The M4 MacBook Air at $749 offers superior performance and modern features compared to the M1 model at $599. The $150 price difference is justified by doubled RAM, faster processing, better video capabilities, and extended software support for most buyers.[1][2][3][4]
Performance and Processing Power Differences
The M4 processor delivers significantly faster performance than the four-generation-old M1 chip. Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmarks show the M4 at 14,811 compared to typical M1 scores around 7,500, representing nearly double the processing capability. Real-world performance improvements appear in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better handling of demanding applications.[5][6][7][8]
Memory Capacity Creates Immediate Performance Impact
The M1 includes only 8GB of RAM, less than many current smartphones. Users experience noticeable slowdowns when opening more than 10 browser tabs, video conferencing while editing documents, or running multiple applications simultaneously.[7][9][10][11][12]
The M4 doubles this to 16GB as standard configuration. This eliminates performance bottlenecks across all common computing tasks and provides headroom for future application demands.[4][13][1]
Processor Speed Improves Everyday Computing Tasks
Both models feature Apple’s unified memory architecture, but the M4’s advanced cores process information significantly faster. Video editing, photo rendering, and software compilation complete substantially quicker on the M4.[8][14]
Design and Display Improvements
Apple redesigned the MacBook Air starting with the M2 in 2022, abandoning the wedge-shaped tapered profile of the M1 model. The newer design features smaller bezels, a larger screen within a similar footprint, and a notch housing the webcam.[15][16][17][18][19]
Visual Presentation and Hardware Quality
The M1 retains the older wedge design that tapers from 0.16 inches at the front to 0.63 inches at the rear. The M4 uses uniform 0.44-inch thickness throughout, providing better thermal distribution and a more modern appearance matching current MacBook Pro design standards.[18][19][20]
Screen size increases from 13.3 to 13.6 inches due to reduced bezels. This creates a noticeably larger workspace despite nearly identical external dimensions and weight.[13][18]
Webcam and Video Conferencing Upgrades
The M4 includes a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with automatic framing during video calls. This system tracks user movement and keeps the caller centered in frame, matching experience previously available only on iPad Pro models.[21][5][7][13]
The M1 uses a 720p FaceTime HD camera from 2020, producing noticeably grainier images in typical home office lighting. For professionals conducting frequent video meetings, the M4 upgrade delivers noticeable quality improvement.[22][23][24]
Connectivity and Port Configuration
Both models include two USB-C ports and one 3.5mm headphone jack. The critical difference is the M4’s dedicated MagSafe 3 charging port, freeing both USB-C ports for peripherals and external displays.[10][19][25][26][13][18]
M1 users must sacrifice one USB-C port for charging, limiting them to a single port for external displays, storage drives, and USB accessories. This creates constant cable swapping or necessitates purchasing USB hubs.
The M4 supports Thunderbolt 4 with transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps. The M1 uses USB 4 ports with comparable speeds. For most users transferring files to external drives, performance differences are negligible.[19][25][26][27][28]
Software Support and Product Longevity
Apple does not publish guaranteed software support timelines. Historical patterns show products transition to vintage status approximately 5-7 years after production ends. The M1 was released in November 2020, while the M4 launched in March 2025.[23][29][30][31][18]
Both models currently run macOS Sequoia 15.x as of November 2025. Based on Apple’s historical product lifecycle patterns:[20][28][32]
- M1 will receive fewer remaining years of updates compared to M4.
- M4 will likely support new macOS versions for approximately five additional years.
- Neither device is approaching end-of-support status immediately.
Appropriate Use Cases for Each Model
M1 MacBook Air remains adequate for:
- Students writing papers and researching online.
- Casual users checking email and browsing websites.
- Media consumption including streaming video.
- Basic photo organization without heavy editing.
- Light document editing and spreadsheet work.
M4 MacBook Air excels for:
- Professional video editing and content creation.
- Software developers and programmers.
- Data analysts managing large spreadsheets.
- Photographers editing multiple RAW images.
- Multitasking across numerous applications simultaneously.
Battery Performance and Portability
Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life for both models under standard usage conditions. The M1 delivered significantly better battery life than Intel-based MacBooks at its 2020 release. The M4 maintains this advantage while adding more powerful internals.[28][33][34][4][13]
Neither model requires midday charging for standard eight-hour work sessions. Battery endurance represents a strong point for both generations.
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Value Assessment and Purchase Recommendation
The $150 price difference ($599 M1 vs $749 M4) provides superior long-term value for most buyers. The M4 delivers:
- 100% more RAM (16GB versus 8GB).
- Nearly double the processing power.
- Modern flat design with larger display.
- Superior 12MP Center Stage camera.
- Dedicated MagSafe 3 charging port.
- Extended software support timeline.
For buyers planning laptop use beyond 2027 or requiring multitasking capability, the M4 represents better value despite higher initial cost.[2][35][1][4][8]
The M1 at $599 appears attractive upfront but delivers diminishing returns as it approaches the latter part of its support lifecycle. The M4 at $749 provides better cost-per-year value and eliminates premature replacement concerns.[3][36][5]
