Performance Comparison: The Intel vs M1 MacBook Air

Apple made news when they introduced recent updates to the MacBook Air, mostly because they switched from Intel to their own proprietary M1 chips. With that announcement, the company promised better performance, longer battery life, and even extra capabilities.

Apple even said that their new M1 MacBook Air offered processing speeds faster than 98 percent of all laptops on the market. Of course, it’s only fair to notice the popularity of low-priced Chromebooks and entry-level Windows machines, so this claim doesn’t mean that Apple lacks competitors.

Apple customers may wonder if they should buy the new M1 chip or the traditional Intel chip. Customers can still find MacBook Air laptops with Intel chips, sometimes at a discount. For now, Apple also still uses Intel chips in its larger computers. Compare the Intel vs M1 MacBook Air to see if the new Apple M1 chip lives up to its hype.

According to the CNBC review, Apple’s transition from Intel to M1 chips offers customers some solid benefits. They compared a $999-model of the M1 with an equivalent model with an Intel chip. Based on their experience, the M1 outperformed its competitor with improved speed and a longer battery life.

The review also noted that the M1 MacBook Air can run iPad and iPhone apps, and no other MacBook had that capability before. Even better, the reviewer had no trouble opening up the older apps they used on their previous Intel MacBook.

As a note, several software companies have announced the development of M1-optimized versions of their applications. On the other hand, the iPhone or iPad versions of the apps lacked some features and functionality when run on the MacBook Air. Mostly, these apps rely on phone and tablet touchscreens to deliver the best experience, and the MacBook Air doesn’t have a touchscreen. Even with a new M1, iPhones and iPads still offer a better device choice to run their native apps.

Sadly for gamers, the CNET reviewer liked almost everything about the M1 but struggled to get most games to run. Out of six games loaded from Steam and GOG, only two worked. This isn’t really a disadvantage for Intel vs. M1 because Apple never truly focused on gaming capabilities in the past.

The new M1 Apple Air starts at $999, so it represents the kind of investment that people expect to use for at least a few years. Of course, MacBook owners can take advantage of Apple’s trade-in program to save some money on the purchase of a new machine. Some customers may also choose to look for discounts at retailers as Amazon. They might also browse Apple’s list of refurbished computers for a chance to save about $200. Even so, most people will pay more for an M1 Apple Air than they would for a similar Windows or Chromebook computer.

Either way, an extended warranty from Upsie will ensure that MacBook owners can keep their devices in tip-top shape. That’s true even if the refurbished machine doesn’t really live up to factory specs or if an accident damages the screen, case, or other delicate components. On the positive side, Upsie offers low-priced, comprehensive coverage and only charges a $25 deductible for repairs.

For less than AppleCare and other warranty competitors, Upsie provides 24-7 service, access to certified techs (even Genius Bar repairs), and coverage for defects, accidents, and much more. Visit the MacBook Air warranty page to see transparent details, warranty options, and prices. Take time figuring out which Apple MacBook Air to buy. After that, head over to Upsie for an extended warranty!