[Gearbest Technology]On the evening of March 4th, Beijing time, Apple launched the updated MacBook Air 13-inch and 15-inch models online in China and around the world. The laptop is equipped with the latest M3 chip and has received some other updates. After the release of the new MacBook Air, Apple began to gradually phase out the M1 version of the MacBook Air and discontinued the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air launched in June 2023. So which model should you buy?
M2 vs. M3 MacBook Air Buying Guide
Like its predecessor, the 2024 MacBook Air is available in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch display sizes, with the smaller model starting at 8,999 yuan and the larger model starting at 10,499 yuan. It is worth mentioning that the 2022 13.6-inch version of the “MacBook Air” equipped with the “M2” chip is still in the product lineup, currently priced from 7,999 yuan. This means that buyers can choose between the 2022 MacBook Air and the 2024 model.
M2 vs M3 Chip
The main upgrade for the 2024 MacBook Air models is the M3 chip. In benchmark tests, the M3's single-core task performance is about 17% higher than the M2, and its multi-core task performance is about 21% higher than the M2. In terms of GPU performance measured by the Metal benchmark, the M3 is significantly improved by about 15% over the M2. Compared with the M1 MacBook Air, the M2 model is up to 1.4 times faster, and the M3 model is up to 1.6 times faster.
The M3 chip introduces a new GPU architecture. The architecture includes a breakthrough feature called Dynamic Caching, which optimizes the allocation and utilization of GPU memory and adapts to different task requirements in real time. This enhancement not only improves the graphics performance of intensive applications, but also improves the overall energy efficiency of the chip. This is especially beneficial for graphics-intensive tasks such as advanced video editing, 3D rendering, and games. It also supports AV1 video decoding, which can provide more efficient and higher-quality video from streaming services.
Although the 16-core neural network engines of the M2 and M3 are similar, the 3nm manufacturing process used by the M3 can perform machine learning and artificial intelligence tasks more efficiently. In addition, the M3 maintains up to 24GB of unified memory like the M2, but uses a new process to achieve more efficient memory bandwidth utilization.
Comparison of computing functions
Another significant difference between the M2 and M3 chips is energy efficiency. The 3nm manufacturing process enables the M3 chip to achieve higher performance without a corresponding increase in power consumption, making the chip particularly attractive to laptop users who value the balance between power consumption and battery life.
Overall, the M3 chip is a major upgrade from the M2 chip. Its notable features are a larger number of transistors, stronger CPU and GPU task performance, and higher energy efficiency. While the M3 is a clear improvement, in terms of its superiority, current M2 users don't need to upgrade immediately, especially if their existing workflows can still be completed with ease. For new buyers or those upgrading from an older model, the M3's improvements in performance and efficiency will be even more apparent.
Other differences
Aside from the chips, there are some notable differences between the two generations of the MacBook Air. While these upgrades are minor, they're worth noting when considering whether to buy the latest model.
MacBook Air M3
In terms of size, the M2 MacBook Air is currently only available in a 13.6-inch version, and the 15.3-inch model has been discontinued. The M3 MacBook Air is available in two versions: 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch.
In terms of connectivity, the M2 MacBook Air only supports one external monitor, while the M3 MacBook Air supports up to two external monitors when closed;
In terms of WiFi, the M2 MacBook Air supports WiFi 6, and the M3 MacBook Air supports the faster WiFi 6E;
In addition, the M3 MacBook Air supports “voice highlighting” and “wide spectrum” microphone modes, making audio and video calls clearer.
In terms of price, the M2 MacBook Air starts at 7,999 yuan, and the M3 MacBook Air starts at 8,999 yuan.
In terms of other configurations, the M2 and M3 are almost the same, both adopt a lightweight design and have a battery life of up to 18 hours.
suggestion
Overall, the M3 MacBook Air is only a minor upgrade compared to its predecessor, focusing mainly on enhanced performance rather than new features. Its main target audience is those who have an older MacBook Air (such as the M1 or Intel processor-based models) or don't have a MacBook Air at all.
Unless you can take advantage of the special advantages of the M3 chip and require maximum performance from its highly portable form factor, the M3 MacBook Air may not be worth upgrading to the M2 MacBook Air for most users. However, if you tend to use your computer for many years and future development is your primary consideration, it may be worth spending an extra $1,000 to buy the latest model. If you have multiple monitors, the M3 model's support for two external monitors may also sway your purchasing decision.
If you're planning on buying a new MacBook Air from Apple and want the larger 15.3-inch version, the latest M3 model is your only option, as the M2 15.3-inch model is now discontinued. Despite this, the M2 15.3-inch MacBook Air is still available second-hand, refurbished, and from third-party retailers for far less than the latest model's $1,499 price tag. If you want a larger screen, consider these discounted M2 models before opting to go straight for the latest M3 model.
For the vast majority of users, it's definitely not worth upgrading from an M2 to an M3 MacBook Air. Unless you want a larger display, it might make more sense to upgrade from an M2 13-inch MacBook Air to an M3 15-inch MacBook Air, but the latest generation offers few meaningful feature improvements over the previous generation.
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