Key points
- The MacBook Air boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, while the Surface Laptop 4 offers a respectable 17 hours.
- If you prefer a more versatile operating system, a premium build quality, and a larger display, the Surface Laptop 4 is a worthy contender.
- The MacBook Air has a higher resolution and wider color gamut, giving it a slight edge in terms of visual fidelity.
The realm of premium laptops is a constant battleground between two tech giants: Apple and Microsoft. Their latest offerings, the Apple MacBook Air and the Surface Laptop 4, are both formidable contenders that promise a blend of performance, portability, and style. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features of these two laptops to help you make an informed decision about which one is the perfect match for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The MacBook Air and Surface Laptop 4 both exude a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. The MacBook Air’s iconic wedge-shaped design is crafted from lightweight aluminum, while the Surface Laptop 4 features a premium magnesium alloy chassis. Both laptops offer a range of vibrant color options, allowing you to personalize your device.
In terms of durability, the MacBook Air’s unibody construction provides exceptional sturdiness, while the Surface Laptop 4’s reinforced corners and scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display ensure it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Display
The MacBook Air boasts a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Its IPS panel delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption. The Surface Laptop 4 offers a slightly larger 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. Its 3:2 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space, which can be useful for multitasking and document editing.
While both displays offer excellent image quality, the MacBook Air‘s higher resolution and wider color gamut give it a slight edge in terms of visual fidelity.
Performance
Under the hood, the MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which offers exceptional performance and efficiency. The Surface Laptop 4, on the other hand, is available with a range of Intel Core i5 or i7 processors.
In terms of raw performance, the MacBook Air‘s M1 chip outperforms even the most powerful Intel processors available in the Surface Laptop 4. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and effortless handling of demanding workloads.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for mobile professionals. The MacBook Air boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, while the Surface Laptop 4 offers a respectable 17 hours. In real-world usage, both laptops can easily power through a full workday on a single charge.
Operating System
The MacBook Air runs on macOS, while the Surface Laptop 4 runs on Windows 10. Both operating systems offer a user-friendly interface and a wide range of applications and software.
macOS is known for its stability and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem of devices, including iPhones and iPads. Windows 10, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility and customization options, allowing you to personalize your laptop to suit your specific needs.
Connectivity and Ports
Both the MacBook Air and Surface Laptop 4 offer a limited selection of ports. The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Surface Laptop 4 has one USB-C port, one USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
For additional connectivity options, you may need to purchase adapters or dongles.
Price and Value
The MacBook Air starts at $999, while the Surface Laptop 4 starts at $999.99. Both laptops offer a range of configurations and upgrades, which can affect the overall price.
In terms of value, the MacBook Air offers exceptional performance and battery life at a competitive price. The Surface Laptop 4 provides a premium build quality, a versatile display, and the flexibility of Windows 10.
Which Laptop Is Right for You?
The choice between the Apple MacBook Air and the Surface Laptop 4 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize performance, portability, and battery life, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more versatile operating system, a premium build quality, and a larger display, the Surface Laptop 4 is a worthy contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MacBook Air has a higher resolution and wider color gamut, giving it a slight edge in terms of visual fidelity.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: Both laptops offer excellent battery life, but the MacBook Air has a slight advantage with up to 18 hours of usage.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The MacBook Air is slightly thinner and lighter than the Surface Laptop 4, making it more suitable for carrying around.
Q: Which laptop has better sound quality?
A: Both laptops have decent sound quality, but the Surface Laptop 4’s Dolby Atmos support gives it a slight edge.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: Neither laptop is specifically designed for gaming, but the MacBook Air‘s M1 chip provides better performance for casual gaming compared to the Surface Laptop 4’s Intel processors.