The MacBook Air 15-inch is Apple’s answer to those who crave a balance between power, portability, and screen real estate. But with its bigger size, is it still the ultimate travel-friendly laptop? We take an in-depth look to find out if bigger really is better for portability and performance.
Apple’s MacBook Air lineup has always been synonymous with sleek design, lightweight portability, and solid performance. The introduction of the 15-inch model brings a new dimension to this popular series, but how well does it hold up to the expectations of portability-focused users?
In this review, we’ll explore the design, performance, battery life, and user experience to help you decide if the larger MacBook Air is worth your investment.
The 15-inch MacBook Air retains Apple’s signature minimalistic design. It’s crafted from recycled aluminium, giving it a premium and durable feel. Despite the increase in screen size, it remains impressively thin at just 11.5mm and weighs 1.5kg (3.3 pounds).
Compared to the 13-inch version, this model feels more expansive without being bulky. It still fits comfortably in most backpacks, making it a viable option for those who need a larger screen on the go.
However, if you’re accustomed to carrying a smaller laptop, the additional size might take some adjustment. It’s a trade-off between convenience and enhanced visual workspace.
The main highlight of the 15-inch MacBook Air is its Liquid Retina display. With a resolution of 2880 x 1864, it delivers vibrant colours, excellent contrast, and sharp text rendering. The larger screen estate is ideal for multitasking, video editing, and immersive media consumption.
Apple’s True Tone technology adjusts the screen’s colour temperature based on ambient lighting, providing a comfortable viewing experience in any environment. While the display isn’t as advanced as the MacBook Pro’s mini-LED screen, it’s more than sufficient for everyday users and creatives alike.
Under the hood, the MacBook Air 15-inch is equipped with Apple’s M2 chip. The base model comes with 8GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage, but higher configurations offer up to 24GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
The M2 chip provides excellent performance for general tasks, including web browsing, video calls, and productivity apps. It can also handle more demanding applications like photo editing and light video editing without breaking a sweat.
That said, if you’re a professional who frequently works with 4K video or large-scale 3D rendering, the MacBook Pro’s M2 Pro or M2 Max chips would be better suited to your needs.
Battery life is one of the strongest aspects of the MacBook Air 15-inch. Apple claims up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge, and in real-world testing, it holds up remarkably well. You can easily get through a full day of work, video playback, and even some light gaming without needing to reach for the charger.
Thanks to the efficiency of the M2 chip, the battery life is consistent across a range of tasks, making it a dependable choice for travellers and remote workers.
With a larger screen comes the inevitable question of portability. While the 15-inch model is still lightweight by traditional laptop standards, it’s not as effortlessly portable as the 13-inch MacBook Air. For users constantly on the move, the difference in size and weight may be noticeable.
However, for those who often work in fixed locations like offices, cafes, or coworking spaces, the extra screen real estate can significantly boost productivity. It’s a laptop that strikes a balance between mobility and functionality, catering to users who need both.
The MacBook Air 15-inch offers the following connectivity options:
Unfortunately, the lack of a dedicated HDMI port or additional USB-A ports might be inconvenient for users who rely on older peripherals. Adapters may be necessary for expanded connectivity.
The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast wireless connectivity for modern devices.
The MacBook Air 15-inch is a compelling choice for users who want a balance between screen size and portability. It excels in design, display quality, battery life, and overall performance. While it’s not as portable as the 13-inch version, it offers a productivity boost that many users will appreciate.
If you’ve found yourself constrained by the smaller screen of a 13-inch laptop, the MacBook Air 15-inch may be the ideal upgrade. However, if portability is your top priority, you might want to stick with the 13-inch variant or consider other lightweight options.
What are your thoughts on the MacBook Air 15-inch? Let us know in the comments! For more reviews, guides, and tech news, stay tuned to Tech Verse.
Jamie O’Neill
Computing & Gaming Analyst
Explore our in-depth reviews, guides, and news to make informed tech decisions and elevate your digital experience today!
