MacBook Air M3 (13" & 15") - Unboxing & Review!

Brandon Butch・2 minutes read

Brandon introduces the new 13-in and 15-in MacBook Air M3 models, comparing features like size, storage, and price. The models share many similarities, including Liquid Retina displays, Touch ID setup, and 15-hour battery life, with the 15-in model offering additional features like a larger trackpad and six-speaker sound system.

Insights

  • The 13-inch M3 MacBook Air model in midnight color offers a base configuration with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage for $1099, while the 15-inch model starts at $1299 with the same specs but offers a higher-tier version with 512GB storage and 16GB RAM for $1699.
  • Upgrading the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air to 512GB storage or 16GB RAM adds two additional GPU cores, akin to the 15-inch model, with the former being less of a fingerprint magnet due to a new anodization process. Both models feature dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, MagSafe charger, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 6E support, but the 15-inch model is heavier at 3.3 lb and boasts a larger trackpad and keyboard space compared to the 13-inch model.

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Recent questions

  • What are the key differences between the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air models?

    The 13-inch M3 MacBook Air model is the base model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, priced at $1099, while the 15-inch model, also with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, costs $1299. The 15-inch model has a larger trackpad and keyboard space, a six-speaker sound system compared to the 13-inch model's four speakers, and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera. Additionally, the 15-inch model offers an upgraded version with 512GB storage and 16GB RAM for $1699.

  • What are the key features of the liquid retina displays on the M3 MacBook Air models?

    Both the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air models feature liquid retina displays with 500 nits peak brightness, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology. These displays provide vibrant colors and accurate color reproduction for an enhanced viewing experience. However, they do not include ProMotion display technology for adaptive refresh rates.

  • How does the Touch ID feature work on the M3 MacBook Air models?

    To set up Touch ID on the M3 MacBook Air models, you can scan a preferred finger in the top right corner of the keyboard. This feature allows for secure and convenient access to the device, as well as the ability to make purchases using Apple Pay. Touch ID can also be set up for multiple fingers later on, providing flexibility for different users.

  • What are the battery life capabilities of the M3 MacBook Air models?

    Both the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air models offer up to 15 hours of web browsing and 18 hours of Apple TV movie playback. These models provide long-lasting battery life for everyday tasks and entertainment purposes, ensuring that users can stay productive and entertained without constantly needing to recharge their devices.

  • How does the M3 MacBook Air compare to previous models in terms of performance and features?

    Apple claims that the M3 MacBook Air is up to 60% faster than the M1 model and up to 13 times faster than Intel-based MacBook Airs. Upgrading to the M3 from an M1 MacBook Air offers benefits such as dual display support and faster Wi-Fi speeds. However, users with M2 models may not see significant performance gains. Upgrading from an Intel MacBook Air to the M3 model is highly recommended for improved performance and additional features.

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Summary

00:00

New M3 MacBook Air models compared.

  • Brandon introduces the new 13-in and 15-in M3 MacBook Air models in a video, planning to unbox and compare them.
  • The 13-in model in midnight color is the base model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, priced at $1099.
  • The 15-in model, also with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, costs $1299, but an upgraded version with 512GB storage and 16GB RAM is $1699.
  • The 13-in model comes with a 30W USB-C power adapter, but for $20 more, you can get a 35W dual USB-C block.
  • Upgrading the 13-in to 512GB storage or 16GB RAM includes two additional GPU cores, similar to the 15-in model.
  • The midnight 13-in model is less of a fingerprint magnet due to a new anodization process.
  • The 15-in model is heavier at 3.3 lb compared to the 2.7 lb of the 13-in model.
  • Both models have dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, a MagSafe charger, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 6E support.
  • The 15-in model has a larger trackpad and keyboard space compared to the 13-in model.
  • Both models feature liquid retina displays with 500 nits peak brightness, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone, but lack ProMotion display.

12:09

M3 MacBook Air: Enhanced Features and Performance

  • To encrypt data, set up Touch ID by scanning a preferred finger in the top right corner.
  • Touch ID can be set up for multiple fingers later on.
  • Check the software version on the M3 MacBook Air, which should prompt a day one update to the latest software, currently Soma 14.4.
  • The 15-inch model has more space on the trackpad, accommodating two additional speakers for a six-speaker sound system, compared to the 13-inch model's four speakers.
  • Both models feature spatial audio support, with the M3 model introducing voice isolation and wide spectrum mode for the microphones.
  • The FaceTime HD camera on the M3 MacBook Air is now 1080p, an upgrade from the previous 720p camera on the M1 model.
  • Both models offer up to 15 hours of web browsing and 18 hours of Apple TV movie playback, with no battery life differences between the 13-inch and 15-inch models.
  • The M3 MacBook Air supports dual display setup in clamshell mode, allowing connection to two external monitors.
  • Apple claims the M3 MacBook Air is up to 60% faster than the M1 model and up to 13 times faster than Intel-based MacBook Airs.
  • Consider upgrading to the M3 from an M1 MacBook Air for dual display support and faster Wi-Fi speeds, while M2 users may not see significant performance gains. Upgrading from an Intel MacBook Air is highly recommended for improved performance and features.
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