MacBook Air 15 with M3 in the test: hit, sunk!

Steep thesis: Many people who buy a MacBook Pro spend a lot of money for a lot of performance that they sometimes don’t need. Or they’re after the large display that’s only available on the MacBook Pro 16.

The MacBook Air with M3 processor, introduced in spring 2024, is also available with a 15-inch display. The starting price of 1,599 euros is significantly lower than the cheapest MacBook Pro with a 16-inch screen, which currently starts at 2,999 euros. The technical data of our test device and possible options at a quick overview:

• Model: MacBook Air 2024
• Display size: 15.3 inches (alternatively: 13.6 inches)
• CPU: Apple Silicon M3 (8 cores)
• GPU: Apple Silicon M3 (10 cores)
• RAM: 16 gigabytes of shared DDR5 memory (alternatively: 8 GB / 24 GB)
• SSD: 512 gigabytes (alternatively: 256 gigabytes, 1 or 2 terabytes)
• Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, 1 x MagSafe
• Weight: 1.51 kilograms
• Price of the test configuration: 1,829 euros
• Base price MacBook Air 15: 1,599 euros
• Base price MacBook Air 13: 1,299 euros

Design and workmanship

Perhaps not everyone has seen the color “Midnight”. Apart from that, the MacBook Air 15 is no surprise visually. What for? In our opinion, Apple is a leader in the build quality of its MacBooks. The new MacBook Air 15 is no exception.

Just like the MacBook Pro with M3 we recently tested, there are no abnormalities on the case that could be complained about. The mere fact that fingerprints are quickly visible on the casing and can only be removed with a little effort clouds the picture.

The form factor is quite close to the notebook ideal. Our test sample is only 1.15 centimeters thick, 34.01 centimeters wide and 23.76 centimeters deep and weighs 1.51 kilograms.

This means that the new MacBook Air 15 is as thin as the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra (test report) but a lot lighter. The aluminum lid of the MacBook Air can be dented a little – but we can’t make it to the keyboard underneath.

Keyboard and trackpad

The trackpad with a diagonal of 17 centimeters is the best currently available on the notebook market. It can be found in the same form in the rest of the MacBook series and works perfectly in everyday life. It’s the reason why you see so few MacBook users with an additional mouse attached. The trackpad reacts the same at every point and does not react differently in the lower area than in the upper area.

Opinions could differ when it comes to the keyboard. The Apple keyboards are very flat, have a short travel and are evenly lit. This enables fast and error-free typing.

However, if you like the feel of mechanical keyboards, you’ll have to choose a Lenovo ThinkBook or another laptop. There is generally no separate number pad on Apple’s notebook keyboards. Apple doesn’t fill the remaining space at the edge of the MacBook Air with speakers. They are located somewhere else, more on that later.

Screen

We’re still impressed by the AMOLED touchscreen on the much more expensive Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra. With the MacBook Air, Apple relies on the tried and tested, i.e. an IPS panel with the now familiar notch at the top of the screen.

Subjectively, the display is very true to color (P3 color space) and bright enough (500 nits). The resolution of 2,880 x 1,864 pixels and 224 ppi results in a very sharp display of content. Apple’s own True Tone technology is also supported on the test device’s screen. There are no color inversions from acute viewing angles and the EIZO monitor test carried out does not yield any complaints.

Unfortunately, the refresh rate of 60 Hertz is only average. In addition, the MacBook Air display is relatively reflective. Two additional displays can only be connected via Thunderbolt if the MacBook Air’s display is deactivated or closed.

Performance and battery life: MacBook Air 15 with M3 in the benchmark test

It’s clear that our current test device won’t be able to match the performance of the MacBook Pro with M3 Max. Apple’s powerhouse achieved 22,335 points in the multi-core test in Cinebench 23. The MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip completed the same test with 14,716 points.

Both models also have an integrated fan that helps to get the most out of the processor. Especially when the stress is sustained and not just short-term peak performance is required. This fan is missing from the silent MacBook Air 15. After 10 test runs, the clock still shows a very good 9,241 multi-core points under Cinebench R23.

In the more modern Cinebench R24, our test sample managed 571 CPU multi-core points and 3,249 graphics points, and the underside got decently, but not critically, warm. For better orientation: The better equipped and more expensive Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra has 773 CPU points.

The MacBook Air is not lacking in performance. Most buyers will hardly miss any performance when surfing the web, doing quick video or photo editing, or playing games from the App Store. It always completes typical notebook tasks at high speed. Otherwise, a MacBook Pro model is necessary for higher tasks.

Apple’s M processors are generally stingy with power, which sometimes results in spectacularly long battery life. And the MacBook Air 15 from 2024 is also a long-term runner. You can easily get through the day on one battery charge. With constant video playback and medium screen brightness, the lights only went off after an average of over 16 hours!

Speakers and webcam

In our tests of notebooks, we repeatedly criticize the poor speakers, even in high-priced devices. We recently noticed the speakers in the Galaxy Book4, which cost 2,800 euros, negatively. Apple shows how it can be done better.

The MacBook Air does not come close to the sound volume of the large MacBook Air with a 16-inch diagonal. But the sound can still be heard. It is powerful without oversteering and has a lot of volume despite the compact housing dimensions.

We can’t say whether this also applies to the 13-inch version of the MacBook Air. The 15-inch model we have has six built-in speakers; the smaller MacBook Air has to live with four speakers. In both cases, the speakers are not installed next to the keyboard, but emit the sound through openings at the height of the display hinges.

Apple’s webcam works unobtrusively and therefore works well. We would like a mechanical shutter like Lenovo offers. Instead, like on iPhones, an LED signals when the camera is activated.

Apple MacBook Air with M3 (2024)

Editorial rating 8.6 Reader Ratings

16 reviews

NETZWELT may receive a commission from the retailer for links on this page. More info.

Transparency note: Apple loaned us the MacBook Air 15 for a period of several weeks.

Apple MacBook Air with M3 (2024): The best alternatives

Don’t agree? Are you looking for suitable alternatives? Below you will find the best Apple MacBook Air with M3 (2024) alternatives.

We also recommend that you take a look at our notebook best lists. You can find comparable products, for example, in the best list “Apple MacBooks in comparison: How to find the right model”

Connect Google Fit with Adidas Running That’s how it’s done