Apple’s New M3 MacBook Air: Performance Upgrades and Worth the Investment?
Apple has recently released its new M3 MacBook Air models, and tech enthusiasts are eager to find out if the upgrades are worth the investment. In this article, we will delve into the details of the new MacBook Air, explore its performance improvements, and help you decide whether it’s worth buying or upgrading to.
Design and Specifications:
The new M3 MacBook Air models come in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch sizes, similar to their predecessors. Apple has not made any significant design changes this time around, focusing instead on internal upgrades.
Performance Boost:
The main upgrade in the M3 MacBook Air is the M3 chip, which is also used in the 14-inch MacBook Pro. To gauge its performance, we conducted benchmark tests on our test unit with both an 8-core GPU and a 10-core GPU. The results were impressive, with a Geekbench single-core score of 3106 and a multi-core score of 11690.
Compared to the previous M1 MacBook Air, the M3 model showed a 28 percent increase in single-core performance and a 34 percent increase in multi-core performance. In comparison to the M2 MacBook Air, the M3 model outperformed it by 18 percent in both single-core and multi-core CPU tests.
Graphics Performance:
The M3 MacBook Air also boasts improved graphics performance. The Metal GPU scores for the M1, M2, and M3 models were 32117, 45651, and 46920, respectively. This indicates a notable improvement over the M1 and a more modest improvement over the M2.
Furthermore, the M3 chip includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, which enhance 3D rendering capabilities and contribute to more realistic gaming experiences on Mac devices.
Additional Features:
Aside from performance upgrades, the M3 MacBook Air offers a few other notable improvements. It supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling users to connect to 6GHz networks. Although 6GHz networks may not be widespread yet, this feature ensures future compatibility.
The M3 models also support dual external displays in clamshell mode, a significant enhancement over the previous models that only supported one external display. Additionally, call clarity has been improved, and the midnight model features a new finish that reduces fingerprint smudges.
Pricing and Upgrades:
The 13-inch M3 MacBook Air starts at $1099, while the 15-inch model starts at $1299. If you already own an M2 MacBook Air, which already features the 2022/2023 design, upgrading to the new M3 model may not be necessary. However, if you own an M1 or an Intel-based MacBook and are looking for a new solution, the M3 MacBook Air is definitely worth considering.
When it comes to upgrades, if you primarily use your MacBook Air for everyday tasks like web browsing and email, additional memory, a better GPU (for the 13-inch model), or more storage may not be necessary. However, if you plan to use your MacBook Air for more demanding tasks, it’s worth exploring these upgrade options.
Final Thoughts:
The new M3 MacBook Air models offer significant performance improvements over their predecessors. With enhanced CPU and GPU capabilities, as well as additional features like Wi-Fi 6E support and improved call clarity, the M3 MacBook Air is a compelling option for those in need of a new laptop.
Whether you’re a casual user or a professional requiring more system-intensive tasks, the M3 MacBook Air provides a range of options to suit your needs. So, if you’re considering upgrading your current MacBook or looking for a new laptop altogether, the M3 MacBook Air is definitely worth your attention.
Have you purchased one of the new M3 MacBook Air models? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
