MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series)
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MacBook Air (M3 series)
Starting at
£796.06£1,099.00 new
MacBook Air (M4 series)
Starting at
£967.50£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M3 series) and MacBook Air (M4 series)?
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M3 series) starts at £796.06, £171.44 less than the MacBook Air (M4 series). The MacBook Air (M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 16 GB.
- The MacBook Air (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina IPS on the MacBook Air (M3 series), Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air (M4 series).
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) specs
The MacBook Air M3 series offers more RAM and larger storage options, suiting users who keep many apps open or need more space for files. The MacBook Air M4 series features a faster processor speed and a larger, higher resolution screen, making it a better fit for those who prioritise visual workspace and a slight performance boost. Each model matches different needs, from multitasking and storage to display size and processor speed.
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability matters for long-term use and device upkeep.
Operating System Support
This means you can expect similar software compatibility and security updates on both models, providing a consistent experience in system maintenance.
Repairability
This benefits users who value straightforward servicing or upgrading parts over time.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) performance
Performance features shape how well the MacBook Airs handle tasks, multitasking, and storage needs. Differences in processor speed, RAM, and storage capacity affect who each device suits best.
Processor Speed
The MacBook Air M4 series runs at 4.41 GHz, which is faster than the M3 series's 4.05 GHz. This makes the M4 series more suited for users requiring slightly quicker processing for demanding tasks or workflows.
RAM Capacity
With 24 GB of RAM, the MacBook Air M3 series supports keeping more applications and browser tabs open simultaneously, ideal for multitasking and memory-heavy software. The M4 series offers 16 GB of RAM, which still handles everyday use and many professional tasks comfortably.
Storage Size
The MacBook Air M3 series comes with 1000 GB of SSD storage, suitable for users who store large files like videos or extensive photo libraries locally. The MacBook Air M4 series offers 512 GB SSD storage, which fits users with moderate storage needs or those who prefer cloud storage solutions.
Storage Options Available
Stocked storage options for the M3 series include 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, giving you more choice if you want higher capacities. The M4 series is available with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, covering a range of everyday to professional needs.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) screen
Screen quality affects your viewing comfort and workspace. Differences in size and resolution give each MacBook Air a distinct advantage depending on how you use your laptop.
Screen Size
The MacBook Air M4 series features a 15 inch screen, offering a more spacious display area that suits users who work with multiple windows or enjoy watching videos on a larger screen. The M3 series has a 13 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to carry around.
Resolution
The M4 series has a higher resolution of 2880 x 1864 pixels, which means sharper images and more detail on screen, ideal for photo editing or detailed visual work. The M3 series has a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday tasks.
Screen Type
The MacBook Air M3 series uses a Liquid Retina IPS display while the M4 series uses a Liquid Retina Display. Both provide excellent colour accuracy and brightness, supporting True Tone technology to adjust colour temperature for comfortable viewing.
Brightness Level
Both models share a 500 nits brightness level, ensuring clear visibility even in bright environments.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) camera
Audio and video features influence video calls and media enjoyment. The two MacBook Air models offer the same specifications here.
Camera Quality
Both MacBook Air models have a front camera with 1080p resolution, offering sharp video quality for video conferencing and streaming.
Speakers
Each model features a four-speaker sound system, delivering balanced audio suitable for casual listening, video calls, and media playback.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) size and design
Additional features cover connectivity, input, and design elements that affect everyday use. Most specifications are shared, with a few notable differences.
Weight
The MacBook Air M3 series weighs 1240 g, making it lighter and potentially easier to carry for frequent travel or commuting. The M4 series weighs 1510 g, reflecting its larger screen size and potentially more substantial build.
Promotion Technology
The MacBook Air M3 series supports Promotion technology, which can offer smoother motion on screen, benefiting users who value fluid scrolling or dynamic visuals. The M4 series does not include this feature.
Touch Screen and Ports
Both models have touch capability and include two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, alongside MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charger compatibility. They both maintain a headphone jack and use Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for wireless connections.
Other Input and Audio Features
Each MacBook Air has a QWERTY English keyboard layout, three microphones, a 16-core neural engine, no card slot, and no touch bar, providing consistent input and voice capture experiences.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Microphone specifications
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M3 series) or MacBook Air (M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M3 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £796.06, £171.44 less than the MacBook Air (M4 series)
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 16 GB)
- you want a lighter build (1240 g vs 1510 g)
Buy the MacBook Air (M4 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (15 inch vs 13 inch)
- you want the newer model (2025)
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Air (M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 16 GB. The MacBook Air (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Air (M3 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £796.06 compared with £967.50 for the MacBook Air (M4 series).
The MacBook Air (M4 series) adds a bigger screen (15 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £171.44 more (from £967.50 vs £796.06).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M3 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Air (M4 series) in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
