MacBook Air M2 test: Should we fall for “the most popular Mac” 

Our test model (midnight colors) has a muscular configuration with M2 chip (CPU 8 hearts / GPU 10 hearts), 16 GB of unified memory, an SSD of 1 TB, an adapter Double Port USB-C 35 W sector. Its price: 2,309 euros.

MacBook Air M2: the midnight color to be recommended ?

The MacBook Air with Puce M2 has not only a new design: it also offers a new color option called midnight. It is a very dark blue which offers a fairly variable shade depending on the lighting: rather dark blue in broad daylight, it pulls more towards black when the lighting weakens. It’s rather elegant, but this new color is extremely sensitive to fingerprints and it quickly spoils the pretty painting.

This is a defect that was raised during the first tests of the MacBook Air M2 and we were able to check it since: just put a finger on the machine so that a trace is immediately visible. This applies to the contours of the trackpad but also and above all for the back of the computer, which can hardly be avoided by leaving the MacBook Air from the bag or opening its screen. Some users sweat more than others – especially with current temperatures – but it is a peculiarity to know: unless you are extremely careful, the midnight color will quickly cover with finger fingerprints.

The Youtubeur Marques Brownlee confirms this observation and today provides additional concern about the sustainability of this new coating. He could see on several MacBook Air that the midnight color is also very sensitive to shocks: in case of damage, aluminum reveals its true color and the contrast is then much more striking than with a clear color. For example, it can be seen in terms of USB-C connectors, which have slightly silver contours after only a few days of use. By dint of using peripherals, this phenomenon can only increase.

It is impossible to provide a complete and final opinion on this color less than a week after its launch, but we know in any case enough to prevent potential customers of the MacBook Air M2 that this new midnight color is more sensitive than the others, both in fingerprints and traces of wear. In case of concern on the subject, it is better to fall back on the classic silver, the sidereal gray or the new stellar light color, a kind of very clear gold.

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MacBook Air M2 test: Should we fall for “the most popular mac” ?

The MacBook Air M2 takes the place of the M1 air as the Mac promised to the best sales. So, we fell in 2023 ?

Posted on January 24, 2023 at 12 h 32 min

As Apple likes to remind you, The MacBook Air is its most popular computer, All ranges combined. It therefore seems logical that the American launches a brand new version of this machine to inaugurate a new generation of Apple Silicone fleas.

If the MacBook Pro 13 ’’ tested recently is a certain continuity, the MacBook Air has been completely redesigned. More compact, thinner, lighter, it has of course the brand new M2 chip but also a new screen, a new webcam and a new audio system.

In short, Apple put the package for this 2022 edition of the MacBook Air, but for what result ? After a few days of MacBook Air M2 test here is our opinion.

What price costs the MacBook Air M2 ?

The MacBook Air M2 is available from 1,499 euros in four colors: midnight, stellar light, silver and sidereal gray. For this price, we offer the model with M2 chip (CPU and GPU of 8 hearts), 8 GB of unified memory and a 256 GB SSD.

For a GPU of 10 hearts, it will be necessary to add 120 euros to the invoice. 8 GB of additional RAM or an SSD of 512 GB will cost you 230 euros each. Even the 67 W sector adapter is offered as an option (20 euros more).

Students are more likely since the company offers a preferential price as well as 20 % discount on the Applecare warranty+. Apple also offers up to 150 euros in gift card.

Our test model (midnight colors) has a muscular configuration with M2 chip (CPU 8 hearts / GPU 10 hearts), 16 GB of unified memory, an SSD of 1 TB, an adapter Double Port USB-C 35 W sector. Its price: 2,309 euros.

MacBook Air 2022 m2 256 GB at the best price basic price: € 1,499
MacBook Air 2022 m2 512 GB at the best price basic price: € 1,849

What is the design of the MacBook Air M2 design ?

So that for change, it’s quite a change. After years to use the same machine to us, Apple has finally decided to redraw the lines of its MacBook Air. And it is beautiful.

Available in sidereal gray, silver, stellar light (gold) and midnight (our test model), our MacBook Air M2 test shows that it takes up the format of the latest MacBook Pro 14. Flatten, it is also finer (11.3 mm) and light (1.24 kg) than ever.

Above all, This MacBook Air M2 is more compact, especially thanks to the reduction of the borders surrounding the screen and the integration of a notch for the webcam. Apple announces that the machine is 20% more compact than the previous generation.

It is an effect a small condensed technology that is readily transported from an office to a meeting room without problem and which is quickly forgotten in a backpack (we even thought it had forgotten it on the train).

If our MacBook Air M2 test shows that the number of ports is still as insufficient (2 Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4 in the USB type C format, a 3.5 mm jack), we welcome the return of the Magsafe port, a return already operated on the MacBook Pro 14 but not yet on the air.

