In this article, we are going to be going over our M1 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air comparison, which might help you decide between the two.
The freshly released MacBook Air has been on the market for a few weeks. The new MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s newest M-series CPU, the M2. According to Apple, the MacBook Air is the world’s most ‘popular’ notebook, and the latest edition has more than just aesthetic upgrades. It is the most significant overhaul of the MacBook Air in years. Surprisingly, Apple has not discontinued the M1 MacBook Air, which was released in November 2020. So, how much better is the M2 MacBook Air than its predecessor? We compare the two Apple laptops and recommend which one is best for you.
M1 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air
The M2 MacBook Air has the advantage of being powered by the most recent CPU. We’ve been using the M2 MacBook Air for a few days now, and it’s very quick. But how quick is it compared to the M1 Air? The difference is present, but it is not substantial. The M1 is still an excellent CPU; it’s just that the M2 is superior. Most operations, like as moving between browser tabs or FaceTime chats, revealed that the M2 was somewhat quicker than the M1 MacBook Air we were used to.
However, if you’re upgrading from an Intel-powered Mac or a Windows PC, the M1 will undoubtedly seem speedier. The M1 Air has two RAM options: 8GB and 16GB, while the M2 Air has a 24GB option as well. So, if you want more RAM and a faster CPU, the M2 MacBook Air is the way to go. This is not to imply that the M1 Air is a slacker; it is still one of the quickest laptops available, but the M2 Air has an advantage.
M2 MacBook Air looks better
Apple’s MacBook Air has always been extremely well-designed. The M2 MacBook Air, on the other hand, receives a brand-new design that makes it appear more sophisticated. The M2 Air (1.24 kg) weighs somewhat less than the M1 MacBook Air (1.29 kg). The M1 Air’s display is also taller than the M2 Air’s. Apple has also altered the colors of the M2 Air, which is now available in starlight, midnight (the two new variations), silver, and space grey.
The M1 Air is available in silver, gold, and space grey color options. The midnight and starlight color versions stand out as particularly appealing and ‘unusual.’ The M2 Air’s keyboard is also significantly more comfortable than the M1 Air’s.
M1 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air specs
| M2 MacBook Air | M1 MacBook Air | |
| Display | 13.6-inch, 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display | 13.3-inch, 2560 x 1600 Retina display |
| Processor | M2 | M1 |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 24GB | 8GB / 16GB |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports |
| Weight | 1.24 kg | 1.29 kg |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD | 720p FaceTime HD |
| Colour options | Silver, Space Gray, Midnight, Starlight | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
M2 MacBook Air is better for video calls
Video chats have become a common feature in most people’s lives, and Apple has long provided mediocre front-facing cameras. The M2 Air includes a 1080p webcam, an increase over the 720p camera seen on the M1 Air. We tested both cameras side by side and found that the M2 Air provides higher clarity during video conversations. Even in terms of speakers, the M1 Air has a stereo arrangement, whilst the M2 features a four-speaker sound system. We discovered that the M1 Air sounded better than the M2 in certain musical genres.
Return of the MagSafe
The MagSafe port returns to the Air with the updated model, which is a significant bonus for us. The rapid magnetic charging connection is a pleasant difference from the M1 Air’s standard type-C connector. Otherwise, both MacBook Air versions have the same amount of connectors. The battery life on the M1 Air was the greatest we’d seen in a laptop in the previous two years.
However, the M2 Air performs marginally better. You may easily obtain 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is equivalent to two full days of work for many people. Apple revolutionized the game for batteries with the M1 Air, and the M2 has improved on that. Both laptops have a long battery life.
Which one should you buy?
The MacBook Air has long been a favorite among purchasers. Apple eliminated the fan from the M-series CPUs, which increased battery life and performance. In terms of general performance and endurance, both laptops offer nothing to pick between. Both the M1 Air and M2 Air are excellent values, and you can’t go wrong with either.
However, the M1 Air costs roughly $200 less than the M2 Air but has a ‘dated’ design. The M2 Air brings back the MagSafe, which might be a decisive factor for many. The M2 CPU is unquestionably quicker than the M1, and it also has extra RAM. Since the most recent and quickest MacBook Air, the M2 is the one to get, as the additional $200 could just be worth it.
We hope that you enjoyed this article on M1 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air. If you did, you might also like to check out our other articles, such as site for the new Apple San Diego campus bought for $445 million, or Comparison: Apple M1 vs Apple M2.
