Apple MacBook Air M3 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Apple has unveiled its latest innovation the MacBook Air M3 but is it worth upgrading from your current device? 

Whether you’re a student handling a heavy workload, a creative professional managing demanding software, or a frequent traveller who needs reliability on the go, this review will break down everything you need to know before making the leap. 

The standout feature of the MacBook Air M3 is its new M3 chip, which promises not just faster CPU and GPU performance, but also more advanced AI capabilities. This means smoother multitasking, quicker load times, and enhanced graphics for activities like video editing or light gaming. Apple has also improved its already stellar battery life, ensuring you can stay productive throughout the day without constantly searching for a charger. 

While the MacBook Air M3 retains its ultra-slim, lightweight design staying true to its main feature, a significant upgrade from its predecessors. Whether you're looking for portability, power, or long-lasting performance, this model ticks all the boxes. 

 In this review, we’ll dive deeper into its performance, design, and value for money, helping you decide if the MacBook Air M3 is the right choice for your next upgrade. 

So, let’s jump right into it! 

MacBook Air M3 Cheat Sheet 

No time to dive into the full review? The MacBook Air M3 Cheat Sheet gives you all the essential information at a glance! Quickly check out the key performance highlights, design features, and find out who this ultra-portable, high-performing laptop is ideal for—all in one go! 

Performance Highlights 

Design and Build

Pricing

Why Upgrade? 

Best For?

Performance: The M3 Chip Steals the Show! 

What sets the MacBook Air M3 apart is its impressive M3 chip. Built on cutting-edge 3-nanometer processing technology, the M3 continues Apple’s trend of delivering remarkable performance. It achieves benchmark scores that rival Intel processors while maintaining superior energy efficiency. 

During testing, the MacBook Air M3 managed to run over 30 open windows alongside a YouTube video without breaking a sweat, showcasing its multitasking capabilities. In Geekbench 6, it scored an impressive 3,082 in single-core performance and 12,087 in multi-core, marking a significant improvement over the previous Air M2. 

When it comes to creative tasks, the M3 shines even brighter. It completed the Handbrake video compression test in just 7:19, significantly faster than its predecessor. In Photoshop, it achieved a score of 8,583, finishing tasks in 12.4 minutes. Similarly, in Premiere Pro, it scored 3,621, with editing taking just 7.8 minutes. The M3 outperformed the Dell XPS 14 in these benchmarks, proving its prowess in creative applications. 

One of the standout features of the M3 chip is its ability to maintain consistent performance. Unlike Intel processors that can be power-hungry and generate heat, the M3 remains cool and efficient. This means the fan rarely kicks in, providing a quieter experience. Whether plugged in or operating on battery power, users can expect reliable performance from the MacBook Air M3. 

Overall, the MacBook Air M3 stands as a powerful option, ready to tackle everything from everyday tasks to intensive creative projects with ease. 

Display: M3 Retina – Sharp. Clear. Detailed! 

The 13.6-inch Retina display on the MacBook Air M3 hasn't changed from the M2 model, and that's a good thing! It continues to deliver bright, vibrant visuals, making everything from movies to detailed graphics look stunning. Watching the Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire trailer, the pink glow from Godzilla's back looked incredibly radiant, and even in fast-paced scenes, the display handled the action without losing any detail. If you're a fan of games like Lies of P, you'll appreciate how the moody, Victorian-inspired environments look crisp and immersive on this screen. 

In terms of display benchmarks, there’s not much difference between the M3 and M2 models, which means you’re still getting the same impressive visual performance. The brightness hits around 476 nits, close to the advertised 500 nits, and the colour accuracy remains sharp with near-perfect Delta-E scores. Whether you're working in SDR or enjoying HDR content, everything looks as vibrant and lifelike as ever. 

One thing to note is the notch at the top of the display. On the 13.6-inch screen, it does feel a bit more noticeable compared to the larger MacBook Pro models. It’s a personal preference, but if you weren’t a fan of the notch before, it’s still there on the M3. 

Overall, the MacBook Air M3's display continues to deliver exceptional quality, making it a pleasure to use for everything from gaming to creative work. 

Design and Build: Premium Look and Feel! 

The MacBook Air M3 stays true to its signature sleek and ultra-thin design, making it one of the most portable and stylish laptops on the market. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, it's incredibly lightweight, perfect for slipping into your bag and taking anywhere. Apple has refined the design with subtle improvements, maintaining the aluminium unibody build that feels durable yet lightweight. The familiar MagSafe charging port is back, alongside two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, keeping connectivity simple and efficient. 

