The MacBook Air M3 is about to be released in the UK. Only a few days before its launch, we decided to compare it to its predecessor, the MacBook Air M2.
Apple hit hard this week by launching its new MacBook Air M3, successor to the very popular M2 model. If the two laptops look as similar as two drops of water, they nevertheless hide differences in terms of performance, features and price.
This detailed comparison will help you choose the model that best suits your needs and your budget.
Increased performance, improved connectivity, higher price… Discover all the key points that differentiate these two laptops.
So, MacBook Air M3 vs. MacBook Air M2, which one should you choose?
- MacBook Air M3: The new generation laptop
- MacBook Air M2: The younger sibling with nothing to be ashamed of
- Comparing the MacBook Air M3 and Air M2: Specifications
- MacBook Air M3 or M2: What are the differences?
- In the end, which one should you choose?
- MacBook Air M3 FAQs
MacBook Air M3: The new generation laptop
On 4 March, 2024, Apple unveiled its new MacBook Air M3. This new laptop promises increased performance, while retaining the iconic design that made the Air range successful.
The heart of the MacBook Air M3 is Apple’s M3 chip, engraved in 3 nanometers. This offers significant performance gains compared to the previous generation, particularly for CPU and GPU-intensive tasks.
One of the strong points of the MacBook Air M3 is its connectivity. It is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which allows it to connect to the fastest wireless networks. It also has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports for connecting external devices.
In terms of battery life, Apple has announced up to 18 hours of battery life in video playback. This allows you to work or play all day without having to worry about recharging your computer.
The MacBook Air M3 is available in 4 colours: Silver, Space Grey, Starlight and Midnight blue.
The M3 is currently on pre-order from Apple starting at £1,099 (13-inch) -£1,499 (15-inch) for availability from 8 March, 2024 in the UK.
MacBook Air M2: The younger sibling with nothing to be ashamed of
The MacBook Air M2, released in 2023, has the minimalist design of the Air range. Its aluminium housing is both robust and lightweight, weighing just 1.24 kg.
The M2 has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,664 pixels. The M2 chip allows it to handle everyday tasks with ease, but it’s also capable of handling more demanding tasks, like video and photo editing.
It again, has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The laptop is also compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Battery life is claimed to be 18 hours.
The MacBook Air M2 remains a great choice for users looking for an ultra-thin, light, high-performance laptop. When the MacBook Air M3 was released, its starting price was lowered to £999 from Apple and others.
Comparing the MacBook Air M3 and Air M2: Specifications
Functionality | MacBook Air M3 | MacBook Air M2 |
---|---|---|
Screen | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664 pixels) / 15.3-inch Liquid Retina (2880 x 1864 pixels) | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664 pixels) / 15.3-inch Liquid Retina (2880 x 1864 pixels) |
Chip | M3 | M2 |
CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
GPU cores | 10 | 10 |
RAM | 8 GB / 16 GB / 24 GB | 8 GB / 16 GB / 24 GB |
Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB |
Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits |
Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD | 1080p FaceTime HD |
Speakers | 4 | 4 |
Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4 | 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
Wireless | Wi‑Fi 6E | WiFi 6 |
Battery | 56.2 Wh / 66.5 Wh | 52.6 Wh / 66.5 Wh |
Autonomy | Announced battery of 18 hours | Announced battery of 18 hours |
Weight | 1.24 kg / 1.51 kg | 1.24 kg / 1.51 kg |
Price | From £1,099 / From £1499 | From £999 / From £1,399 (Not from Apple) |
Release date | March 2024 | April 2023 |
MacBook Air M3 or M2: What are the differences?
Although incredibly similar, the MacBook Air M3 differs from the M2 in several key ways:
- Increased performance: The M3 chip offers significant performance gains, especially for CPU and GPU-intensive tasks.
- Better connectivity: The M3 supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster network speeds.
- More options: The M3 supports 2 external displays compared to only 1 for the M2.
- Higher price: The M3 is slightly more expensive than the M2.
The MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Air M2 are two excellent laptops. The M3 offers increased performance , better connectivity and support for 2 external displays , but it is also more expensive.
In the end, which one should you choose?
Ultimately, choosing between the MacBook Air M3 and M2 depends on your needs and budget.
Unless needing the M3’s performance advantages, most users won’t find the M3 Macbook Air significantly superior to the M2 model. Still, future-proofing and multi-monitor support may warrant the extra £100.
If you are looking for the best possible performance, the M3 is the best choice. On the other hand, if you are on a tighter budget, the M2 remains an excellent laptop.
MacBook Air M3 FAQs
The MacBook Air M3 will be available from 8 March 2024 in the UK
The 13-inch MacBook Air M3 is sold from £1,099, and from £1,499 in its 15-inch version.
The M3 offers increased performance, better connectivity and support for 2 external displays, but it is also more expensive.
The MacBook Air M3 is available for pre-order from Apple, Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, and Currys.
For all the deals on Apple MacBook Air head over to hotukdeals and find the best offers out there. Alternatively, see if there are any vouchers to be had on the dedicated Apple page.