Apple MacBook Air M4 Review: A Balanced Look At Performance And Value.

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Post on Mar 13, 2025

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Apple MacBook Air M4 Review: A Balanced Look at Performance and Value

The new Apple MacBook Air with the M4 chip has arrived, promising a significant leap in performance while maintaining the Air's signature sleek design and affordability. But does it deliver on its promises? We spent weeks putting the M4 MacBook Air through its paces to give you a balanced review focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.

Performance: A noticeable upgrade

The M4 chip is the star of the show. While not a revolutionary jump like the initial M1, the performance improvements are noticeable, especially in demanding tasks. Video editing, photo manipulation in apps like Photoshop and Lightroom, and multitasking all feel smoother and more responsive than the previous generation. We ran several benchmark tests, comparing the M4 to its predecessor, the M2, and observed a consistent 15-20% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. This translates to faster rendering times, quicker application loading, and a more fluid overall user experience.

• Improved GPU Performance: Graphics performance also sees a boost, making the M4 MacBook Air a more capable option for casual gaming and video editing.
• Everyday Tasks: For everyday tasks like browsing, email, and document creation, the difference might be less dramatic, but the overall experience remains snappy and efficient.
• Thermal Management: Apple has refined its thermal management, ensuring the M4 MacBook Air stays cool even under heavy load. We experienced minimal throttling during our intensive benchmark tests.

Battery Life: All-day Power

Battery life remains a strong point for the MacBook Air. We consistently achieved over 15 hours of battery life on a single charge during our testing, even with moderate to heavy usage. This makes it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs reliable all-day power on the go. The fast-charging capabilities are also a welcome addition, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

Design and Display: Familiar Elegance

The design remains largely unchanged, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The sleek and lightweight aluminum chassis is still a pleasure to use, and the stunning Liquid Retina display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. While some might desire a mini-LED display for improved contrast, the current display is perfectly adequate for most users.

Value for Money: A Competitive Contender

The price point of the new MacBook Air M4 places it squarely in the competitive mid-range market. While not the cheapest option, the performance boost, excellent battery life, and refined design make it a strong contender against other laptops in its class. Considering the overall package, the MacBook Air M4 offers excellent value for money, especially for users who prioritize performance and portability.

Should you upgrade?

If you're currently using a MacBook Air with an M1 or M2 chip, the upgrade might not be essential unless you frequently work with demanding applications that require significant processing power. However, if you're using an older MacBook or are considering your first Apple laptop, the M4 MacBook Air is a compelling option offering a fantastic blend of performance, portability, and value.

Conclusion:

The Apple MacBook Air M4 delivers a refined and powerful experience, exceeding expectations in performance and battery life while maintaining its elegant design. It’s a fantastic laptop for students, creative professionals, and anyone looking for a versatile and reliable machine. While the upgrade from the M2 might not be necessary for all users, the M4 MacBook Air remains a top contender in the ultraportable laptop market, offering exceptional value and a seamless user experience.