In terms of colour options, you can choose from classic finishes like Space Grey, Silver, or Starlight, and for those who want something bold, the deep Midnight option adds a modern touch. The overall build quality is exceptional, as you'd expect from Apple, combining durability with effortless portability ideal for students, professionals, or frequent travellers. 

Shop the Apple MacBook Air from Box.co.uk and experience the perfect blend of style and function. 

Battery Life: 70Wh Capacity 

When it comes to battery life, the MacBook Air M3 truly excels, delivering impressive performance that keeps you powered up throughout the day. Apple claims that you can get up to 18 hours on a single charge, and in real-world testing, it is pretty accurate.  

Whether you’re working on assignments, streaming your favourite shows, or just browsing the web, the Air M3 holds up exceptionally well, allowing you to go about your day without constantly searching for a power outlet. 

It’s perfect for students or professionals who need to stay mobile and productive without worrying about battery life. 

AI Capabilities of MacBook M3 Air 

The MacBook Air M3 is stepping into the spotlight with its AI capabilities, thanks to the powerful 16-core Neural Engine that allows it to handle on-device large language models (LLMs) and generative AI applications. Apple is marketing this laptop as an “AI laptop,” but it’s worth noting that previous M chips have already been equipped to handle similar tasks. The M3's Neural Engine is indeed faster, providing quicker results, but this sudden emphasis on AI seems to be Apple trying to stay relevant amid the tech buzz. 

Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air M3 models feature this 16-core Neural Engine designed specifically for AI-driven tasks. Although the term “AI laptop” is becoming a hot topic, it’s essential to remember that Apple’s silicon has included machine learning capabilities since 2020. The difference now is simply Apple’s decision to embrace the term “AI” more boldly. 

Similar to the AI-focused Intel Core Ultra chips, the M3 chip's Neural Engine can perform tasks like removing background noise in video editing software like CapCut or automatically enhancing photos in Pixelmator Pro all done right on your device rather than relying on the cloud. 

For text-based tasks, we ran a test with FreeChat, asking it for a “500-word explanation of why the sky is blue.” The M3 handled this request in 1 minute and 2 seconds, compared to 1 minute and 11 seconds on the Air M2. The earlier model took nearly 10 seconds longer to respond, showcasing the M3's efficiency in handling such tasks. 

It’s still early days for on-device AI computing, making it tough to determine how beneficial these features will be for everyday users. Similar to our experiences with the Dell XPS 14 and Acer Swift Go 14, we haven't yet been blown away by the concept of “AI laptops.” However, as AI technology continues to evolve, we may see a significant shift in how we use these capabilities. For now, Apple has certainly laid the groundwork for harnessing the potential of AI computing whenever it takes off. 

MacBook Air M3 for Gaming? 

The MacBook Air M3 brings some exciting advancements for gamers, thanks to its improved GPU. With hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, games on the Air M3 benefit from more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. This means your gaming experience can be visually stunning, making your favourite titles look better than ever. Plus, with Dynamic Caching, the system intelligently allocates local memory in real time, only using what’s necessary for specific tasks. This results in smoother gameplay and better performance overall. 

While the gaming performance on the M3 is commendable, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t quite match the capabilities of the M3 Max-powered 16-inch MacBook Pro. However, for titles optimised for Apple silicon, the M3 delivers solid performance. For instance, in Lies of P, enabling MetalFX Apple's alternative to Nvidia and AMD's upscaling technologies allowed the game to run at a steady 60 frames per second (fps) at 1200p resolution. With MetalFX turned off, the frame rates dropped to around 45-50 fps, which, while not ideal, is still manageable for casual gaming. 

Here’s a quick look at how some popular games perform on the MacBook Air M3: 

Final Thoughts! 

In conclusion, the MacBook Air M3 continues to uphold Apple’s legacy of sleek design, stunning display, and strong performance. While the improvements over the M2 model may not be game-changing for current users, those with an older MacBook Air or those stepping into the Apple ecosystem for the first time will find the M3 a compelling choice. Its combination of power, portability, and vibrant display makes it an excellent option for professionals, students, and casual users alike. 

It may not be the cheapest laptop on the market, but for what it delivers cutting-edge M3 performance, reliable battery life, and the premium Apple experience it’s well worth the investment. 

Ready to upgrade to the latest MacBook Air M3? Head over to Box.co.uk, where you’ll find not only the MacBook Air but a wide range of Apple products, including the powerful MacBook Pro, the high-performance Pro Max, and more. Box.co.uk offers competitive pricing and deals, making it easier than ever to find the perfect Apple device that suits your needs. Whether you're a professional, student, or casual user, take a look and discover your ideal Apple product at a cost-effective price today!