Apple MacBook Air M4 Review: Power, Performance, and a Touch of Blue
Apple has long been synonymous with sleek design and high-performance laptops, and the latest 2025 MacBook Air M4 continues this tradition. But with so many models available, many potential buyers are left wondering: is the M4 a revolutionary upgrade or just another minor refresh? After getting some hands-on time with the new MacBook Air M4, I’m excited to share my insights.
First Impressions: Familiar Yet Fresh
If you’re on the lookout for a radical design overhaul, the M4 might leave you feeling a bit underwhelmed. The design remains largely unchanged from the previous M3 and M2 models, featuring the classic 13-inch and 15-inch sizes and a 60Hz IPS display. It still brings that fanless, silent operation, but beware: it can throttle during sustained heavy workloads.
The standout change this year is the introduction of a new color – a captivating sky blue. Although it leans more towards a silvery hue, this subtle blue tint glistens when the light hits it right. This fresh aesthetic adds a nice touch of personality to the elegant design.
The M4 Chip: Powering Performance to New Heights
At the heart of the MacBook Air M4 lies Apple’s custom M4 chip, which elevates performance benchmarks to impressive new standards. Users can expect enhanced processing speeds and a marked increase in graphics performance compared to its predecessor, the M3.
The real leap, however, is when we stack the M4 against the M1. For those still using an M1 MacBook Air, upgrading to the M4 will feel like a transformation, with noticeable improvements in single-core performance, multi-core capacity, and graphics capabilities.
Yet, if you’re well equipped with an M2 or M3, the performance gains aren’t drastic enough to warrant an urgent upgrade. While noticeable, the improvements primarily shine in demanding applications like video editing or gaming.
For those interested in gaming, I suggest checking out MrMacRight’s review, which showcases how the M4 performs across multiple titles. While some games run well, the MacBook Air struggles with more demanding challenges, leading to frame drops due to its fanless design.
Camera and Audio: Enhancements You’ll Love
One of the more welcome updates is the new 12MP webcam, equipped with Centre Stage technology, which intelligently centers you in the frame during video calls. This is an excellent feature for anyone who frequently engages in virtual meetings or social gatherings.
Moreover, audio quality has seen an upgrade, particularly in the 15-inch model, which now boasts a six-speaker system equipped with force-canceling woofers. This enhancement elevates your media consumption experience, making it a noteworthy consideration for audio aficionados.
Connectivity and Memory: A Step Forward
With the M4, you’ll also find the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4, allowing for higher data transfer rates and support for two external monitors. This flexibility is ideal for creatives needing multi-display setups or anyone who enjoys multitasking. Users can now enjoy three screens at once: the internal display plus two 6K external monitors.
Additionally, the base model now comes with 16GB of memory, up from the previous 8GB, ensuring that the MacBook remains future-proof while providing smoother performance as applications evolve.
What’s Missing?
While the M4 shines in numerous areas, it’s not without its downsides. The display, still a 60Hz IPS panel, doesn’t stack up against the 120Hz OLED screens offered by many Windows competitors at this price point. While sufficient for most, it may feel lacking to those used to high-refresh-rate visuals.
Moreover, the absence of 5G connectivity remains noticeable, especially as more Windows laptops incorporate this technology. While not a dealbreaker for many, it might be a consideration for users who rely on mobile data.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re using an M1 MacBook Air or an older model, the M4 represents a significant upgrade worth your attention. The enhancements in processing power, graphics capability, and overall efficiency make it a compelling choice for anyone eyeing a new laptop.
However, if you already own an M2 or M3, asking whether you need to upgrade might be a tougher call. The improvements are solid, yet not compelling enough to rush into a purchase unless you have specific desires for better memory, an enhanced webcam, or Thunderbolt 4.
To wrap it up, the 15-inch MacBook Air M4, priced at ₹1,44,990, reaffirms its place as a powerful and portable laptop that accommodates a wide array of users. It remains a stellar choice for anyone seeking a high-performance laptop that operates quietly while boasting impressive battery life.
In conclusion, if you’re on the hunt for a new laptop and aren’t already equipped with the latest M-series Air, the M4 is undeniably a smart choice. But if you’re satisfied with your M2 or M3, rest easy – an upgrade isn’t an urgent necessity. Just be careful – that new sky blue color might tempt you!
Published – March 28, 2025, 08:57 am IST
