Comparison · Laptops · Desk research
MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) vs MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Quick Answer
MacBook Air (M1, 2020, Support 111883) is the original Apple-silicon Air: 13.3-inch LED-backlit Retina 2560×1600 at 227 ppi, 400 nits, M1 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency) with 7-core or 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine, 8GB unified memory (16GB configurable), 128GB SSD floor (256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB configurable), 49.9 Wh, up to 15 hours wireless web and 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback, two Thunderbolt / USB 4, 3.5 mm jack, no MagSafe, 720p.
The verdict
MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) or MacBook Air (M1, 2020) — quote the two manufacturer sheets.
Why: Original Apple-silicon Air versus current 13-inch Air. Both Support pages list up to 18 hours movie / 15 hours wireless web. M1 (Support 111883, year 2020) is a 13.3-inch 2560×1600 Retina at 227 ppi and 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, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.8 lb wedge. M5 (Support 126320) is 13.6-inch 2560×1664 at 224 ppi and 500 nits, M5 10-core CPU, 16GB / 512GB floors, MagSafe 3, 53.8 Wh, Wi-Fi 7 + N1, Bluetooth 6, 12MP Center Stage.
Buy MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) if
You want the current 13-inch Air: 16GB unified starting point, 512GB base SSD, MagSafe 3, Wi-Fi 7 + N1, and 12MP Center Stage.
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: 13-inch M5 vs M1 (2020). M5 from Support 126320. M1 from Support 111883.
| Spec | 13-inch Air (M5) | Air (M1, 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Year introduced | 2026 | 2020 |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina 2560×1664; 224 ppi; 500 nits | 13.3-inch Retina 2560×1600; 227 ppi; 400 nits |
| Chip | M5 10-core CPU (4+6); 8- or 10-core GPU; 16-core NE; 153 GB/s | M1 8-core CPU (4+4); 7- or 8-core GPU; 16-core NE |
| Memory floor | 16GB unified (24/32 configurable) | 8GB unified (16GB configurable) |
| SSD floor | 512GB | 128GB (256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB configurable) |
| Battery pack | 53.8 Wh | 49.9 Wh |
| Battery (OEM hours) | Up to 18h video / 15h wireless web | Up to 18h Apple TV movie / 15h wireless web |
| Ports | MagSafe 3; two Thunderbolt 4; 3.5 mm | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4; 3.5 mm; no MagSafe |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 + N1; Bluetooth 6; Thread | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage | 720p FaceTime HD |
| Size / weight | 0.44 × 11.97 × 8.46 in; 2.7 lb / 1.23 kg | 0.16–0.63 × 11.97 × 8.36 in; 2.8 lb / 1.29 kg |
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 M5 Support page, not on the 2020 M1 Air 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. The hop is floors, radios, display nits, and MagSafe — not a new hour number.
Is every M1 Air 8GB?
Support 111883 lists 8GB unified, configurable to 16GB. Table both. M5 Support lists a 16GB floor.