MacBook Air 15" (M5)
94/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $1,299
Manufacturer source ↗MacBook Air 15" (M5) 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 15" (M5) for
- Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- 10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- Up to 18 hours video playback
Tradeoff: Heavier at 1.51 kg
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 15" (M5) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch (16GB / 256GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Not documented |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | 16 GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | 256 GB UFS |
| Display | 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi | 13-inch PixelSense LCD touch; 1920 × 1280; 60 Hz; 3:2 |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | Not documented |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | Not documented |
| Weight | 1.51 kg | ↑ 1.22 kg |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | 2 USB-C USB 3.2, 1 USB-A USB 3.2, 3.5 mm audio |
| OS | macOS Tahoe (26) | Windows 11 Home |
| CPU | Not documented | Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores) |
| GPU | Not documented | Qualcomm Adreno integrated graphics |
| NPU | Not documented | Qualcomm Hexagon; up to 45 TOPS |
| Camera | Not documented | 1080p Full HD |
| Wireless | Not documented | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Biometrics | Not documented | Fingerprint reader in power button |
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,299. 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.