MacBook Air M4 Early 2025: Comprehensive Review

Apple consistently updates the MacBook Air, and 2025 is no exception with the new MacBook Air 15 featuring the latest M4 chip. This sleek laptop continues to be the go-to choice for those needing a reliable device for office work, boasting exceptional battery life and a stunning display. While it may not be ideal for PC gaming, the MacBook Air excels in its primary role as a versatile, portable productivity tool.

The MacBook Air remains the epitome of what many envision when thinking of a laptop. Its design is unchanged from recent models, yet it continues to impress with its ultra-thin and lightweight build, tipping the scales at just 3.3 pounds. The unibody aluminum chassis, less than half an inch thick, embodies the essence of the MacBook Air's appeal. The absence of a fan, thanks to the M4 chip's efficient design, allows for a sleek, uninterrupted look, with only four rubber feet on the bottom to prevent scratches.

The speakers, ingeniously hidden in the hinge, deliver surprisingly robust sound, utilizing the laptop's lid as a natural amplifier. The keyboard remains a highlight, offering deep key travel and reliable TouchID, while the expansive touchpad ensures smooth navigation without unwanted cursor movement. However, the port selection could be more generous; with two USB-C ports and a MagSafe connector on the left, and just a headphone jack on the right, additional ports would enhance its utility.

The display on the MacBook Air is a standout feature, delivering vibrant colors and sufficient brightness for indoor use. Testing showed it covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB, with a peak brightness of 426 nits. While not as advanced as an OLED screen, it's more than adequate for everyday tasks and even enjoyable for streaming content.

Performance-wise, the MacBook Air isn't suited for gaming but excels in productivity. With 32GB of RAM, it handles multitasking seamlessly, even on battery power. Light Photoshop work is manageable, though more intensive tasks like noise filtering in Lightroom can be challenging. Its true strength lies in its ability to power through daily tasks without breaking a sweat, all while maintaining impressive battery life.

Apple claims the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours for video streaming and 15 hours for web browsing. My tests showed it exceeded the video streaming claim, lasting over 19 hours with local playback. This longevity makes it an ideal companion for travelers, offering freedom from constant charging. With its combination of portability, performance, and battery life, the MacBook Air continues to set the standard for what a productivity laptop should be.

Purchasing Guide

The MacBook Air (M4, Early 2025) is available now, starting at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model reviewed here. Apple offers various configurations, allowing you to upgrade to a 15-inch MacBook Air with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $2,399.

MacBook Air (M4, 2025) – Photos

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