Apple, an industry leader in technological innovation, has released the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air – a device promising to revolutionize the user experience. This article offers a thorough review of the product, investigating its core features, performance, and value for money. Buckle in for an in-depth exploration of this new Apple sensation.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Pricing
- Notable Features
- Performance Evaluation
- Display Support
- WiFi 6E Support
- Design
- Webcam Quality
- Sound Quality
- Potential Areas of Improvement
- Battery Life & Geekbench Score
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is a refresh of the previous model, featuring enhancements that consumers will appreciate. At first glance, the device may seem similar to its predecessor; however, a closer look reveals subtle improvements that markedly enhance user experience.
Pricing
The starting price for the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is $1,299 on Apple’s official website. This price tag includes the following specifications:
- An 8-core CPU
- A 10-core GPU
- 8GB of RAM
- 256GB of SSD storage
- A 15.3-inch, 2,880 x 1,864-pixel resolution LED display
A premium model, priced at $1,699, offers increased memory (16GB) and storage (512GB).
Notable Features
The M3 MacBook Air’s upgrades are primarily internal. The display, design, keyboard, ports, webcam, weight, and dimensions remain unchanged from its predecessor.
Faster gen-over-gen performance
Apple claims the M3 MacBook Air is up to 60% faster than the M1 variant. Notably, our tests revealed that the M3 MacBook Air is 15% faster compared to the M2 MacBook Air, particularly for creator-focused tasks.
Dual-display support
The M3 MacBook Air can support two external monitors, a step up from its predecessor that only supported one. This feature is ideal for users who require a multi-screen setup in their workspace.
WiFi 6E support
The M3 MacBook Air now supports WiFi 6E, enhancing speed, reducing latency, and bolstering network security.
New ‘Midnight Black’ color
The M3 MacBook Air comes in a new ‘Midnight Black’ color, an onyx hue that is quite appealing. It is designed to reduce fingerprints, keeping the device looking sleek and clean.
Performance Evaluation
Our testing shows that the M3 MacBook Air is about 20% faster than the M2 MacBook Air, particularly when it comes to creator-focused workflows. Expect a smoother and faster workflow using your favorite creator apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Blender.
Display Support
The M3 MacBook Air supports two external monitors. However, it’s worth noting that this feature only works when the laptop lid is closed. You can only interact with the external screens, not the display on the laptop itself.
WiFi 6E Support
WiFi 6E provides enhanced speed, reduced latency, and improved network security. As a result, connectivity with the WiFi 6E-supported M3 MacBook Air should reduce interference and improve overall performance while transmitting data wirelessly.
Design
The Midnight Black variant of the M3 MacBook Air is less susceptible to smudges and smears. However, it’s not completely fingerprint-proof. The laptop also comes in Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver.
Webcam Quality
Our tests revealed that the M3 MacBook Air’s 1080p webcam provides relatively accurate colors, a significant improvement over several Windows laptops we tested recently.
Sound Quality
The M3 MacBook Air has a six-speaker sound system that provides a divine audio experience. Whether you’re listening to music on Spotify or watching videos, you can expect loud, punchy, and rich sound quality.
Potential Areas of Improvement
While the M3 MacBook Air is a solid device, there are a few areas where it could be improved:
- The controversial notch dipping into the display could be reduced for a better visual experience.
- An additional USB-C port on the right side of the device would be beneficial.
- The ‘Midnight Black’ colorway, while less susceptible to fingerprints, is not completely fingerprint-proof.
Battery Life & Geekbench Score
In our battery life test, the M3 MacBook Air lasted 10 hours and 52 minutes on a single charge. The laptop scored 12,057 on Geekbench 6, a performance benchmark that tests for CPU prowess.
Final Thoughts
The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is a worthwhile investment for those seeking enhanced performance and user experience. With its faster processing power, improved display support, and WiFi 6E support, this device offers excellent value for its price tag. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or a hobbyist, the M3 MacBook Air is a reliable companion for your digital needs.
