Apple MacBook Air 2020 vs Apple MacBook Air M4 15
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air M4 15 are closely matched overall (within 2 points).
- Apple MacBook Air 2020 stands out on Display type: IPS, Weight: 1.29 kg.
- Apple MacBook Air M4 15 counters with Integrated graphics model: Apple M4 GPU, Memory capacity: 24 GB, Storage capacity: 512 GB.
Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air M4 15 are closely matched
$999 at launch
Apple MacBook Air 2020
58
Apple MacBook Air M4 15
56
Where Apple MacBook Air 2020 stands out
- Display type: IPS
- Weight: 1.29 kg
Where Apple MacBook Air M4 15 stands out
- Integrated graphics model: Apple M4 GPU
- Memory capacity: 24 GB
- Storage capacity: 512 GB
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple MacBook Air 2020
The 2020 Apple MacBook Air is a thin-and-light 13.3-inch laptop designed primarily for everyday productivity and general consumer use. This model year represents a major transition point, featuring an early-year release with 10th Gen Intel processors and a late-year version powered by Apple's custom fanless M1 system-on-a-chip. Key features include a high-resolution Retina display, a robust physical construction, and a silent internal design.
Best for working in quiet environments like libraries or officesBest for all-day battery life at moderate display brightness settingsBest for lightweight travel and everyday multi-tasking
Pros
- Completely silent operation thanks to a fanless thermal design
- Highly responsive system performance driven by the custom M1 chip
- High-quality display featuring a wide P3 color gamut and True Tone technology
- Comfortable typing experience with the updated keyboard design
Cons
- Restricted physical connectivity with only two USB-C ports
- Limited external display support, allowing only one external monitor
- Lower-resolution 720p FaceTime webcam
- Permanently soldered storage and memory that cannot be upgraded by the user
Apple MacBook Air M4 15
The Apple MacBook Air M4 15 is a thin-and-light subnotebook designed for users seeking a large-screen portable experience without the bulk of a professional-grade machine. Powered by the Apple M4 system-on-a-chip, it features a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display and a completely passive, fanless cooling system.
Best for Students and professionals who prioritize a large display and silent operationBest for Light creative tasks like on-the-go photo and video editing without the weight o
Pros
- Completely silent operation thanks to its fanless design
- Spacious 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers ample screen real estate
- Improved performance-to-cost ratio with a more competitive starting price
- Excellent battery life and responsiveness for daily multitasking
Cons
- Limited selection of built-in ports compared to the MacBook Pro line
- Absence of an active cooling fan can lead to thermal throttling during sustained, heavy processing tasks
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple MacBook Air 2020
Apple MacBook Air M4 15
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple MacBook Air 202015,000
Apple MacBook Air M4 1522,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple MacBook Air 202049 Wh
Apple MacBook Air M4 1566 Wh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple MacBook Air 2020Apple MacBook Air M4 15
Apple MacBook Air M4 15 is 0.22 kg (17%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 2020.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side