MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
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MacBook Air (M3 series)
Starting at
£796.06£1,099.00 new
"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
Starting at
£254.00What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M3 series) and "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)?
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) starts at £254, £542.06 less than the MacBook Air (M3 series). The MacBook Air (M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina IPS on the MacBook Air (M3 series), Retina display on the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel).
- The MacBook Air (M3 series) has a lighter build: 1240 g vs 1290 g.
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) specs
The MacBook Air M3 series offers a faster processor, more RAM, and larger storage options that suit users needing more power and space for demanding tasks. Its screen has higher brightness and a slightly higher resolution, benefiting those who prioritise a vivid and sharp display. For video calls and audio, the M3 series has a higher definition front camera and a more advanced speaker system, making it well suited for multimedia use. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air suits everyday use with sufficient RAM and storage for regular applications and comes with Bluetooth 5.0 and Thunderbolt 3 charging compatibility.
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) price
Colour
- MidnightStarting at £805.06
- Space GrayStarting at £805.06
- SilverStarting at £796.06
- StarlightStarting at £805.06
- Space GraySold out
- SilverSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
- 2TBSold out
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long the devices receive software updates and their compatibility with the latest operating systems.
Operating System Support
Both the MacBook Air M3 series and the 2020 Intel MacBook Air run macOS and are compatible with their respective maximum supported versions. The M3 series supports macOS Tahoe while the 2020 Intel model supports macOS Sequoia. This means both devices receive important updates and security patches appropriate to their hardware.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) performance
Performance differences reflect processor speed, graphics, memory, and storage, affecting how smoothly each MacBook Air handles applications and multitasking.
Processor Speed and Brand
The MacBook Air M3 series has an Apple processor running at 4.05 GHz, offering more speed for tasks that require processing power. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air uses an Intel processor at 1.1 GHz, suitable for everyday computing needs.
Graphics Capabilities
Graphics are handled by a 10-core GPU in the MacBook Air M3 series, which supports more demanding visuals. The 2020 Intel model uses Intel Iris Plus graphics, fitting for standard graphics tasks.
Memory and Storage Options
The MacBook Air M3 series comes with 24 GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage, including options at 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. This suits users who run multiple apps or store large files. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air offers 8 GB of RAM and SSD storage options from 128GB up to 2TB, catering to everyday use and moderate storage needs.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) screen
Screen quality impacts how clear and bright content appears. Both MacBook Airs have 13-inch Retina displays with IPS technology, but there are differences in brightness and resolution.
Screen Resolution and Brightness
The MacBook Air M3 series offers a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels with 500 nits brightness, delivering a sharper and brighter image, ideal for working in well-lit environments. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and 400 nits brightness, which remains clear and suitable for most conditions.
Screen Type
The M3 series uses a Liquid Retina IPS display, providing vivid colours and consistent viewing angles. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air features a Retina display. Both include True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen warmth to ambient light for comfortable viewing.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) camera
Audiovisual features affect video calls, recordings, and sound quality. Both devices have webcams and microphones but differ in camera resolution and speaker setup.
Front Camera Resolution
The MacBook Air M3 series has a 1080p front camera, providing clearer and more detailed video for calls and recordings. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air uses a 720p front camera, suitable for standard video conversations.
Speaker System
Sound output on the MacBook Air M3 series comes from a four-speaker sound system, which offers richer and more immersive audio. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air has stereo speakers, providing good sound quality for everyday listening.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, dimensions, and other conveniences that may influence your daily experience with the MacBook Air.
Bluetooth and Wireless
The MacBook Air M3 series supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax technology, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi‑Fi 802.11ac, which remain effective for most wireless devices and networks.
Charging and Ports
Charging options on the MacBook Air M3 series include MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C, giving flexibility in power sources. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air uses Thunderbolt 3 for charging and connectivity. Both have two USB-C ports and a headphone jack.
Dimensions and Weight
The MacBook Air M3 series is slimmer at 1.13 cm in height and weighs 1240 g, making it slightly lighter and thinner. The 2020 Intel MacBook Air measures 1.61 cm in height and weighs 1290 g, offering a solid and familiar form factor.
Additional Screen Features
The MacBook Air M3 series includes a promotion feature on the screen, which enhances motion smoothness and responsiveness. Both devices support touch input and have a QWERTY English keyboard layout.
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
Turbo boost
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usba port
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M3 series) or "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M3 series) if
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a lighter build (1240 g vs 1290 g)
Buy the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £254, £542.06 less than the MacBook Air (M3 series)
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) FAQs
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB. Screen type: Liquid Retina IPS on the MacBook Air (M3 series), Retina display on the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel).
The "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £254 compared with £796.06 for the MacBook Air (M3 series).
The MacBook Air (M3 series) adds more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB) and a lighter build (1240 g vs 1290 g). Refurbished, it costs £542.06 more (from £796.06 vs £254).
Both come in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB refurbished.
