Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs HP Envy 16 (2024)
Apple's M4 MacBook Air prioritizes portability and efficiency with its ultralight 2.7-lb design and exceptional 18-hour battery life, making it ideal for mobile professionals. HP's Envy 16 counters with a larger 16-inch display, faster 120Hz refresh rate, superior port selection (USB-A, SD card reader), and 1TB storage standard—better suited for content creators and multitaskers. Performance-wise, the M4's 10-core chip handles everyday tasks flawlessly, while Intel's 16-core Core Ultra 7 excels at demanding workloads. Display brightness favors MacBook at 500 nits versus 400 nits. Battery life dramatically differs: Apple wins decisively at 18 hours versus HP's 10 hours. At $300 less, the MacBook Air offers superior value for general users seeking reliability and portability. Choose MacBook Air for ultraportability and battery longevity; select HP Envy 16 if you need larger workspace, expandable storage, and traditional ports.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | HP Envy 16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 2.34 kg |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 358 x 252 x 19.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 2 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 83 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 16 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | IPS touchscreen |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16 cores |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
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 Envy 16 (2024)
Pros
- Optional NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU for creative and light gaming workloads
- Excellent 2.5K 120Hz touchscreen display
- Comprehensive port selection including SD card reader
- User-upgradeable RAM and storage
Cons
- Heavy and bulky for daily portability
- Battery life suffers under GPU load
- Fans get loud during intensive workloads
- Bezel design feels dated next to Spectre line
Related Comparisons
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all HP products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 or the HP Envy 16 (2024).