MacBook Air M2 from 2022 features an upgraded CPU, a larger screen, and a whole new look compared to the M1. However, you may still see some people purchase the predecessor.
Is purchasing the newer model worth the extra cost? Today, we will answer this question by giving you a side-by-side comparison between M1 vs. M2 Macs. Let’s read on to discover!
Differences Between M1 Vs. M2 Macs
MacBook Air is Apple’s thinnest, lightest, and most reasonably priced laptop. The Air remains the top pick for anybody looking for a strong, reliable daily laptop. The performance of Apple’s 2020 MacBook Air, which featured the first-generation M1 SoC (System-on-Chip), was just as stunning as its appearance.
The new series with Apple’s M2 SoC is now available. The M2-based Air looks superior in every aspect but will cost more. This section will focus on the differences between the two Apple MacBook products. Check each factor carefully, as they will affect your final decision.
Design
Mac M2 is an ultra-light and ultra-thin laptop. The thickness of 0.44 inches makes every other laptop look bigger when put next to it. M2 features a larger 13.6-inch screen despite having a 20% less size than the previous model because of its narrower bezels.
Meanwhile, Mac Air M1 comes with a well-crafted aluminum chassis. It has the same dimensions as its Intel predecessor, 12 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches. Unless you like the old tapering style, the Air M2 probably wins this round because it has a more contemporary appearance.
Display
The 13.6-inch Retina display on the Mac M2 is vivid and bright, making it ideal for watching movies, editing images, and more. On the other hand, the 13.3-inch Retina display on the Mac M1 excels at displaying fine detail in whatever material you’re browsing.
The Air M2 is clearly brighter, even if the Air M1 delivers somewhat more sRGB color range. The new device’s larger screen has also increased screen resolution. So this round, the Mac M2 triumphs.
CPU
The M2 has eight CPU cores in total, four for performance and four for efficiency, just like the M1. However, in this newer model, the four efficiency cores have improved, and the cache is larger.
Compared to the M1, clock rates may be quicker as a result, and multithreaded performance should be better. This gap makes the M2’s CPU generally 18% quicker than the M1’s.
GPU
The higher-end M2 featuring 10 GPU cores has a GPU that is 35% stronger than its competitor. We expect the benefits to be smaller with the cheaper model because the basic M2 model has a GPU that is a little less powerful and only contains 8 GPU cores.
The M2’s integration of processors designed specifically for video editing is another feature improving its visual capabilities. Additionally, Apple states that the Neural Engine in the M2 is 40% speedier than the M1.
Memory
Although both the M1 and M2 have the same standard memory option—8GB Unified Memory—the efficiency is not the same. According to Apple, there could be some apparent improvements as the M2 provides 50% more memory bandwidth than the M1.
The volume of memory, though, makes the most difference. The M2 can accommodate up to 24GB of memory, compared to the M1’s maximum of 16GB. Although 24GB is still inferior to the 32GB of the M1 Pro lines, we consider it an upgrade. It will undoubtedly satisfy many users who felt that 16GB was insufficient.
Speakers
The four speakers on the Mac M2 deliver crystal-clear audio for watching movies and listening to music. On the contrary, the dual speakers on the M1 are potent enough to cover a huge room.
Although the sound on both laptops is superb, the M2’s four speakers offer superior quality overall.
Camera
The webcam on the new MacBook is 1080p, as opposed to the 720p camera on the prior model. Both models benefit from Apple’s M1 and M2 CPUs’ extra image processing capabilities.
Even though we don’t think the Mac M2’s camera is the best, a 1080p resolution is still clearer than a 720p one. This video will show you how 1080p and 720p differ:
M1 Vs. M2 Macs: Which Should You Choose?
In many ways, MacBook Air M2 is a big step up from its predecessor. It delivers higher efficiency, a more contemporary design, a sharper display, and a few other minor but noticeable improvements.
If you primarily use the MacBook for daily tasks, like browsing the internet or watching movies, consider whether the new model is worthwhile compared to the less expensive MacBook Air. The M1 will have no problems doing all of these tasks.
However, if you use your laptop more frequently or for work-related tasks like video or picture editing, the M2 MacBook Air is undoubtedly more beneficial than its forerunner.
Final Verdict
If your budget allows, we advise using a MacBook Air M2 because of its superior performance and all-new design. However, if you intend to buy a cost-effective laptop for simple tasks, M1 should be your go-to. Hopefully, you can settle on the right choice. For any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
Solomen is the founder of MrHow.io, and he is happiest when working with technology and able to help others. In his free time, he often listens to Baroque music, swims or runs. Feel free to contact him on social media!
