions of Operations per Second) | 18 | 18 | Tie |
| ML Compute Benchmark | 2.0× | 1.0× | M4 🏆 |
In tests, the M4 delivers double the ML compute benchmark scores compared to the M3. Although both can handle tasks like photo editing, real-time transcription, or AI-powered image enhancement on the device, the M4 performs these noticeably faster.
This advantage also extends to creative apps like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Final Cut Pro, where AI-powered features like background removal or smart adjustments run more smoothly. For developers, the M4 also makes it easier to test or deploy lightweight machine learning models directly on the laptop.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
Both laptops are strong in AI, but the m4’s 2x increase in ML compute performance makes it the clear winner and a better long-term choice for AI-heavy workflows.
11. Price and Value for Money
Apple touts the MacBook Air as the most affordable product in its laptop lineup, but there is a difference in price and value between the M4 and M3 models.
Price Comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air M3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Price (Base Model) | $1,199 | $1,199 | Tie |
| Base RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | M4 🏆 |
| Base Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | M4 🏆 |
| Long-Term Value | Higher (newer chip, more future-proof) | Lower (older, but still good for budget users) | M4 🏆 |
Technically both laptops launched at around $1,199, but the difference is in what you get for that price.
- The base model of the MacBook Air M3 gets you 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which seems limited for a 2025 model.
- However, the MacBook Air M4 offers both features at the same price – 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. This is a big upgrade in value, since the RAM and storage are doubled at the same price and cannot be upgraded later.
Another aspect is future-proofing. Since the M4 is a newer model, it will continue to receive macOS updates for several years, making it a better long-term investment.
Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
Even though both launched at $1,199, the M4 offers far better value thanks to double the RAM, double the storage, and a longer support lifespan.
Pros and Cons
| Aspect | MacBook Air M4 | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | • Faster performance with the new Apple M4 chip • Base model includes 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage (double the M3) • Fanless design means silent operation • Excellent color accuracy and contrast on the 13.6-inch display • Longer video playback battery life (up to 22 hours) • Upgraded 12 MP Center Stage webcam for sharper video calls • Thunderbolt 4 support for faster external connections | • Strong performance for everyday productivity and light creative work • Touch display support (not available on the M4) • Slightly better gaming battery endurance • Same thin, lightweight design at 1.24 kg • Active cooling sustains performance longer during heavy loads • Dolby Atmos speakers and good microphones |
| Cons | • Still limited to 60 Hz refresh rate • No touch display support • Minimal port selection (no HDMI or SD card slot) • Can throttle under long, heavy workloads due to passive cooling | • Base model stuck at 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage • Thunderbolt limited to version 3 • Webcam limited to 1080p, no Center Stage • Less color-accurate display compared to the M4 • Shorter macOS support lifespan than the M4 |
Winner (Overall Pros vs Cons Balance): MacBook Air M4 🏆
While the M3 is still a solid budget-friendly option, the M4’s stronger base specifications, better performance accuracy, and long-term value make it a more balanced and future-proof choice.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Overall, both the MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Air M3 are excellent ultraportable laptops. They have a similar lightweight design, sharp display, and premium build quality. But when we look at performance, memory, battery life, and future-proofing, the differences between them become very clear.
Verdict Summary
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design & Build | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Display & Visuals | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Performance (CPU & GPU) | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Memory & Storage | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Battery Life | Tie 🤝 |
| Thermals & Noise | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Ports & Connectivity | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Keyboard & Trackpad | Tie 🤝 |
| Audio | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Webcam & Video Calls | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| AI Performance | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
| Value for Money | Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆 |
Our Recommendation
Buy the MacBook Air M4 if:
You want the latest Apple chip with better performance, better graphics, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, a sharper webcam for video calls, and longer macOS support. It’s a more future-ready laptop and offers better value-for-money at the same price.
Buy the MacBook Air M3 if:
You already have one and are satisfied with its everyday performance, or you’re getting it at a lower price. It’s still a capable machine for web browsing, office work, and light creative work. Its touch display also gives it a unique advantage.
Final Winner: Apple MacBook Air M4 🏆
The M4 takes the crown in almost every category. Unless budget is your top concern or you specifically want a touch display, the MacBook Air M4 is the smarter choice for 2025 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the MacBook Air M4 is a clear upgrade. It doubles the base RAM and storage, offers faster CPU and GPU performance, has a sharper 12 MP Center Stage webcam, and includes Thunderbolt 4 support. If you’re coming from the M3, the M4 will feel noticeably faster and more future-proof.
For everyday productivity and video playback, the MacBook Air M4 lasts slightly longer, reaching up to 22 hours of video playback. The M3, however, does better in gaming endurance, lasting around 7.5–8 hours compared to the M4’s 4–6 hours.
No. The MacBook Air M3 supports touch input, while the MacBook Air M4 does not. The M4 focuses on better color accuracy and a sharper webcam instead of touchscreen support.
The MacBook Air M4 is the better choice for students because it comes with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage by default, which makes it more future-proof. Students who only need a laptop for basic tasks may find the M3 sufficient, especially if it’s available at a lower price.
The MacBook Air M4 is far better for video editing. It exports 4K videos faster in Final Cut Pro and has a stronger GPU for handling graphics workloads. The M3 can still manage basic editing but will take longer.
Yes. Since the MacBook Air M4 is a newer release, it will receive macOS updates for a longer period than the M3, making it a better long-term investment.
Even though both launched at $1,199, the MacBook Air M4 is the clear winner. You get double the RAM, double the storage, and longer software support for the same price.
Apple updates the MacBook Air about every 1-1.5 years. The MacBook Air M5 will be faster, but the M4 already has major improvements with more memory, storage, and better performance. If you need a laptop right now, the M4 is a safe choice. If you don’t mind waiting and want a newer model, wait for the M5.
