MacBook Air M4 Early 2025: A Comprehensive Review

Apple consistently updates its MacBook Air lineup, and the 2025 model follows suit by primarily upgrading the System on a Chip (SoC). The new MacBook Air 15, equipped with the M4 chip, remains a sleek and portable laptop ideal for office work, boasting impressive battery life and a stunning display. While it may not excel in running PC games, the MacBook Air continues to be the go-to device for users needing a reliable, on-the-go productivity tool.

Purchasing Guide

The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is now available, starting at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model reviewed here. Apple offers various configuration options, allowing you to customize your system. For example, a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD can be yours for $2,399.

MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos

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Design

The MacBook Air has become synonymous with the concept of a laptop for many. Its design remains unchanged from recent predecessors, featuring a slim and lightweight build that weighs just 3.3 pounds, making it exceptionally portable for a 15-inch device. The thin unibody aluminum chassis, less than half an inch thick, contributes to its featherlight feel. The MacBook Air's minimalist design includes speakers integrated into the hinge, which surprisingly deliver robust sound by using the lid as a natural amplifier. This fanless design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal with a completely closed-off structure but also maximizes internal space.

The top of the device houses the same excellent keyboard with deep travel and a reliable TouchID sensor for quick, secure access. The spacious touchpad, known for its precision and palm rejection, enhances user interaction. However, the port selection is limited, with two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and a headphone jack on the right. While the inclusion of a headphone jack is appreciated, additional ports like an SD card reader would have been a welcome addition.

Display

The MacBook Air's display, while not as advanced as the MacBook Pro's, is still impressive. The 15.3-inch, 1880p screen covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. It reaches a peak brightness of 426 nits, slightly below the advertised 500 nits but still adequate for most indoor environments. The display's color accuracy and brightness make it perfect for everyday use, from productivity to entertainment.

Performance

Benchmarking the MacBook Air on macOS is challenging due to limited compatible tests, but the fanless M4 chip ensures efficient performance for everyday tasks. While it struggles with gaming, particularly at 1080p settings, it excels in productivity. With 32GB of RAM, the MacBook Air handles multitasking effortlessly, even on battery power. It manages light Photoshop work well, though it may falter with more demanding tasks like noise filtering in Lightroom. For users focused on productivity, the MacBook Air's performance is more than sufficient.

Battery

Apple claims the MacBook Air's battery can last up to 18 hours for video streaming and 15 hours for web browsing. In a local video playback test, it surpassed expectations, lasting 19 hours and 15 minutes. While actual usage may vary, the MacBook Air's battery life is ideal for travelers, easily covering long flights and multiple work sessions without needing a recharge. The compact charger further enhances its portability, making it a perfect companion for those on the move.