Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A vs Apple MacBook Air M4 15-inch
Buy the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 if you want the bigger 15.3-inch screen, 512GB of storage, and the newer M4 chip. Buy the 13.6-inch MacBook Air M3 only if price is the deciding factor and 256GB is enough. The M3 listing is $459.99 at eBay as of November 3, 2026, and the M4 15-inch has no price given here, so compare its current store prices before deciding.
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Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A
4.6$459.99at eBayObserved at 10:33 AM
Choose the MacBook Air M3 (13.6-inch) if you want the lowest entry price and a lighter 2.7 lb laptop for everyday work.
Pros
- Lowest price of the pair: $459.99 at eBay as of November 3, 2026
- Light at 2.7 lb and under half an inch thin
- M3 chip handles everyday apps, browsing, and office work
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
What separates them
| Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A | Apple MacBook Air M4 15-inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664 | 15.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2880 x 1864 at 224 ppi |
| Chip | Apple M3, 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU | Apple M4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 512GB SSD (NVMe) |
| Memory | 8GB RAM (16GB and 24GB options listed) | Not stated in the given specs |
| Weight | 2.7 lb | Not stated; the 15-inch Air is heavier than the 13-inch |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours video streaming, 66.5Wh |
| Ports | USB-C | Two Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 |
| Wireless |
Price history
$1,099.00$364.00
- Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A: lowest $364.00 on Oct 28; $459.99 on Nov 3.
- Apple MacBook Air M4 15-inch: lowest $1,099.00 on Nov 1 at Walmart.
Prices at every store
Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A
- PayMore YorkNew
Availability unknown
$459.99Observed at 10:33 AM - eBayNew
Availability unknown
$459.99Observed at 10:33 AM - PayMore AnaheimNew
Availability unknown
$499.99Observed at 10:33 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$599.00Free shippingObserved at 9:44 AM
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- MelroseMACCheck price at MelroseMAC
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Apple MacBook Air M4 15-inch
Specs compared
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A | Apple MacBook Air M4 15-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 18 hours battery life | Up to 18 hours, Up to 18 hours (video streaming) |
| Display Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2880-by-1864 native resolution at 224 pixels pe… |
| Main Storage | 1 TB | 512GB SSD storage |
| OS Version | iPadOS 18.3 or later | macOS Sequoia |
| Battery Capacity | 28.93-watt-hour | 66.5-watt‑hour |
| Battery Run Time | 10 hrs | Up to 18 hours (video streaming) |
| Battery Type | Lithium polymer | Built-in lithium‑polymer battery |
| Display Size | 11-inch | 15-inch |
| Display Brightness | Screen brightness (adjustable via 14-key functi… |
What reviewers say
Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A
Owners and reviewers consistently rate the M3 Air highly for its screen, silence, battery, and build, with the 15-inch size praised as the sweet spot for desk work. The recurring complaints are the 8GB base memory and 256GB storage, plus the two-port layout.
Pros
- Big, bright 15.3-inch screen that makes split-screen work comfortable
- Silent fanless operation and cool running under normal loads
- Long battery life that lasts a full workday
- Light weight for its screen size and solid aluminum build
Cons
- 8GB RAM feels limiting for heavy multitasking and future-proofing
- 256GB storage is small for photos, video, and games
- Only two USB-C ports and no SD card slot
- Base GPU is modest for gaming and 3D rendering
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a student?
- The M4 15-inch gives more storage and a bigger screen for long study sessions. The M3 13.6-inch is lighter to carry and costs less at $459.99 at eBay as of November 3, 2026.
- Is the M4 worth the extra money?
- The M4 adds a newer chip, a 15.3-inch screen, 512GB storage, and Thunderbolt 4. Whether that is worth the price gap depends on the M4's current store price, which is not given here.
- Which has better battery life?
- Both are rated up to 18 hours. The M4 has a 66.5Wh battery; the M3 listing states 18 hours.
- Which is easier to carry?
- The M3 13.6-inch at 2.7 lb is the lighter of the two. The 15-inch M4 is larger and heavier.
- Can I upgrade storage later?
- No. Both use soldered SSD storage, so buy the capacity you need up front. The M4 starts at 512GB; the M3 listing is 256GB.
- Which has more ports?
- The M4 15-inch has two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe 3. The M3 listing lists USB-C ports.
More comparisons
- Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A vs 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: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 16GB, 256GB SSD - Space Gray vs Apple MacBook Air M4 15-inch
- Apple MacBook Air Laptop, 15.3" Retina Display with Touch ID, Apple M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, macOS Sonoma, MRYM3LL/A vs Apple 13-inch MacBook Air: M4 w/ 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 512GB SSD - Silver - MW0X3LL/A
- Apple 13-inch MacBook Air: M4 w/ 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 512GB SSD - Silver - MW0X3LL/A vs Apple MacBook Air M4 15-inch