Why buy a MacBook Air M4?

Ever since Apple switched to its own silicon, reviewing new Macs has become a tricky job. The first-gen M1 chips made such a massive leap in performance and battery life that every upgrade since feels evolutionary rather than revolutionary. With the 2025 MacBook Air running Apple’s latest M4 chip, comparisons with both the past and the competition don’t quite hold up — so let’s focus on how this device stands on its own for the everyday user.

Slim, Light, and Still Iconic

The MacBook Air has always been the slimmest, lightest laptop in the room, and the 2025 version continues that legacy — even with the 15-inch model I tested. It’s just 1.15 cm thin and weighs 1.5 kg, making it ideal for people constantly on the move. The unit I reviewed came in the Starlight color — a stylish, subtle shade with a hint of gold that feels premium and unmistakably Apple.

Bigger, Brighter, and Sharper Display

The MacBook Air M4 comes in 13-inch and 15-inch variants. The 15-inch display I tested was gorgeous — a 2880x1864p Retina screen with 500 nits of brightness. Compared to the M1 Air’s 400-nit display, this one’s a clear upgrade. Whether you're a creative professional or a binge-watcher, this display will leave you impressed. The six-speaker system with Spatial Audio enhances Dolby Atmos content like Apple TV+’s The Studio, although I did wish it was a bit louder for typical Indian settings.

Keyboard, Trackpad, and Everyday Comfort

Typing on this MacBook Air is a joy. The keys are perfectly spaced with just the right amount of travel and a slightly cushioned feel that I personally appreciated — noticeably softer compared to my two-year-old MacBook Pro. The larger trackpad on the 15-inch model is also a productivity booster, especially when working on big Google Sheets or Canva presentations.

The M4 Advantage

For most users, a MacBook Air packs more than enough power. The fanless M4 model keeps its cool even when handling extra-large spreadsheets or editing 4K videos. For instance, a 72MB Excel file took some time converting to Numbers, but once done, it ran smoothly without lag — something that did slow down older M1 Airs. This is the kind of real-world improvement that matters.

MacOS Sequoia Extras

Features like iPhone mirroring work seamlessly here. The extra screen space lets you pin your iPhone apps in a corner for quick access, while the new tiling feature makes it easy to group apps for different workflows.

One standout addition is DeskView, which lets you share or record what’s physically on your desk using just the laptop’s camera. Great for video calls or unboxings, it’s a clever feature — though it does need good lighting to shine.

Battery Life and Charging

Despite its slim profile, the MacBook Air M4 houses a battery that easily lasts over 18 hours on a full charge — typically covering two business days for most users. Charging is convenient too, with both MagSafe and USB-C options, although having all the ports on one side makes cable management slightly awkward in some spaces.

Verdict: Still the Best for Most People

Starting at Rs 124,900, the MacBook Air M4 remains the most reliable, sensible choice for students and professionals alike — unless your work involves intensive video editing or 3D rendering. While the 13-inch model offers the same power at a lower price, the 15-inch variant provides that extra screen real estate for those who need it.

Yes, it might seem pricey upfront, but remember — a MacBook typically lasts over seven years, making it a smart, future-proof investment that will easily outlive most tech trends and upgrades.