MacBook Air M1 Vs M2 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Laptop, MacBook

MacBook Air M1 & M2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design & connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the MacBook Air M2 rather than M1.

Why Do I recommend the MacBook Air M2?

  • The MacBook Air M2 is equipped with the latest Apple M2 chip, which enhances performance efficiency, faster processing & better multitasking capabilities compared to the Air M1 chip.
  • It has a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness compared to the M1’s 13.3-inch Retina display with 400 nits brightness. M2 offers a brighter, more detailed, and vivid visual experience.
  • M2 upgrades the webcam to a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, which provides clearer & sharper video calls, whereas the M1 has a 720p camera.
  • It includes a MagSafe 3 port, which allows fast charging without occupying one of the Thunderbolt ports & more secure power connectivity than the M1’s USB-C port.
  • The Macbook Air ‌M2‌ has a 100GB/s memory bandwidth, which allows it to access more memory faster, compared to 68.25GB/s with the ‌M1‌.
  • Four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio of M2 provides better sound quality than the ‌MacBook Air‌ M1 stereo speaker.
  • Its 52.6-watt-hour lithium polymer battery is a notable upgrade from the M1’s 49.9-watt-hour battery, which lasts for 17 hours and 10 minutes.

Maybe the MacBook Air M1 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the MacBook Air M2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature MacBook Air M2 MacBook Air M1
Processor Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 8/10-core GPU) Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 7/8-core GPU)
Memory Bandwidth 100 GB/s 68.25 GB/s
Memory 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB unified memory 8GB or 16GB unified memory
Display 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display 13.3-inch Retina display
Resolution 2560 x 1664 2560 x 1600
Brightness 500 nits 400 nits
Design Slimmer, more uniform design Classic wedge-shaped design
Weight 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg) 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg)
Dimensions 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches
Color Options Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, Midnight Space Gray, Silver, Gold
MagSafe Charging Yes No
Charging Port MagSafe 3 USB-C
Camera 1080p FaceTime HD camera 720p FaceTime HD camera
Battery Capacity 52.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery 49.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Power Adapter 35W dual USB-C port with 10-core GPU 30W USB-C Power Adapter
Speakers Four-speaker system with Spatial Audio Stereo speakers with wide sound
Video Playback Dolby Vision and HLG support Dolby Vision support
FaceTime 1080p FaceTime HD camera 720p FaceTime HD camera
Price Check M2 Price Check M1 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Unified Memory Architecture: Both the M1 and M2 MacBook Air use a unified memory architecture, meaning the CPU, GPU, and other components share the same memory pool, allowing for faster and more efficient data access.
  • SSD Storage Options: Both models offer the same SSD storage capacities: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. This provides a range of options for different storage needs.
  • Retina Display Technology: Both models use Retina display technology, which offers high resolution and pixel density for sharp and vibrant visuals.
  • True Tone Technology: Both the M1 and M2 MacBook Air include True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient lighting for a more natural viewing experience.
  • P3 Wide Color: Both models support the P3 wide color gamut, providing more vibrant and accurate colors compared to the standard sRGB color space.
  • Magic Keyboard: Both laptops feature the Magic Keyboard with a scissor mechanism, which is known for its stability, comfort, and quiet typing experience.
  • Force Touch Trackpad: Both MacBook Air models have a Force Touch trackpad, which provides precise cursor control and pressure-sensitive capabilities for various functions.
  • Battery Life: Both the M1 and M2 MacBook Air offer up to 18 hours of battery life, ensuring long-lasting performance for all-day use.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both models support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, offering fast wireless connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
  • Operating System (macOS): Both laptops run macOS, Apple’s desktop operating system, which provides a seamless and integrated user experience with other Apple devices and services.
  • Touch ID: Both the M1 and M2 MacBook Air include Touch ID, allowing users to securely unlock their device, authenticate purchases, and use Apple Pay with their fingerprint.
  • Fanless Design: Both models feature a fanless design, which ensures silent operation while maintaining efficient thermal performance.
  • FaceTime HD Camera: Both laptops come with a FaceTime HD camera, ensuring clear and sharp video calls.
  • Speakers and Microphones: Both models are equipped with stereo speakers that provide wide stereo sound and a three-microphone array with beamforming for clear audio input.
  • USB-C Ports: Both the M1 and M2 MacBook Air have two USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt and USB 4, enabling fast data transfer, charging, and connectivity with external devices.
  • Security: Both models have a Secure Enclave to protect sensitive data and ensure secure boot processes, enhancing overall device security.

