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

Buy the MacBook Air if you want the best build, screen and battery in a thin 13-inch laptop. Buy the Galaxy Book5 if you need a bigger 15.6-inch screen, double the storage and Windows software. The Air has a sharper, brighter display, a fanless aluminum body and stronger resale, and owners rate it 4.7 from 461 ratings. The Book5 wins on storage, ports and screen size, and its 993 ratings average 4.5.

  • Choose the MacBook Air if you want a light, quiet 13-inch laptop with a sharp screen, long battery life and macOS.
  • Choose the Galaxy Book5 if you need a larger 15.6-inch display, 512GB of storage and Windows with HDMI and Ethernet.

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 11)
  • 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 11)
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, bright 2560 x 1664 Retina display
  • Fanless and silent, 2.7 lb aluminum body
  • 18-hour rated battery
  • 16GB RAM with the M3 chip
  • Touch ID and MagSafe charging
Cons
  • 256GB storage fills fast
  • Only two USB-C ports, no HDMI or Ethernet
  • No touchscreen
  • 13-inch screen is smaller than the Samsung's
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop Intel Core Ultra 7

Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop

Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop Intel Core Ultra 7

4.5(993 ratings)
$549.99at PayMore Santa ClaritaChecked 17 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit PayMore Santa Clarita
Pros
  • 512GB storage, double the Air
  • 15.6-inch screen with HDMI and Ethernet
  • Core Ultra 7 with up to 5.2 GHz
  • 19-hour rated battery
  • Fingerprint reader and EPEAT registration
Cons
  • 1080p display is less sharp and dimmer
  • Heavier at about 3.5 lb
  • Fan noise under sustained load
  • Integrated Intel graphics only

What separates them

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop
Operating systemmacOS SequoiaWindows 11 Home with Copilot
Display13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664, 500 nits, True Tone15.6-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, anti-glare
Storage256GB SSD512GB SSD
Weight2.7 lbAbout 3.5 lb
PortsTwo Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 3 chargingUSB-C, HDMI, Ethernet
BatteryRated 18 hours, 53.8WhRated 19 hours
SecurityTouch IDFingerprint reader
CoolingFanless, silent under loadActive cooling, fan noise under sustained load

Price history

$859.00$549.99
Oct 28Nov 12
  • 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; $549.99 on Nov 12.

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

  • Heartland ComputersNew

    In stock

    $799.95Checked 17 h ago
    Visit Heartland Computers
  • PayMore Santa ClaritaNew

    Availability unknown

    $549.99Checked 17 h ago
    Visit PayMore Santa Clarita
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by gadgetag (99.7% positive, 7,300 ratings)Ships from Canada · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $777.17Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Heartland ComputersNew

    Availability unknown

    $799.95Checked Nov 3
    Visit Heartland Computers

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 13 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
ProcessorApple M3 chip with 8‑core CPU and 8‑core GPUIntel Core Ultra 7
Screen size13 in15.6 inches
Weight2.7 lb3.5 lb
ColorBlueSilver
TouchscreenNNo
Operating SystemMac OSWindows OS
Processor BrandAppleIntel CPU
Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
LanguageEnglish / North AmericaEnglish / North America
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple 13-inch MacBook Air (M3)Samsung Galaxy Book5 15.6" Laptop
Available PortsUSB-C, HDMIUSB-C, HDMI, Ethernet
Biometric SecurityFingerprint ScanFingerprint Scan
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—
Brand

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 / 5993 ratings

With 4.5 out of 5 from 993 ratings, buyers mostly describe a fast, light laptop with strong battery life. Complaints center on the screen and storage rather than performance.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedBuyers say the Core Ultra 7 keeps everyday apps and multitasking quick.
  • PortabilityPraisedOwners call it easy to carry for a 15-inch machine at about 3.5 lb.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report long runtime, in line with the 19-hour rating.
  • DesignPraised
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. Its M3 chip and sharper, brighter display suit color work, and the fanless design stays silent. The Galaxy Book5 has more storage but a dimmer 1080p panel.
Which has more storage?
The Galaxy Book5, with 512GB against the Air's 256GB. If you keep large files, the Samsung needs less add-on storage.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
They are close on paper, 18 hours for the Air and 19 for the Book5. Real-world results depend on screen brightness and workload.
Is the MacBook Air worth stepping up to over the Samsung?
Yes if you value the screen, build and silent running over storage and ports. The Samsung is the better fit if you need Windows, HDMI and Ethernet.
Which is better for students?
The Air is lighter to carry and quieter in class. The Book5 gives a bigger screen and more storage for the same kind of work.
Do either have a touchscreen?
No. Both are non-touch laptops.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best MacBook Air laptops
Apple
—
OSMac OS—
Graphic cardIntegrated Graphics—
WirelessWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3—
Model nameMacBook Air—
Inputs/OutputsOutputs - Thunderbolt3(2)—
AccessoriesPower Adapter—
Proc. speed1 GHz—
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—
Buyers describe the silver chassis as smooth and sleek.