MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB
M3 · 32GB · 2024
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199
MacBook Air 15" (M4) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB lands at 89 and MacBook Air 15" (M4) at 93. That puts MacBook Air 15" (M4) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Air 15" (M4) if…
- ✓Silent fanless M4
- ✓Excellent battery
- ✓Huge bright display
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on battery (96 vs 79).
Portability
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on portability (94 vs 86).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M4) more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $1,399).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB | MacBook Air 15" (M4) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M3 | — |
| RAM | ▲ 32GB | 16/24/32 GB |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M4 (10C CPU / 10C GPU) |
| Storage | — | 256 GB – 2 TB |
| Display | — | 15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864 |
| Weight | — | 1.51 kg |
MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
- +Silent fanless M4
- +Excellent battery
- +Huge bright display
- −Only 2 TB3 ports
- −Single external display (M4 base)
- −No ProMotion
FAQ: MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB vs MacBook Air 15" (M4)
Which is better, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB worth the price? +
At $1,399, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Air 15" (M4) worth the price? +
At $1,199, MacBook Air 15" (M4) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.
Does MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Air 15" (M4) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on battery (96 vs 79). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on portability (94 vs 86). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.