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

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

Contents hide
1 Why Do I recommend the MacBook Air M2?
1.1 Side By Side Comparison
1.2 What Common Both Can Do?
1.3 Common Features
1.3.1 FAQ

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, and 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 and 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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Check M2 Best Price

Check M1 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureMacBook Air M2MacBook Air M1
ProcessorApple M2 (8-core CPU, 8/10-core GPU)Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 7/8-core GPU)
Memory Bandwidth100 GB/s68.25 GB/s
Memory8GB, 16GB, or 24GB unified memory8GB or 16GB unified memory
Display13.6-inch Liquid Retina display13.3-inch Retina display
Resolution2560 x 16642560 x 1600
Brightness500 nits400 nits
DesignSlimmer, more uniform designClassic wedge-shaped design
Weight2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)2.8 pounds (1.29 kg)
Dimensions11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches
Color OptionsSpace Gray, Silver, Starlight, MidnightSpace Gray, Silver, Gold
MagSafe ChargingYesNo
Charging PortMagSafe 3USB-C
Camera1080p FaceTime HD camera720p FaceTime HD camera
Battery Capacity52.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery49.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Power Adapter35W dual USB-C port with 10-core GPU30W USB-C Power Adapter
SpeakersFour-speaker system with Spatial AudioStereo speakers with wide sound
Video PlaybackDolby Vision and HLG supportDolby Vision support
FaceTime1080p FaceTime HD camera720p FaceTime HD camera
PriceCheck 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.

Check M2 Best Price

Check M1 Best Price

Common Features

FeatureMacBook Air M2MacBook Air M1
SSD Storage Options256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
True Tone TechnologyYesYes
P3 Wide ColorYesYes
Magic KeyboardScissor mechanismScissor mechanism
Force Touch TrackpadYesYes
Battery LifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
macOSYesYes
Touch IDYesYes
Heat ManagementFanless designFanless design
FaceTimeFaceTime HD cameraFaceTime HD camera
SpeakersFour-speaker sound systemStereo speakers, Wide stereo sound
MicrophonesThree-microphone array with beamformingThree-microphone array with beamforming
USB-C2x Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports2x Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports
SecuritySecure EnclaveSecure Enclave
PriceCheck 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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