MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Air (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,885.24
"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)
Starting at
£254.00What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M5 series) and "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)?
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) starts at £254, £1631.24 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series). The MacBook Air (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Air (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Air (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air (M5 series), Retina display on the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel).
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) specs
The MacBook Air (M5 series) and the Obsolete MacBook Air (2020, Intel) differ mainly in performance, screen size, and some features that suit different types of users. The MacBook Air (M5 series) offers higher processor speed, more RAM, and larger storage options, making it suitable for users who need more power and memory for demanding tasks. Its larger 15 inch Liquid Retina Display delivers higher resolution and brightness, ideal for those who want more screen space for work or entertainment. The 2020 Intel model keeps everyday apps running smoothly with 8 GB RAM and a 13 inch Retina display, which may suit buyers looking for a lighter and simpler device for daily use.
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) price
Colour
- Space GraySold out
- SilverSold out
- GoldSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
- 2TBSold out
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) battery life and software updates
Durability includes how long the devices can receive software updates and their operating systems.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Air (M5 series) supports macOS Tahoe, which is the latest version available. The Obsolete MacBook Air (2020, Intel) supports macOS Sequoia.
Maximum operating system supported
OS at launch
Year of release
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) performance
Performance covers the processor, graphics, memory, and storage options. These affect how well the device handles tasks from everyday use to more demanding workflows.
Processor Speed and Architecture
The MacBook Air (M5 series) runs on a 4.6 GHz Apple processor, which is significantly faster than the 1.1 GHz Intel processor in the 2020 Intel model. Both use 64-bit architecture, so they handle modern software efficiently, but the faster processor is suited for those who run more demanding applications.
Graphics Capabilities
The MacBook Air (M5 series) features a 10-core GPU, offering stronger graphics performance compared to the Intel Iris Plus in the 2020 model. This makes the M5 series better suited for graphics-intensive tasks like video editing or creative work.
Memory and RAM
With 16 GB RAM, the MacBook Air (M5 series) supports more multitasking and heavier apps. The 2020 Intel model has 8 GB RAM, which keeps everyday applications running smoothly and is sufficient for general use.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air (M5 series) comes stocked with 512 GB and 1 TB SSD options, providing fast and spacious storage. The 2020 Intel model is available in a wider range of storage sizes, from 128 GB up to 2 TB, allowing buyers to choose based on their needs.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and image clarity. Both devices offer Retina displays with True Tone, but they differ in size, resolution, brightness, and display type.
Screen Size and Type
The MacBook Air (M5 series) has a larger 15 inch Liquid Retina Display, offering more room for work and entertainment. The 2020 Intel model has a 13 inch Retina display, which fits well for more portable use.
Resolution and Brightness
The MacBook Air (M5 series) supports two resolutions: 2560 x 1664 and 2880 x 1864, both higher than the 2560 x 1600 resolution of the 2020 Intel model. It also offers 500 nits brightness compared to 400 nits, making the M5 series screen brighter and easier to see in various lighting conditions.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) camera
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) size and design
Additional features include connectivity, ports, and physical characteristics that influence everyday usability and compatibility.
Bluetooth and Wireless
The MacBook Air (M5 series) supports Bluetooth 6.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, providing faster wireless connections. The 2020 Intel model uses Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac, which suit general wireless needs and common devices.
Ports and Charging
The MacBook Air (M5 series) supports MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C charging with two USB-C ports. The 2020 Intel model uses Thunderbolt 3 charging and also has two USB-C ports. Both include a headphone jack and support touch input without a Touch Bar.
Weight
The MacBook Air (M5 series) weighs 1510 g, making it heavier than the 1290 g 2020 Intel model. Buyers valuing portability may prefer the lighter device.
Front Camera Quality
The MacBook Air (M5 series) has a 1080p front camera, which captures higher-definition video compared to the 720p camera in the 2020 Intel model. This suits users who need clearer video calls or recordings.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
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 (M5 series) or "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (15 inch vs 13 inch)
Buy the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £254, £1631.24 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (1290 g vs 1510 g)
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) FAQs
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Air (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Air (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
The "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £254 compared with £1885.24 for the MacBook Air (M5 series).
The MacBook Air (M5 series) adds more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (15 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £1631.24 more (from £1885.24 vs £254).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M5 series) comes in 512GB and 1TB, and the "Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
