Key points
- The compact size and portability of the MacBook Air make it an excellent choice for those who are always on the go.
- The Surface Laptop 4 also boasts a stylish and well-built design, with a sleek aluminum chassis and a choice of colors, including platinum, black, and sandstone.
- Windows offers a familiar interface, compatibility with a vast range of software applications, and the ability to run both traditional desktop programs and modern apps from the Microsoft Store.
The battle between Apple’s MacBook Air and Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 4 continues to heat up, with both devices offering impressive features and capabilities. Whether you’re a student, professional, or creative, choosing the right laptop can significantly impact your productivity and enjoyment. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of the Apple MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences.
Design and Build Quality
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is known for its sleek, minimalist design, with a thin and lightweight aluminum unibody construction. It’s available in a variety of colors, including silver, space gray, gold, and rose gold. The compact size and portability of the MacBook Air make it an excellent choice for those who are always on the go.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 also boasts a stylish and well-built design, with a sleek aluminum chassis and a choice of colors, including platinum, black, and sandstone. The 3:2 aspect ratio of the display provides extra vertical space, which can be useful for multitasking and productivity. The Surface Laptop 4’s touchscreen capability adds an extra layer of functionality and convenience.
Display
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The display is known for its excellent color reproduction, brightness, and viewing angles. The True Tone technology automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain during extended use.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 offers a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. The display is also impressive, with vibrant colors and good brightness levels. The touchscreen functionality allows for intuitive interaction with the device, making it suitable for artists, designers, and anyone who prefers a more hands-on approach.
Performance
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which delivers exceptional performance and efficiency. The M1 chip features an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, enabling fast processing speeds and smooth multitasking. The MacBook Air handles demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and programming with ease.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 is equipped with either an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, paired with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. The performance of the Surface Laptop 4 is solid, allowing for smooth everyday tasks and handling moderate workloads. However, it may struggle with more intensive applications and demanding creative tasks compared to the MacBook Air.
Battery Life
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is renowned for its impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need a laptop that can keep up with their busy schedules without worrying about constantly recharging.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 also offers solid battery life, lasting up to 17 hours on a single charge. While it’s not quite as long as the MacBook Air’s battery life, it’s still sufficient for a full day‘s work or study without needing to plug it in.
Operating System
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air runs on macOS, Apple’s proprietary operating system. macOS is known for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and a wide range of software applications available through the Mac App Store.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11, Microsoft’s flagship operating system. Windows offers a familiar interface, compatibility with a vast range of software applications, and the ability to run both traditional desktop programs and modern apps from the Microsoft Store.
Price
Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air starts at $999 for the base model with an M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Higher configurations with more storage and memory are available at a higher price.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 starts at $999 for the base model with an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Similar to the MacBook Air, higher configurations with more storage and memory are available at a higher price.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Apple MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you value sleek design, exceptional performance, and long battery life, the MacBook Air is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you prefer a touchscreen display, the flexibility of Windows 10 or Windows 11, and solid battery life, the Surface Laptop 4 is a compelling choice.
Beyond the Showdown
Additional Factors to Consider:
- Ecosystem Integration: If you already own other Apple devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, the MacBook Air offers seamless integration with these devices through features like AirDrop, Handoff, and Universal Control. On the other hand, the Surface Laptop 4 integrates well with other Windows devices and Microsoft services.
- Software Compatibility: Consider the software applications you need or prefer. Some programs may be exclusive to macOS or Windows, so it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your essential software.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, choosing between the MacBook Air and Surface Laptop 4 comes down to personal preferences. Some users may prefer the macOS interface, while others may be more comfortable with Windows. Try out both devices if possible to get a hands-on experience and see which one feels more intuitive and enjoyable to use.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the MacBook Air and Surface Laptop 4 have excellent displays, but the MacBook Air’s Retina display offers slightly higher resolution and color accuracy. However, the Surface Laptop 4’s touchscreen capability may be a significant advantage for some users.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The MacBook Air with the M1 chip outperforms the Surface Laptop 4 in terms of overall performance and efficiency. However, the Surface Laptop 4 with an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor can still handle most everyday tasks and moderate workloads competently.
Q: Which device has longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air has slightly longer battery life than the Surface Laptop 4, lasting up to 18 hours compared to 17 hours. Both devices provide sufficient battery life for a full day’s work or study without needing to recharge.