MacBook Air M4 (2024) Review: Performance Vs. Price

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Post on Mar 13, 2025

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MacBook Air M4 (2024) Review: Performance vs. Price – A Powerful Upgrade?

The new MacBook Air M4 (2024) has landed, promising a significant performance boost over its predecessor. But does this enhanced power justify the price tag? We put Apple's latest offering through its paces to bring you a comprehensive review examining performance, features, and value.

Unboxing and First Impressions:

The 2024 MacBook Air M4 retains the sleek, lightweight design we've come to expect from the Air line. The build quality feels premium, as always, with a crisp, vibrant display that's a joy to work on. Initial setup was seamless, a hallmark of Apple's user experience. However, the starting price point is noticeably higher than previous generations, setting a high bar for performance expectations.

Performance Benchmarks: M4 Chip in Action

The star of the show is undoubtedly the M4 chip. Apple claims significant performance gains, and our benchmarks largely confirm this. We ran a series of tests, including video editing in Final Cut Pro, photo processing in Adobe Lightroom, and general multitasking with multiple browser tabs and applications. The M4 consistently outperformed the M2, delivering faster rendering times and smoother overall responsiveness.

• Video Editing: Final Cut Pro projects rendered noticeably quicker, reducing wait times significantly. This is a crucial improvement for video professionals who rely on fast turnaround times.
• Photo Editing: Adobe Lightroom handled large RAW files with ease, showcasing the M4's enhanced processing capabilities. Export times were also noticeably faster.
• General Use: Everyday tasks, such as web browsing and email, felt incredibly snappy and responsive. Multitasking was effortless, even with demanding applications running simultaneously.

Key Features and Improvements:

Beyond the M4 chip, the new MacBook Air boasts several refinements:

• Improved Battery Life: Apple claims an extended battery life, and our testing confirms a notable improvement over the previous model, making it suitable for all-day use.
• Enhanced Display: The display remains stunning, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity. While not a significant upgrade over the previous generation, it continues to be a strong point.
• Connectivity: The inclusion of [mention specific connectivity upgrades, e.g., faster Wi-Fi 6E] enhances connectivity and speeds up file transfers.

Price Analysis: Is it Worth the Investment?

The increased price is undoubtedly a major consideration. While the performance improvements are significant, the question remains: does the jump in price justify the upgrade?

• For Professionals: If you're a video editor, photographer, or graphic designer who relies on intensive applications, the performance boost offered by the M4 chip likely makes the higher price worthwhile. The time saved translates to increased productivity and potentially higher earnings.
• For Casual Users: For casual users who primarily use their MacBook for web browsing, email, and basic document creation, the upgrade might not be essential. The previous generation MacBook Air remains a powerful and capable machine.

Conclusion: A Powerful, but Pricey Upgrade

The 2024 MacBook Air M4 is a powerful machine that delivers impressive performance improvements thanks to the new M4 chip. However, the increased price point necessitates a careful consideration of your needs and budget. If you're a professional who demands top-tier performance, the upgrade is justifiable. But for casual users, the previous generation might offer sufficient power at a more attractive price. Ultimately, the decision rests on your individual requirements and whether the performance gains outweigh the premium price.