M2 MacBook Air - iGeeksBlog All About iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch Sat, 04 May 2024 11:40:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.igeeksblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/favicon.ico M2 MacBook Air - iGeeksBlog 32 32 Best accessories for MacBook Air M3, M2, and M1 in 2024 https://www.igeeksblog.com/best-macbook-air-accessories/ https://www.igeeksblog.com/best-macbook-air-accessories/#respond Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:14:00 +0000 https://www.igeeksblog.com/best-macbook-air-accessories/ Apple’s MacBook Air boasts an excellent finish. Along with the retina display and Touch ID sensor, this gracious laptop packs countless other features. And to keep that exquisiteness intact for a long time, you need some essential accessories. This list is a one-stop-shop for all the best MacBook Air accessories. 1. Incase Hardshell Case A […]

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Apple’s MacBook Air boasts an excellent finish. Along with the retina display and Touch ID sensor, this gracious laptop packs countless other features. And to keep that exquisiteness intact for a long time, you need some essential accessories. This list is a one-stop-shop for all the best MacBook Air accessories.

1. Incase Hardshell Case

Incase Hardshell case for MacBook Air

A dotted texture pattern case is something you can rely on to keep your Mac safe. The case comprises two parts: a shell covering the top and sides of the laptop’s lid and another shell with precise cuts for external peripherals. Both pieces have strategically placed clips to keep the case in place. 

The product’s unique selling points are a hardshell shell that adds durability without excessive bulk and the rubberized edges that provide improved gripping of the MacBook Air.

Furthermore, it has three color options for the MacBook Air M1 and two for the 13″ MacBook Air M2 and M3 models. If we’re talking about my personal favorite, without a doubt, the clear case option is the obvious one since it allows me to show off my Mac. 

Pros

  • Durability
  • No excessive bulk 
  • Rubber feet 

Cons

  • No evident cons 

Check out on Apple: MacBook Air M1 | 13″ MacBook Air (M2 and M3) 

2. Spigen 9H screen protector 

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector for MacBook Air

Want to eliminate dust and fingerprints and protect your Mac’s screen from scratches? Use this oleophobic coating by Spigen, which reduces fingerprint smudges and prevents dust from settling on your screen. 

It’s a 9H-grade hard film that protects against scuffs and impacts. Furthermore, the sleek contour offers crystal clarity without reducing the screen’s initial brightness. The film’s ease of installation and bubble-free nature make it the best screen-protector option. Did I tell you that there’s no residue left when the premium adhesive is removed? Well, that’s an added advantage.

Pros

  • Precise cut-outs 
  • Bubble-free installation
  • Retains touch response of the screen 

Cons

  • No evident cons

 
Check out on Amazon: MacBook Air M1 | MacBook Air M2 

3. CASETiFY SOSO CAT & DOG MacBook sleeve

Casetify soso cat dog macbook sleeve

Oh, that’s a cute sleeve! Your Mac sleeve looks adorable! That’s a perfect sleeve!

These were the compliments I received from my workmates when they saw my new CASETiFY Mac sleeve. Featuring a cute cat and dog, the sleeve renders a perfect balance between style and protection. The 5mm neoprene material feels lightweight and soft to the touch. Moreover, neoprene absorbs the impact from bumps and ugly scratches. Waoh!

Amid all the goodness, the invisible zipper became my instant favorite. This waterproof zipper doesn’t meddle with the design and remains hidden behind the polyester logo lining. It slides effortlessly without a fault, no matter how often you open or close it. Moreover, the soft inside cover keeps your Mac safe from getting scratched.

The CASETiFY SOSO CAT & DOG MacBook sleeve comes in two sizes: 13” and 16”. So, you can also use this accessory with your 15″ MacBook Air. Thanks to its form-fitting build, you can easily carry your laptop in your backpack or hold it in your hand. Gift yourself paw-some protection with this fantastic CASETiFY Mac sleeve.

Pros

  • Close-fitted construction 
  • Shock-absorbing neoprene material 
  • Waterproof zipper  
  • Soft and lightweight 

Check out on CASETiFY

Cons

  • Light colors can get dirty easily 

4. WaterField Designs Sutter Tech Sling bag

WaterField Designs Sling Bag for MacBook Air

The MacBook Airs are primarily known for their portability. Students and creative professionals often take this machine everywhere where they go. If you are one of them and wish to carry your Mac in style, the Sutter Tech Sling bag can be a great choice.

This product has got a full-grain leather accent on the front, which offers a nice touch and feel. It comes with two main compartments. The first one in the front has waterproof zippers on either side and can store keys, AirTags, and other tiny utilities.

The second compartment at the back can comfortably house a Mac and an iPhone. During my testing, I tried inserting a 13-inch MacBook Air with its sleeve, and it went in smoothly (smoother than you’d expect!). I was also surprised to find a fancy pouch to store everyday essential stationary items.

Further, the sling can be attached to either side of the bag depending on your preference. This is ideal if you take the subway, your bike, or simply walk to your workplace. Plus, the cushioning at the back makes sure you don’t feel the weight of your Mac or the stiffness of its aluminum case.

The bag has got a few more surprising yet practical elements, and you can check those out using the link below.

Pros

  • High-quality materials on the inside and outside
  • Minimalist yet classy design
  • Extremely practical for everyday use

Cons

  • Some might find it too compact for their liking

Check out on WaterField Designs

5. tomtoc waterproof shoulder bag

 tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Shoulder Bag for MacBook Air

Top executives who utilize MacBook Air to attain professional brilliance arguably make tomtoc their primary option. The soft fleece lining inside this laptop bag shields your equipment from tremors and thumps. A double-grab reinforced handle is helpful on the go. Since the exterior layer of the bag is a waterproof hard shell, you could use this bag with protection in unfavorable weather. 

Thanks to a removable shoulder strap, you may carry it as a thin shoulder bag, briefcase, sleeve, or suitcase. The shoulder bag’s system consists of a primary compartment for your laptop, a sizable inside pocket for folders, tablets, and other documents, and two outside pockets for other small items like chargers. 

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Sturdy
  • Spacious

Cons

  • Can’t stretch beyond 90° 

Check out on Amazon

6. Woolnut sleeve 

Woolnut Leather cover for MacBook

Scandinavian full-grain leather creates Woolnut’s sleeve for the all-new MacBook Air. With precise cuts and tight stitching, the materials are blended to create a sleeve with a contemporary appearance. The frequency of my device resting on the sleeve and using it as a pillow is high. 

With regular use, the leather has gotten used to the form of the MacBook and is now easy to push in and pull. I can even charge the Mac while it is in the sleeve. Due to the thickness and wool inside, the leather is incredibly pleasant to touch, yet it readily maintains its contour. 

The horizontal stitch at the open end, meant to prevent the opening from expanding past the point of failure, indicates their attention to detail. One small detail that might catch your attention if you aren’t looking for it is that the item is made to last a lifetime and has three color options. 

Pros

  • Durable and soft plush 
  • Fashionable and functional bag 
  • Genuine leather 

Cons

  • Cannot store accessories 

Check out on Amazon

7. Matein travel backpack 

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack for MacBook Air

Matein brings a travel backpack that is lightweight and sturdy and made of water-resistant polyester fabric. It would have been an add-on if the company had provided a self-powering backpack instead of a USB charging port that only offers easy access to charge. 

To ensure the safety of your device, a heavily padded back and an anti-theft pocket on the back are provided by the makers. Apart from securely storing your beloved MacBook Air, the bag also helps you organize things with designated sections for your everyday items.

