Apple’s new MacBook Air M1 is an impressive device and now we get to see the device side by side with an Intel-powered MacBook Air in a new MacBook Air M1 vs Intel MacBook Air video from Brandon Butch.
In the video below, the new M1-powered MacBook Air is tested side by side with the previous generation Intel MacBook Air.
Performance Comparison
As we can see from the video, Apple’s new M1 Silicon processor is impressive and outperforms the Intel-powered device. The M1 chip, which is Apple’s first ARM-based system on a chip (SoC) for Macs, integrates the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, providing a significant boost in performance and efficiency. The benchmarks are also impressive, showcasing the M1’s superior processing power. For instance, in Geekbench 5, the M1 MacBook Air scores around 1687 in single-core and 7433 in multi-core tests, whereas the Intel MacBook Air scores approximately 1000 in single-core and 2000 in multi-core tests.
Battery Life and Efficiency
The new MacBook Air also brings considerably improved battery life over the previous model. The M1 MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, compared to the Intel version, which offers around 11 hours of battery life. This improvement is largely due to the M1 chip’s energy-efficient architecture, which allows for longer usage without compromising performance. Additionally, the M1 MacBook Air operates without a fan, making it quieter and more efficient in terms of thermal management.
Real-World Usage
In real-world usage, the M1 MacBook Air excels in various tasks, from everyday browsing and productivity applications to more demanding tasks like video editing and software development. For example, exporting a 4K video in Final Cut Pro is significantly faster on the M1 MacBook Air compared to the Intel version. Similarly, developers will find that compiling code in Xcode is much quicker, reducing wait times and increasing productivity.
Software Compatibility
One concern with the transition to the M1 chip is software compatibility. However, Apple has addressed this with Rosetta 2, a translation layer that allows Intel-based applications to run on M1 Macs. Most popular applications have already been optimized for the M1 chip, and the performance of these apps is often better than their Intel counterparts. For instance, Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office have been updated to run natively on the M1 chip, offering smoother and faster performance.
Design and Build Quality
In terms of design, both the M1 and Intel MacBook Air models share the same sleek and lightweight build, with a 13.3-inch Retina display, Magic Keyboard, and Touch ID. However, the M1 MacBook Air benefits from the improved efficiency of the M1 chip, which allows for a thinner and lighter design without sacrificing battery life or performance.
Overall, the M1 MacBook Air represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance, battery life, and efficiency. It outperforms the Intel MacBook Air in almost every aspect, making it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a new laptop. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the M1 MacBook Air offers a powerful and versatile computing experience.
Source & Image Credit: Brandon Butch
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