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Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 vs Apple MacBook Air 15" M4

Side-by-side comparison of viewing distance, PPI, and specifications

Apple MacBook Air 13" M3

13.6" · 2560×1664 · IPS
Optimal Viewing Distance 39cm
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Apple MacBook Air 15" M4

15.3" · 2880×1864 · IPS
Optimal Viewing Distance 39cm
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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).

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