The MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Air M3 differ significantly in terms of performance, driven by advancements in Apple's chip technology. Here's a detailed comparison:
CPU and Cores
- Apple M4: The M4 chip features a 10-core CPU, with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, operating at a base frequency of 4.41 GHz for performance cores and 2.89 GHz for efficiency cores[9]. This configuration provides a boost in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the M3.- Apple M3: The M3 chip has an 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, running at a base frequency of 4.05 GHz for performance cores and 2.75 GHz for efficiency cores[9]. While efficient, it offers less raw processing power than the M4.
GPU Performance
- Apple M4: The M4's GPU is more powerful, supporting advanced graphics capabilities such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, similar to the M3 but with improved performance due to its newer architecture[2][4].- Apple M3: The M3 also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading but with slightly less capability compared to the M4[3].
Neural Engine and AI Tasks
- Apple M4: The M4 boasts Apple's fastest Neural Engine, capable of up to 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS), significantly enhancing AI-based tasks like photo editing and video processing[2][4]. This results in a performance increase of 32-46% in AI tasks compared to the M3[4].- Apple M3: The M3 also features a 16-core Neural Engine but with lower TOPS, making it less efficient in AI-intensive tasks compared to the M4[3][4].
Memory Bandwidth
- Apple M4: Offers higher memory bandwidth, supporting quad-channel memory with up to 120 GB/s bandwidth, which is about 17% higher than the M3's 102.4 GB/s[9].- Apple M3: Supports dual-channel memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s[9].
Real-World Performance
- General Use: For everyday tasks like launching apps, browsing, and basic productivity, both models perform similarly well[5]. However, the M4 excels in graphics-intensive tasks and AI-driven applications[5].- Benchmarks: The M4 generally outperforms the M3 in benchmarks, especially in tasks requiring high CPU and GPU performance, such as video editing and 3D rendering[2][10].
In summary, the MacBook Air M4 offers superior performance, particularly in CPU and GPU tasks, AI processing, and memory bandwidth, making it a better choice for users who need enhanced capabilities for demanding applications. However, for general use and budget-conscious buyers, the M3 remains a viable option.
Citations:[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-the-m4-chip-and-a-sky-blue-color/
[2] https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/apple-m4-vs-m3/
[3] https://support.apple.com/en-us/118551
[4] https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/macbooks/apple-m4-m3-biggest-differences-tradeoffs
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/1hpisdq/compared_my_m3_air_with_m4_pro_and/
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/1gg3gwd/macbook_air_m3_or_new_macbook_pro_m4/
[7] https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/macbooks/macbook-air-13-inch-m3-review
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookair/comments/1hrfhp6/can_someone_please_explain_the_difference_between/
[9] https://nanoreview.net/en/cpu-compare/apple-m4-vs-apple-m3
[10] https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/macbooks/macbook-air-m4-vs-macbook-air-m3