MacBook Air M4 Review: Performance and Features Explained

The new MacBook Air M4 is Apple's latest leap in the world of ultralight laptops or ultrabooks as some prefer to call it. It combines portability, performance, and a seamless design, which most users love. Powered by the new M4 chip, it boasts improved single-core and multi-core speeds, making it capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming with ease. The laptop starts with 16GB of unified memory, providing ample capacity for multitasking, and it supports configurations of up to 32GB for even greater performance.  

The MacBook Air M4 is Apple's latest lightweight laptop, featuring several notable upgrades and some that could have been upgraded:

MacBook Air M4 – Key Specifications and Features

The Upgrades:

1. The latest M4 Chip: The new processor offers a significant performance boost, with faster single-core and multi-core speeds compared to its predecessor, the M3. The results are very convincing, iteration after iteration.
2. RAM Improvement: Base models now come with 16GB of unified memory as compared to 8GB in the previous lineups; the new ones are configurable up to 32 GB.
3. Updated Camera: A 12MP Center Stage webcam ensures better video call quality by keeping you centred in the frame. This is a useful feature considering people connect their laptops to external displays and use the built-in webcam of the laptop for video calls and conferences.
4. Much Better External Display Support: It can now handle up to two external 6K displays with the lid open, a first for the MacBook Air lineup. Previously, users had to close their lid in order for two displays to work or one display with the lid open.
5. Increased Battery Life: The new M4 machines are built on the 3-nanometer chipset, which consumes less power and gives up to 18 hours of battery life, making it a reliable choice for all-day use. This is even a step up from previous MacBook Air,s which already had ridiculous screen time.
6. New Colours: A fancy "Sky Blue" finish has been introduced, adding a fresh aesthetic to the lineup. Having fresh colours is like making a statement.

The "Could Have Been" Upgrades:

1. Thermal Throttling: All MacBook Air processors are ARM Architecture processors that come with a fanless design which can lead to reduced performance during sustained heavy workloads. Once again, the Air lineup was never meant for heavy-loaded tasks; you can still make it work with it, nevertheless.
2. Old Display Panel: It still uses a 60Hz IPS panel, which feels outdated compared to OLED panels of its Windows counterparts or higher refresh rate displays. Also, the notch is getting older in the last two generations. Apple does need a design upgrade. For instance, DELL XPS laptops have been able to integrate a full-fledged HD webcam along with an IR Blaster for facial recognition in a thin bezel. Apple should start bundling FaceID into the notch.
3. The Port Limitations: The new lineups are limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack, which might not suffice for some users. Considering its sleek and thin design, introducing new ports might not serve justice to its lineup. However, additional Thunderbolt ports could have been nicer.
4. Notorious Prices for Upgrading: Customising memory or storage can be expensive. For every spec bump, it is an increase of INR 20,000, which could have been invested elsewhere, into accessories such as an external SSD or even peripherals such as keyboards, mice and even an external 2k display monitor. At this point, having a 512GB of storage has become essential considering tons of OS updates these new laptops have been getting.

Inferring from the pros and cons above, the M4 MacBook Air is a solid choice for casual users and professionals seeking portability and performance, though it may not meet the needs of those requiring high-end features. Additionally, the high cost of customizing storage and memory could deter budget-conscious buyers. Nevertheless, the MacBook Air M4 offers a balance of power and portability, making it an ideal choice for casual users, students, and professionals seeking an elegant and lightweight computing device. While not a perfect solution for everyone, it reflects Apple's continued refinement of its iconic product line. However, there is one perfect solution to make the most use of what Apple delivers. It's buying Refurbished MacBooks! Seriously, think about it, the Refurbished MacBooks with the M2 and M3 chipsets are excellent picks, especially with the release of the M4 MacBook Air. Here's why:

1. Cost Efficiency: Refurbished M2 and M3 models are significantly more affordable than the latest M4, offering high performance at a fraction of the price. The newest M4 Air at its base configurations costs like INR 99,900, whereas you can get the same configuration of 16GB Memory and 256GB SSD at least half the price for the M2 chipset, and at 70% price for the M3 chipset. This makes them ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want premium Apple quality.
2. Performance: Both the M2 and M3 chips deliver exceptional performance for everyday tasks, creative work, and even light gaming. While the M4 offers incremental improvements, the M2 and M3 are more than capable of handling most workloads efficiently. To understand it even better, it can do everything an M4 chipset can do, just with slight variations in speed,s which you might not even notice in day-to-day usage.
3. Sustainability: Choosing refurbished devices aligns with sustainable practices by reducing electronic waste. This is a great way to contribute to environmental conservation while enjoying cutting-edge technology.
4. Reliability: Refurbished MacBooks in general undergo rigorous testing and certification processes, ensuring they meet Apple's high standards. They often come with warranties, providing peace of mind to buyers. When you buy one and use it for some time, you won't even remember if it was refurbished.
5. Features: The M2 and M3 MacBook Air models already include features like Liquid Retina displays, excellent battery life, and sleek designs. For most users, these features are sufficient, and the upgrades in the M4 may not justify the higher price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the MacBook Air M4 brings exciting updates like the improved M4 chip, better display support, and increased battery efficiency, its incremental improvements may not justify the steep price for all users. The drawbacks, such as thermal throttling, outdated display technology, limited ports, and high upgrade costs, leave room for consideration. For those prioritising cost-efficiency, sustainability, and practicality, refurbished M2 and M3 models offer an incredible balance of performance and affordability. They provide nearly the same capabilities for everyday and professional tasks, all while championing environmental conservation. Ultimately, opting for a refurbished MacBook Air—be it M2 or M3—could be the smartest way to experience Apple’s excellence without breaking the bank, making it a win-win for both you and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s new in the MacBook Air M4 compared to the M3?
It features the faster Apple M4 chip, improved GPU performance, and a more efficient Neural Engine for AI tasks.

2. Does the MacBook Air M4 support AI features?
Yes, the 16-core Neural Engine enables smooth AI and machine learning performance in supported apps.

3. How long does the battery last on the MacBook Air M4?
It offers up to 18 hours of video playback or around 15 hours of web use on a single charge.

4. Is the MacBook Air M4 good for gaming and creative work?
Yes, it handles casual gaming, photo editing, and video rendering efficiently, though it’s not built for heavy AAA gaming.

5. What storage and RAM options are available?
It comes with 8 GB unified memory (expandable to 24 GB) and SSD options from 256 GB to 2 TB.