Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 11
The ultra book market is filled with enticing choices for individuals looking for a balance of power and convenience. Among them, two notable contenders are the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) and the Microsoft Surface Pro 11. These devices offer distinct functionalities and cater to various user preferences and work styles. To aid you in selecting the right option, this piece presents a thorough comparison between them.
| Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) | Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds | 1.97 pounds (tablet only) |
| Processor | Apple M4 (10 core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | ||
| Graphics | 8 core GPU | Qualcomm Adreno |
| 10 core GPU | ||
| RAM | 16GB unified memory | 16GB |
| 24GB unified memory | 32GB | |
| 32GB unified memory | ||
| Display | 13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 LED IPS display at 60Hz | 13-inch (2880 x 1920) IPS, 120Hz |
| 13-inch (2880 x 1920) OLED, 120Hz | ||
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | |
| 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD | |
| 2TB SSD | ||
| Touch | No | Yes |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 | 2 x USB4 |
| 1 x MagSafe 3 for charging | ||
| 1 x 3.5mm audio jack | ||
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Webcam | 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View | 12-megapixel front camera |
| 10-megapixel rear camera | ||
| Operating system | macOS Sequoia | Windows 11 on Arm |
| Battery | 53.8 watt-hour battery | 48 watt-hour |
| Price | $999+ | $1,300+ |
| Rating | 5 out of 5 stars | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Design & Portability
The M4 model of the MacBook Air 13-inch stays true to Apple’s signature sleek and minimalistic aesthetic. Made with a durable aluminum unibody, it boasts a premium feel and weighs only 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg), making it incredibly lightweight for easy transport. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, a defining feature of all MacBook Air devices.
On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers a multi-functional 2-in-1 design that can be used as both a tablet and a laptop when combined with the detachable Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (sold separately). Its adaptability is further improved with its built-in kickstand, which allows for customizable viewing angles. Weighing only 1.9 pounds (0.87 kg) without the keyboard, the Surface Pro 11 prioritizes its tablet functionality.
The 13.6-inch display of the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) boasts a high-resolution of 2560×1664 pixels and is known as the Liquid Retina display. It offers exceptional color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for activities like photo editing and media viewing. However, users who prefer touch interactions may want to keep in mind that this display does not have touchscreen capability.
The Surface Pro 11 boasts a 13-inch PixelSense Flow screen with a resolution of 2880×1920 pixels. Featured is the option for a OLED version that enhances the display with rich blacks and vivid hues. To ensure seamless scrolling and quick response, the refresh rate runs at 120Hz. Touch and stylus capabilities are essential components, catering to artists and those who prefer touch-centric navigation.
Performance & Processing Power
At the core of the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) lies Apple’s highly-anticipated M4 chip, marking the next step in their impressive line of silicon offerings. Boasting a whopping 50% increase in CPU performance and quadruple the GPU performance compared to its predecessor, the M4 puts it in direct competition with powerful processors such as AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X and Intel’s Core i9-14900K when it comes to single-core benchmarks. Additionally, the M4 features an upgraded Neural Engine capable of performing an astonishing 38 trillion operations per second, a remarkable improvement from its previous iteration.
Battery Life
Battery performance is crucial for portable devices, and the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) excels in this aspect. Thanks to the energy efficiency of Apple’s silicon and macOS optimization, it can last up to 18 hours on a single charge. This exceptional endurance allows for extended work sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
The Surface Pro 11 boasts a battery life of up to 22 hours, a significant enhancement from its previous versions. However, in practical use, Apple’s estimated battery life is typically more accurately met compared to Microsoft’s claims, which may not always align with the average user’s experience.
Operating System and Software Ecosystem
The MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) utilizes macOS, providing effortless compatibility with other Apple products and utilities. Functions such as Handoff, AirDrop, and Universal Clipboard elevate the user’s interaction within the Apple environment. Moreover, Touch ID further enhances security measures on macOS known for its reliability and protective capabilities.
The Surface Pro 11 runs Windows 11, utilizing Copilot, an AI-powered tool that aids in tasks like document summarization and intelligent suggestions. Windows 11 boasts a more expansive ecosystem, accommodating various software applications and providing more room for personalization. However, as the switch to ARM-based processors continues, compatibility with older applications may be impacted, though efforts to improve emulation and native ARM support are ongoing.
Price and Value
For a starting price of roughly $1,099, the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) comes with all the necessary components, eliminating the need for extra accessories. This cost reflects the device’s superior construction, efficiency, and seamless compatibility within the Apple ecosystem.
The Surface Pro 11 has a starting price of $999 for the base model, but it does not include the essential accessories such as the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard or Surface Pen, which are sold separately. While the added versatility may justify the expense for some users, it’s worth considering that when factoring in these accessories for full laptop functionality, the total cost may exceed that of the MacBook Air.
Reference – digitaltrends
