In the world of tech, Apple’s MacBook Air series has always stood out for its sleek design and impressive performance. But how do the MacBook Air 13 (M2, 2022) and MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020) stack up against each other? This comparison will help gamers, tech enthusiasts, and laptop shoppers decide which model is the best fit for their needs.
Review Overview
Both the MacBook Air M2 (2022) and M1 (2020) are powerhouses in their own right. Each model comes packed with unique features that cater to different user requirements. In this blog, we’ll break down each aspect of these laptops to give you a clear understanding of where they shine and where they fall short.
Key Differences
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage by highlighting the key differences between the two models. The MacBook Air M2 offers better performance, battery life, and a more advanced display compared to its predecessor. However, the M1 model still holds its ground as a reliable and efficient machine.
Case
The first thing you’ll notice about any laptop is its build and design. Both the M2 and M1 MacBook Air models are crafted from a single piece of aluminum, offering robust durability. The M2 model boasts slightly rounded edges and a more streamlined look, making it even more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, it’s available in new color options like Midnight and Starlight, adding a touch of personalization.
On the other hand, the M1 model sticks to classic hues such as Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. While both models are feather-light and incredibly portable, the M2 takes the cake for its modern design and added color choices.
Display
When it comes to the display, the MacBook Air M2 takes a significant leap forward. Featuring a Liquid Retina display with support for 1 billion colors, it offers richer and more vibrant visuals. The 500 nits brightness ensures excellent visibility even in bright environments.
The M1 model, though still impressive, has a Retina display with support for millions of colors and a maximum brightness of 400 nits. It’s great for everyday tasks but falls short when compared to the M2, especially for activities that require high color accuracy and brightness.
Battery
Battery life is crucial for any laptop, whether you’re gaming, coding, or just browsing the web. The M2 model promises up to 18 hours of battery life, making it one of the best in its class. This extended battery life means you can go longer between charges, an essential feature for professionals on the go.
The M1 model isn’t far behind, offering up to 15 hours of battery life. While this is still impressive, the extra 3 hours provided by the M2 can be a game-changer for heavy users.
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
For those who spend hours coding, battery longevity is a critical factor. The M2 model shines here with its ability to handle intensive programming tasks without draining the battery quickly. It maintains its charge well, allowing developers to work uninterrupted for extended periods.
The M1 model, while efficient, doesn’t quite match the M2 in battery preservation during coding sessions. However, it still offers respectable endurance for most programming tasks.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
Web browsing is a common activity, and here both models perform admirably. The M2’s advanced chip architecture ensures minimal power consumption during browsing, allowing users to surf the web for hours on end.
The M1 model also holds its own, offering substantial browsing time but slightly shorter than the M2. If web browsing is your primary use case, either model will serve you well, but the M2 offers that extra bit of longevity.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
When it comes to full brightness and CPU-intensive tasks, the M2 again takes the lead. Whether you’re editing videos, rendering graphics, or running multiple applications simultaneously, the M2’s battery drains slower compared to the M1.
The M1 model, though powerful, tends to lose battery more quickly under similar conditions. This makes the M2 a better choice for those who demand rigorous performance from their machines.
CPU
At the heart of any laptop lies its CPU, and both models showcase Apple’s prowess in chip design. The M2 model features an 8-core CPU with improvements in both performance and efficiency cores. This results in faster processing and better energy management.
The M1 model, with its 8-core CPU, set new standards when it was released, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. However, the M2’s advancements give it a slight edge in overall processing power.
CPU Performance Comparisons
In real-world performance, the M2 outshines the M1 in various benchmarks. Tasks that involve heavy computation, such as 3D rendering and complex simulations, run noticeably faster on the M2. This makes it ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who push their machines to the limit.
The M1 model is no slouch, though. It handles everyday tasks and light to moderate professional workloads with ease, making it a strong contender for those who don’t need the absolute cutting edge in performance.
Web Browsing Performance
For general web browsing, both models offer a smooth and responsive experience. The M2’s enhanced CPU provides slightly faster page loads and better handling of multiple tabs. It’s the little things that make a big difference in user experience.
The M1, while still excellent, shows its age in side-by-side comparisons. It remains highly capable but doesn’t quite match the snappiness of the M2, especially under heavier browsing scenarios.
Photo and Video Editing
Creative professionals will appreciate the M2’s superior performance in photo and video editing tasks. The advanced GPU and improved CPU translate to faster rendering times and smoother playback. Editing high-resolution images and 4K videos is a breeze.
