MacBook Air M1 vs M4 (2025): Which Apple Laptop Still Makes Sense in India?
The MacBook Air lineup has seen significant evolution from M1 to M4, leaving many Indian buyers confused about which model offers the best value in 2025. This comprehensive comparison focuses on the most relevant options today – the still-popular MacBook Air M1 and the latest M4. We’ll help you decide which MacBook Air best suits your needs and budget, with detailed performance analysis, real-world usage insights, and clear buying recommendations for different user types.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | MacBook Air M1 | MacBook Air M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.3″ Retina (400 nits) | 13.6″ Retina with notch (500 nits) |
| Processor | Apple M1 chip | Apple M4 chip |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt/USB-C | 2x Thunderbolt/USB-C + MagSafe |
| External Display Support | Single 4K display | Dual external displays |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter design |
| Battery Life | All-day battery | All-day battery |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD | 1080p FaceTime HD with Center Stage |
| Price in India | ₹52,000 (approx.) | ₹84,000 (approx.) |
Design & Build Quality
Both laptops feature premium aluminum builds, though they follow different design philosophies. The M1 has the classic wedge design, while the M4 maintains uniform thickness. The M4 is notably lighter and features slimmer bezels with a notch display.
Display Quality
The M4’s display offers notable improvements with 500 nits brightness compared to M1’s 400 nits. While both screens are excellent for indoor use, the M4’s slimmer bezels and notch design provide a more modern look. Color accuracy and sharpness are outstanding on both models, making them suitable for content creation and photo editing.
Performance & Gaming
Daily Tasks & Browsing
- M1: Still handles 20-30 Chrome tabs smoothly
- M4: Noticeably faster, manages multiple heavy tasks effortlessly
Creative Applications
- Photo Editing (Lightroom)
- M1: 100 RAW photos export – 1:05 minutes
- M4: 100 RAW photos export – 21 seconds
- Video Editing (Final Cut Pro)
- M1: Handles single 4K stream well
- M4: Manages 5-7 4K streams simultaneously
Gaming & 3D
- M1: No ray tracing support, basic gaming possible
- M4: Supports ray tracing, better for Resident Evil and similar titles
- Neither recommended primarily for gaming
Camera Performance
- M1: 720p webcam – adequate for video calls
- M4: 1080p with Center Stage – superior video quality
- Both feature good microphone arrays
Battery Life & Charging
- Both offer all-day battery life
- M1: Excellent efficiency for basic tasks
- M4: Similar battery life despite higher performance
- M4 adds MagSafe charging port
Software & Updates
Both run the latest macOS smoothly, with guaranteed software updates for years to come. The M4 has better future-proofing due to its newer architecture.
Price & Variants in India
MacBook Air M1
- Base variant: ₹52,000 (approximate)
- Available on Amazon, Flipkart
- Best deals during festival sales
MacBook Air M4
- Base variant: ₹84,000 (approximate)
- Expected festival sale price: ₹75,000-80,000
- Available through Apple Store and authorized resellers
Who Should Buy Which Model?
Buy MacBook Air M1 if you are:
- A student on a budget
- Working from home with basic needs
- Creating basic content (social media, blogs)
- Looking for value under ₹60,000
Buy MacBook Air M4 if you are:
- A professional content creator
- Developer needing more performance
- Working with multiple displays
- Planning to keep the laptop for 5+ years
FAQs
1. Is MacBook Air M1 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, for basic users and students it offers excellent value.
2. Can MacBook Air M4 handle professional video editing?
Yes, it can handle multiple 4K streams and effects smoothly.
3. Which model is better for coding?
Both work well for basic coding, but M4 is better for complex development.
4. What about M2 and M3 models?
Currently hard to find and don’t offer the same value as M1 or M4.
5. Will these laptops last 4-5 years?
Yes, both are future-proof with Apple’s software support.
6. Which model is better for students?
M1 offers better value unless you need specific M4 features.
Final Verdict
The MacBook Air lineup in 2025 presents two compelling options at different price points. The M1 remains surprisingly relevant, offering exceptional value around ₹52,000 for basic users. The M4, while pricier at ₹84,000, justifies its cost with significant performance improvements and future-proof features.
Recommendation:
- Tight budget: Go for M1 without hesitation
- Can stretch budget: M4 offers better long-term value
- Skip M2/M3: Poor value proposition currently
The choice ultimately depends on your budget and performance needs, but both models represent solid investments in their respective price brackets.
Note: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary based on retailers and ongoing sales.