It features a huge main compartment for your clothing or books and organizer pockets in the front compartment for your keys, pens, pencils, and mobile phones. The makers have also attached a baggage strap to the rear to link it with your bulky suitcases, making it travel-friendly and simple. 

Pros

  • Water-resistant 
  • Durable
  • Multiple compartments

Cons

  • No power bank included 

Check out on Amazon  

8. AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max for MacBook Air

With AirPods Max, Apple lets you absorb yourself in a sea of music while blocking out the cacophony. The temptation to buy the product will result from the software improvements and its unrivaled quality. 

The Apple H1 chip-powered device provides 20 hours of audio on a single charge. AirPods Max Spatial Audio provides an audio experience unlike any other, and believe me, the theatre-like sound surround, regardless of the genre, is everything you need. 

Apple wants your AirPods Max to be as comfortable as possible, so it incorporates a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions. Also, the support for Siri makes it wireless, as you may operate your MacBook Air by instantly contacting the smart assistant. Lastly, the five distinct color palettes make me want them all. 

To explore more affordable options, go through our list of best headphones.  

Pros

  • Active noise-cancellation
  • Spatial audio 
  • Outstanding audio quality 

Cons

  • Expensive

Check out on Amazon

9. Soundance stand 

SOUNDANCE Laptop Stand for MacBook Air

With its strong aluminum alloy laptop stand, Soundance lifts your laptop to 6 inches and offers outstanding stability. Stand’s ergonomic design alleviates or eliminates neck strain caused by an awkward position. Plus, the stand’s edges have been smoothed to prevent injury. 

The ventilated elevator only has two holder hands with cable holes that allow heat circulation across the area and keep Mac from overheating. When not in use, office supplies such as a keyboard and mouse can be stored beneath the stand.  

The stand’s rubber feet protect your laptop from scratches and slips. The three-piece detachable laptop holder is simple to deconstruct and reassemble. This stand’s wide compatibility prompted me to include it on my list of the best MacBook Air (M1, M2, and M3) accessories. 

Looking for more options? Check out the best stands for MacBook

Pros

  • Compatible with multiple devices
  • Ergonomic design
  • Great stability

Cons

  • Not adjustable

Check out on Amazon 

10. Magic Mouse

SOUNDANCE Laptop Stand for MacBook Air

If you’re looking for a mouse that works with your MacBook Air, consider Apple’s own Magic Mouse. The lightweight gadget is unquestionably the finest option for a little travel mouse. 

It tracks quicker and travels with less resistance since it has fewer moving components and an improved foot shape. Furthermore, you can use the multi-touch surface to make simple actions like swiping between online sites and browsing through documents. 

The mouse connects to your Mac immediately out of the box, and the long-lasting rechargeable battery allows you to go a month or more between two consecutive charges. 

Do you want to try out another mouse, preferably one for gaming? See our post on the best wireless mouse for Mac for more information. 

Pros

  • Rechargeable battery 
  • Easy to pair 
  • Gesture support 

Cons

  • Slightly expensive 

Check out on: Amazon | Apple 

11. Seagate portable 2TB external hard drive 

Seagate External Hard Drive for MacBook Air

Seagate has manufactured a unique and innovative external hard drive that sets a benchmark in terms of design. The USB 3.0 device is highly adaptable and ensures data protection. 

You get 2TB of plug-and-play storage, which lets you store games and play them directly from the HDD. So, it’s the best gaming accessory for your Mac. At 120 megabytes per second, the HDD ensures lightning-fast data transfer.  

This gadget is easy to carry as it fits your pocket or travel bag, and females can also carry it in a purse. My only concern is the product’s build quality; I doubt it can withhold too many falls. For more options, you may look at our list of best USB-C hard drives for Macs. 

Pros

  • Sleek look
  • USB 3.0 support 
  • Value for money 

Cons

  • Build quality could’ve been better

Check out on Amazon 

12. Anker – Ideal USB-C hub

Anker USB C Hub for MacBook Air

One of the greatest MacBook accessories is Anker’s sleek and stylish docking station. The gadget has a 7-in-1 USB-C hub, which is a one-stop solution for connecting several devices and peripherals to your Mac. The hub is particularly well-known for its broad compatibility. 

One of the product’s key selling points is its USB-A interface, which enables lightning-fast 5 GBPS file transfers of HD photos, movies, and other media. You also get a widely accepted micro-SD slot and an SD reader slot.

Furthermore, the USB-C connector allows for a high-speed pass-through of 85W power to charge your smartphone, and you receive a 4k@30Hz HDMI port to stream in breath-taking quality. It is probably one of the greatest gadgets for on-the-go presentations for businesspeople and senior executives. 

Pros

  • Easy to carry
  • Durable
  • 7-in-1 USB-C hub

Cons

  • Sometimes gets warm 

Check out on Amazon 

Winding up…  

Which product would you like to buy first for your MacBook? Share your feedback with us in the comment section.

Read more:

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Download M2 MacBook Air wallpapers in 2024 https://www.igeeksblog.com/download-m2-macbook-air-wallpapers/ https://www.igeeksblog.com/download-m2-macbook-air-wallpapers/#respond Sun, 07 Jan 2024 13:27:00 +0000 https://www.igeeksblog.com/download-m2-macbook-air-wallpapers/ Apple just unveiled its second-generation silicon, the M2 SoC, and the first device to sport it is none other than the bestselling laptop in the world, the MacBook Air. The refreshed MacBook Air 2022 has several upgrades like a new design, MagSafe 3 charging port, better battery life, etc. However, the M2 SoC is the […]

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Apple just unveiled its second-generation silicon, the M2 SoC, and the first device to sport it is none other than the bestselling laptop in the world, the MacBook Air. The refreshed MacBook Air 2022 has several upgrades like a new design, MagSafe 3 charging port, better battery life, etc. However, the M2 SoC is the most significant upgrade to the MacBook Air 2022.

Moreover, according to Apple, the M2 SoC is faster than its predecessor by 1.4x and a whopping 15x times that of its Intel-based model, thanks to the 8-Core CPU and a 10-Core GPU. Even if you aren’t planning to buy this cool MacBook Air right anytime soon, you can have its cool wallpaper. Yes, it’s pretty stunning!

M2 MacBook Air 2022 wallpaper

I loved how WWDC presented this product; undoubtedly, its wallpaper is equally gorgeous! Just tap the download button below, right-click and select save the image to make it your new background.

Download

More about M2 MacBook Air

The M2-powered MacBook Air has undergone a design change and now looks quite similar to its Pro siblings in terms of the display and body. Yes, the notch is finally here, and it houses an upgraded 1080p FaceTime HD camera with a three-mic array and a quad-speaker Spatial Audio system.

The Liquid Retina display of the M2 MacBook Air is now 13.6 inches, thanks to the notch. Moreover, it has the highest brightness of 500 nits on any MacBook yet. It also supports a P3-wide color gamut, True Tone technology, and more. The text is crisp, and the video has excellent contrast and details.

The Magic Keyboard of the M2 MacBook Air finally has a dedicated function row while retaining Touch ID. Using Touch ID, you can unlock your Mac, make payments, make in-app purchases, and a lot more. Also, fast charging is here as the device supports 67W charging and can charge from 0-50% in 30 minutes.

The MacBook Air lineup has always stood true to its name; even the MacBook Air weighs just 2.7 pounds and is 0.44 inches thick (or should I say 0.44 inches thin?).

Exciting color options were what we were missing with the MacBooks, and this one finally comes in 4 new exciting colors: Midnight, Space Gray, Starlight, and Silver. I’m in love with the Midnight color variant and feel it looks the best among the lot.

