MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series)
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MacBook Air (M4 series)
Starting at
£967.50£999.00 new
MacBook Air (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,885.24What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M4 series) and MacBook Air (M5 series)?
The MacBook Air (M4 series) and MacBook Air (M5 series) share the same main specs, so price and condition decide it. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M4 series) starts at £967.50, £917.74 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series). The MacBook Air (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) specs
The MacBook Air M4 series and M5 series share many features such as screen size, memory, and operating system support. The M5 series offers a slightly faster processor speed and comes with more storage options, including up to 4 TB SSD. Screen resolution choices are broader with the M5 series, giving you the option between two Retina display resolutions. Bluetooth technology is also newer in the M5 series. If you want more storage flexibility and a bit more processing power, the M5 series fits well. For those happy with solid performance and a single screen resolution, the M4 series remains a strong option.
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability matters when choosing a laptop, especially for how long it supports software updates and remains compatible with the latest operating systems. Both MacBook Air models match closely in this area.
Operating System Support
This means you can expect similar software experiences and access to new macOS features on either device.
Release Year
The M4 series was released in 2025 and the M5 series in 2026. While this is a fact about their release dates, it does not affect their software support or durability directly.
Maximum operating system supported
OS at launch
Year of release
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) performance
Performance is influenced by processor speed and storage options. Both MacBook Air models share many specifications, but there are some key differences that influence how they handle demanding tasks and storage needs.
Processor Speed
The MacBook Air M5 series features a processor speed of 4.6 GHz, slightly faster than the M4 series at 4.41 GHz. This increase suits users who want a bit more power for tasks like video editing or running complex software.
Storage Capacity
While the M4 series offers storage options up to 1 TB, the M5 series expands this range to include 4 TB SSD. This makes the M5 series a better fit for users requiring more local storage for large files, media libraries, or extensive software collections.
Memory and Graphics
Both models have 16 GB of RAM and a 10-core GPU, providing smooth multitasking and solid graphics performance. This makes either suitable for everyday use and demanding creative work alike.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, work creatively, or watch videos. Both MacBook Air models offer high-quality displays with some differences in resolution options.
Screen Resolution Choices
The M4 series comes with a single 2880 by 1864 resolution, while the M5 series offers two resolutions: 2560 by 1664 and 2880 by 1864. This flexibility in the M5 series allows you to choose a resolution that balances sharpness and battery life depending on your needs.
Brightness and Display Type
Both MacBook Air models provide a 500 nits Liquid Retina Display with True Tone technology. This ensures bright, colour-accurate screens suitable for work in various lighting conditions.
Screen Size and IPS
Both devices feature a 15 inch screen size with IPS technology, offering wide viewing angles and clear visuals. This size is spacious enough for multitasking and immersive viewing.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) camera
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) size and design
Additional features such as connectivity, ports, and input methods can influence daily use and compatibility with accessories. The two MacBook Air models align closely but have a few notable differences.
Bluetooth Version
The M4 series supports Bluetooth 5.3, while the M5 series advances to Bluetooth 6.0. The newer Bluetooth version in the M5 series may benefit users with the latest wireless peripherals or who want improved wireless performance.
Ports and Charging
Both MacBook Air models come with MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging options, two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack. This makes them compatible with a wide range of accessories and charging methods.
Input and Weight
Each device has a QWERTY English keyboard, supports touch input, and weighs 1510 g. This consistency ensures a familiar and portable experience no matter which model you choose.
Neural Engine and Wireless
Both models have a 16-core neural engine and use Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax technology. These features support efficient machine learning tasks and fast wireless connectivity.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Display
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
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M4 series) or MacBook Air (M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M4 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £967.50, £917.74 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series)
Buy the MacBook Air (M5 series) if
- you want the newer model (2026)
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) FAQs
The MacBook Air (M4 series) and MacBook Air (M5 series) share the same main specs, so price and condition decide it.
The MacBook Air (M4 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £967.50 compared with £1885.24 for the MacBook Air (M5 series).
The MacBook Air (M5 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £917.74 more (from £1885.24 vs £967.50).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M4 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the MacBook Air (M5 series) in 512GB and 1TB.
