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Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3) vs Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop

The MacBook Air M3 is the better-built machine: aluminum unibody, a 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina screen, a fanless design that stays silent, and 18 hours of battery in a 2.7 lb body. The Galaxy Book5 wins on value in a different way: a bigger 15.6-inch screen, double the storage at 512 GB, HDMI and Ethernet ports, and a fingerprint reader, all on Windows 11. Buy the Air for screen quality, silence and macOS; buy the Galaxy Book5 for storage, ports and a larger display.

  • Choose the MacBook Air M3 if you want the sharpest screen, silent fanless operation and the longest real-world battery life in the lightest body.
  • Choose the Galaxy Book5 if you need 512 GB of storage, a bigger 15.6-inch screen, HDMI and Ethernet without dongles, and Windows software.

Prices

  • Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3): $899.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio (last seen Nov 1)
  • Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop: $549.99 at PayMore Santa Clarita (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop is $349.01 cheaper than the Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3) at the latest prices (Nov 1 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 16GB, 256GB SSD - Space Gray

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 16GB, 256GB SSD - Space Gray

4.7(461 ratings)
$899.00at B&H Photo-Video-AudioChecked Nov 1
See all prices and details
Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
Pros
  • Sharp 2560 x 1664 Retina display with True Tone
  • Silent fanless design, no fan noise ever
  • Light at 2.7 lb with 18-hour battery
  • 16 GB RAM and the M3 chip handle everyday work and light editing easily
  • Fast 3028 MB/s SSD read speed
Cons
  • 256 GB storage fills quickly with photos and video
  • Only two USB-C ports and no HDMI or Ethernet
  • No touchscreen
  • 13-inch screen is smaller than the Samsung's
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop

Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop

4.5(994 ratings)
$549.99at PayMore Santa ClaritaChecked 19 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit PayMore Santa Clarita
Pros
  • 512 GB storage, double the Air's
  • 15.6-inch screen is easier on the eyes for spreadsheets and documents
  • HDMI and Ethernet built in, no adapters needed
  • Fingerprint reader for quick sign-in
  • Rated 19 hours of battery
Cons
  • 1080p panel is noticeably less sharp than the Air's Retina screen
  • Heavier at 3.5 lb
  • Fan can spin up under sustained load
  • Windows 11 Home, not Pro

What separates them

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop
Display13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664, 500 nits, True Tone15.6-inch FHD IPS anti-glare, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz
Storage256 GB SSD512 GB SSD
Weight2.7 lb3.5 lb
PortsTwo Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 3 charging, no HDMI or EthernetUSB-C, HDMI and Ethernet built in
Cooling and noiseFanless, completely silent under loadActive cooling with a fan
SecurityTouch ID in the keyboardFingerprint reader
Operating systemmacOS SequoiaWindows 11 Home with Copilot
Battery18 hours rated, 53.8 Wh19 hours rated

Price history

$999.99$549.99
Oct 28Nov 11
  • Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3): lowest $694.89 on Nov 7 at Walmart.
  • Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop: lowest $549.99 on Nov 11 at PayMore Santa Clarita.

Prices at every store

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)

  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    Availability unknown

    $899.00Checked Nov 1
    Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • MacExperienceNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,099.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit MacExperience
  • tulanetechconnect.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,299.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit tulanetechconnect.com
  • Options MegastoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,325.00Checked Oct 30
    Visit Options Megastore
All 8 stores and price history →

Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop

  • PayMore Santa ClaritaNew

    In stock

    $549.99Checked 19 h ago
    Visit PayMore Santa Clarita
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $799.99Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Heartland ComputersNew

    In stock

    $799.95+ $39.95 shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Heartland Computers
  • Heartland ComputersNew