The M1 model also performs well in creative applications, but it takes longer to process high-intensity tasks compared to the M2. For hobbyists or those just starting, the M1 is more than sufficient, but serious creators may prefer the M2’s capabilities.
Exporting 4K/8K Videos
Exporting high-definition videos is a demanding task, and the M2 excels in this area. Its optimized architecture ensures quicker export times for 4K and even 8K videos, making it the preferred choice for filmmakers and videographers.
The M1, while competent, lags behind the M2 in exporting large video files. This difference can be significant for professionals who need to meet tight deadlines.
Benchmarks
Benchmarks provide a quantifiable way to compare the performance of these two models. In Geekbench scores, the M2 consistently outperforms the M1 in both single-core and multi-core tests. This confirms the M2’s superiority in handling a variety of workloads.
3D Marks
For gamers and those involved in 3D modeling, the M2 offers better 3DMark scores, indicating enhanced graphics performance. This makes the M2 more suitable for gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
The M1, while still powerful, doesn’t quite reach the heights of the M2 in 3D performance. However, it’s still a viable option for less demanding 3D applications.
Cinebench
Cinebench scores further highlight the M2’s prowess. It delivers higher scores in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tests, showcasing its ability to handle complex computational tasks efficiently.
The M1 model, although impressive, falls short in these benchmarks, making the M2 the better choice for those who require maximum performance.
Userbenchmark
Userbenchmark scores reinforce the M2’s standing as the superior model. It excels in various categories, including speed, responsiveness, and multitasking capabilities.
The M1 holds its own but is outpaced by the M2 in almost every metric. For users seeking the best performance, the M2 is clearly the winner.
Graphics Card
Graphics performance is crucial for many users, and here the M2 shines with its integrated 10-core GPU. This provides a significant boost in graphical processing power, making it ideal for gaming and creative applications.
The M1’s 7-core or 8-core GPU is still impressive but doesn’t match the M2’s capabilities. For light gaming and general use, it’s more than adequate, but power users will appreciate the M2’s enhancements.
RAM and Storage
Both models offer flexible RAM and storage options, but the M2 provides faster memory and more advanced storage technology. This results in quicker data access and smoother multitasking.
The M1, while still offering impressive specs, lags behind slightly in this department. Users who need the fastest performance will find the M2’s upgrades beneficial.
Sound
Sound quality is often overlooked but essential for an immersive experience. The M2 features improved speakers with better bass and clarity, enhancing media consumption and video calls.
The M1 model offers good sound quality but doesn’t reach the same level as the M2. For audiophiles and frequent video callers, the M2’s sound system is a notable upgrade.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are vital for a seamless user experience. The M2 includes support for the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, ensuring fast and stable connections.
The M1, while still equipped with modern connectivity features, doesn’t support some of the latest standards found in the M2. This makes the M2 a more future-proof choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the MacBook Air M2 (2022) and M1 (2020) are excellent laptops with their own set of strengths. The M2 stands out for its superior performance, advanced display, and extended battery life, making it the ideal choice for power users, gamers, and professionals.
The M1, on the other hand, remains a reliable and efficient machine, perfect for everyday tasks and light to moderate professional workloads. It offers great value for those who don’t need the latest features and performance enhancements.
For those still undecided, consider what aspects are most important for your needs. Whether it’s coding, gaming, or content creation, your ideal MacBook Air is out there. If you want to explore more or have specific questions, feel free to reach out to our community of tech enthusiasts and experts who are always ready to help you make the best decision.
Comparison:
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the MacBook Air 13 (M2, 2022) and MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020):
| Feature | MacBook Air 13 (M2, 2022) | MacBook Air 13 (M1, 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core or 10-core GPU | Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 7-core or 8-core GPU |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 24GB Unified Memory | 8GB / 16GB Unified Memory |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664) | 13.3-inch Retina (2560 x 1600) |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 400 nits |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack | 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Weight | Approx. 1.24 kg (2.7 lbs) | Approx. 1.29 kg (2.8 lbs) |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD Camera | 720p FaceTime HD Camera |
| Audio | Four-speaker system with Spatial Audio | Stereo speakers |
| Charging | MagSafe 3 and USB-C charging | USB-C charging |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Build Quality | Aluminum unibody, available in four colors (Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, Silver) | Aluminum unibody, available in three colors (Space Gray, Silver, Gold) |
| Operating System | macOS Monterey (Upgradeable) | macOS Big Sur (Upgradeable) |
| Starting Price | $1,199 | $999 |
