Apple MacBook Air M4: A Year Later, Still a Top Pick?
A year after its release, the question remains: is Apple’s flagship laptop still worth the investment? Apple, true to its incremental upgrade strategy, equipped the MacBook Air with the M4 chip in 2025. Though, the Windows PC ecosystem, particularly with the arrival of new processors, is becoming increasingly competitive in terms of performance and energy efficiency. The MacBook Air M4 has built its reputation on a near-perfect balance of design, battery life and quiet operation, but let’s examine if this new iteration remains essential, even as the MacBook Air M5 has recently been released.
Performance Boost with the M4 Chip
As expected, the transition to the M4 chip delivers a tangible performance gain. The generational leap is significant, with Apple reporting up to 23x faster performance compared to the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air (Intel, 2020) 1. While not revolutionary (+17% on graphics), the impact is noticeable in real-world applications. Tests show a nearly 50% reduction in video encoding time on Handbrake compared to the M3 chip 2. This increased power is particularly impressive as it operates in complete silence, as the chassis remains fanless.
Design and Build Quality
The manufacturing quality remains impeccable, featuring a unibody aluminum design that inspires confidence and maintains a sleek profile. The new MacBook Air also comes in a striking sky blue color, alongside midnight, starlight, and silver 2.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the new model inherits weaknesses from its predecessor, which are more apparent in 2025. While Windows competitors increasingly adopt OLED screens, Apple continues to use LCDs. Whereas the screen is excellent – bright (525 cd/m2 measured) and color-accurate (Delta E of 1.7) – it cannot match the contrast of OLED displays. Another critical point is the limited connectivity, with only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. The absence of a third port or an SD card reader, standard on the Pro models, is a drawback that often necessitates the use of an adapter.
Battery Life and Charging
The MacBook Air M4 continues to excel in battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of intensive function. However, 4K video streaming tests reveal a slight decrease in endurance compared to the M3 generation – 16:58 hours versus 17:19 hours 2. This minimal difference suggests that the performance gain comes with a slight compromise in efficiency. Charging time with the included 35W adapter remains sluggish, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is less ideal for a premium device.
Pricing and Value
The MacBook Air M4 remains an excellent ultraportable and one of the best on the market. The starting price is $999, a $100 reduction from the previous generation, and $899 for education 2. With prices expected to drop further, it represents a compelling value.
Key Takeaways
- The M4 chip provides a noticeable performance boost, particularly in demanding tasks.
- The MacBook Air M4 maintains its excellent battery life and silent operation.
- The LCD screen, while high-quality, lags behind the OLED displays found in competing Windows laptops.
- Limited connectivity remains a key drawback.
- The price reduction makes the M4 MacBook Air an even more attractive option.
A year later, the MacBook Air M4 remains a strong contender in the ultraportable laptop market. While not without its flaws, its combination of performance, portability, and battery life makes it a top choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a premium laptop experience.