Among the other new features, we will note The integration of Touch ID In the ON/OFF button as well as the enlargement of the keys of the control line located above the keyboard. Should we specify that it is always as delicious to make our fingers dance on this piano of letters ?

Last but not least, Apple has built its machine from recycled materials. The aluminum dress ? Recycled. The metal chassis ? Recycled (a first in industry). Even the magnets come from recycled materials.

This does not mean that the American giant is an example to follow. With its 6/10 repairability index, the MacBook Air M2 has nothing to bulge the shell either.

Is the screen of the MacBook Air M2 is better than that of the MacBook Air M1 ?

Over our test MacBook Air M2 We can only salute its magnificent screen liquid retina a diagonal of 13.6 ’’ ’. IPS technology it displays a billion colors, a definition of 2,560 x 1,664 pixels (resolution of 224 ppi), a brightness of 500 nits as well as the cover of the color range P3. Finally, True Tone technology completes the whole.

Our MacBook Air M2 test shows the screen benefits from a clear technical improvement, even compared to the latest pro models. In addition, the screen is better integrated into the entire design. The borders are thinner and The notch launched on the MBP 14 ″ and 16 ″ appears. Some will appreciate, others less.

We will therefore not surprise anyone saying that The quality of the screen is excellent. Apple is a master in the art of calibrating its tiles. Whether it’s working, watching movies and series or playing, the screen is always comfortable. A new reference.

That the new M2 chip brings to the MacBook Air ?

The M2 chip is the big novelty of this MacBook Air edition 2022. By integrating its latest silicone Apple chip into its most popular mac, Apple promises to provide a powerful and lasting machine.

In terms of performance Our macbook air m2 test shows that the new chip does not mark a frank revolution compared to the M1, And it’s logical. But Apple still announces an 18% more powerful CPU for energy consumption identical to the M1.

Our GPU with 10 hearts is even more impressive. Still according to Apple, this graphic chip is 35% more efficient than that of the M1. This translates into 2.3 times more power with the same energy need.

In three days, we could not verify the figures announced by Apple (our laboratory tests are underway). But since he incorporates the same chip as the MacBook Pro M2, already tested by us, some benchmarks will certainly be identical.

While waiting to be clear, it is clear that the new Apple machine can do everything without ever presenting the slightest sign of weakness. From the most basic uses to specific needs such as photo editing or video editing, nothing is resistant to it.

But then why choose a MacBook Pro M2 if the MacBook Air M2, sold cheaper, is just as efficient ? Excellent question, thank you for asking it.

The answer is simple: endurance. If the MacBook Air M2 knows how to do exactly the same things as the MacBook Pro M2, It does not hold the cadence over the duration. You can therefore edit several rush in 4K without problem, but in the absence of fans, the system will bride the performance when the temperature will reach a certain threshold.

This shortness of breath on demanding tasks is also felt in terms of autonomy. If the MacBook Air M2 remains the reference in this area in the family of ultraportables, It does not hold up as long as the MacBook Pro M2. Can we blame him ? Not really, but we had to bring these nuances to those hesitating between the air and the pro.

And then, concretely, what does it give ? For our usual use (main work machine with photo retouching, writing, web navigation, communication applications, emails, etc.)), The MacBook Air M2 has held more than two days Or about 15 hours of autonomy. Figures that we will confirm more precisely after the Machine Passage to Lab 01LAB.

No, for the price of options (RAM, storage, etc.))

The “Standard” MacBook Air M2 is marketed at 1,499 euros, a completely correct rate if we take into account the power of the last silicone Apple chip and the lifespan it ensures the product.

Nevertheless, this version requires, basic, an additional storage option, almost essential. The integrated 256 GB SSD is far too fair for a machine in this class, Even more if we are building it for a creative activity.

As always at Apple, The options will undoubtedly require the resale of some organs carefully chosen (if you are left). A little additional storage costs from 230 to more than 400 euros. Ditto to benefit from a little more RAM or even the M2 chip with a GPU of 10 hearts (and not 8 hearts). Even the most powerful charger is billed in addition.

Eventually, The model at 1,499 euros will correspond to little users, if only for its too fair storage capacity. You must then add at least 230 euros for an SSD of 512 GB. As in the automobile, the options make the price.

The MacBook Air M2 is also ..

• A new facetime camera capable of filming in 1080p for better quality videoconference. She takes advantage of the processing algorithms making the image clearer in low light.
• A new audio system consisting of four speakers diffusing the sound between the keyboard and the screen. The whole is compatible with Dolby Atmos, which allows you to enjoy space audio both for music and movies/series.