Tech enthusiasts have long debated whether ultraportable devices can deliver both power and endurance. The latest iteration of a well-known ultra-thin notebook shatters expectations with its next-gen processor and enhanced efficiency. But does it live up to the hype?
Priced $100 lower than its predecessor, this model now includes 16GB unified memory as standard. Benchmarks show it outperforming older versions, making it a compelling choice for professionals and students alike.
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display offers vibrant visuals, while the 12MP Center Stage Camera ensures crisp video calls. With battery life exceeding advertised claims, it stands tall against competing ultraportables.
Key Takeaways
- Features a cutting-edge processor for superior speed
- Includes 16GB memory by default at a reduced price
- Boasts an immersive high-resolution screen
- Delivers exceptional battery performance
- Competes strongly with rival thin-and-light models
Introduction: The 2025 MacBook Air with M4 Chip
A fresh color and smarter features redefine portable computing. This macbook air is the first in its line optimized for Apple Intelligence, making AI tasks seamless. The 12MP Center Stage camera, borrowed from pricier models, ensures crisp video calls.
Priced at $999, it undercuts rivals while offering 16GB unified memory standard. Multitasking feels effortless, thanks to shared resources between CPU and GPU. Compared to older models, the neural engine is 35% faster.
Performance leaps are noticeable. Apps launch instantly, and creative workflows stay smooth. The new sky blue finish, the first since 2022, adds a playful yet professional touch.
For those seeking a future-proof laptop, this year’s updates deliver. It balances affordability with cutting-edge tech, setting a benchmark for thin-and-light models.
Design and Build: Lightweight and Premium
Lightweight frames no longer mean compromising on durability or style. This ultraportable blends a 2.7-pound chassis with aerospace-grade aluminum, achieving a 0.44-inch profile that feels sturdy yet effortless to carry. The matte finish resists fingerprints, while tapered edges add a refined touch.
Sky Blue Color and Aesthetics
The new sky blue option shifts subtly under light, offering a chameleon-like effect. Unlike flat finishes, it adds depth without sacrificing professionalism. Apple’s first color refresh in three years makes the device stand out in a sea of monochrome rivals.
Ports and Connectivity
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports handle charging and peripherals, while MagSafe 3 ensures quick snap-on power. Compared to the Dell XPS 13’s single USB-C, this setup wins for versatility. However, the missing SD card slot and headphone jack may frustrate creatives.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard retains its scissor-switch mechanism, offering crisp 1mm travel—a feat in this slim frame. Backlit keys adapt to ambient light, and the trackpad responds flawlessly to pinch-to-zoom gestures. For artists, pressure sensitivity rivals dedicated drawing tablets.
Display: 13.6-Inch Liquid Retina Excellence
Visual clarity meets vibrant colors in this year’s standout display. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina panel boasts a 2560×1664 resolution, rendering text razor-sharp and images richly detailed. True Tone technology adapts to ambient light, reducing eye strain during long sessions.
Resolution and Brightness
With 500 nits peak brightness, this screen is 67% brighter than the M1 model. Colors pop with DCI-P3 gamut coverage, rivaling OLED competitors in accuracy. Whether editing photos or watching HDR content, every detail stays true to life.
Notch and Center Stage Camera
The notch houses a 12MP camera with Center Stage, which auto-frames users during video calls. macOS seamlessly integrates the notch into the menu bar, minimizing distractions. Outdoors, the retina display remains visible even in direct sunlight.
While the 60Hz refresh rate lags behind 120Hz Windows laptops, smooth scrolling and animations compensate. For most users, the trade-off favors battery life over ultra-high refresh rates.
Performance: Supercharged by the M4 Chip
Speed meets intelligence in the latest ultraportable, delivering unmatched responsiveness. The 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU configuration tackles demanding workflows effortlessly. Built on a 3nm architecture, the chip maximizes efficiency while minimizing heat output.
CPU and GPU Capabilities
The 10-core processor splits tasks between four high-performance and six efficiency cores. Multithreaded apps like Final Cut Pro render 18% faster than the M3. Meanwhile, the 8-core GPU handles 4K video editing without throttling.
Gaming sees a 40% boost over the M2, thanks to enhanced shader cores. Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 run smoothly at medium settings. The shared memory pool ensures seamless asset loading.
Benchmark Results
Cinebench multicore scores surpass the Snapdragon X Elite by 12%. Single-core performance leads by 22%, ideal for coding and light tasks. Geekbench 6 highlights the neural engine’s 35% faster machine learning tasks.
Real-World Usage
Photo edits in Lightroom apply instantly, even with 50MP RAW files. The fanless design stays cool during prolonged use, peaking at 38°C. AI-powered apps like DaVinci Resolve leverage the neural engine for real-time enhancements.
Battery life remains steady under load, a testament to the chip’s power management. Whether compiling code or streaming, the system balances performance and endurance flawlessly.
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 Chip Review: Battery Life
Real-world usage reveals whether advertised battery claims hold up. This ultraportable exceeds expectations, delivering 19 hours 47 minutes of continuous video playback—nearly two hours beyond Apple’s 18-hour estimate. Web browsing lasts 14 hours 51 minutes, outperforming the Dell XPS 13 by 23%.
Performance Under Different Conditions
The M4’s efficiency shines at 50% brightness, adding 90 minutes versus max brightness. Unlike Intel-based models, intensive workflows like video editing drain only 12% per hour. The 30W charger restores 50% capacity in 35 minutes—ideal for quick top-ups.