What are your thoughts?

With significant upgrades to the device, the prices have also increased. You can get the MacBook Air M2 for $1,199 and also get $100 off with education pricing. The MacBook Air M1 is still available for $999. Let me know your thoughts on the MacBook Air M2 2022 and if you intend on getting one in the comments below!

Read more:

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15-inch vs. 13-inch MacBook Air: What to buy in 2024?  https://www.igeeksblog.com/15-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-inch-macbook-air/ https://www.igeeksblog.com/15-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-inch-macbook-air/#respond Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:57:00 +0000 https://www.igeeksblog.com/15-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-inch-macbook-air/ Apple is known to unveil its most significant projects at WWDC every year. This year has been no different, as the tech giant has announced a slew of products and software updates for its ecosystem. Of all the announcements, the 15-inch MacBook Air is something that stood out alongside Apple Vision Pro. While size is […]

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Apple is known to unveil its most significant projects at WWDC every year. This year has been no different, as the tech giant has announced a slew of products and software updates for its ecosystem. Of all the announcements, the 15-inch MacBook Air is something that stood out alongside Apple Vision Pro.

While size is a plus point for the newly-launched 15-inch MBA, its features mirror the 13-inch MBA. The former just has a few upgrades here and there. So, which MacBook Air should you buy? If you need clarification about this, do give this article a read.

13-Inch vs 15-Inch M2 MacBook AirSpecs comparison

Specs13″ M2 MacBook Air 15″ M2 MacBook Air
Dimensions11.97 x 8.46 x 0.4413.40 x 9.35 x 0.45
Weight 2.7 pounds3.3 pounds
Display13.6-inch Liquid Retina,
Wide Color (P3),
True Tone
15.3-inch Liquid Retina,
Wide Color (P3),
True Tone
Graphics8-core GPU,
10-core GPU
10-core GPU
Camera1080p FaceTime HD1080p FaceTime HD
Battery52.6Wh lithium-polymer66.5Wh lithium-polymer
Audio 4 speakers, 3 mics6 speakers, 3 mics
PortsTwo Thunderbolt/USB 4,
3.5mm jack,
MagSafe 3
Two Thunderbolt/USB 4,
3.5mm jack,
MagSafe 3

Physical Dimensions

The new 15-inch MacBook Air is special for many reasons, obviously the good ones. First, it is the first Mac launched by Apple in the 15-inch category. Secondly, it comes with a powerful M2 chip.

Regarding physical dimensions, the 15″ MacBook Air is 13.4″ in width, 0.45″ in height, and 9.35″ in depth. Its 11.5mm thickness makes it the thinnest 15-inch laptop in the world. Moreover, despite its bigger size, the Apple 15″ MacBook Air weighs only 3.3 pounds. So, carrying it for work or fun will always be easy.   

On the other hand, the 13-inch MacBook Air is 11.97″ wide, 0.44″ high, 8.46″ deep, and 0.44″ thick. With the 2022 MacBook Air, Apple ditched the signature wedge and adopted a flatter appearance for the laptop suite. This change brought the device in line with the look of the MacBook Pro series.   

Display  

Let’s be honest; the display is one of the main criteria to base your purchase decision here. The new MBA sports a stunning 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display paired with an IPS LED-backlit panel and Touch ID. Other display specs include 2,880 x 1,864 resolution, 500 nits brightness, 1 billion colors, and 224ppi. All this promises a rich, vibrant, and sharp content display.   

15-inch MacBook Air Display

A thin 5mm bezel strip surrounds the screen. In addition, the laptop has a 1080p camera fixed in a notch. Other important display components include support for Wide Color and True Tone.   

Conversely, you get a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display in the 2022 MacBook Air. It supports a 2,560 x 1,664 resolution, pixel density of 225ppi, 500 bits brightness, Touch ID, and a backlit Magic Keyboard. The device has a middle notch carrying the selfie camera and support for Wide Color (P3) and True Tone.   

Processor

The 15-inch MacBook Air is powered with Apple’s M2 chipset, which promises power-packed performance. In addition, it packs an 8-core CPU with a pairing of four performance cores and four efficiency cores. In addition, the newly launched device offers detailed graphics with its 10-core GPU support.  

Apple M2 Chip

With its 16-core Neural Engine, the Mac processes up to 15.8 trillion operations per second and speeds up machine learning tasks like voice recognition. It has 8GB of Unified Memory, which is expandable up to 24GB of fast unified memory. Moreover, this chipset has Media Engines, which provide hardware-accelerated encoding and decoding of video.

The 100GB/s of memory bandwidth will help you manage multiple strenuous tasks easily. All these elements make the 15-inch MacBook Air 12x more quickly than the fastest MacBook Air powered by Intel.   

The 13-inch Mac Air has a similar processor configuration to the 15-inch Mac Air. The only difference is that the older device has two GPU variants- 8-core and 10-core, while the new Mac comes with only 10-core GPU support.   

Camera  

Apple is known for offering one of the best camera setups in its products, including the MacBook Air. For instance, in the MacBook Air M2 15-inch, you get a 1080p HD camera! The company claimed the camera could deliver twice the smooth performance of its earlier 720p version.   

Apple improved its camera performance with the M2 chipset integrated with an image signal processor. Further, essential improvements in Apple’s core video and photography infrastructure also helped Apple amp up its camera game.   

Please note that the camera outlay for the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 is similar to the 15-inch MacBook Air M2.   

Audio Support

Over the years, Apple has made strategic improvements in the audio layout of the MacBook Air series. In the 15-inch MacBook Air M2, Apple has offered a robust setup, including six speakers and 3 microphones. As expected, the new M2 MacBook Air delivers Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos for ear-pleasing audio deliveries.

A perfect combination that delivers a crisp and clear audio experience on Mac Air M2. Further, the 3.5mm headphone jack facilitates versatile connectivity on the 15-inch MacBook Air M2. 

Apple upscaled its audio support with the 13-inch MacBook Air by offering four speakers instead of the two available in the previous Macs. The other features are similar in the two Mac versions.  

13-Inch vs. 15-Inch M2 MacBook Air – Battery and charging 

The 15-inch MacBook Air M2 has a 66.5-watt battery support with up to 15 hours of uptime for web access and 18 hours of video streams. Oh, you get this without compromising on display and performance. In addition, this bigger MacBook version has MagSafe 3 support for a hassle-free charging experience. Apple includes a 35W USB-C power adapter, which is upgradable to the 70W variant.   

MacBook Air 2023 Battery and charging 

Contrarily, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air has a 52.6-watt lithium polymer battery. The uptime range is the same as the 15-inch M2 Mac Air. It also supports MagSafe charging and comes with a 30W USB-C power adapter for the 8-core GPU model. For the 10-core GPU version, you can use the 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter. A 70W charger upgrade is also possible.   

Both the M2 MacBook Air versions support fast charging. FYI, with fast charging, you get an instant power boost of up to 50% in 30 minutes.   

Connectivity and storage

Connectivity specifications are identical for the MacBook Air M2 13-inch and 15-inch models.    

The 15-inch M2 Mac Air has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports for connectivity. Feel free to connect your accessories or external displays of up to 6K resolution with these ports on your new 15-inch Mac. Furthermore, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.   

Apple offers M2 MacBook Air (13-inch) and M2 MacBook Air (15-inch) in different storage variations, including 256GB SSD, 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD, and 2TB SSD. You can pick any Mac with a storage capacity that fits your work requirements.

