M2 MacBook Air is faster of the two
Equipped with the latest processors, it definitely gives the M2 MacBook Air an edge. We’ve been using the MacBook Air M2 for a few days, and it’s certainly pretty fast. But how much faster is it than the M1 Air? Well, the difference is there but not too significant. The M1 is still a completely solid processor but just the better M2. For most tasks – switching between browser tabs or FaceTime calls – we found the M2 to be slightly faster than the MacBook Air M1 we were used to. Having said that, if you’re switching from an Intel-powered Mac or a Windows PC, the M1 will definitely feel faster. The M1 Air comes in two RAM variants – 8GB and 16GB – while the M2 Air also brings another 24GB variant. So, if more RAM and a better processor are on your list, then the M2 MacBook Air is the right choice. This isn’t to say the M1 Air is a loser – as it’s still one of the fastest laptops you can get, but the M2 Air has an edge.
Both models are beautiful but the MacBook Air M2 looks better
MacBook Air has always been very well designed by Apple. However, the M2 MacBook Air has a completely new design, making it look like a seeker. It’s not as thin as the MacBook Air M1 (1.29 kg) but the M2 Air (1.24 kg) is a bit heavier. The M1 Air also has a taller screen than the M2 Air.
Apple has also changed the color scheme with the M2 Air and it comes in starlight, midnight (two new variants), silver, and space gray. The M1 Air is offered in silver, gold, and space gray color variants. The midnight and starlight color variations look very nice and ‘different’. The keyboard on the M2 Air also feels much better than on the M1 Air.
| MacBook Air M2 | M1 MacBook Air | |
| Display | 13.6-inch, 2560 x 1664 . Liquid Retina display | 13.3-inch Retina display, 2560 x 1600 |
| Processor | M2 | M1 |
| Warehouse | SSD 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB | SSD 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB |
| smack | 8GB / 16GB / 24GB | 8GB / 16GB / |
| Ports | Two 4 . Thunderbolt / USB ports | Two 4 . Thunderbolt / USB ports |
| Weight | 1.24 kg | 1.29 kg |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD | 720p FaceTime HD |
| Color options | Silver, Space Gray, Midnight, Starlight | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Price | Starting at Rs 1,19,900 | Starting at Rs 99,900 |
M2 MacBook Air for those who want better video calling
Video calling has become a part of most people’s lives, and for years Apple has offered a pretty average front-facing camera. With the M2 Air, you get a 1080p webcam, which is an upgrade from the 720p camera on the M1 Air. There’s a pretty big difference as we tested both cameras side by side, and the M2 Air offers more clarity for video calls. Even with speakers, the M1 Air has a stereo speaker setup while the M2 has a four-speaker sound system. Somehow, we found that the M1 Air sounds better than the M2 in some musical genres.
Batteries, ports and more: MagSafe’s return
The MagSafe port is back on the Air with the latest model and that’s a big plus for us. The quick magnetic connection for charging is a welcome change from the usual type-C port, found in the M1 Air. Otherwise, you’ll get the same number of ports in both MacBook Air models.
The M1 Air has the best battery life we’ve seen on a laptop in the past two years. But the M2 Air does it a little better. You can easily get 18 hours on a single charge – for many, that’s two business days. Apple with the M1 Air changed the battery game, and the M2 has continued to evolve it. Both laptops offer excellent battery life.
Which should you buy?
The MacBook Air has always been a popular laptop among buyers. With the M-series processors, Apple has eliminated fans, improved battery life and enhanced performance. There is little choice in terms of the overall performance and longevity of both laptops. Both the M1 Air and the M2 Air are worth buying and you can’t go wrong with either. Having said that, the M1 Air costs around Rs 20,000 less than the M2 Air but has an ‘old’ design. The M2 Air brings the MagSafe – which could be the deciding factor for many – recharged. The M2 processor is definitely faster than the M1 and brings more RAM. As the newest and fastest MacBook Air, the M2 is the one you should buy as that additional Rs 20,000 will probably be well worth it.
