Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 vs Apple MacBook Air 15" M4
Side-by-side comparison of viewing distance, PPI, and specifications
| Specification | Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 2024 | Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 13.6" | 15.3" (Better) |
| Resolution | 2560×1664 | 2880×1864 (Better) |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 225 (Better) | 224 |
| Optimal Viewing Distance | 39cm | 39cm |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS |
| Viewing Angle | 178° | 178° |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | None | None |
| Response Time | 25 ms GTG | 20 ms GTG (Better) |
| HDR Certification | None | None |
| SDR Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| HDR Peak Brightness | 600 nits | 600 nits |
| Contrast Ratio | 1:1,300 | 1:1,600 (Better) |
| Ports | 0x HDMI · 0x DP · USB-C | 0x HDMI · 0x DP · USB-C |
| USB-C Power Delivery | 35 W | 70 W (Better) |
| Color Gamut | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 98% · Adobe RGB 88% | sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 99% · Adobe RGB 88% (Better) |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 (Better) |
Summary
The Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 has higher pixel density (225 PPI), making it sharper at close range.
The Apple MacBook Air 15" M4 offers a larger 15.3" display for more immersive viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better PPI: Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 or Apple MacBook Air 15" M4?
The Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 has 225 PPI compared to 224 PPI for the Apple MacBook Air 15" M4.
Which has a closer optimal viewing distance?
Both require 39cm for retina quality.
Methodology & Sources
Formula: Retina distance (cm) = 3438 / PPI. Displayed values are rounded for readability.
Sources: Official manufacturer spec sheets and product pages. Specs are normalized before comparisons.
Comparison winners are calculated metric by metric (higher is better for most specs; lower is better for distance/response time).
Last updated:
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