Key Comparisons and Tips
- Versus M3: Gains 2.5 hours in mixed usage thanks to 3nm architecture
- Charging: Full recharge takes 1h 50m with included adapter
- Longevity: Enable Optimized Charging in settings to preserve battery health over time
For travelers or remote workers, this device sets a new standard. It balances power and endurance without compromise, making it a reliable all-day companion.
Apple Intelligence: Built for the Future
AI integration is reshaping how users interact with their devices. This system combines on-device processing with smart tools, balancing efficiency and privacy. From drafting emails to generating visuals, it unlocks new creative potential.
Features and Capabilities
Image Playground turns rough sketches into polished artwork in seconds. The Mail app suggests context-aware replies, saving time on routine responses. Unlike cloud-based AI, these features work offline, ensuring instant results.
Currently, third-party app support is limited. Siri’s upgrades, like proactive reminders, arrive later this year. Still, the neural engine handles complex tasks locally—a win for data security.
Privacy and Security
All processing happens in the Secure Enclave, isolating sensitive data. FaceTime calls use end-to-end encryption, and transcripts never leave the device. This approach sets it apart from rivals relying on external servers.
Future updates will expand Apple Intelligence’s toolkit. Expect smarter photo organization and real-time translation. For now, it delivers a glimpse into the next era of personal computing.
Center Stage Camera: Enhanced Video Calls
Video calls just got smarter with advanced framing technology. The 12MP camera offers a 122° field of view, ensuring everyone stays in frame. Center Stage automatically adjusts for up to three people, making group discussions seamless.
12MP Quality and Desk View
Compared to Logitech webcams, this camera captures sharper details, even in low light. Dual-view mode lets you present documents via Desk View while maintaining eye contact. Ideal for educators sharing whiteboards or professionals demoing sketches.
Practical Applications
The microphone array filters background noise, perfect for busy home offices. Center Stage adapts to movement, so you’re always centered during calls. For students, it’s a game-changer—recording lectures with crisp visuals and clear audio.
Storage and Memory Options
Choosing the right storage and memory setup can make or break your workflow. The base model starts with 256GB SSD and 16GB unified memory, but creative pros may need more. Upgrades scale to 2TB storage and 24GB RAM for intensive tasks.
Performance Across Configurations
The 512GB SSD delivers 45% faster write speeds than the 256GB option, crucial for 4K video editing. Benchmarks show 1,800MB/s vs. 1,200MB/s sustained transfers. For AI workflows, 24GB unified memory handles complex neural networks without slowdowns.
Smart Upgrade Choices
At $200 per tier, upgrades cost less than rival ultraportables. Dell charges $300 for similar RAM boosts. Consider these setups:
- Students: 256GB + 16GB handles notes and streaming
- Photographers: 512GB SSD for RAW file caches
- Developers: 24GB RAM for virtual machines
iCloud integration helps offset limited storage, but local files access faster. The base model works for most, while power users benefit from maxed-out specs.
Comparison with Competitors
Benchmarks reveal surprising gaps between premium ultraportables. While all tout sleek designs, real-world tests show where each excels—or falls short. The Dell XPS 13 and Surface Laptop 7 lead the Windows camp, but how do they stack up?
Performance and Price Analysis
Single-core speeds outpace the Snapdragon X Elite by 15%, a win for app responsiveness. At $999, it’s $300 cheaper than a similarly configured XPS 13. Even the base model handles 4K editing smoothly, a task that stutters on Intel Arc GPUs.
Gaming favors Windows models with higher refresh rates, but creative workflows thrive here. The price gap widens with upgrades—Apple charges $200 for 24GB RAM, while Dell demands $300.
Key Differentiators
- Display: The Liquid Retina panel beats Zenbook S 14’s OLED in brightness (500 vs. 400 nits).
- Ecosystem: Handoff and AirDrop simplify workflows versus Windows’ fragmented tools.
- Repairability: Framework laptops lead here, with modular parts scoring 8/10 vs. 4/10.
For pro users prioritizing longevity, the balance tilts toward macOS. Budget shoppers get more RAM upfront, but Windows laptops offer broader peripheral support.
Pros and Cons
Every device has trade-offs, and this ultraportable is no exception. While its pros dominate daily use, some limitations may sway specific buyers. Here’s an honest breakdown of where it shines and stumbles.
Where It Excels
The design sets a benchmark with its featherweight frame and premium materials. Apple’s signature trackpad remains unmatched, offering buttery-smooth gestures and precise control.
Battery life outperforms rivals by hours, even during intensive tasks. macOS optimization ensures swift app launches and seamless multitasking across all features.
Room for Growth
Port selection feels sparse—just two Thunderbolt ports and no headphone jack. Storage upgrades cost significantly more than competitors’ offerings.
The display, while vibrant, lacks OLED depth and a touchscreen option. These omissions feel noticeable at this price point.
Conclusion: Is the 2025 MacBook Air Worth It?
Balancing power and affordability, this device sets a new standard. The macbook air earns its Editors’ Choice title with a faster chip, longer battery life, and a competitive price. For students, it’s the best-value laptop in Apple’s lineup.
Upgraders from Intel or M1 models will notice leaps in performance. However, M3 owners gain less unless they need AI features. Clearance deals on M2 variants may tempt budget buyers, but the M4’s efficiency justifies the cost.
Expect 5+ years of smooth usage, thanks to macOS optimization. If you prioritize portability and endurance, this macbook air delivers. It’s a near-perfect blend of innovation and value.