Apple MacBook Air M1 vs HP Envy x360: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the realm of laptops, the battle between Apple and Windows-based machines is as old as time. With the introduction of Apple’s M1 chip, the competition has heated up, making choices for tech enthusiasts more challenging and intriguing. One of the most direct competitions comes in the form of the Apple MacBook Air M1 and the HP Envy x360. Both are favored for different reasons, but how do they really stack up against each other? In this post, we’ll dissect the two, touching upon key differences, value for money, and various performance benchmarks to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Key Differences

At the heart of the comparison is the MacBook Air M1’s revolutionary ARM-based chip, which promises both power efficiency and performance, whereas the HP Envy x360 sticks to a traditional yet powerful Intel or AMD processor. The MacBook Air M1 is designed for users looking for seamless performance with optimized software, while the HP Envy x360 appeals to those who require versatile functionality, including tablet mode, thanks to its 360-degree hinge.

Value for Money

When comparing prices, the HP Envy x360 often comes in as more affordable, especially when factoring in specs like RAM and storage. However, the MacBook Air M1’s value is highlighted by its long-term performance consistency and lower energy consumption thanks to the efficiency of the M1 chip.

Tests and Specifications

Case

The MacBook Air M1 features Apple’s signature sleek, minimalist design, lightweight for portability. In contrast, the HP Envy x360 offers a sturdy build with a hint of premium thanks to its all-metal finish but is slightly heavier owing to its convertible design.

Display

Both laptops boast impressive displays, but the MacBook Air M1 slightly edges out with its Retina display, offering over 4 million pixels for more vibrant colors and sharper images. The Envy x360, though, provides a bright, full HD touch screen experience, ideal for those who benefit from a hands-on approach.

Resolution, Screen Size, Brightity, and HDR

The MacBook Air M1 comes with a 13.3-inch display and a resolution of 2560 x 1600, while the HP Envy x360 offers a slightly larger 13.3 or 15.6-inch option with a standard 1920 x 1080 resolution. Both screens provide ample brightness, but the MacBook Air offers better HDR support.

Battery

Battery life is where the MacBook Air M1 shines, capable of lasting up to an impressive 18 hours on a single charge. Comparatively, the HP Envy x360 offers a respectable, but lower, battery life of up to 12 hours depending on usage.

CPU

The M1 chip of the MacBook Air shows remarkable efficiency in performance across web browsing, photo and video editing, and even exporting large video files. The Envy x360 keeps up well, especially in its AMD Ryzen configurations, but struggles to match the M1’s balance of performance and power efficiency.

Benchmarks

In benchmark tests, the MacBook Air M1 consistently outperforms the HP Envy x360, especially in single-core performance. Multicore tasks show a narrower gap, with the Envy x360’s latest AMD processors closing in on the MacBook Air’s lead.

Graphics Card

For gaming enthusiasts, the HP Envy x360, with its optional dedicated AMD graphics, provides a better experience compared to the MacBook Air M1’s integrated graphics. However, the M1 chip handles casual gaming and graphics-intensive tasks more efficiently than expected.

RAM and Storage

Both laptops offer various configurations, but the MacBook Air M1’s unified memory architecture allows for better optimization of the available RAM. SSD speeds are lightning fast on the MacBook Air, significantly reducing load and transfer times compared to the HP Envy x360.

Sound

The MacBook Air M1 delivers higher-quality sound with more clarity and bass, partially due to its three-mic array and advanced algorithms. The HP Envy x360 holds its own with Bang & Olufsen speakers but falls short in noise and peak levels.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the HP Envy x360 offers more physical ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and microSD slots, whereas the MacBook Air M1 opts for a simpler setup with only two USB-C ports and a headphone jack.

Conclusion

Choosing between the MacBook Air M1 and the HP Envy x360 boils down to individual needs and preferences. The MacBook Air M1 excels in performance, battery life, and display quality, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize these aspects. On the other hand, the HP Envy x360 offers flexibility, a variety of ports, and a better price-to-performance ratio, particularly for those who value versatility and affordability.

Whether you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem or prefer the familiarity and flexibility of a Windows machine, both laptops offer compelling reasons to choose them as your next computing companion.