Apple has released the MacBook Air 15″ with both M2 and M3 chips. The M3 chip introduces significant improvements over the M2, including enhanced performance, better graphics, and improved energy efficiency. Below is a detailed comparison between the MacBook Air 15″ M3 and the MacBook Air 15″ M2.
Specification Comparison
Overview
| Feature | MacBook Air 15″ M2 | MacBook Air 15″ M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | June 2023 | November 2023 |
| Processor | Apple M2 Chip – 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) – Up to 10-core GPU |
Apple M3 Chip – 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) – Up to 10-core GPU |
| Manufacturing Process | 5nm technology | 3nm technology |
| Memory (RAM) | Configurable up to 24GB unified memory | Configurable up to 24GB unified memory |
| Storage | Configurable up to 2TB SSD | Configurable up to 2TB SSD |
| Display | 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display – 2880 x 1864 resolution – 500 nits brightness |
15.3-inch Liquid Retina display – 2880 x 1864 resolution – 500 nits brightness |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback Up to 15 hours wireless web browsing |
Up to 22 hours of Apple TV app movie playback Up to 18 hours wireless web browsing |
| Graphics | Integrated up to 10-core GPU | Integrated up to 10-core GPU with enhanced performance |
| Ports | – 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports – MagSafe 3 charging port – 3.5 mm headphone jack |
– 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports – MagSafe 3 charging port – 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Design | Thin and light, fanless design – Dimensions: 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches – Weight: 3.3 pounds (1.51 kg) |
Similar thin and light, fanless design – Dimensions and weight remain the same |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera with improved image signal processing |
| Audio | – Four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio – Three-mic array with directional beamforming |
– Six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio – Enhanced three-mic array with directional beamforming |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Operating System | macOS Ventura (upgradable) | macOS Sonoma |
| Price | Starting at $1,299 | Starting at $1,399 |
| Other Features | – Touch ID – Support for one external display up to 6K at 60Hz – Backlit Magic Keyboard – Force Touch trackpad |
– Touch ID – Support for one external display up to 6K at 60Hz – Backlit Magic Keyboard – Force Touch trackpad |
Key Differences
Processor and Performance
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- MacBook Air 15″ M2: Equipped with the M2 chip, offering an 18% faster CPU and up to 35% faster GPU compared to the M1.
- MacBook Air 15″ M3: Features the M3 chip built on a 3nm process, providing improved performance and energy efficiency. The M3 chip introduces a new GPU architecture with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading.
Battery Life
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- M2 Model: Up to 18 hours of movie playback.
- M3 Model: Enhanced efficiency allows up to 22 hours of movie playback, thanks to the 3nm process technology.
Graphics
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- M2 Model: Up to 10-core integrated GPU.
- M3 Model: Up to 10-core integrated GPU with next-generation architecture, offering significantly better graphics performance, especially in tasks involving complex rendering.
Memory and Storage
-
- Both models support up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage.
Connectivity
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- M2 Model: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- M3 Model: Upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable connections.
Audio
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- M2 Model: Four-speaker sound system.
- M3 Model: Upgraded to a six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers for richer audio quality.
Camera
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- M2 Model: 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
- M3 Model: Same 1080p resolution but with improved image signal processing thanks to the M3 chip.
Operating System
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- M2 Model: Ships with macOS Ventura but can be upgraded.
- M3 Model: Ships with macOS Sonoma, offering the latest features and optimizations.
Visual Overview
Design
Both models maintain the iconic MacBook Air design—ultra-thin, lightweight, and fanless. They are available in multiple colors, including Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver.
Display
Image Source: Apple
-
- Both feature a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and support for P3 wide color gamut.
- The M3 model benefits from improved display technologies that may offer better color accuracy and contrast.
Port Configuration
Both models come with MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Performance Benchmarks
CPU Performance
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- M2 Chip: Offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, coding, and light video editing.
- M3 Chip: Delivers up to 20% faster CPU performance compared to the M2, making it better suited for more demanding applications.
GPU Performance
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- M2 Chip: Adequate for moderate graphics tasks and casual gaming.
- M3 Chip: With the new GPU architecture, it provides up to 30% faster graphics performance, suitable for professional video editing and 3D rendering.
Battery Life Comparison
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- MacBook Air 15″ M2: Up to 18 hours of video playback.
- MacBook Air 15″ M3: Up to 22 hours of video playback, thanks to the more efficient M3 chip.
Pricing
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| MacBook Air 15″ M2 | $1,399.95 |
| MacBook Air 15″ M3 | $1,649.95 |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose MacBook Air 15″ M2 if:
-
- You are on a tighter budget.
- Your work involves standard productivity tasks like browsing, document editing, and streaming.
- You don’t require the latest graphics performance.
Choose MacBook Air 15″ M3 if:
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- You need enhanced performance for tasks like video editing, programming, or graphic design.
- Longer battery life is important for your workflow.
- You want the latest technology with improved graphics capabilities.
Conclusion
The MacBook Air 15″ M3 brings notable improvements over the M2 model, especially in performance and battery life. With the new M3 chip’s advancements, it offers better value for users who need more power and efficiency. However, the M2 model remains a strong contender for those who require a reliable and capable laptop at a lower price point.