MacBook Air M4 vs. M3: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

As a tech reviewer, I’ve seen my share of Apple launches, but the announcement of the MacBook Air M4 earlier this month had me buzzing with excitement. Unveiled on March 10, 2025, at Apple’s spring event, this latest iteration arrived in a fanless, impossibly thin chassis, now sporting a vibrant sky blue color option that caught my eye instantly. Out of the box, the M4 chip—a 10-core CPU powerhouse—delivered a performance punch I couldn’t ignore. Rendering a complex 3D animation that once stuttered on my M1 flew by in record time, and the upgraded 10-core GPU handled gaming like a champ. I plugged in dual 6K monitors, a feat the M3 could only pull off with its lid shut, and kept the laptop open for triple-screen productivity—a game-changer for my workflow. The 12MP Center Stage camera made Zoom calls crisper than ever, though I did notice the sky blue finish picking up a faint scratch after a day in my backpack. Priced at $999 with 16GB RAM standard, the MacBook Air M4 feels like Apple’s boldest move yet—blending power, portability, and personality into one irresistible package.

Comparison Table: MacBook Air M4 vs. M3 vs. M1

Feature	MacBook Air M4	MacBook Air M3	MacBook Air M1
Chip	M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)	M3 (8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU)	M1 (8-core CPU, 7/8-core GPU)
Starting Price	$999	$1,099	$999 (at launch)
RAM (Base)	16GB	8GB (upgraded to 16GB later)	8GB
Storage (Base)	256GB	256GB	256GB
External Display Support	2 x 6K (lid open)	2 x 6K (lid closed only)	1 x 6K
Camera	12MP Center Stage	1080p FaceTime HD	720p FaceTime HD
Colors	Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, Midnight	Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, Midnight	Silver, Space Gray, Gold
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours
Ports	2 x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe	2 x Thunderbolt 3, MagSafe	2 x Thunderbolt 3

Pros and Cons

MacBook Air M4

• Pros:
  • M4 chip offers blazing-fast performance, outpacing M3 and M1.
  • Sky blue color adds a bold, fresh look for 2025.
  • Dual 6K display support with lid open boosts productivity.
  • Starts at $999 with 16GB RAM—great value.
  • 12MP camera enhances video call quality.
• Cons:
• Sky blue finish scratches more easily than other colors.
• Design remains largely unchanged from M3.

Our M3 Unboxing, Setup and Impressions Video -

Summary

The MacBook Air M4, announced in March 2025, dazzles with its M4 chip, sky blue finish, and dual-display versatility, all for a competitive $999. It outshines the M3 and M1 in power and features, though its scratch-prone exterior is a minor trade-off. A must-have for tech fans seeking the best MacBook Air yet.