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Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space Gray vs Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5

Buy the M5 MacBook Air 14-inch if you want a current, fast machine with all-day battery and a sharp display. Buy the 13.3-inch Core i3 Air only if $364.99 at Walmart is your hard ceiling and your work is light. The gap is large: $364.99 at Walmart versus $1,849.00 at Best Buy as of the dates given.

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Apple
Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space Gray

Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space Gray

Choose the 13.3-inch Core i3 Air if your budget is under $400 and you only browse, email, and write documents.

Pros
  • Lowest price of the pair at $364.99 at Walmart
  • Light at about 2.8 lb and easy to carry
  • Sharp 2560 x 1600 screen for the price
  • Runs macOS and the basic Apple app suite
    • Cons
    • Intel Core i3 is several generations behind Apple silicon
    • 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD fill up fast
    • No HDMI, so you need an adapter for most monitors
    • Apple has ended Intel Mac software support timelines sooner
    Apple
    Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5

    Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5

    Choose the M5 MacBook Air 14-inch if you want the current chip, 24-hour battery, and a 3024 x 1964 screen and can pay $1,849.00 at Best Buy.

    Pros
    • M5 chip with a Neural Accelerator in each core
    • 24-hour rated battery life
    • 3024 x 1964 display is sharper than the 13.3-inch model
    • USB-C and HDMI built in, plus fingerprint security
    Cons
    • $1,849.00 at Best Buy is roughly five times the price of the i3 Air
    • 3.4 lb is heavier than the 13-inch models
    • Highest price point among current Air options

    What separates them

    Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space GrayApple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5
    ProcessorIntel Core i3, 1.1 GHz, dual-core era designApple M5, hexa-core with a Neural Accelerator in each core
    Memory and storage8GB RAM, 128GB SSDM5-class memory, larger SSD configuration
    Display13.3-inch LED, 2560 x 160014-inch, 3024 x 1964
    Battery lifeRated around 11-12 hours of light use24 hours rated
    Ports2 ports, Thunderbolt/USB-C onlyUSB-C and HDMI
    WeightAbout 2.8 lb3.4 lb
    SecurityTouch ID on the keyboardFingerprint scan
    Price$364.99 at Walmart, 31% off the $529.00 regular price$1,849.00 at Best Buy, 23% under the $2,399.00 other stores charge

    Price history

    • Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space Gray: lowest $364.99 on Oct 28.
    • Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5: lowest $1,849.00 on Oct 28.

    Specs compared

    SpecApple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space GrayApple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5
    Screen Size13.3 in14 inches
    Resolution2560 x 16003024 x 1964
    Proc. BrandIntel—
    ProcessorIntel Core i3—
    HD TypeSolid State—
    Laptop TypeMacBooks—
    DisplayLED—
    Proc. Speed1.1 GHz—
    WirelessWi-Fi, Bluetooth—
    Input / Output Quantity2—
    Operating System—Mac OS
    Touchscreen—Yes
    Show all 20 specsShow fewer specs
    SpecApple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space GrayApple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5
    Drive Type—Solid State Drive
    Number Of Cores—Hexa Core
    Color—Silver, Space Black
    Language—English / North America
    Available Ports—USB-C, HDMI
    Biometric Security—Fingerprint Scan
    Weight—3.4 lb
    Battery Life—24 hours battery life

    What reviewers say

    Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128gb Ssd, Space Gray

    Owners of the 2020 Intel Air generally like the screen, keyboard and light build for everyday tasks, but call the Core i3 and 128GB storage limiting. Most say it is fine for browsing and documents and frustrating for heavy multitasking or large files.

    Pros
    • Bright, sharp Retina screen
    • Comfortable Magic Keyboard
    • Light and easy to carry
    • Good battery life for light use
    Cons
    • Core i3 slows under heavy loads
    • 128GB storage runs out quickly
    • Runs warm during long tasks
    • Poor value at original launch price

    Questions and answers

    Which is better for schoolwork?
    The M5 Air. It handles many browser tabs, video calls, and large documents without slowdown, and the 24-hour battery covers a full day of classes. The i3 Air is fine for notes and reading but struggles once you open many tabs.
    Is the M5 worth the extra money over the i3?
    Yes if you keep a laptop for four or more years. The M5 is faster, lasts far longer per charge, and has a sharper screen; the i3 Air saves you about $1,484 at the prices given.
    Which lasts longer?
    The M5 Air. Apple silicon Macs get macOS updates for years longer than Intel models, and the i3 Air's 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM will feel tight sooner.
    Can the i3 Air run the same apps?
    Most apps run on both, but newer versions of some pro apps now require Apple silicon. Check any app you depend on before buying the Intel model.
    Which is easier to carry?
    The 13.3-inch i3 Air at about 2.8 lb. The M5 Air is 3.4 lb, still light but noticeably heavier in a bag.
    Do I need adapters for either?
    The i3 Air has only two USB-C ports, so you will need a dongle for HDMI, SD cards, or USB-A. The M5 Air has USB-C and HDMI built in.

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