Apple’s latest M4 MacBook Air is an effortlessly recommendable choice for almost anyone. However, if you already own a recent version and are uncertain about upgrading, this comparison will clarify how the new M4 MacBook Air measures up against the M2 MacBook Air.
Four significant upgrades in the M4
While there are many similarities between the M4 and M2 MacBook Air models, here are four key differences:
- Chip
- RAM
- Camera
- External display capability
M4 chip: Though the M2 chip remains competent for the foreseeable future, the M4 provides some appealing enhancements. Featuring a 10-core CPU versus the M2’s 8-core setup, it offers up to 1.5 times the CPU performance. The enhancements to the GPU and Neural Engine are set to enhance graphics performance and AI functionalities.
RAM: The M4 MacBook Air begins with 16GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 32GB. This increase in RAM likely aims to future-proof for advancements in AI, while also enhancing current computing tasks.
Camera: The MacBook camera quality has historically been lacking, but the new 12MP Center Stage camera in the M4 Air marks a notable upgrade. It supports Desk View and 1080p HD video recording, enhancements over the M2 Air’s 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
External displays: For those utilizing external displays, the M4 Air offers a substantial improvement. It can connect to up to two monitors simultaneously, even with the lid open, allowing a total of three displays. In contrast, the M2 Air is limited to one external monitor.
Additional M4 improvements you might value
While the four primary features listed above are significant, there are a few smaller enhancements worth noting in the M4 MacBook Air, including:
- New microphone modes for Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum that are absent on the M2
- Wi-Fi 6E compatibility on the M4 compared to Wi-Fi 6 on the M2
- Thunderbolt 4 support on the M4 versus Thunderbolt 3 on the M2
- A unique Sky Blue color exclusive to the M4, and the updated Midnight color features fingerprint resistance first seen in the M3
- AV1 decode support in the M4, if it matters to you
- A minor adjustment: the mute key’s functionality is now more intuitive
M4 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air: Conclusion
The M4 MacBook Air is an enticing purchase at $999, yet whether to upgrade depends on the importance of the new features to you.
The enhanced support for external displays represents a significant shift, but if you seldom connect to more than one monitor, the difference may be negligible. The 12MP Center Stage camera is another noteworthy change; however, if video conferencing isn’t a regular part of your routine, it may not matter.
However, if these improvements would enhance your daily experiences along with the M4’s speed boosts, a new MacBook Air could indeed be a worthwhile investment.
Are you considering a switch from the M2 MacBook Air to the M4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
