Recently, Apple updated the MacBook Air with its most recent generation of Apple chips. The M1 machine will be phased out starting in 2020, and the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, which was announced in June 2023, will be discontinued. With these changes to the range and cost, which model should you purchase?
Similar to its predecessor, the 2024 MacBook Air comes in 13.6- and 15.3-inch display sizes, with the smaller model starting at ₹114900 and the bigger one starting at ₹134900. Priced at ₹99900, the 13.6-inch MacBook Air with the 2022 M2 CPU is still available. Customers will therefore be able to select between the 2022 MacBook Air, which will be its 2024 replacement, and a 2024 model with a larger screen.
Continue reading to learn about all the changes between the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models, which will help you determine which model is right for you and whether an upgrade would be worthwhile.
M2 vs. M3 Chip:
Continue reading to learn about all the changes between the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models, which will help you determine which model is right for you and whether an upgrade would be worthwhile.
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M2 Chip |
M3 Chip |
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Based on the iPhone 13's A15 Bionic processor (2021) |
based on the iPhone 15 Pro's A17 Pro processor (2023) |
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N5P, or enhanced 5 nm node |
N3B, a 3nm node |
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Twenty billion transistors |
Twenty Five billion transistors |
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Speed of CPU clock: 3.49 GHz |
CPU clock speed of 4.05 GHz |
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Neural Engine |
15% quicker Neural Engine |
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Help with AV1 decoding |
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A fresh GPU architecture |
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Adaptive Caching |
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Hardware-based ray tracing acceleration |
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Hardware-driven mesh shading |
The M3 chip includes a completely new GPU architecture. This architecture incorporates Dynamic Caching, a ground-breaking feature that optimizes GPU memory allocation and utilization while responding in real time to changing task demands. This innovation not only improves graphics performance for demanding workloads, but it also increases the chip's overall energy efficiency. This is especially useful for graphically intensive jobs like advanced video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. It also supports AV1 video decoding, which provides more efficient and high-quality video from streaming sources.
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The M3's adoption of a 3nm production technique allows for more efficient execution of machine learning and AI applications, despite the 16-core Neural Engine being similar to the M2. The M3 maintains up to 24GB of unified memory, similar to the M2, but uses a novel technique to optimize memory bandwidth use.
The M2 and M3 processors differ significantly in terms of energy efficiency. The M3 chip's 3nm manufacture technique improves performance without increasing power consumption, making it ideal for laptop users who prioritize battery life.
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The M3 chip outperforms the M2 in terms of transistor count, CPU and GPU performance, and energy efficiency. Although the M3 is clearly improved, it is not necessary for current M2 users to update immediately, especially if their present workflows are comfortable. For new owners or those upgrading from prior models, the M3's performance and efficiency gains will be much more noticeable.
Other Differences:
Aside from the CPUs, the two generations of MacBook Air have other noticeable differences. While these improvements are minor, they are worth considering when deciding whether to purchase the current model.
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M2 MACBOOK AIR (2022 & 2023) |
M3 MACBOOK AIR (2024) |
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Only a 13.6-inch display is available; the 15.3-inch variant has been withdrawn |
Available in both 13.6- and 15.3-inch display sizes. |
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Assistance with a single external display |
Support for up to two external screens while the lid is closed. |
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Wide Spectrum and Voice Isolation microphone settings |
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Improved sound quality during video and audio calls |
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Wi-Fi 6 support |
Wi-Fi 6E compatibility |
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Anodized seal for preventing fingerprints with Midnight finish. |
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Starts at ₹99900 |
Starts at ₹114900 |
Last Words:
The M3 MacBook Air, which primarily prioritizes improved performance over new features, is a slight improvement over the previous model overall. Those with an older MacBook Air—such as an M1 or an Intel-based model—or those without a MacBook Air altogether are its primary target market.
For most people, it is probably not worth purchasing the M3 MacBook Air over the M2 MacBook Air unless they can take advantage of the unique benefits of the M3 chip and need the highest performance from its extremely portable form factor. But if you want to keep your computer for a long time and future-proofing is important to you, spending an extra ₹20,000 for the newest model is probably justified. If you own more than one monitor, the M3 model's compatibility for two external displays might also reasonably influence your purchase choice.
The most recent M3 model is your sole choice if you intend to purchase a new 15.3-inch MacBook Air from Apple and would like it to be larger than the M2 model, which has been discontinued. Nevertheless, the M2 15.3-inch MacBook Air is still easily found at a significant discounted price of the most recent model when purchased used, reconditioned, or via independent merchants. Before choosing to buy the newest M3 device straight from Apple, it would be worthwhile to take advantage of one of these discounts on an M2 model if you desire the larger size.
For the vast majority of users, moving from the M2 to the M3 MacBook Air is most definitely not worthwhile. Although the larger display makes the upgrade from a 13-inch M2 MacBook Air to a 15-inch M3 MacBook Air more reasonable, the new model doesn't really offer anything more than the previous one.