Is the MacBook Air M1 WORTH IT in 2024 ? - Vs Air M2

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares the Apple M1 and M2 laptops, focusing on their performance, display quality, and other features. Through real-world testing, he demonstrates that while the M2 shows better performance in benchmarks, the M1 still handles tasks like 4K video editing and rendering effectively. The presenter provides detailed test results, highlighting that the M1 remains a relevant and powerful option for content creators, despite being an older model. He offers practical advice for viewers, encouraging them to make decisions based on actual performance needs rather than just specs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker introduces the comparison between the M1 and M2 Apple laptops, aiming to simplify and clarify the differences for the audience.
• 😀 Both the M1 and M2 models are considered to have high build quality, with the M2 featuring a more premium metal body, while the M1 uses a plastic trackpad.
• 😀 The M2 model has a new design language, but the speaker notes that the M1's build is still solid and relevant.
• 😀 Both the M1 and M2 laptops feature 13-inch displays, with the M2 having a slightly improved color accuracy and sharpness, although the M1 is still considered good for 2024.
• 😀 The speakers on both laptops are class-leading in their price segment, providing excellent audio quality for users.
• 😀 Performance benchmarks show that the M2 outperforms the M1 in various tests like Geekbench, Cinebench, and others, but real-world performance is a better indicator.
• 😀 Despite the M2’s better benchmark performance, the M1 still holds up well in real-life tests, such as 4K video editing, which is a key use case for content creators.
• 😀 The speaker conducted a test using 40 minutes of 4K footage, editing and exporting it in Final Cut Pro X, where the M1 was nearly as fast as the M2, showcasing the M1's continued relevance for editing tasks.
• 😀 In a second test using HandBrake to convert 4K footage to 1080p, the M1 took 10 minutes longer than the M2, highlighting that the M2 is faster, but the difference is not massive.
• 😀 The speaker concludes that while the M2 offers some improvements, the M1 is still a highly capable and cost-effective option for video editing, YouTube content creation, and other demanding tasks.

Q & A

What are the main differences between the M1 and M2 MacBook models?

The M2 MacBook offers a newer design, but the build quality is similar between both models. The M2 has slightly better performance in benchmarks, but in real-world usage, especially for tasks like video editing, the difference is not very significant.

How do the speakers compare between the M1 and M2 MacBooks?

Both the M1 and M2 MacBooks feature high-quality speakers for their price range. There is no major difference in sound quality between the two models.

What is the display quality like on both the M1 and M2 MacBooks?

Both models come with 13-inch displays that are sharp and color-accurate. The M1's display remains impressive even in 2024, and while the M2 has a similar display with slight improvements, the difference is minimal.

Is the M1 still relevant in 2024 for content creation?

Yes, the M1 MacBook remains highly relevant for content creation in 2024. It can handle 4K video editing and other creative tasks efficiently, making it a great option for users on a budget.

Does the M2 outperform the M1 in real-world tasks?

While the M2 outperforms the M1 in benchmarks, real-world tasks like video editing show that the M1 still performs very well. For example, the M1 can handle 4K video editing without noticeable lag.

How do the M1 and M2 perform when exporting 4K footage?

Both the M1 and M2 perform well when exporting 4K footage, but the M2 completes the task slightly faster. In one test, the M1 took 1 hour 10 minutes, while the M2 was a bit quicker.

Are the performance improvements in the M2 worth upgrading from the M1?

For users focused on real-world tasks like video editing, the performance boost in the M2 may not be enough to justify the upgrade from the M1, especially since the M1 still offers strong performance.

What does the video suggest about using the M1 for YouTube-quality content creation?

The M1 is very capable of handling YouTube-quality content creation. It can manage 4K editing for platforms like YouTube and Instagram, especially for short videos or reels with effects.

Does the M1 have any limitations despite its performance?

While the M1 is still a powerful option, it may not handle the most demanding tasks as efficiently as the M2, especially for heavy multitasking or professional-grade video rendering.

Which MacBook is better for users on a budget but still needing strong performance?

The M1 MacBook is the better option for users on a budget who still need strong performance for tasks like video editing, content creation, and general productivity. It's a solid, cost-effective choice even in 2024.