Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs HP Chromebook Plus x360 14
The Verdict
Apple's MacBook Air M4 delivers significantly superior performance with its 10-core M4 chip, 16GB RAM, and stellar Liquid Retina display (2560x1664, 500 nits), making it ideal for demanding creative work and professional tasks. HP's Chromebook Plus x360 offers excellent value at $449, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen, 360-degree hinge for versatility, and solid all-day battery life,but its Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, and lower-resolution display (1920x1200) limit it to web browsing and light productivity. Both weigh under 3.5 lbs and offer dual Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. MacBook Air's 18-hour battery, superior build quality, and macOS ecosystem justify the premium for professionals. Chromebook Plus excels for students and budget-conscious users prioritizing portability and touchscreen functionality. Choose MacBook Air for performance and longevity; pick HP for affordability and casual computing.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 if…
- →M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- →16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- →Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
Buy the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 if…
- →Google's Chromebook Plus standard guarantees AI features and performance minimums
- →360-degree hinge for laptop, tent, and tablet modes
- →12-hour battery life handles a full school or work day
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4
Pros
- M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- 16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
- 18-hour battery life rivals the 15-inch model
- Fanless, completely silent operation
Cons
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion or high-refresh option
- 256 GB base storage requires upgrading for most users
- Only two Thunderbolt ports limits connectivity
- 13.6-inch screen feels cramped for multitasking
HP Chromebook Plus x360 14
Pros
- Google's Chromebook Plus standard guarantees AI features and performance minimums
- 360-degree hinge for laptop, tent, and tablet modes
- 12-hour battery life handles a full school or work day
- Aluminum build feels premium for a Chromebook
- ChromeOS is fast, secure, and auto-updating
Cons
- 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage is not expandable
- ChromeOS can't run traditional Windows apps
- No HDMI port — USB-C to HDMI adapter needed
- 60Hz FHD+ display is basic compared to similarly-priced Windows laptops
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | ChromeOS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 3.35 lbs (1.52 kg) |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 12.73 x 8.86 x 0.7 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB-C ports | 2 | 2 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 56 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 14 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | IPS touchscreen |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 300 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 256 GB UFS |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB LPDDR5 |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 8 cores (8E) |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core i3-N305 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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