13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Which MacBook is better?

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With the M2 MacBook Air models sharing so many features and components, it really comes down to which screen size you prefer. Need more space for video editing or similar activities? The 15 inch is for you. Prefer a more compact design? This is the 13 inch model. If only all choices were that simple.

Best Prices Today: Macbook Air M2 13 Zoll

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The MacBook Air is one of Apple’s most durable products. Ever since Steve Jobs took the first out of an envelope at the igamesnews main show in 2008, it’s been one of the most popular laptops in the world. So what are the options for those looking to buy one fifteen years after the launch of the first Air?

There are currently three MacBook Air models. One is an older MacBook Air launched in 2020 that has an M1 chip. There are also two M2-powered MacBook Air models, one of which has a 13-inch screen and the other a 15-inch screen. These are the models we are comparing here. Find out which one you should buy.

13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Design and dimensions

Apple gave its Air line a facelift in 2022, moving away from the wedge shape that had been a design hallmark for years. The modern Air remains thin and light, but the chassis is more of a standard rectangular layout these days. Presumably this gives more space inside for larger batteries and other components, but it still feels like a MacBook, if perhaps more like a squashed Pro than your classic Air.

Both MacBook Air M2 models are available in a choice of four colors: Midnight (black), Starlight (gold), Space Gray and Silver. (The old M1 model is only available in silver, gold and space gray.

The dimensions of the two models are as follows:

The weights of the 13-inch and 15-inch models tip the scales at 2.7 lbs/1.24 kg and 3.3 lbs/1.51 kg, respectively.

You’ll find the same full-size backlit keyboards on every device. There’s also a dedicated Touch ID sensor built into a key of its own, allowing you to unlock the device or confirm online payments.

The Force Touch trackpads are also the same in terms of functionality, supporting the multi-touch gestures that are so well implemented in macOS. The 15-inch model uses its extra girth by squeezing into a larger pad, but both are equally precise and responsive.

13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Screens

Dominic Preston / Foundry

Obviously, the main design difference is the size of the screens. One model has a screen that measures 13.6 inches diagonally and the other has a screen that measures 15.3 inches diagonally. (The older 13-inch MacBook Air has a smaller 13.3-inch screen).

Both models feature Liquid Retina panels that reach 500 nits of brightness and feature Wide Color (P3) and True Tone capabilities. So it’s only the relative size and resolutions that make them different. There’s a 13.6-inch panel running at 2560 x 1664 or 15.3-inch at 2880 x 1864.

Each also has the somewhat separating notch that Apple seems to consider a good idea, which houses the 1080p FaceTime camera and image signal processor for things like Center Stage.

13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Speakers, microphones and cameras

One area of construction where the two models diverge is in the audio stakes. While the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 has a quad-speaker system that supports wide stereo, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos, the 15-inch Air tops that by having a six-speaker setup. speakers with force-cancelling woofers for even more immersive sounds. .

Parity is restored once again when you get to the microphones, as Apple equips both with a three-mic array with directional beamforming to pick up what you’re saying.

You’ll also find an identical 1080p FaceTime camera built into the notch at the top of the display. Although hidden in the iPhone-like notch, this camera doesn’t include any Face ID capability, but it’s significantly better than the 720p FaceTime camera found in the older MacBook Air.

13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Ports and connectivity

The MacBook Air has never been overloaded with ports, and current offerings are two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as a MagSafe charging port. (This is one of the older MacBook Air M1s that only offers two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, so you’ll only have one to spare while charging). It’s still a sparse range, so if you want more you’ll have to look at MacBook Pros instead or invest in a docking station for your Mac.

Again, Apple is keeping things simple when it comes to MacBook Airs wireless communication. Both come with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 (the latter being a recent upgrade for both models). Only the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, and Mac mini offer the new WiFi 6E.

Dominic Preston / Foundry

13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Specs, performance and price

Where the exteriors of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air have easily identifiable differences, most internal components remain consistent.

This despite the fact that the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 was introduced a year before the 15-inch model. The 15-inch MacBook Air is newer, but the chip is essentially the same.

There are two standard configurations for each model and identical build-to-order options if you want to expand memory or storage.

Model	CPU	GPUs	unified memory	Storage	American price	Prices in UK
13-inch MacBook Air	8	8	8 GB	256 GB	$1,099	£1,149
13-inch MacBook Air	8	ten	8 GB	512 GB	$1,399	£1,449
13-inch MacBook Air BTO option	–	–	16 GB and 24 GB	1 TB and 2 TB
15-inch MacBook Air	8	ten	8 GB	256 GB	$1,299	£1,399
15-inch MacBook Air	8	ten	8 GB	512 GB	$1,499	£1,599
15-inch MacBook Air BTO Option	–	–	16 GB and 24 GB	1 TB and 2 TB

At first glance, the chipsets in these models look similar, with both featuring Apple’s own M2 silicon. However, you’ll notice that only the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 offers an option for an 8-core GPU. It’s not possible to reduce the price of the 15-inch MacBook AIr by switching to this less powerful chip.

To get the 10-core GPU, you have two choices. Buy either the $1,399/£1,449 13-inch MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage or the $1,299/£1,399 15-inch MacBook Pro with 256GB of storage. In this case, the 15-inch MacBook Air seems like the more cost-effective option, saving $100 / £50, but note that there’s a bigger difference between these storage options than you might think. In testing, the smaller 256GB SSD was found to be slower than the 512GB SSD, which could be a factor in your decision (although if the type of apps you use doesn’t need frequently access internal storage, it shouldn’t matter).

If you’re using paid iCloud storage, the extra storage may be less and the 15-inch MacBook Air the more attractive option, although you can upgrade the chip from the entry-level 13-inch to the GPU at 10 hearts for an additional $100. / £100 bringing the price to $1,199 / £1,249.

Since every spec is available on every machine (aside from the 8-core GPU option, which is only available on the 13-inch MacBook Air), the choice here really comes down to whether you want 512GB or 256 GB would be enough for your needs.

If you want a bigger screen on an equivalent spec machine, it’s basically costing you $100/£50 more, which is a really good deal.

Apple

13-inch vs 15-inch MacBook Air: Battery life

To continue the theme, you won’t find any noticeable difference in the battery life of either device. Yes, the 15-inch Air comes with a larger cell (66.5 watt-hours versus 52.6 watt-hours in the 13-inch Air), but they each offer up to 18 hours of playback or 15 hours of browsing on the Web, according to Apple, before having to plug them back in. Apple includes a 30W charger in the base 13-inch Airbox, while the 15-inch comes with a 35W charger instead. Both support fast charging up to 70W, but you’ll need to purchase that charger separately.

We ran our own battery tests, which involve running iMovie with the display at 150 nits, and still found battery life to be similar despite the 15-inch’s larger battery.

13-inch MacBook Air (M2) vs 15-inch MacBook Air (M2): Which should I buy?

Apple made the choice between the two current models quite easily. Aside from a slightly better GPU and two additional speakers in the 15-inch Air, the two are pretty much the same. So it really comes down to whether you want the bigger screen and extra girth of the 15-inch variant or the smaller, more compact bezel and screen of the 13-inch Air. You’ll be getting a great laptop either way, which should continue the MacBook Air’s excellent reputation for years to come.

Have you made your decision? You can find the best prices right now below, or check out our roundup of the best MacBook Air deals for prices on other models.