Design and Display
At first glance, the MacBook Air M2 (15-inch, 2023) may seem like its 13-inch sibling, but the key distinction lies in its size – boasting a magnificent 15-inch Liquid Retina display. With a resolution of 2,880 x 1,864 and a brightness of 500 nits, this screen delivers a stunningly crisp visual experience, perfect for demanding creative applications like Final Cut and Logic Pro. The bezels are minimal, enhancing the immersive feel of the display.
Apple has also made some design changes that breathe fresh air into the MacBook Air lineup. The controversial ‘notch’ above the display houses a 1080p FaceTime camera, making video calls more engaging. However, the real charm lies in the slim, sleek profile, measuring only 1.15cm thick and weighing a mere 1.51kg. This lightweight and portable design make it an ideal choice for creatives who crave a larger canvas.
In terms of ports, the MacBook Air M2 (15-inch) keeps it minimal with two USB-C ports and a magnetic MagSafe charging port on the left, along with a headphone jack on the right. While this configuration may leave some creative professionals wanting more, the 2023 MacBook Pro steps up the game with an extra USB-C port and HDMI.
The trackpad offers ample space, and the keyboard has evolved from the infamous ‘butterfly’ switches to a responsive and reliable ‘scissor-switch’ design. Individual key replacements are now possible, eliminating past keyboard woes.
Performance
Apple’s silicon journey continues with the M2 chip, and it doesn’t disappoint. The 15-inch MacBook Air is equipped with a 10-core GPU, unlike the 13-inch model, which offers an 8-core GPU upgradeable to 10-core. In practical terms, both models perform similarly in everyday tasks, from web browsing to handling 4K video editing and AI-intensive tasks in Photoshop. However, without a fan, the MacBook Air’s performance may be constrained at high temperatures, though this is rarely an issue in regular use.
One standout feature is the exceptional battery life. The MacBook Air 15-inch can last an entire day, even during resource-intensive creative tasks. Apple claims up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback, a claim that our tests came close to achieving.
An improvement that deserves mention is the speaker system. The 15-inch model boasts six speakers with “force-cancelling woofers,” resulting in significantly louder and more vibrant audio compared to its 13-inch counterpart.
Photo by James Yarema
Price
While we’re impressed with the MacBook Air M2’s design and performance, it does come with a hefty price tag. Starting at $1,299/£1,399 for the 256GB version and going up to $1,499/£1,599 for 512GB, it’s among the pricier 15-inch laptops available. In contrast, the M1 MacBook Air starts at $999/£999, offering a more budget-friendly option.
However, the higher cost of the 15-inch MacBook Air brings a fresh design, the powerhouse M2 chip, and, notably, that expansive 15-inch display.
For the same starting price of $1,299, you can opt for the 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 chip, offering slight performance enhancements and more ports. Nevertheless, it carries a bulkier, older design. If portability is your priority, the MacBook Air is a clear choice.
Should You Buy It?
The MacBook Air M2 (15-inch, 2023) is undeniably one of the most impressive 15-inch notebooks available, excelling in performance and portability. Its ultra-slim design is a breath of fresh air, and the M2 chip delivers exceptional creative performance.
Your decision to purchase comes down to two factors: size and price. If you crave a spacious canvas for your creative work, the 15-inch model is your ticket to productivity. However, if you prioritize portability and cost savings, the 13-inch MacBook Air with similar performance might be more appealing.
In conclusion, while it’s not the cheapest option, the 15-inch MacBook Air strikes a balance between performance and size, making it a compelling choice for many creatives.