Pricing and availability  

You will be able to purchase an M2 MacBook Air 15-inch at a starting price of $1299. However, for 16GB and 24GB versions, you will have to spend an additional $200 and $400, respectively. The device will be available for sale from June 13, 2023, on Apple Store and Amazon.   

The M2 MacBook Air (13-inch) for 8-core GPU version is available for purchase at a starting price of $1099. The price for a 10-core GPU model starts at $1,399.   

13-Inch vs. 15-Inch M2 MacBook Air: Which one should you buy? 

It was unlikely to expect some significant differences between M2 MacBook Air (13-inch) and M2 MacBook Air (15-inch). This comes from the fact that both laptops belong to the same Apple suite. By the end of this article, you must have derived this conclusion. Congrats!  

The only edge MacBook Air M2 (15-inch) has over its predecessor is its bigger size. Anyone who enjoys working on a bigger screen is likelier to go for the 15-inch M2 laptop. In addition, you get a chip upgrade to the 10-core GPU version and an improved 35W adapter in place of a 30W charger.   

The difference between the two models is negligible if we sideline the size parameter. While purchasing, you must weigh in all the pointers-monetary or non-monetary, elaborated in this article. However, whether you are buying the 13-inch model or the 15-inch model, you will enjoy Apple’s best-in-class performance.   

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iPad Pro M2 vs. MacBook Air M2: Detailed comparison https://www.igeeksblog.com/ipad-pro-vs-macbook-air/ https://www.igeeksblog.com/ipad-pro-vs-macbook-air/#respond Tue, 30 May 2023 15:03:50 +0000 https://www.igeeksblog.com/ipad-pro-vs-macbook-air/ Choosing between the iPad and the MacBook Air can be challenging, considering both gadgets are compact, light, and have a similar price point. Some might prefer the iPad Pro because it’s much more compact, while others may opt for a MacBook Air for its battery life and superb performance.  In this article, we aim to […]

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Choosing between the iPad and the MacBook Air can be challenging, considering both gadgets are compact, light, and have a similar price point. Some might prefer the iPad Pro because it’s much more compact, while others may opt for a MacBook Air for its battery life and superb performance. 

In this article, we aim to compare the best model in each lineup, the 12.9″ iPad Pro 2022 and the MacBook Air 2022. 

It can get confusing which of the two is better since they have some similar specs, namely being powered by an M2 chip and offering up to 2TB of storage space. If that’s you, then this article is a must-read. Let’s get going!

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2 – Specs

 iPad Pro 12.9MacBook Air 2022 M2
ColorsSilver, Space GraySilver, Starlight, Space Gray, Midnight
Capacity128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Size11.04×8.46×0.25 inches11.97cx8.46×0.44 inches
Weight682g (Wi-Fi only) 684g 1240g
Display12.9” (diagonal) Liquid Retina XDR display; 2732×2048 pixels at 264 ppi; 1600 nits max13.6” (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560×1664 at 224 ppi; 500 nits max
CPUApple M2 chipApple M2 chip
OSiPadOSmacOS
CameraBack: 12MP Wide 10MPUltra WideFront: 2x optical zoom out and up to 5x digital zoom 1080p FaceTime HD Camera
RAM8GB (128 to 512GB) or 16GB (for 1TB or 2TB)8GB (configurable to 16 or 24GB)
PortsUSB-Ctwo Thunderbolt, MagSafe 3 port, Headphone jack
Battery Life40.88 WhrUp to 10 hours of video playback20W charger52.6WhrUp to 15 hours of wireless webUp to67W USB-C Power adapter
AudioFour-speaker audioFour-speaker sound systemWide stereo soundSupport for Spatial Audio when playing music or videos with Dolby Atmos
PriceStarts at $1099Starts at $1,199

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2 – Design

Both come with a sleek, modern look. When it comes to the finish, the MacBook Air M2 offers a lot more options. If you’re looking for a more portable option, I suggest you use the iPad Pro M2. Not only is it thinner, but it’s also lighter. 

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2 Design

But things change once you plug in the Magic Keyboard to your iPad Pro. A keyboard adds significant bulk to the tablet, making it almost similar in size to the MacBook Air.

The iPad Pro is an excellent alternative for a Mac — it even looks like a laptop (if plugged in with a Magic Keyboard). But the downside is that you can’t use it well outside a flat, stable surface. For example, it’s not as easy to use as a Mac when you want to work while lying comfortably in bed. So that’s one thing you should consider.

Winner: iPad Pro M2

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2Display

But if screen size is crucial for you, the MacBook Air comes with a slightly larger display. But the iPad trumps the MacBook Air in other display qualities. For starters, the iPad Pro has a refresh rate of 120Hz, compared to Mac’s 60Hz.

iPad Pro M2 Display

The iPad also has a sharper resolution at 2732×2048 pixels. In terms of brightness, with a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits for full-screen and 1,600 nits for HDR peaks, the iPad is impressive again.

Meanwhile, MacBook Air has a 2560×1664 pixel resolution with a comparable brightness of 500 nits max. Since a lot more content is being released in HDR, you’ll surely see a noticeable difference in display between the two devices

Because Apple’s iPad Pro uses mini-LEDs, the small lights help provide more precision for dimming dark areas, an essential feature for better contrast. This makes it a better option if you work outdoors or in areas with glare and reflection.

Another obvious pro of using an iPad Pro over a Mac is its touch screen. Interacting with an iPad can be much easier since you just need to tap on the screen or perform certain gestures. That doesn’t mean you can’t use gestures on the MacBook Air’s trackpad, but it’s pretty limited compared to the gestures you can do with an iPad.

But if we compare the trackpad of the Magic Keyboard and that of the Mac, the Mac’s trackpad is larger and much easier to use. The lack of function keys in the Magic Keyboard is another downside compared to a row full of function keys in the MacBook Air’s keyboard.

Winner: iPad Pro M2

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2Hardware

Regarding ports, the iPad only has one USB-C port, while the Air has two of those to go with a headphone jack. To add, bringing back MagSafe charging port frees up the USB-C port of the Mac for other uses.

However, if you plan to get a Magic Keyboard, it will afford you an additional USB port on the keyboard for charging the iPad. Although it adds bulk and weight to the device, the option to get a Magic Keyboard keeps the iPad Pro versatile.

Both devices offer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, but the Air doesn’t offer cellular connectivity, so this might be a con if you’re always on the go but need a reliable internet connection. Don’t worry, though. You can always use your iPhone’s hotspot (or any other device’s hotspot, for that matter).

Winner: MacBook Air M2

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2Performance

You’ll likely get a roughly neck-and-neck score when it comes to performance, given that both devices are powered by Apple M2 chip and have similar storage options. However, MacBook Air users have the option to upgrade to up to 24GB of memory. 

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2 Performance

This is an excellent option for users who push their machines to the limit, such as doing pretty intensive tasks like video editing (or anything creative, to be honest) or tons of multitasking.

When it comes to performance, it ultimately boils down to preferences rather than numbers. Both devices handle day-to-day tasks really well.

Winner: TIE!

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2Camera

The iPad easily wins the contest when it comes to the camera. Aside from having a front and rear option, you also have capable photo and video sensors. It also offers its users Portrait Mode shots and various other shooting features, making it a great choice for photo and video pros. It also has a LiDAR scanner, which is handy when using augmented reality apps.

However, this doesn’t mean that the Mac’s camera isn’t good. Its 1080p FaceTime camera is still a significant improvement to its predecessor’s 720p, assisted by M2’s image signal processing.

Users will also benefit from iPad’s Face ID, while the M2 MacBook Air offers you a Touch ID. While both biometric security features are secure, Face ID can be more convenient since you don’t need to do anything other than direct your face toward the screen.

