MacBook Air 13 M4
91/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $999
Manufacturer source ↗MacBook Air 13 M4 vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch (16GB / 256GB)
An overall editorial verdict is not available for this pair yet. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch (16GB / 256GB)
Not rated yet
US launch / reference: $1,149.99
US availability: May 20, 2025
Manufacturer source ↗Start with the tradeoffs
Consider MacBook Air 13 M4 for
- 16 GB unified memory at launch
- Fanless design
- Support for two external displays
Tradeoff: 60Hz display
Consider Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch (16GB / 256GB) for
- 1.22 kg body with a 13-inch touchscreen
- USB-A and two USB-C ports
- 16 GB memory in the specified configuration
Tradeoff: 256 GB UFS storage in this configuration
Scores and judgments are editorial. Specdex does not run an in-house benchmark lab. Manufacturer claims and independent measurements may use different test conditions.
Specifications side by side
Arrows indicate a higher capacity, higher power rating, or lower weight/time for comparable simple quantities. They do not establish overall product quality. Unknown values remain unavailable.
| Specification | MacBook Air 13 M4 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch (16GB / 256GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.6″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | 13-inch PixelSense LCD touch; 1920 × 1280; 60 Hz; 3:2 |
| CPU | Apple M4 (10-core) | Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores) |
| GPU | 8 / 10-core integrated | Qualcomm Adreno integrated graphics |
| RAM | 16 / 24 / 32 GB unified | 16 GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 / 2 TB | 256 GB UFS |
| Battery | 53.8 Wh | Not documented |
| Weight | 1.24 kg | ↑ 1.22 kg |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | Not documented |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | Not documented |
| External displays | Up to two 6K displays at 60Hz alongside built-in display | Not documented |
| NPU | Not documented | Qualcomm Hexagon; up to 45 TOPS |
| Ports | Not documented | 2 USB-C USB 3.2, 1 USB-A USB 3.2, 3.5 mm audio |
| Camera | Not documented | 1080p Full HD |
| Wireless | Not documented | Wi-Fi 7 |
| OS | Not documented | Windows 11 Home |
| Biometrics | Not documented | Fingerprint reader in power button |
MacBook Air 13 M4
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $999. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch (16GB / 256GB)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,149.99. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.