MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air 15 M5
Both carry the same family name, but the MacBook Air M4 and the MacBook Air 15 M5 don’t carry the same spec sheet. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance Tie
Key Differences
-
The MacBook Air 15 M5 has a 1.7-inch larger screen
More isn’t automatically better here: the MacBook Air 15 M5’s 15.3 in and the MacBook Air M4’s 13.6 in simply suit different preferences. Larger laptops suit desk-bound work and media; smaller ones suit people who work from trains, cafés and lecture halls.
Design & Size
By the manufacturer’s measurements, the MacBook Air M4 is the more compact laptop, and the MacBook Air 15 M5 the larger one.
Design & Build
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.97 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Depth | 8.46 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.44 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight | 2.73 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Display
Too close to call
The display section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. On display alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Screen size
MacBook Air M4: 13.6 in MacBook Air 15 M5: 15.3 in Screen size also drives overall size and weight, so this choice shapes how portable the laptop really is.
Performance
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the performance section. If performance was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Ports & Connectivity
Nothing to tally in the ports & connectivity section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the MacBook Air M4 and the MacBook Air 15 M5 each use.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13.6 in | 15.3 in |
| Panel type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2880 x 1864 |
| Pixel density | 224 ppi | 224 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | N/A (not specified) |
| Peak brightness (SDR) | 500 nits | N/A (not specified) |
Performance
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M4 | Apple M5 |
| CPU cores | 10 | 10 |
| Graphics | Apple M4 GPU (8-core) | N/A (not specified) |
| GPU cores | 8 | N/A (not specified) |
| Cooling | Fanless (passive) | Fanless (passive) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Base memory | 16 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| Max memory | 32 GB Highest memory ceiling | N/A (not specified) |
| Base storage | 256 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| Max storage | 2 TB | N/A (not specified) |
Battery Life & Charging
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 53.8 Wh | N/A (not specified) |
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating | 18 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Included charger | 30 W | N/A (not specified) |
Ports & Connectivity
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C / Thunderbolt ports | 2 | N/A (not specified) |
| Other ports | MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm headphone jack | N/A (not specified) |
| Webcam | 12MP Center Stage | N/A (not specified) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | N/A (not specified) |
| Operating system | macOS Sequoia | macOS Tahoe |
Design & Build
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.97 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Depth | 8.46 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.44 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight | 2.73 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Air 15 M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $999 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the MacBook Air M4 if…
- you’re fine skipping this generation’s changes
- you want the more compact laptop
Choose the MacBook Air 15 M5 if…
- you find that the improvements in the MacBook Air 15 M5 match what you need
- you like more of everything, size included
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the MacBook Air M4 or the MacBook Air 15 M5?
The MacBook Air M4 and the MacBook Air 15 M5 split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the MacBook Air M4, having the newer model for the MacBook Air 15 M5), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Is the MacBook Air 15 M5 worth it over the MacBook Air M4?
It depends on what you need. The MacBook Air 15 M5 brings a handful of small refinements, but if your MacBook Air M4 still does the job, there’s no urgency.
Is the MacBook Air M4 bigger than the MacBook Air 15 M5?
It’s the MacBook Air 15 M5 that is larger: 15.3 in, versus 11.97 × 8.46 × 0.44 in for the MacBook Air M4.
Executive Summary
I’ll admit the MacBook Air M4 versus the MacBook Air 15 M5 is the kind of question I enjoy: same maker, same family, and still a real choice to make.
If the things a spec sheet can’t capture is your thing, the MacBook Air M4 fits. If having the newer model matters more, the MacBook Air 15 M5 makes more sense.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let the things a spec sheet can’t capture versus having the newer model settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.