Winner: iPad Pro M2

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2Battery life

MacBook Air M2 Battery

While the iPad’s battery life is pretty strong for a tablet, given the functionalities and performance, it’s still no match compared to the battery life of a Mac. While most users can use their Macs for general browsing and work with plenty of battery left by the end of the day, most iPad users need to charge their devices daily.

Not to mention, MagSafe3 brags an up to 67-watt power adapter for faster charging.

Winner: MacBook Air M2

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2Storage

When it comes to storage, there is an overlap in what the two devices are offering. The MacBook Air lets users choose from 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Meanwhile, the iPad offers a similar range of storage options, plus a 128GB option.

Winner: MacBook Air M2

iPad Pro 2022 vs MacBook Air 2022Price

The iPad Pro 12.9 and the MacBook Air 2022 M2 are available from the Apple Store and a range of authorized re-sellers.

Apple has reduced the price of the MacBook Air M2 a few times since its release, which makes its base price slightly cheaper than the entry-level 12.9″ iPad Pro. 

While the two devices have a similar base price, this changes once you choose your preferred storage option and features like connectivity and pre-installed software.

The iPad Pro comes in five different storage options and an option for cellular connectivity. Here’s the pricing:

  • 128GB with Wi-Fi: $1,099
  • 128GB with cellular: $1,299
  • 256GB with cellular: $1,399
  • 256GB with Wi-Fi: $1,199
  • 512GB with Wi-Fi: $1,399
  • 512GB with cellular: $1,599
  • 1TB with Wi-Fi: $1,799
  • 1TB with cellular: $1,999
  • 2TB with Wi-Fi: $2,199
  • 2TB with cellular: $2,399

Meanwhile, the MacBook Air is a bit more straightforward. It comes with three different memory and storage options.

Just add the following to the base price depending on which upgrade you want for your MacBook Air M2:

  • 16GB unified memory: +$200
  • 24GB unified memory: +$400
  • 1TB SSD storage: +$200
  • 2TB SSD storage: +$600

There are other add-ons available that further increase the Mac’s price. If you want a Final Cut Pro pre-installed on your device, you’ll need to pay an additional +$299.99 and $199.99 for Logic Pro.

To add, the iPad Pro doesn’t come with accessories yet. You need to add an additional $349 if you plan to get a Magic Keyboard and another $129 for a second-generation Apple Pencil. 

iPad Pro M2 vs MacBook Air M2Final verdict

Each device wins over the other when it comes to certain features. The iPad Pro trumps the Mac in terms of camera, but the Mac’s battery life is significantly longer. But in 

At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference. If you want something you can bring anywhere, the iPad Pro offers connectivity, display, and portability. If you’re looking for a machine with a longer battery life and a better keyboard, then the MacBook Air is your best bet. Both devices are great options for creative professionals who must bring their work wherever they go.

It can be challenging to decide which of these two devices is right for you, but once you consider your needs and preferences, making a choice will be easier.

Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments!

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MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022): There is a clear winner! https://www.igeeksblog.com/macbook-air-m2-vs-dell-xps-13/ https://www.igeeksblog.com/macbook-air-m2-vs-dell-xps-13/#respond Tue, 16 May 2023 11:37:04 +0000 https://www.igeeksblog.com/macbook-air-m2-vs-dell-xps-13/ When choosing a premium laptop, the first choice that comes to mind is definitely MacBook. On the other hand, a lot of regular users are habituated to using Windows laptops. So, there’s always been a fierce rivalry. In 2022, Dell redesigned the XPS 13 model and released a new variant as a great Windows alternative […]

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When choosing a premium laptop, the first choice that comes to mind is definitely MacBook. On the other hand, a lot of regular users are habituated to using Windows laptops. So, there’s always been a fierce rivalry.

In 2022, Dell redesigned the XPS 13 model and released a new variant as a great Windows alternative to the MacBook Air M2. But should you choose a Windows laptop over MacBook Air M2? I’ll compare Dell XPS 13 (2022) and MacBook Air M2 and help you come to a conclusion!

MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022) – Specs

MacBook Air M2Dell XPS 13 (2022)
Size11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches11.63 x 7.86 x 0.55 inches
Weight2.7 pounds2.59 pounds
Display13.6 inches (2560 x 1664)13.4-inch FHD (1920 x 1200)
CPUApple Silicon M2 chip 8-core12th Gen Intel Core i7-1250U 10-core
GPU8-10 core M2 GPU
(configurable up to 10-core)
Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics
RAM8GB to 24GB8GB to 32 GB
Storage256GB to 2TB SSD512GB to 2TB SSD
PortsTwo Thunderbolt / USB-4
3.5 mm headphone jack
Two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-4
Battery52.6 watt-hour51 watt‑hour
Camera1080p HD camera720p at 30 fps HD RGB camera
AudioFour-speaker sound systemDual stereo speakers
Pricefrom $1,199from $999

The MacBook Air M2 vs. Dell XPS 13 comparison depends on a lot of things. I have considered most of the parameters like design, display, performance, connectivity, battery life, and much more. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty to differentiate the advantages and disadvantages. Keep reading for my personal experience and detailed analysis.

MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022) – Design

Design macbook air m2 2 702x450 1
Source: Apple

MacBook Air M2 is ultraportable for its compact size. It is really sleek, measuring only 0.44 inches thick. Also, Apple has gone for a larger 13.6-inch display while being 20% smaller than Air M1. The notch at the top of the screen looks futuristic and is a significant design modification.

Besides, I like Apple’s environment-friendly approach to using recycled materials. The all-aluminum chassis strikes robustness and scratch resistance. Moreover, the front lip makes it simple to hold and opens with only one hand. In terms of appearance, all four colors are beautiful, but I admire the Midnight one. It’s elegant and looks classy.

Design dell xps 13 2
Source: Dell

On the other hand, Dell has redesigned XPS 13 to be more minimal, durable, compact, and lightweight. It only weighs 2.59 pounds, lesser than MacBook Air M2. Although it has fewer alternatives, the Sky and Umber color looks unique on an aluminum finish. Both tonal and subdued shade reduces contrast inside for a classic appearance.

So, there isn’t much of a difference; both of them are easily transportable. However, the MacBook Air is substantially thinner than the XPS 13. If you often carry your laptop, Dell will be ideal for its lightweight and compact length. 

MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022) – Display

Liquid retina display air m2 692x450 1
Source: Apple

The MacBook Air M2 has a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina LED-backlit display. Also, it supports 2560 x 1664 pixels, 500-nits brightness, and P3 wide color gamut – making texts super crisp and visuals vivid, sharp, rich in contrast, and colorful. I love editing my photos and binge-watching anime, thanks to HDR support and IPS technology. 

In contrast, Dell XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch FHD+ InfinityEdge(bezel-less) display. I was able to stream at 1920 x 1200 pixels with a 16:10 aspect ratio. So, you can’t enjoy 4K and HDR content on it. Moreover, its brightness score is around 470 nits, lower than Mac. However, color reproduction and accuracy are excellent. 

The display recorded 74.4% of the DCI-P3 color space and 105% of the sRGB color range. Comparatively, the Air M2’s display scored 107% and 75.9% on those respective tests. The Delta-E accuracy score for the XPS 13 is 0.18 as opposed to the Air M2’s 0.22. Here, the only differentiator is you may get a touch-enabled display and 4K resolution in the XPS Plus model. 

MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022) – CPU and GPU performance

I think the most important aspect of the MacBook Air M2 vs. Dell XPS 13 is the performance. Let’s see the Geekbench 5.4 benchmark comparison and performance overview.

