Apple MacBook Air 13 M2 256GB vs Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 8C GPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD A3240
Buy the M2 Air for price and value. It is $629.00 new at Walmart as of the listing date, far below the M4's $889.99 at PayMore Valley Hi. Buy the M4 Air if you want the newer chip, 16GB base memory and a longer software runway, and you accept a used unit in Good condition with a warranty to November 26, 2026.
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Apple MacBook Air 13 M2 256GB
4.8Choose the MacBook Air M2 if you want a new, sealed 13.6-inch Air with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage for $629.00 at Walmart, roughly $260 less than the M4 listing.
Pros
- New unit, not used
- $629.00 at Walmart, about $260 less than the M4 listing
- Same 13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 display and 18-hour battery as the M4
- Fanless design, 2.7 lb, MagSafe charging
Cons
- 8GB memory limits heavy multitasking
- M2 chip is two generations behind
- 1080p camera is weaker than the M4's 12MP
What separates them
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M2 256GB | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 8C GPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD A3240 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M2, 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU | Apple M4, 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU |
| Memory | 8GB unified memory (16GB and 24GB configs exist) | 16GB unified memory |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD, about 3,028 MB/s read |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664, 500 nits | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664, 500 nits |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours, 53.8Wh |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD | 12MP Center Stage camera with 1080p video |
| Condition and warranty | New at Walmart | Good condition, Apple Limited Warranty to November 26, 2026 |
| Price |
Price history
$1,154.95$598.89
- Apple MacBook Air 13 M2 256GB: lowest $598.89 on Oct 29 at Walmart; $694.45 on Oct 30.
- Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 8C GPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD A3240: lowest $1,154.95 on Oct 30 at Walmart.
Prices at every store
Apple MacBook Air 13 M2 256GB
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Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 8C GPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD A3240
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Specs compared
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13 M2 256GB | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 8C GPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD A3240 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.7 lb | 1.24kg |
| Battery Life | 18 hours battery life | 18 hours |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | — |
| Operating System | Mac OS | — |
| Touchscreen | Yes | — |
| With Retina Display | Yes | — |
| Drive Type | Solid State Drive | — |
| Number Of Cores | Octa Core | — |
| Language | English / North America | — |
| Available Ports | USB-C | — |
What reviewers say
Apple MacBook Air 13 M2 256GB
Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 791 ratings and mostly praise the light, silent design, battery life and screen. Complaints center on the 8GB base memory and 256GB storage filling up fast, plus the two-port limit.
Pros
- Quiet, cool running thanks to the fanless design
- Long real-world battery life
- Bright, sharp display and solid speakers
- Light enough to carry all day
Cons
- 8GB RAM can slow down with many browser tabs and apps
- 256GB SSD fills quickly with photos and video
- Only two USB-C ports, so dongles are often needed
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 8C GPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD A3240
The M4 Air is widely praised as the best all-round thin laptop for most people, with reviewers calling the M4 speed bump modest but welcome and the 16GB base memory a real improvement. Complaints center on the 256GB base storage and the two-port layout.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for everyday use?
- Both handle browsing, email, video and office work. The M4's 16GB memory keeps more apps open without slowdown, but the M2 at $629.00 is enough for most people.
- Is the M4 worth the extra $260?
- Only if you multitask heavily or want the longest software support. The M4 at $889.99 is used in Good condition, while the M2 at $629.00 is new.
- Which lasts longer?
- The M4 will get macOS updates for longer because it is two chip generations newer. Both list up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Do they have the same screen and ports?
- Yes. Both use a 13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display, two Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging and a headphone jack.
- Can I upgrade the memory later?
- No. Memory is soldered on both. The M2 listing ships with 8GB, so pick a 16GB configuration if you need more.
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