Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3 (2024) Review (256GB SSD, 8GB RAM version)

Bigger, Faster, and Perfect for Everyday Users if you have the budget

The MacBook Air has long been Apple’s lightweight champion, known for combining performance with a sleek, ultra-portable design. With the release of the 15-inch MacBook Air (2024) powered by the M3 chip, Apple has introduced a larger screen option to its iconic Air lineup.

For years, the MacBook Air was defined by its smaller form factor, ideal for students, professionals, and anyone on the go. Now, Apple is offering users the chance to get more screen real estate without compromising on the thin, fanless design that made the Air famous.

Equipped with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the M3 chip delivers the kind of performance that Apple users have come to expect—whether it’s for web browsing, creative projects, or light multitasking. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display isn’t just bigger, it’s also sharper and more vibrant.

But with a price tag that positions it between the older 13-inch MacBook Air models and the more powerful MacBook Pro lineup, where does this model fit, and who is it really for? Is the bigger screen worth the extra dollars, or does it offer something more? Let’s take a closer look at what the MacBook Air 15-inch M3 (2024) brings to the table and whether it deserves a place in your tech setup.

Specifications

• Processor: Apple M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
• Memory: 8GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2880 x 1864)
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours of video playback
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 charging
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
• Weight: 1.51 kg
• Dimensions: 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches (340 x 212 x 11.5mm)
• Price: $2199 at Apple. But you can get it cheaper from JB HiFi & Officeworks for $1997

Design and Build Quality

The MacBook Air 15-inch M3 maintains Apple’s signature sleek, minimalist design, but it’s now scaled up for users who need more screen real estate. At just 0.45 inches thick and 3.3 pounds, it’s surprisingly light for a laptop this size, making it perfect for professionals who want the portability of an Air but the display size of a Pro.

The recycled aluminum chassis not only looks premium but also feels sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear. One of the standout aesthetic features is the new Midnight finish, which adds a modern, slightly edgy vibe. However, it’s not all perfect—the finish can be a magnet for fingerprints. That aside, the overall build is solid, with clean lines and seamless edges.

It’s also impressively silent, thanks to the fanless design, meaning you can push it through tasks without a sound​. Design-wise, this laptop strikes the perfect balance between style and functionality.

Performance

Don’t let its lightweight design fool you—the M3 chip gives this MacBook Air serious power. With its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the MacBook Air handles everything from heavy multitasking to light creative work with ease. Whether you’re editing photos, streaming, or juggling multiple apps, the M3 keeps things running smoothly without breaking a sweat.

Compared to the M2, the M3 chip offers a significant performance boost, especially for graphic-intensive tasks like photo and video editing. It’s not built for hardcore gaming or 3D rendering, but it can definitely handle light creative work, making it a great option for digital nomads and professionals who need more than basic computing power. And the best part? Thanks to its fanless design, it manages all of this without generating heat.

For daily tasks like web browsing, video calls, or office work, the M3 chip performs flawlessly, delivering impressive speed and efficiency. The 8GB of unified memory might be limiting for power users, but for most everyday tasks, it’s more than enough​.

Display

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display on the MacBook Air M3 (2024) is one of its standout features. With a resolution of 2880 x 1864, this display offers crisp visuals and vibrant colors, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. The P3 wide color gamut ensures that the colors are rich and accurate, which is especially beneficial for photographers, video editors, and designers who need true-to-life color accuracy.

With 500 nits of brightness, the screen is bright enough to be used in various lighting conditions, whether you’re working indoors or outdoors. The thin bezels around the display give it a modern, immersive feel, making this larger screen ideal for multitasking, streaming, or creative work. Even without ProMotion (Apple’s 120Hz refresh rate technology), the display delivers smooth and responsive visuals for most everyday tasks.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the MacBook Air 15-inch M3 continues to shine. Apple promises up to 18 hours of video playback, and in real-world use, it easily holds up for an entire workday. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming content, or working on documents, the efficiency of the M3 chip ensures that the battery lasts long without sacrificing performance.

The combination of a fanless design and energy-efficient architecture means you can push this laptop through heavy multitasking without worrying about rapid battery drain. And when you do need to charge, the MagSafe 3 connector makes the process seamless and quick, getting you back to work in no time​.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Apple’s Magic Keyboard continues to be one of the most reliable and comfortable typing experiences on the market, and the MacBook Air 15-inch M3 (2024) is no exception. The keys have just the right amount of travel, offering a satisfying tactile response without feeling too stiff or too shallow. Whether you’re typing a long document or firing off quick emails, the keyboard delivers a smooth and accurate experience. Plus, Touch ID is built into the keyboard, allowing for secure and fast logins with just a tap.

The Force Touch trackpad is as large and precise as ever. It responds to gestures like scrolling, zooming, and multi-finger commands effortlessly, making navigation a breeze. Apple’s trackpads are known for their responsiveness, and the MacBook Air M3 keeps up that reputation with flawless performance, even during heavy multitasking​.

Pros:

• The larger 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers a more immersive visual experience without adding much bulk
• M3 chip delivers impressive performance for multitasking and creative work, with improved energy efficiency
• Fanless design ensures silent operation, even during heavy tasks
• Excellent battery life—up to 18 hours, perfect for all-day use
• MagSafe 3 charging brings convenience and safety back to the lineup
• Sleek and portable design with a durable aluminum chassis

Cons:

• Limited port selection—only two Thunderbolt 4 ports and one headphone jack
• Price positioning might be too high for users who don’t need the larger screen

Final Verdict

The MacBook Air 15-inch M3 (2024) strikes an excellent balance between portability and performance. For those who want a larger screen without the bulk of a MacBook Pro, this 15.3-inch model is ideal.

Powered by the M3 chip, it handles everyday tasks and creative projects with ease, while maintaining impressive battery life. The Liquid Retina display is bright and vivid, making it perfect for media consumption and design work. However, for users already satisfied with a 13-inch MacBook Air, the jump to the 15-inch model may not feel significant unless you’re after the larger display. While it’s not a performance beast like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air M3 is a perfect fit for digital nomads, students, and professionals looking for a lightweight, all-day laptop with a stunning screen who can afford the price tag.