Single-core CPUMulti-core CPUPower efficiency
Dell XPS 13 20221,5966,48977
MacBook Air M21,9118,96596

Apple has incorporated its next-generation M2 chip with an 8-core CPU: 4 performance cores at 3.5GHz frequency and 4 efficiency cores at 2.4Ghz frequency. Dell XPS 13 runs on Intel 12th gen i7-1250U. It has 10 cores: 2 performance cores at 1.1 base frequency and 4.7GHz Turbo Boost frequency, and 8 efficiency cores at 0.8 base frequency and 3.5GHz Turbo Boost frequency.

Integrated GraphicsIntel Iris Xe Graphics (96EU)Apple M2 GPU
GPU Base Clock300 MHz500 MHz
GPU Boost Clock950 MHz1398 MHz
Shading Units7681024
TMUs4864
ROPs2432
Execution Units96128

The 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and high-performance media engine boost the performance of the MacBook Air M2. For extreme video editing capabilities, Apple allows for configuring your Mac with a 10-core GPU. In contrast, XPS has Intel Iris Xe Graphics. As you see in the table, Apple is much more powerful than Intel.

At the same power consumption of around 15W, Apple’s 10-core GPU can achieve 2.3x the performance of an Intel Core i7-1255U. Besides, the i7 can’t maintain its peak performance for very long. I noticed it while exporting an FHD video, whereas Mac allowed me to edit 8K and 4K ProRes videos.

But note one thing MacBook Air lacks an active cooling fan. Therefore, when the CPU is overworked for a long, its performance may suffer a little. But both devices fall short in terms of gaming performance though macOS-specific games run more smoothly on Apple’s laptop.

Therefore, you may choose a MacBook Air over a Windows laptop in terms of performance.

Memory capacity

In MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 comparison, Dell has the only advantage in RAM. You may customize it with up to 32GB of RAM as compared to Mac’s 24GB. To make it up, Apple has used an upgraded LPDDR5-6400 memory type instead of LPDDR5 5200 MHz. Also, note that Apple’s M2 processor employs unified memory. 

Unified memory is integrated into the chip rather than a separate component on the motherboard. That’s why the CPU and GPU can freely access the memory and produce higher bandwidth of 100GB/s. Besides, XPS 13’s maximum storage capacity is 1TB, but Apple provides up to 2TB, giving the MacBook Air an edge.

Operating system and user experience

Besides all tech specs, I indeed focus on the laptop’s user experience. And I am sure you will end up choosing between MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 based on their operating systems. Most people already have their preferences. If you like Windows, you will go for Dell XPS 13. As I primarily use Apple products, I favor macOS for better integration. 

The macOS is often regarded as the greatest choice for creative professionals because of its great productivity. I do most of my work using Apple’s built-in apps and don’t need third-party software. Moreover, it syncs with my iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch – making the work easier. Besides, macOS prioritizes security and privacy above everything. 

On the other hand, the Dell XPS 13 runs Windows 11 and offers extreme compatibility, customization, and multi-tasking experience. Besides, the OS’s aesthetic is appealing and beginner-friendly. Windows is also a superior gaming platform. But in terms of mobile integrity, it’s more limited than Mac. 

MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022) – Battery life

For me, the battery life is another major aspect of a laptop as I mostly work on the go. My Air M2 provides me with an average of 14-15 hours of battery life. Most of my work includes continuous web browsing at medium screen brightness in dark mode. Apple claims this laptop can stand up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback.

The XPS 13 runs up to 11-12 hours in low brightness. To test the battery in extreme conditions, I streamed 4K videos at 50% brightness. It reached 100 to 0 in eight and a half hours. Another thing I noticed was that the Dell laptop heated up high, and the fans were a bit noisy. In contrast, Mac is quieter because it uses balanced performance and passive cooling.

Keyboard and touchpad

The Magic Keyboard on the MacBook Air M2 is quick and responsive. I enjoy writing long articles without any wrist pain. All 78 keys have enough travel space, quiet soft touch, and an ambient light sensor. The full-height function key row features most shortcuts and controls. 

Not to mention, its Force Touch trackpad is larger than most laptops and supports multi-touch gestures for increased productivity. Also, the trackpad has pressure sensors for clicks, acceleration, and precise drawing. Besides, I love the Touch ID key – it unlocks my Mac, helps me enter passwords, and makes secure purchases.

On the other hand, the XPS 13’s keyboard was just large enough to accommodate 83 backlit keys. However, I felt a little congested. One thing I liked in Dell’s laptop was the softly textured carbon fiber-coated palm rests which are missing in this model.

MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022) Ports and connectivity

Both laptops only have two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports. 

But MacBook Air M2 has an edge thanks to the quick-release MagSafe 3 power connector and 3.5mm headphone jack. You may connect one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz and other USB-C peripherals. I was able to transfer up to 40Gb/s speed via the Thunderbolt 3 port. 

Image 1
Source: Apple

In contrast, Dell has eliminated the headphone jack and microSD slot. Only two ports make it difficult to use more than one peripheral. I was required to use the USB-C hub to set up my workstation. The only good thing is Dell provides USB-C to USB-A 3.0 adapter and USB-C to 3.5mm headset adapter for free. But I prefer a headphone port to an adapter.

Dell has covered up for this by including Wi-Fi 6E 1675 support, whereas MacBook Air doesn’t has this latest version and only connects to Wi-Fi 6 wireless networks.

Webcam and sound

Apple has included a 1080p HD camera which features a low light restoration. It is decent but not outstanding. However, this webcam is still superior to the XPS 13’s subpar 720p camera. It works fine in good lightning condition but captures faded-out and blurry videos. Dell claims to add a dual-sensor sensor camera that separates infrared from RGB.

In terms of sound, MacBook Air M2 has a three-array mic with beamforming algorithms to enjoy FaceTime and communicate clearly and loudly in meetings. Besides, the quad speaker’s setup with two tweeters and two ultrathin woofers supports Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. Dell XPS 13 only has a dual-array mic and dual stereo speakers

MacBook Air M2 vs Dell XPS 13 (2022) – Pricing

SpecsMacBook Air M2 (256GB SSD)Dell XPS 13 (512GB SSD)
8GB RAM $1199 $999 
16GB RAM$1399$1099
24GB RAM$1599❌
32GB RAM❌$1349 (1TB SSD)

You can upgrade the MacBook’s SSD storage by adding extra cash for each variant. For example, you may buy a configuration of 8GB Unified Memory with 1TB SSD at $1599 or 8GB RAM with 2TB SSD at $1999. The highest configuration of 24GB Unified Memory with 2TB SSD is priced at $2399.

Dell also provides options for upgradation. But note that a 1TB SSD memory configuration is only available for the 32GB RAM version. You may get the touch display in the base model at $1099 and 16GB RAM with 512GB SSD storage at $1199. So, in terms of upgradation, Dell XPS 13 is less flexible.

Final verdict

The Dell XPS 13 2022 model has an ultraportable design that makes carrying it simple. Indeed, it lacks the features of a MacBook, but it’s good battery life and affordable price make it a laptop worth considering. 

But there are a lot of reasons to choose a MacBook Air over a Windows laptop. It offers a sleek design, a powerful performance, longer battery life, loud speakers, quick charging with MagSafe, additional ports, and a crispier and more colorful display.

My MacBook Air integrates into my digital workspace very well. I can receive calls and notifications or browse my photo gallery from my iPhone without touching it. So, it is the ideal laptop for the most all-encompassing experience, despite being more expensive. 

