Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) vs Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 (16GB/256GB)
We compare the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) and Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 (16GB/256GB) head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB)
Scored 9.5/10 in our testing
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB)
Same M4 Air with 512GB — the sweet spot for users who keep projects on device
Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 (16GB/256GB)
Best 15" laptop for people who want more screen without the MacBook Pro price
Score Breakdown
| Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) | Category | Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 (16GB/256GB) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.3/10 | Performance | 9.3/10 |
| 9/10 | Features | ✓ 9.1/10 |
| 9.8/10 | Ease of Use | 9.8/10 |
| 9.3/10 ✓ | Value | 9/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Overall | 9.2/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) | Spec | Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 (16GB/256GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Chip | Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| 16GB unified memory | Memory | 16GB unified memory |
| 512GB SSD | Storage | 256GB SSD |
| 13.6" Liquid Retina, 500 nits | Display | 15.3" Liquid Retina, 500 nits |
| Up to 18 hours | Battery | Up to 18 hours |
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB)
Pros
- + 512GB removes the storage anxiety of the base model
- + Same blazing M4 chip and 18-hour battery
- + Still exceptional value vs Windows competition
- + 4 color options
Cons
- − No 120Hz display
- − Still fanless — not for sustained extreme workloads
Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 (16GB/256GB)
Pros
- + 15.3" display — more screen for the same chip price premium
- + 18-hour battery in a larger chassis
- + Same M4 performance as 13-inch Air
- + Louder 6-speaker sound system
Cons
- − Heavier than 13-inch at 3.3 lbs
- − 256GB storage is tight — upgrade to 512GB
- − No ProMotion 120Hz
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) comes out on top with an overall score of 9.5/10. The 512GB upgrade from 256GB is the single most impactful configuration choice on the MacBook Air. macOS itself takes ~20GB, then add apps, Xcode, photos, projects — 256GB fills faster than you expect. 512GB gives comfortable headroom without jumping to the more expensive 1TB tier. Same chip, same display, same battery as the base model. This is the configuration we'd buy ourselves.
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) on AmazonRead the full Best MacBooks 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 10 products.