Comparison · Laptops · Desk research
MacBook Air (M2, 2022) vs MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Quick Answer
MacBook Air (M2, 2022, Support 111867) and MacBook Air (M1, 2020, Support 111883) are two discontinued-at-retail Apple-silicon Airs, not the current M5 hub. Both list up to 18 hours Apple TV movie playback and 15 hours wireless web. M1 is the original wedge: 13.3-inch 2560×1600 at 227 ppi, 400 nits, M1 8-core CPU (4+4) with 7- or 8-core GPU, 8GB unified (16GB configurable), 128GB SSD floor, 49.9 Wh, two Thunderbolt / USB 4, no MagSafe, 720p FaceTime HD, Wi-Fi 6.
The verdict
MacBook Air (M2, 2022) or MacBook Air (M1, 2020) — quote the two manufacturer sheets.
Why: Old-vs-old. Both Support pages list up to 18 hours movie / 15 hours wireless web. M1 (Support 111883, 2020) is a 13.3-inch 2560×1600 Retina at 227 ppi and 400 nits, M1 8-core CPU, 8GB / 128GB floors, 49.9 Wh, two Thunderbolt / USB 4, no MagSafe, 720p FaceTime, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.8 lb wedge. M2 (Support 111867, 2022) is 13.6-inch 2560×1664 at 224 ppi and 500 nits, M2 8-core CPU, 8GB or 16GB unified, 256GB base SSD, 52.6 Wh, MagSafe 3, 1080p FaceTime HD, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.7 lb. Distinct from M5 vs M1.
Buy MacBook Air (M2, 2022) if
You want the first thin MagSafe Air: 13.6-inch 500 nits, MagSafe 3, and a 256GB SSD floor on a used/refurb ticket.
Buy MacBook Air (M1, 2020) if
You already own an M1 Air — or a dated used M1 — and 8GB / two USB-C ports / 13.3-inch 400 nits still match the work.
Spec comparison
Caption lock: M2 (2022) vs M1 (2020). M2 from Support 111867. M1 from Support 111883.
| Spec | Air (M2, 2022) | Air (M1, 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Year introduced | 2022 | 2020 |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina 2560×1664; 224 ppi; 500 nits | 13.3-inch Retina 2560×1600; 227 ppi; 400 nits |
| Chip | M2 8-core CPU (4+4); 8- or 10-core GPU; 16-core NE; 100 GB/s | M1 8-core CPU (4+4); 7- or 8-core GPU; 16-core NE |
| Memory floor | 8GB (16/24 configurable) and 16GB (24 configurable) | 8GB unified (16GB configurable) |
| SSD floor | 256GB | 128GB |
| Battery pack | 52.6 Wh | 49.9 Wh |
| Battery (OEM hours) | Up to 18h movie / 15h wireless web | Up to 18h movie / 15h wireless web |
| Ports | MagSafe 3; two Thunderbolt / USB 4; 3.5 mm | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4; 3.5 mm; no MagSafe |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD | 720p FaceTime HD |
| Size / weight | 0.44-inch even chassis; 2.7 lb | 0.16–0.63 × 11.97 × 8.36 in; 2.8 lb / 1.29 kg |
MagSafe arrives here
This is the pair where MagSafe 3 shows up. Do not copy that sentence onto M5 vs M2.
Frequently asked questions
Does the M1 Air have MagSafe?
No. Support 111883 lists two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and a 30W USB-C Power Adapter. MagSafe 3 is on the M2 Support page.
Did the battery hours jump?
Not on the named rows. Both Support pages list up to 15 hours wireless web and up to 18 hours Apple TV / video playback.
Is this the current Air?
No. Current 13-inch Air vs M1 is /laptops/macbook-air-m5-vs-macbook-air-m1/. This slug is M2 versus M1.