So, ultimately, your particular demands will determine which of these two excellent laptops you should choose. If you’re not committed to the Apple ecosystem and really want a Windows laptop, you may go with the Dell XPS 13 Plus or Dell XPS 15 OLED, which offers superior specifications.

Explore more…

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MacBook Air M2 vs. MacBook Air M1: Worth the extra $200? https://www.igeeksblog.com/macbook-air-m2-vs-macbook-air-m1/ https://www.igeeksblog.com/macbook-air-m2-vs-macbook-air-m1/#respond Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:12:59 +0000 https://www.igeeksblog.com/macbook-air-m2-vs-macbook-air-m1/ The MacBook Air, powered by Apple’s M2 SoC, was finally released at the WWDC 2022 event and has worthy upgrades over its predecessors. But these upgrades come at a cost! MacBook Air M2 begins at $1,199, a $200 spike over MacBook Air M1, whose price remains unchanged at $999. It seems like Apple is implementing […]

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The MacBook Air, powered by Apple’s M2 SoC, was finally released at the WWDC 2022 event and has worthy upgrades over its predecessors. But these upgrades come at a cost! MacBook Air M2 begins at $1,199, a $200 spike over MacBook Air M1, whose price remains unchanged at $999.

It seems like Apple is implementing its iPhone strategy here, where you have an option at every price point. For reference, if you’re on a tight budget, you can get the iPhone SE for $429; but for every $100 more, you have a better alternative.

There’s a similar trend with the MacBook lineup! Let’s find out if the MacBook Air M2 is better than the MacBook Air M1 and if it justifies a $200 spike!

Hardware specifications

MacBook Air M2 MacBook Air M1
CPUApple M2 Apple M1
GPU8-core GPU
10-core GPU
7-core GPU
8-core GPU
Display13.6-inch IPS, (2560 x 1664), 500 nits, True Tone, P3 Wide Color13.3-inch IPS 16:10 (2560 x 1600), 400 nits, True Tone, P3 Wide Color
Dimensions11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 in (304.1 x 215 x 11.3 mm)11.97 × 8.36 × 0.63 in (304.1 × 212.4 × 16.1 mm)
WeightStarts at 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg)Starts at 2.8 lbs (1.29 kg)
RAM8GB unified memory
16GB unified memory
24GB unified memory
8GB unified memory
16GB unified memory
Storage256GB SSD
512GB SSD
1TB SSD
2TB SSD
256GB SSD
512GB SSD
1TB SSD
2TB SSD
Battery52.6Whr battery
Up to 67W USB-C power adapter
49.9Whr battery
30W USB-C charger
Ports2 x USB4 / Thunderbolt (USB-C)
3.5mm headphone jack
MagSafe 3
2 x USB4 / Thunderbolt (USB-C)
3.5mm headphone jack
Audio Quad-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos
3-microphone array
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support
3-microphone array
Camera1080p FaceTime HD camera720p FaceTime HD camera
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6
Bluetooth 5
Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth 5
ColorSilver
Space Gray
Starlight
Midnight
Silver
Space Gray
Gold
Price
Starting at $1,199

Starting at $999

Why should you pick the M2 MacBook Air over the M1 MacBook Air? 

The MacBook Air 2022 is powered by the M2 SoC, an upgraded version of the M1 SoC. A brighter and slightly larger display, better cameras, louder speakers, and faster charging are some other upgrades we discuss in detail below.  

Upgraded processor

Upgraded Processor- M2 vs. M1

The M2 SoC is a more powerful and power-efficient SoC when compared to its precursor. Apple’s transition from Intel processors to its in-house ARM-based SoCs is the best change brought by Apple. The M1 chips revolutionized MacBooks and proved they were among the best, if not the best, compact machines money could buy. 

The M2 SoC is based on the same 5nm architecture as the M1 SoC, but it is the second generation of 5nm chips. GPU cores on the M2 SoC have also been increased. Overall, the M2 SoC is not a major upgrade to the M1 SoC; it brings in much-needed changes. Read Apple M1 vs. Apple M2 to learn about the chips’ differences. 

Long-lasting and fast charging 

Long-lasting and fast charging

Apple claims that the MacBook Air M1 and the MacBook Air M2 provide 15 hours of web browsing and 18 hours of video playback on a single charge. Nonetheless, the MacBook Air M1 houses a 49.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, but the MacBook Air M2 houses a bigger 52.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery.

The M1 MacBook Air is my daily driver, and I can attest to its battery life. While the battery capacity is larger on the M2 MacBook Air, we can’t disregard it comes with a slightly larger display. But since M2 is more power-efficient, the battery life on the MacBook Air M2 is expected to be better than MacBook Air M1. However, even if the battery life is similar to M1, it is undeniably mammoth.

And how can we forget the inclusion of MagSafe charging? It facilitates faster charging and keeps both the Thunderbolt ports available for use. Apple claims that the M2 MacBook Air can charge from 0-50% in 30 minutes. A lifesaver for those people who always forget to charge their devices. Yes, @arshmeet, I’m talking about you!  

Bigger and brighter, yet lighter 

M2 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Pro Design

The design of the new M2 MacBook Air is similar to that of the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros. And it’s not only the body of similar devices but also the screens. The M2 MacBook Air features a 13.6″ display, an increase of 0.3″ over its predecessor. The extra screen space comes at the cost of a notch, which not everyone might like, but it also serves a utilitarian purpose. 

The display on the MacBook Air M2 can get bright up to 500 nits, while the MacBook Air M1 caps out at 400 nits. Even though the M2 MacBook Air has a bigger and brighter screen, Apple has managed to reduce its weight.

2.7 pounds is the weight of the M2 MacBook Air, and the M1 MacBook Air is 2.8 pounds. A 0.1-pound difference might not seem a lot, but the device is also 20% slimmer. I prefer the design of the M2 MacBook Air over the M1 MacBook Air, but you might not. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

Upgraded cameras and speakers 

Upgraded Cameras and Speakers 

The utilitarian purpose the notch serves is to house the upgraded camera sensor. It has the same 1080p camera sensor found on the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro’s is now available on the M2 MacBook Air. But with upgraded video capturing capabilities, the audio output is also upgraded.  

From a stereo speaker setup on the M1 MacBook Air, the M2 MacBook Air now features a four-speaker sound system. Moreover, the built-in speakers support Spatial Audio when playing media through them. The AMP and DAC have been updated with the ones found on the MacBook Pros.

The 3.5mm audio jack on the M1 MacBook Air has a decent AMP and DAC and can drive my IEMs loud enough without any issues. Moreover, the port also managed to drive a closed-back studio headphone, the BEYERDYNAMIC – DT 770 PRO, to a loud volume.

So, the M1 MacBook Air’s 3.5mm audio port is not bad, but the 3.5mm audio port on the M2 MacBook Air will certainly sound better.  

Why pick the M1 MacBook Air over the M2 MacBook Air? 

Why-buy-M1-Air-over-M2-Air

Having used the M1 MacBook Air for a while, I have no complaints whatsoever. The battery life is unbeatable, the form factor is sleek and minimal, and the build quality is robust. The price of the M1 MacBook Air begins at $999, and at that price point, it is, hands down, the best laptop.  

I’d love a brighter screen, but the screen gets bright enough. I was taken by surprise the first time I heard music through the speakers on the M1 MacBook Air. Everything from the trackpad to the keyboard is so perfect; it’s difficult to find flaws in the product, and in my opinion, it is among the best value-for-money products in the Apple arsenal that you can buy right now.

Which MacBook Air is right for you?  

