Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 vs Microsoft Surface Book 3
The Verdict
Apple's M4 MacBook Air outperforms the Surface Book 3 across nearly every dimension, despite costing $500 less. The M4 chip delivers significantly faster performance with its 10-core CPU and GPU versus the Intel i7-1065G7's 4 cores, making it substantially quicker for everyday tasks and creative work. Display quality favors Apple with 500 nits brightness and sharper 2560x1664 resolution compared to the Surface Book 3's 400 nits and 3000x2000 resolution, though Microsoft's touchscreen adds versatility. Battery life swings toward Apple at 18 hours versus 15.5 hours, while the MacBook Air weighs just 2.7 lbs against 3.38 lbs. The Surface Book 3 does offer more legacy connectivity with two USB-A ports and an SD card slot, plus Windows 10 for software compatibility. However, the M4's efficiency, build quality with recycled aluminum, and superior performance justify its premium positioning. At $1099, the MacBook Air delivers better value and performance for most users, making it the clear choice unless you specifically need Windows or legacy peripherals.
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 Microsoft Surface Book 3 if…
- →Detachable 13.5-inch display works as a standalone tablet
- →Discrete NVIDIA GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU in the keyboard base
- →3:2 3000x2000 PixelSense display is gorgeous for productivity
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
Microsoft Surface Book 3
Pros
- Detachable 13.5-inch display works as a standalone tablet
- Discrete NVIDIA GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU in the keyboard base
- 3:2 3000x2000 PixelSense display is gorgeous for productivity
- 15.5-hour battery life for clipboard + base combined
- Premium magnesium build with excellent Surface Pen support
Cons
- 10th-gen Intel processor is severely outdated by 2024 standards
- Detach mechanism adds wobble and weight to the display hinge
- No Thunderbolt — only USB-C 3.1 and USB-A ports
- GTX 1650 Max-Q is underpowered for modern gaming or creative tasks
- Microsoft has discontinued the Surface Book line
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 | Microsoft Surface Book 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sequoia | Windows 10 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) | 3.38 lbs (1.53 kg) |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.59-0.9 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB-C ports | 2 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 15.5 hours |
| Capacity | 52.6 Wh | 65.4 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.6 inches | 13.5 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS | PixelSense IPS touch |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 3000 x 2000 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB (configurable to 2 TB) | 256 GB PCIe Gen 3 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB LPDDR4X |
| Cores | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 4 cores / 8 threads |
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Intel Core i7-1065G7 (10th Gen) |
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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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