Common Features

Feature MacBook Air M2 MacBook Air M1
SSD Storage Options 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
True Tone Technology Yes Yes
P3 Wide Color Yes Yes
Magic Keyboard Scissor mechanism Scissor mechanism
Force Touch Trackpad Yes Yes
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0
macOS Yes Yes
Touch ID Yes Yes
Heat Management Fanless design Fanless design
FaceTime FaceTime HD camera FaceTime HD camera
Speakers Four-speaker sound system Stereo speakers, Wide stereo sound
Microphones Three-microphone array with beamforming Three-microphone array with beamforming
USB-C 2x Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports 2x Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports
Security Secure Enclave Secure Enclave
Price Check M2 Price  Check M1 Price 

FAQ

Q: What is the primary difference in the processors between the MacBook Air M1 and M2?
A: The MacBook Air M1 features the Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU and options for a 7-core or 8-core GPU. The MacBook Air M2, on the other hand, comes with the Apple M2 chip, which also has an 8-core CPU but offers options for an 8-core or 10-core GPU, providing up to 18% faster CPU performance and up to 35% faster GPU performance compared to the M1.Q: How does the memory capacity differ between the MacBook Air M1 and M2?
A: The MacBook Air M1 offers 8GB or 16GB of unified memory, while the MacBook Air M2 adds a 24GB option, allowing for greater flexibility and higher memory capacity for demanding tasks.

Q: Are there any differences in the display technology between the two models?
A: Yes, the MacBook Air M1 has a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and 400 nits brightness. The MacBook Air M2 features a slightly larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 and 500 nits brightness, offering better visuals and slightly more screen real estate.

Q: What are the design differences between the MacBook Air M1 and M2?
A: The MacBook Air M1 retains the classic wedge-shaped design, whereas the MacBook Air M2 has a slimmer, more uniform design, making it sleeker and more modern. Additionally, the M2 model is slightly lighter and thinner, enhancing its portability.

Q: What color options are available for each model?
A: The MacBook Air M1 is available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. The MacBook Air M2 adds new color options, including Starlight and Midnight, in addition to Space Gray and Silver.

Q: Does the MacBook Air M2 support MagSafe charging?
A: Yes, the MacBook Air M2 introduces MagSafe 3 for safer and more convenient charging, which is not available in the MacBook Air M1. The M1 model uses USB-C for charging.

Q: How do the audio and camera features compare between the two models?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has stereo speakers with wide stereo sound and a 720p FaceTime HD camera. The MacBook Air M2 upgrades to a four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio support and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, providing improved audio and video quality.

Q: Are there any differences in the keyboard and trackpad?
A: Both models feature the Magic Keyboard with a scissor mechanism and a Force Touch trackpad, ensuring a consistent typing and cursor control experience.

Q: What are the similarities in battery life between the MacBook Air M1 and M2?
A: Both the MacBook Air M1 and M2 offer up to 18 hours of battery life, ensuring long-lasting performance for all-day use. However, the M2 has a slightly larger battery capacity (52.6-watt-hour vs. 49.9-watt-hour).

Q: Do both models support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0?
A: Yes, both the MacBook Air M1 and M2 support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing fast wireless connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Q: What operating system do the MacBook Air M1 and M2 run?
A: Both laptops run macOS, Apple’s desktop operating system, offering a seamless and integrated user experience with other Apple devices and services.

Q: Is there a difference in security features between the two models?
A: Both models include Touch ID for secure authentication and a Secure Enclave to protect sensitive data and ensure secure boot processes, providing enhanced overall device security.

Q: Are both models fanless?
A: Yes, both the MacBook Air M1 and M2 feature a fanless design, ensuring silent operation while maintaining efficient thermal performance.

Q: What ports are available on the MacBook Air M1 and M2?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports, while the MacBook Air M2 features two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports and includes MagSafe 3 for charging. Both models have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Q: How does the starting price compare between the MacBook Air M1 and M2?
A: The starting price for the MacBook Air M1 is $999, while the MacBook Air M2 starts at $1,199, reflecting the additional features and improvements in the M2 model.

 

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