13” vs 15” MacBook Air M3 - Which Should You Buy?

2024 M3 MacBook Air 13 vs 15 - Which Should You Buy? | MacBook Air M3 Unboxing, Setup, 8GB vs 16GB RAM Test, and Review (Midnight, Starlight & Silver)

Apple just released the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air and in this video, we compare the 13 vs 15 inch sizes, run some benchmark performance tests, compare 8GB RAM vs 16GB RAM, and much more. We also discuss who should be buying the M3 MacBook Air, and which size you should choose. Enjoy!

*Other videos you might like:*

*Social Media:*

*Chapters:*
0:00 What's coming
0:23 Unboxing, Specs, and Pricing
3:12 Less of a fingerprint magnet on Midnight?
4:02 15-inch MacBook Air Unboxing
5:00 Weight impressions
5:45 Starlight vs Silver Color Comparison
7:07 Midnight vs Silver vs Starlight Colors
7:12 Smudging on Midnight color
8:04 Design & Connectivity
8:41 13” vs 15” Keyboard & Weight Comparison
10:13 13 vs 15" Display Comparison
10:34 Setup Process
12:40 Day One Software Update
13:10 Speakers & Microphones
14:26 Webcam Test (1080p)
15:11 Battery Life
15:30 Dual Display Support (finally!)
16:04 Performance & Benchmark (8GB vs 16GB RAM)
19:00 Should you upgrade to M3 MacBook Air? (from M1 or M2)
20:05 Should you upgrade from Intel Mac?
20:58 Should you buy 13-inch or 15-inch M3 MacBook Air?
22:23 8GB vs 16GB RAM
24:00 Closing Thoughts

*Gear used to make this video:*

Disclosure: This video might contain affiliate links, which help fund the channel if you make a purchase.

Have a fantastic day & I'll see you soon!

[BrandonButch]

Which color do you prefer: Midnight or Silver?

[capomilano]

Hello guys, I can tell you from my experience (I have the M2 macbook air 15 and now the 14 M3 pro) that I would recommend you overall to buy the 13 inch version! Upgrade it to 16 GB ram and its gucci. If U have money for 500gb even better. My next macbook will be a 13/14 inch Air 100%.
Portability is key!

[greggh]

I prefer the midnight blue. Even with the fingerprints. I like the all dark inside. It doesn't distract from the screen. Makes watching videos more enjoyable.

[judethat]

I got the 13” Starlight M3 16/512 as an upgrade from my 2015 12” MacBook and the difference in all aspects is amazing, the screen seems so much bigger and the battery life is really good. Worthy upgrade.

[drummerkiddd]

The typing experience is much better for me on the 15’ it’s definitely way more comfortable hitting the keys since there is more space and I have a place to rest my wrist around the trackpad. Much comfortable for my guyish hands. The 13’ is more portable tho and I’m in school so it’s hard decision.

[fragrance]

Air 15, M3 8c, 16 GB RAM, 512 SSD - best spec option

[ObikenobiHD]

The M2 15 inch air I have it for over 5+ months now close to a year and it’s an absolute beast! I only maxed out the RAM to 24gb ram with 256gb SSD cause i don’t really see a difference with the speeds and I always don’t mind the waiting on the downloads anyway since I’m doing something else to keep me busy. Overall, I’m very satisfied with it! Use multiple tabs, have photoshop open while watching a stream or YouTube, pretty much have multiple applications open and the 24gb ram REALLY helps to not wear out the SSD swap or MacBook itself, absolute powerful machine!

[velvetthundr]

You’re the only one I’ve seen that said not to upgrade to the 16GB RAM. Even for light use, most videos have recommended the 16GB and 512GB variant.

[changchang]

starlight is really beautiful for sure

[jeysmoothies]

Midnight has a new coating to help prevent finger prints

[theprodigy]

The M2 MacBook Air is still worth a value.

[nsaids]

I've watched like 10+ different videos regarding the midnight, starlight, silver etc and your video had the best comparison and spec comparison to previous gens. Thank you.

[andreas]

I like the 15 format better because I never connect my laptop to a screen (even at home), but fiddling around with both the 13 and the 15 inch in store, the 15 inch feels so cheap and "wobbly".

[abyazqamaruddin]

Silver is the all time classic, great review Brandon ! So, can we say that the Read/Write Speeds on the 256GB SSD have improved come to the M2 Air ?

[celebrityrog]

The 15 inch not having speakers on the sides like the Pros really makes the 15 inch ugly around the keyboard .

[terrym]

Waiting for mine to arrive it replaces a 2012 intel Air which has been retired.
I had been saving up for it so i decided to go 13 in midnight with 16gb and 512 ssd it will be a big upgrade for sure.

[timepiece_enthusiast]

I went for the classic silver and also spect it up to 16GB memory and 512GB storage, but I got the 13“ rather than the 15 for maximum portability.

[erniewarinner]

Starlight is my favorite color. I have an M2 13” MacBook Air.

[oliverniehaus]

Great that dual monitor support was brought to the MacBook Air and will be coming to the base m3 macbook pro. I understand the software limitations of not being able to run two monitors and the built in display at the same time, but why must the lid be closed? I own an apple vision pro and when I use mac virtual display it blacks out my screen but I can keep using the trackpad and keyboard. Why not do the same thing for the m3 air and pro? Black out the laptop screen if connected to two external monitors but don't require the lid to be closed. That way people can still use the keyboard and trackpad and don't need to get an external keyboard and mouse. Seems like an easy software change.

[mvsigrist]

Thanks for the video! I'm describing the experience that I had, and maybe this could help someone to choose between the two models : I am an MacBook Air 13' user since 2010, and I don't work with heavy apps or programs - Its just for regular stuffs. I was REALLY concerned about the size screen (13 x 15)..II finally decided to pick the 15`, M3 8G RAM + ssd 256 was pretty satisfied with my decision and Im gonna tell you why : describing in simple words : YOU JUST GET MORE this makes a huge diference, you can notice right after you turn it on!! The size and weight for transportation don't bother me at all....there is just one thing I like more on the 13 screen : When I lay down on my bed and put it on my chest, the 13 screen feels lighter of course...but everything else makes me love the 15 screen, not even mentioning the sound speakers ..Im telling you : once you pick up de 15 version...you probably never do back to the 13. And lets be honest : its just better, that's why is more expensive!