TLDR;
The video reviews the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air, highlighting its subtle design similarities to previous models while noting significant internal upgrades. The speaker assesses the laptop's performance, display quality, speakers, ports, and battery life, concluding that while it’s a solid option for most users, there are areas for improvement.
- The M5 Air boasts the same design but includes some meaningful internal upgrades.
- Performance is strong, but video export times are unexpectedly long.
- Battery life is commendable, lasting over a full day of moderate use.
Design [1:09]
The M5 MacBook Air maintains a familiar design with an aluminium housing that exudes a premium feel. The form factor remains unchanged from previous models, and the speaker has opted for the 15-inch version due to minimal price differences with the 13-inch model. While practical for general tasks like video editing and coding, the size may pose issues in tight spaces. The aesthetic remains consistent with four colour choices, but the keyboard's colour contrast could be improved. Minor design updates include changes in key legends, but overall, the design is largely unchanged.
Display [3:13]
The MacBook Air features a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2880 by 864 pixels, sustaining a peak brightness of slightly over 500 nits. While the display is colour accurate, covering almost 97% of the P3 gamut, it may seem lacking compared to competitors offering OLED screens with better refresh rates and HDR capabilities. Nevertheless, the extra screen real estate is beneficial for multitasking. The six-speaker audio system offers a fuller sound compared to the 13-inch model, but the overall audio performance remains similar to top competitors.
Speakers [4:31]
The M5 MacBook Air features an upgraded six-speaker system compared to the four-speaker configuration in its smaller counterpart. This configuration enhances audio quality, making it richer and more immersive, although volume levels remain similar. The sound quality surpasses many other laptops, only trailing behind the MacBook Pro. The laptop also supports external displays, accommodating up to two 6K monitors.
Ports & I/O [4:51]
Despite its size, the MacBook Air limits connectivity options to two USB-C ports, one MagSafe connector, and a headphone jack. The speaker notes the desire for an additional USB-C port to enhance usability, especially in varied workspaces. While it retains Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, the lack of Thunderbolt 5 doesn’t significantly impact everyday user experience. The limited port selection remains a downside for users who require extensive connectivity without needing a hub.
Hyper (sponsored) [6:24]
The review features a sponsored segment for Hyper's Thunderbolt 5 dock, which offers multiple ports including Thunderbolt, USB-A, and Ethernet, alongside the ability to connect multiple monitors. It enhances the connectivity experience for the MacBook Air, providing higher transfer speeds and power delivery that compensates for the laptop's native port limitations.
Performance [7:28]
Powered by the M5 chip, the MacBook Air delivers solid benchmark improvements with a notable uptick in SSD speed and CPU/GPU performance over its predecessor. While casual tasks yield similar performance across M-series chips, heavier workloads reveal some throttling during extended processing tasks, particularly in video rendering. This leads to longer export times compared to the M4. However, overall usability for tasks such as coding and 3D modelling remains smooth, with the machine handling demanding applications reasonably well.
Battery Life & Charging [11:31]
The 15-inch MacBook Air houses a larger battery, offering around 12 to 13 hours of mixed-use battery life. Although the performance drain during intensive tasks can lead to quicker depletions, regular usage allows for a day-long performance. The device charges quickly, achieving 0 to 50% in approximately 30 minutes, although it requires a more powerful charger for optimal speed.
Wireless Connectivity [12:57]
The inclusion of the new N1 networking chip enables Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support, improving wireless performance with faster speeds compared to older models. The device exhibits reliable Bluetooth connectivity without dropouts, suggesting an enhanced range due to internal antenna adjustments. Wireless functionalities remain a strong point, alleviating concerns related to connectivity.
Wrapping Up [13:44]
Overall, the M5 MacBook Air represents a solid choice for those needing a capable laptop at a reasonable price. While performance updates are commendable, some limitations, particularly regarding the display and video export times, should be considered. It is particularly advantageous for users looking to upgrade from M1 or M2 models, yet those with newer versions may want to consider holding off for further improvements. The speaker invites viewers to share feedback on potential design changes for future models.