The answer to this question is not very simple. You’re the only person who can distinguish between your needs and wants. The M2 MacBook is tempting with a brighter screen, better cameras, louder speakers, faster charging, and other incremental upgrades over its predecessor. The extra $200 that the M2 MacBook Air demands is only worth it if you need the features the device offers.  

However, there aren’t any ground-breaking upgrades to the M2 MacBook Air over the M1 MacBook Air, and if you have a tight budget, the M1 MacBook Air does everything just right. When deciding, ask yourself if the upgrades will significantly improve your experience as everyone’s use case differs.

Remember, you might not always need the latest and the greatest! If you have any other doubts or would like to know more about these devices, leave them in the comments below. I will make sure to clear them out.

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M2 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Pro: Detailed comparison https://www.igeeksblog.com/m2-macbook-air-vs-m2-macbook-pro/ https://www.igeeksblog.com/m2-macbook-air-vs-m2-macbook-pro/#respond Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:49:40 +0000 https://www.igeeksblog.com/m2-macbook-air-vs-m2-macbook-pro/ MacBook Air M1 is the best laptop under $1000 money can buy. Yes, there are many alternatives if you prefer Windows. But none match the battery life while providing equivalent performance to the M1 MacBook Air. And Apple just pulled off the veil of the much-anticipated M2 MacBook Air. Apple also launched the successor to […]

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MacBook Air M1 is the best laptop under $1000 money can buy. Yes, there are many alternatives if you prefer Windows. But none match the battery life while providing equivalent performance to the M1 MacBook Air. And Apple just pulled off the veil of the much-anticipated M2 MacBook Air.

Apple also launched the successor to the 13″ MacBook Pro with Apple’s M2 SoC, but we already have 14″ and 16″ MacBooks with M1 Pro and M1 Max SoC. The 13″ MacBook Pro seems like the middle child who needs to compete with its younger M2 sibling and its M1 Pro and M1 Max elder siblings. However, in this article, let’s focus on the differences between the M2 MacBook Air and M2 MacBook Pro.

Differences between the M2 MacBook Air and the M2 MacBook Pro

When a consumer is looking to buy a product, price is always the first concern. We set a budget, and the price of a product will always influence decisions. The M2 MacBook Air is priced at $1199, and the M2 MacBook Pro is just $100 more than its Air counterpart. But the price is not the only differentiating factor between the two.

Design of the M2 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Pro

Design: MacBook Air looks more professional than the MacBook Pro

You read that right, and I say this not because I like the design of the M2 MacBook Air (which I do), but because the M2 MacBook Air has a similar design to the M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pros. And the M2 MacBook Air also has more ports than the M2 MacBook Pro, more on that later.

The result of the new or rather inspired design of the M2 MacBook Air is a slimmer form factor than its predecessor and even the M2 MacBook Pro. And the M2 MacBook Air is also available in more colors, viz. Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight while the M2 MacBook is only available in Space Gray and Silver.

Display, Camera, and Speakers

It feels like the notch has become an iconic aspect of Apple’s design. You can find the notch on the iPhone (which we hope changes with iPhone 14 series), the 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro, and it has finally made its way to the MacBook Air, which results in a slightly bigger screen. Now the M2 MacBook Air has a 13.6″ display, a 0.3″ increase over its predecessor. And the display is also now 100 nits brighter and has a peak brightness of 500 nits which is the same as the M2 MacBook Pro.

But the M2 MacBook Pro neither has a larger display nor houses a notch. While some might prefer the bezels over the notch for several reasons, the notch enables a larger screen and houses an upgraded 1080p camera sensor. So, the M2 MacBook Air cameras are better than the M2 MacBook Pro.

The M2 MacBook Air has a four-speaker sound system, and the M2 MacBook Pro has Stereo speakers. I suppose the speakers on the M2 MacBook Air are louder and better than the M2 MacBook Pro, but cannot pass a verdict without testing them. Always remember higher quantity does not always equate to higher quality. Nonetheless, I expect the M2 MacBook Air speakers to be louder and sound richer than the M2 MacBook Pro.

Touch Bar vs. Function Row

You either love the Touch Bar, or you don’t give a damn about its existence. There’s no in-between. And that’s exactly why the only device to still feature the Touch Bar in the MacBook lineup is the M2 MacBook Pro. If you’re on the lookout for a new machine with the Touch Bar functionality, the M2 MacBook Pro is your only choice. Do note that you miss the function row when you get a MacBook with the Touch Bar.

Touch Bar vs. Function Row

The MacBook Air lineup never featured a Touch Bar, as the feature was exclusive to MacBook Pros. However, you get a full-height Function Key row with the M2 MacBook Air. Not a significant upgrade, but an upgrade nonetheless.

A Pro MacBook without MagSafe

Apple reintroduced the MagSafe charging port last year with the MacBook Pro. And, the MagSafe port has finally made its way back to the M2 MacBook Air. You get a MagSafe port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a high impedance 3.5mm headphone jack with the M2 MacBook Air.

A pro macbook without magsafe 630x450 1

The M2 MacBook Pro also features the same ports and 3.5mm headphone jack but does not feature MagSafe charging. The result of this is a MacBook Pro, a machine meant for professionals housing fewer ports than its Air counterpart, which is targeted toward users with light to medium usage.

Faster charging vs. longer battery life

With the introduction of M1 SoC’s came the era of phenomenal battery life on MacBooks powered by M1. The M2 SoC is an upgrade expected to provide better battery life than the M1 SoC. Nonetheless, the M2 MacBook Pro houses a bigger battery than the M2 MacBook Air. The battery of the M2 MacBook Pro will last over 2 hours longer than the M2 MacBook Air. But the Air charges faster than the Pro.

Faster charging vs longer battery life 630x450 1

Both the M2 MacBook Air and the M2 MacBook Pro support 67W charging. But only the MacBook Air supports fast charging. Apple claims the M2 MacBook Air can charge up to 50% in under 30 minutes. So, it boils down to if you want your MacBook to charge faster or last longer? Most of us would love the best of both worlds, but I’d pick fast charging over a slightly larger battery from what is available.

Is the M2 MacBook Pro the infamous awkward middle child?

After reading everything above, the M2 MacBook Pro might not seem as impressive as the M2 MacBook Air. Also, $1200 is the base price for the M2 MacBook Air, which again is a lot higher than the M1 MacBook Air, and while the upgrades might be worth the extra 200 dollars, I expected the Air to launch at $999.

When we compare the M2 MacBook with the same specifications at a price tag of $1500, the benefits of the Pro machine seem to be targeted toward a very niche audience. Here’s a chart by MKBHD highlighting the benefits of one machine over another.
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The M2 MacBook Pro sits in a weird spot where it is neither as powerful as MacBooks with M1 Pro and M1 Max SoCs, nor does it feature the extra ports available with these machines. The MagSafe charging port, which has made its way to the M2 MacBook Air, is also unavailable on the M2 MacBook Pro.

Like always, Apple plays well with the Popcorn pricing phenomenon, as we saw with the M1 iPad Air. Recommending getting the 14″ M1 Pro MacBook Pro isn’t as easy as there’s almost a $500 price difference between the two. There’s always a better product available within Apple’s lineup for a bumped-up price. That seems like how Apple pushes users to increase their budget and get consumers to spend more than they initially intended.

If a dedicated cooling system and a slightly larger battery are what you’re on the lookout for, the M2 MacBook Pro might be the way to go. But for most people, the M2 MacBook Air will get the job done without breaking a sweat. Nonetheless, tread lightly and make an informed decision by listing your needs and then picking one machine over the other.

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