Looking for a comparison chart of MacBook M1 Max vs MacBook Air 2020 for buying decision? Want to know what is the difference in price, specs, and features? In this article, I will explain what is the difference between the previous generation and the new generation Apple machine. Let us find out how strong MacBook M1 Max 2021 model is compared to the previous MacBook Air 2020 model below.
How powerful is M1 Max MacBook Compared to the Previous MacBook Air 2020?
Apple has introduced its MacBook Pro lineup with two new silicon chips. They are available in two sizes (14-inch, 16-inch) and with two chipsets (M1 Pro, M1 Max). It is worth noting here that the new MacBook Pro is not a replacement for the MacBook Pro (13-inch) equipped with the company’s M1 chip launched last year. These new models replace the MacBook Pro models (13-inch and 16-inch) equipped with the company’s Intel chip.
The difference in design between MacBook Air (2020) and MacBook M1 Max (2021) is very clear. The 2020 model has an older design that has been around since 2016. The 2021 model has very thin bezels and now the notch on the top of the screen is similar to that of the iPhone 13.
The MacBook Air 2020 comes with a 13-inch screen and the 2021 MacBook M1 Max comes in 16-inch models. Apart from the notch, there is a difference in the screen of the new model. Apple has used mini-LED technology in place of the LED screen in the new machine. The MacBook M1 Max also uses Apple ProMotion. This technology gives the screen a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Check out the complete comparison chart of MacBook M1 Max vs MacBook Air 2020 below:
| MacBook M1 Max | MacBook Air 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From $2,499 | From $999 |
| Size | 16.2 inches | 13.3 inches |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR display | Retina display |
| Refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Resolution | 3456×2234 pixels | 2560×1600 pixels |
| Processor | 10-core Apple M1 Max chip | 8-core Apple M1 chip |
| RAM (Unified Memory) | Up to 64GB | Up to 16GB |
| Storage | Up to 8TB | Up to 2TB |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera Advanced image signal processor with computational video |
720p FaceTime HD camera Advanced image signal processor with computational video |
| Sound | High-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-canceling woofers Wide stereo sound Support for spatial audio when playing music or video with Dolby Atmos on built-in speakers Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking when using AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max |
Stereo speakers Wide stereo sound Support for Dolby Atmos playback |
| Ports | SDXC card slot, HDMI port, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port, Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, headphone jack |
| Keyboard and Trackpad | Backlit Magic Keyboard with:
78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys including 12 full-height function keys and 4 arrow keys in an inverted-T arrangement Touch ID Ambient light sensor Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures |
Backlit Magic Keyboard with:
78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys in an inverted-T arrangement Touch ID Ambient light sensor Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures |
| Dimensions | 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 inches | 0.63 x 11.97 x 8.36 inches |
| Weight | 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg) | 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg) |
That is all you need to know about how powerful M1 Max MacBook Pro is compared to MacBook Air 2020. While you are here, do not forget to check out what is the unified memory of the MacBook M1 Max. On the other hand, if you looking to buy the new MacBook Pro 2021 laptop, check out this M1 Pro vs. M1 Max Buying Guide.