The MacBook Air, a shining star in Apple’s lineup, has consistently been the darling of students, creative professionals, and casual users alike. In 2020, Apple decided to refresh its popular laptop, bringing in a significant upgrade with the introduction of the M1 chip. But if you already own the 2019 model, is this new iteration worth the investment?
A Dive into the Key Differences
Let’s face it, the MacBook Air 2020 is a remarkable leap forward from its predecessor. The most significant change is the introduction of Apple’s custom-designed M1 chip. This silicon powerhouse revolutionizes performance, power consumption, and even the overall user experience. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these two laptops:
Processor and Performance
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2019 MacBook Air: The 2019 MacBook Air relied on Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, delivering decent performance for everyday tasks. However, when it came to demanding applications, the limitations of Intel’s architecture were felt.
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2020 MacBook Air: The 2020 model packs Apple’s revolutionary M1 chip, a unified system-on-a-chip (SoC) that combines the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and other essential components on a single chip. The result is a quantum leap in performance. The M1 chip boasts an 8-core CPU, up to 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, all working in perfect harmony. The M1 outperforms its Intel counterparts in every aspect, delivering blazing-fast performance, better battery life, and superior thermal efficiency.
Memory and Storage
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2019 MacBook Air: This generation offered options ranging from 8GB to 16GB of RAM. However, the base model came with 8GB, which could feel restrictive for demanding tasks. Storage options included 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB SSDs.
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2020 MacBook Air: The 2020 model also offers 8GB and 16GB RAM options, but the increased performance of the M1 chip makes the 8GB configuration feel much more capable. Storage options are the same as the 2019 model, but the faster speeds of the M1-based SSD provide a noticeable improvement in data transfer speeds.
Graphics
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2019 MacBook Air: The 2019 model came with Intel Iris Plus Graphics, which offered decent performance for casual gaming and video editing. However, it struggled with demanding applications like 3D rendering or high-resolution video editing.
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2020 MacBook Air: With the M1 chip, the 2020 model enjoys a massive graphics performance boost. Its integrated 8-core GPU surpasses Intel’s offerings by a wide margin, delivering smoother gaming experiences, faster rendering times, and enhanced video editing capabilities.
Battery Life
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2019 MacBook Air: The 2019 model offered impressive battery life, typically lasting around 12 hours on a single charge. This was a significant improvement over its predecessors.
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2020 MacBook Air: The M1 chip’s energy efficiency shines through in the battery life department. Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life, and real-world usage consistently reflects this impressive endurance. This is a significant upgrade for users who frequently work on the go.
Design and Display
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2019 MacBook Air: The 2019 model retained the classic MacBook Air design, featuring a wedge-shaped aluminum body and a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It included a Touch ID sensor for secure authentication.
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2020 MacBook Air: The 2020 model retains the same sleek design with minor improvements. It’s still a thin and lightweight laptop, but the 2020 version is slightly thicker than its predecessor. The display remains the same, with a 13.3-inch Retina display and a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The Touch ID sensor is also included.
Other Features
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2019 MacBook Air: The 2019 model featured two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a headphone jack, and a 720p FaceTime HD camera. It also came with macOS Mojave, which offered a clean and intuitive interface.
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2020 MacBook Air: The 2020 model features the same two Thunderbolt 3 ports, headphone jack, and 720p FaceTime HD camera. However, it comes with macOS Big Sur, which offers a more refined interface and introduces new features like the Control Center and widgets.
Who Should Upgrade?
Now that we have a clear understanding of the significant differences between the 2019 and 2020 MacBook Air models, let’s delve into who should consider upgrading.
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Power Users and Professionals: If you’re a professional who relies heavily on demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, or software development, the 2020 MacBook Air is a no-brainer. Its exceptional performance, long battery life, and enhanced graphics capabilities make it an ideal choice.
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Students and Creatives: For students and creative professionals who need a portable and powerful machine for everyday tasks, the 2020 MacBook Air is also an excellent option. Its performance boost and longer battery life will enhance productivity and provide a smoother workflow.
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Casual Users: If you’re a casual user who primarily uses your MacBook Air for browsing the web, watching videos, and basic productivity tasks, the 2019 model is still a solid option. It provides a great balance of performance and battery life for general use. However, the 2020 model's performance enhancements and improved graphics make it a more future-proof choice.
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Gamers: While the 2019 model could handle some casual gaming, the 2020 MacBook Air’s improved graphics capabilities make it a much better choice for gamers who want to enjoy a smoother and more immersive experience.
Should You Upgrade? A Practical Guide
The decision to upgrade from the 2019 MacBook Air to the 2020 model ultimately comes down to your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a practical guide to help you make the best choice:
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Performance: If you're constantly pushing your laptop to its limits with demanding applications, the 2020 MacBook Air’s M1 chip will deliver a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency.
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Battery Life: If you’re someone who spends a lot of time working on the go, the 2020 MacBook Air’s extended battery life will be a game-changer.
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Graphics: If you're involved in creative work that requires graphics processing, the 2020 MacBook Air's powerful GPU will make a significant difference in your workflow.
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Budget: The 2020 MacBook Air is more expensive than the 2019 model. Consider your budget and whether the performance gains justify the extra expense.
The Verdict: A Clear Winner
It’s clear that the MacBook Air 2020, powered by the M1 chip, is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. Its performance, battery life, and graphics capabilities are unmatched, making it a compelling option for anyone looking for a powerful and portable laptop.
However, if your budget is tight and you don’t require the extra performance or battery life, the 2019 MacBook Air can still hold its own for everyday use.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your individual needs and budget. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and you’ll be able to make the best choice for your unique needs.
FAQs
Q1: Is the MacBook Air 2020 worth the upgrade if I have the 2019 model?
A1: If you’re a power user who frequently utilizes demanding applications or you crave a noticeable improvement in battery life and graphics performance, the 2020 MacBook Air is a worthy upgrade. However, if your needs are basic, and you’re satisfied with the 2019 model’s performance, there’s no immediate need to upgrade.
Q2: What are the main reasons to choose the MacBook Air 2020 over the 2019 model?
A2: The main reasons to choose the 2020 MacBook Air are its exceptional performance due to the M1 chip, longer battery life, and significantly improved graphics capabilities. These features make it a more future-proof choice for power users and creative professionals.
Q3: How much is the performance improvement with the M1 chip in the 2020 MacBook Air?
A3: The M1 chip delivers a significant performance boost, with benchmarks showing up to 3.5 times faster CPU performance and up to 5 times faster graphics performance compared to the Intel-based 2019 model.
Q4: Is the 2019 MacBook Air still a good option in 2023?
A4: Yes, the 2019 MacBook Air remains a good option for casual users who don’t require the extra performance or battery life of the 2020 model. It’s still a solid laptop with a reliable performance and a good balance of features. However, if you need a powerful and future-proof machine, the 2020 model is the clear winner.
Q5: Are there any drawbacks to the 2020 MacBook Air?
A5: The main drawback of the 2020 MacBook Air is its price. It’s more expensive than the 2019 model. Also, the 2020 model lacks the ability to upgrade RAM, so you're stuck with your initial configuration.