    Availability unknown

    $799.95Checked Nov 5
    Visit Heartland Computers
All 16 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop
Battery life18 h19 hours battery life
Resolution2560 x 16641920 x 1080
Screen size13 in15.6 inches
Weight2.7 lb3.5 lb
ColorBlueSilver
Operating SystemMac OSWindows OS
Processor BrandAppleIntel CPU
Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
LanguageEnglish / North AmericaEnglish / North America
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz
Available PortsUSB-C, HDMIUSB-C, HDMI, Ethernet
Biometric SecurityFingerprint ScanFingerprint Scan
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop
Drive Capacity24 GB drive512 GB drive
Installed Memory16 GB RAM16 GB RAM
Processor Speed4.1 GHz CPU5.2 GHz CPU
Data storage256 GB—
DisplayRetina Display—
RAM memory16 GB—
Core count8—
ProcessorApple M3 chip with 8‑core CPU and 8‑core GPU—
BrandApple—
OS

What reviewers say

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)

  • 4.7 / 5461 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 461 ratings. Owners describe it as fast, quiet and reliable, with battery life that lasts a full workday. Most complaints center on storage and port limits rather than performance.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M3 chip handles everyday apps and many browser tabs without slowdown.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report it lasting a full day of work on one charge.
  • StorageCriticisedBuyers say the 256GB SSD fills up quickly and cannot be upgraded.
  • PortsCriticisedOwners note only two Thunderbolt ports and often add a hub.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop

  • 4.5 / 5994 ratings

With 4.5 out of 5 from 994 ratings, buyers mostly describe a fast, light laptop with strong battery life and a clean design. Storage is the point most often called merely adequate.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedBuyers say the Core Ultra 7 keeps everyday apps and multitasking quick.
  • PortabilityPraisedOwners call it easy to carry for a 15.6-inch laptop.
  • BatteryPraisedLong battery life is one of the most repeated compliments.
  • DesignPraisedThe silver finish and slim body are described as smooth and sleek.
Reviews
  • The Best Laptops I've Tested and Reviewed (June 2025)
  • M4 MacBook Air Review (13-Inch, 2025): Still My Go-To MacBook Recommendation - CNET
  • The best MacBooks of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for photo and video editing?
The MacBook Air M3. Its M3 chip, 16 GB of unified memory and wide-gamut Retina screen handle color work better, and it stays silent. The Galaxy Book5's 1080p panel and integrated Intel graphics are weaker for color-critical editing.
Which has more storage?
The Galaxy Book5, with 512 GB against the Air's 256 GB. If you keep large photo libraries or many apps installed, the Samsung needs less housekeeping.
Which is better for school and office work?
Both handle it. The Galaxy Book5's larger 15.6-inch screen and built-in HDMI suit spreadsheets and classroom projectors. The Air is lighter to carry all day and has the sharper screen for reading.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated close to a full workday, 18 hours for the Air and 19 for the Galaxy Book5. The Air has no fan to wear out and its aluminum body holds up well; the Samsung's battery is the part most likely to age first.
Is the MacBook Air worth stepping up to over the Galaxy Book5?
Yes if screen quality, silence and macOS matter most to you. No if you need 512 GB of storage, HDMI and Ethernet, or Windows-only software, where the Galaxy Book5 is the more practical pick.
Do I need adapters with either?
With the MacBook Air, yes for HDMI, Ethernet or SD cards; you'll want a USB-C hub. The Galaxy Book5 has HDMI and Ethernet built in, so most desk setups need nothing extra.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best MacBook Air laptops
Mac OS
—
Graphic cardIntegrated Graphics—
WirelessWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3—
Model nameMacBook Air—
Inputs/OutputsOutputs - Thunderbolt3(2)—
AccessoriesPower Adapter—
Proc. speed1 GHz—
TouchscreenN—
Keyboard layoutEnglish (US)—
Height8.46 in—
Included softwaremacOS Sequoia, macOS—
OS VersionmacOS Sequoia—
Main Storage256GB SSD—
Storage TypeSSD—
Storage InterfaceNVMe—
Storage Read Speed3028 MB/s—
Battery Capacity53.8-watt-hour—
Battery TypeLithium-polymer—
Front Camera Resolution12MP—