StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • Use in AI assistants
  • Contact
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.·2222 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134·support@deal.ai
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014) vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)

The MacBook Air MQD32LL/A is the superior choice for most users due to its newer processor architecture and higher clock speeds. While both laptops share the same 1440x900 resolution and aluminum chassis, the MQD32LL/A offers better longevity for modern web browsing and multitasking. Choose the older MD760LL/B only if you prioritize basic document editing and find it at a significantly lower valuation.

  • Choose the MD760LL/B if you need a secondary machine for simple word processing and light web tasks where raw speed is not a priority.
  • Choose the MQD32LL/A if you want better multitasking performance and a more capable processor for streaming and schoolwork.

Prices

  • Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014): $239.99 at metroprime shop (last seen Nov 9)
  • Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017): $285.99 at metroprime shop (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014) is $46.00 cheaper than the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017) at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Apple
Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/B 13.3-Inch Core i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014)

Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/B 13.3-Inch Core i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD

$239.99at metroprime shopChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit metroprime shop
Pros
  • Lightweight 2.96 lbs chassis
  • MagSafe 2 power connector for safety
  • Excellent keyboard tactile feel
  • Reliable aluminum build quality
Cons
  • Slower 1.4GHz processor
  • Dated Intel HD 5000 graphics
  • Limited future macOS support
  • Lower resale value
Apple
Apple MacBook Air MQD32LL/A 13-Inch Core i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Laptop

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)

Apple MacBook Air MQD32LL/A 13-Inch Core i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Laptop

$285.99at metroprime shopChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit metroprime shop
Pros
  • Faster 1.8GHz base clock speed
  • Standard 8GB RAM for multitasking
  • Improved Intel HD 6000 graphics
  • Longer 12-hour rated battery life
Cons
  • Low resolution 1440x900 screen
  • Thick bezels compared to modern laptops
  • Limited 128GB storage capacity
  • No USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports

What separates them

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)
Processor Base Speed1.4 GHz Intel Core i51.8 GHz Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost SpeedUp to 2.7 GHzUp to 2.9 GHz
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 5000Intel HD Graphics 6000
RAM StandardOften found with 4GB (8GB optional)Standard 8GB
Release EraEarly 2014 model2017 model refresh

Prices at every store

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014)

  • metroprime shopNew

    In stock

    $239.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit metroprime shop
Prices and history →

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)

  • metroprime shopNew

    In stock

    $285.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit metroprime shop
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecApple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)
RAM4GB LPDDR3-1600 Onboard RAM8 GB 1600 MHz LPDDR3
Storage128GB Flash Storage128 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
Screen size13.3"13.3 in
WirelessWireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac802.11ac Wi-Fi
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth 4.0
ProcessorIntel Core i5 Processor 1.4GHz—
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 5000—
Resolution1440x900—
Battery54 Watt-Hours Lithium-Polymer—
Weight2.96 lbs.—
Power supplyMagSafe 2 45W power adapter—
Front camera720p—
Show all 19 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)
Processor type—Intel Core i5
Processor speed—1.8 GHz
Turbo Boost—up to 2.9 Ghz
Screen resolution—1440 x 900 (WXGA+)
Battery life—10 h
USB 3 ports—2
Thunderbolt 2 port—Yes, 1

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2014)

Owners of this generation of MacBook Air praise its light weight, all-day battery and reliable keyboard. Critics point to the dated low-resolution screen and the limited storage, and note that it is now too old for current software.

What people mention
  • BatteryPraisedOwners report it lasting a full day of light use.
  • WeightPraisedReviewers call it easy to carry everywhere.
  • DisplayCriticisedThe 1440x900 panel is called dim with poor viewing angles.
  • StorageCriticisedThe 128GB SSD is described as filling up fast.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)

Owners of this generation describe it as a dependable, light everyday Mac with strong battery life, but many note the dated screen and small storage.

What people mention
  • DisplayCriticisedOwners say the 1440 x 900 panel looks soft and washed out next to Retina screens.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report it lasting close to the rated 10 hours on browsing and office work.
  • StorageCriticisedThe 128 GB SSD is called tight, filling up quickly with photos, apps and updates.
  • PortabilityPraisedOwners like the thin, light aluminum body for carrying to class or work.

Questions and answers

Which model is better for students?
The MQD32LL/A is better because its 1.8GHz processor and 8GB of RAM handle modern browser tabs and video calls more smoothly.
Do these laptops have a Retina display?
No, both models use the older 1440x900 resolution panel, which is less sharp than the Retina displays found on newer MacBook Airs.
Can I upgrade the storage later?
Both models use proprietary Apple SSDs. While they can be upgraded with specific third-party adapters, it is not a standard user-friendly process.
Is the MQD32LL/A worth the step up?
Yes. The 2017 refresh (MQD32LL/A) provides a noticeable jump in snappiness for daily tasks compared to the 2014 hardware in the MD760LL/B.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • MacBook Air 2020 vs Apple MacBook Air MD760LL/B 13.3-Inch Core i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD
  • MacBook Air 2020 vs Apple MacBook Air MQD32LL/A 13-Inch Core i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Laptop