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TheMacBook Air M4has arrived and promises to be the best MacBook Air yet.
It also costs $100 less than theMacBook Air M3.
Right now, the 13-inch $999 MacBook Air M4 is the cheapest MacBook available on Apples online store.
Given the price difference, you might be tempted to buy the MacBook Air M1.
And I wouldnt blame you, given that its still a fantastic laptop for everyday use.
However, while the new MacBook Air costs $300 more, it offers better overall value.
Here are 7 upgrades the MacBook Air M4 offers over the MacBook Air M1.
Modern design
The most obvious upgrade between the laptops is their respective designs.
The MacBook Air M4, like its M3 and M2-powered predecessors, features a sleek and minimalist square design.
In contrast, the M1 Airs once-inconic tapered design now appears ancient.
Other design differences include thinner bezels that allow for more screen real estate (13.6 inches versus 13.3).
The M4 Air also features MagSafe charging.
The MacBook Air M4 comes in four colors: Silver, Starlight, Midnight and the new Sky Blue.
Meanwhile, the M1 Air only comes in three hues: Gold, Silver and Space Gray.
Better display
We havent tested the MacBook Air M4s display yet.
However, since it hasnt been updated from the previous model, we expect similar results.
While both laptops have similar color reproduction and color accuracy, the Air M3 can get much brighter.
It also has a higher pixel count due to its larger screen.
The M1 Air still has a great display, but the M4 model has an advantage.
According to Apple, the MacBook Air M4 is up to two times faster than the MacBook Air M1.
Based on our testing, we can say Apples claims likely arent off base.
And unlike the M1 Air, the M4 Pro also has fans, which help with better sustained performance.
The M4 Pro also completed tasks in Photoshop and Handbrake much faster than the M1 Air.
Battery life
Weve yet to test the MacBook Air M4s battery life.
Again, well know the full story once weve conducted our battery test.
Hopefully, the new M4 Air laptop can last as long as Apple says.
Thanks to the updated camera, you should look sharper during video calls on the M4 Air.
In addition, the camera follows you around and crops in to keep you centered in the frame.
Also, the M4 Air has Voice Isolation, which isnt featured on the M1 Air.
Connectivity
The MacBook Air M4 has more and better connectivity options than its M1-powered ancestor.
The M4 Air supports fast charging with a 70W (or higher) USB-C adapter.
Lastly, the MacBook Air M4 supportsWi-Fi 6Eand Bluetooth 5.3.
Both are upgrades to the MacBook Air M1s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, respectively.
If youre ready to upgrade from the M1 Air, the MacBook Air M4 should be worth considering.
Stay tuned for our full review coming soon!