Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) vs Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) compared with MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)
AppleMacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)AppleMacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2015June 2013
Display
Screen size13.3″13.3″
Resolution1440 × 9001440 × 900
PanelTN LCDTN LCD
TouchscreenNoNo
Display typeLED-backlit widescreen LCD; TN panel confirmed by Macworld and Ars; millions of coloursGlossy LED-backlit widescreen LCD, millions of colours; TN panel confirmed by Notebookcheck's exact-model review. Refresh rate and brightness unpublished by Apple.
Screen finishGlossy–
Display featuresNative 1440 × 900; other supported modes include 1280 × 800, 1152 × 720 and 1024 × 640 at 16:10, or 1024 × 768 and 800 × 600 at 4:3–
Performance
ProcessorIntel Core i5-5250U or Intel Core i7-5650UIntel Core i5-4250U or Intel Core i7-4650U
CPU cores22
CPU threads44
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 6000Intel HD Graphics 5000
Memory4 GB or 8 GB4 GB or 8 GB
Storage128 GB to 512 GB128 GB to 512 GB
CPUDual-core Intel Core i5 at 1.6 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.7 GHz and 3 MB shared L3 cache, configurable to Core i7 at 2.2 GHz with 4 MB cache. Apple UK specifies up to 3.2 GHz for the i7; Intel's current ARK title also says 3.2 GHz but its turbo table says 3.1 GHz. Macworld confirms the i5-5250U and i7-5650U identifiers.Dual-core Intel Core i5-4250U at 1.3 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.6 GHz and 3 MB shared L3 cache; configurable to Core i7-4650U at 1.7 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz and 4 MB shared L3 cache. Exact identities confirmed by Notebookcheck.
GPUIntel HD Graphics 6000 integrated graphicsIntel HD Graphics 5000 integrated graphics
Memory type4 GB or 8 GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory; 8 GB maximum. The launch configuration had 4 GB with an 8 GB option; Macworld records the move to 8 GB as standard in spring 2016.4 GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory, configurable to 8 GB
Storage type128 GB or 256 GB PCIe-based flash storage; configurable to 512 GB128 GB or 256 GB PCIe-based flash storage; the 256 GB base is configurable to 512 GB. Processor and memory upgrades apply to either base.
Battery and size
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 12 hoursUp to 12 hours
Battery capacity54 Wh54 Wh
Weight1.35 kg1.35 kg
Thickness17 mm17 mm
Width × depth325 × 227 mm325 × 227 mm
Battery life detailLithium-polymer battery; up to 12 hours wireless web or iTunes movie playback, or 30 days standby. Apple's February 2015 tests used preproduction 1.6 GHz Core i5 systems. Weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process.Built-in 54 Wh lithium-polymer battery; up to 12 hours wireless web, 10 hours iTunes movie playback or 30 days standby under Apple's test conditions. Reference weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process.
Charger45 W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter with cable management45 W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter with cable management
MaterialsAluminium enclosure; tapered thickness from 3 to 17 mmAluminium enclosure; tapered thickness from 3 to 17 mm
ColoursSilverSilver
Connections
Ports2 × USB-A, Thunderbolt 2, MagSafe 2, headphone jack, SD card slot2 × USB-A, Thunderbolt, MagSafe 2, headphone jack, SD card slot
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5802.11ac AirPort Extreme (draft specification); compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n
Bluetooth4.04.0
Webcam720p FaceTime HD720p FaceTime HD
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Port detailTwo USB 3 ports up to 5 Gb/s; Thunderbolt 2 up to 20 Gb/s with native Mini DisplayPort output; MagSafe 2 power port; SDXC card slot; 3.5 mm headphone jack supporting Apple iPhone headset remote and microphone. DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI need separate adaptors.Two USB 3 ports up to 5 Gb/s, Thunderbolt up to 10 Gb/s with native Mini DisplayPort output, MagSafe 2 SDXC card slot and headphone jack supporting the Apple iPhone headset remote and microphone. DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI require separate adapters.
External displaysBuilt-in screen plus one external display up to 3840 × 2160, both with millions of colours; dual display and video mirroringBuilt-in screen plus one external display up to 2560 × 1600, both with millions of colours; dual display and video mirroring, HDMI audio and video through a compatible adapter
KeyboardFull-size backlit keyboard with 78 US or 79 ISO keys, 12 function keys and four arrow keys in an inverted T layout; ambient light sensorFull-size backlit keyboard with 78 US or 79 ISO keys, 12 function keys, four arrow keys and ambient light sensor
TrackpadMulti-Touch trackpad with inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap and drag; no Force TouchMulti-Touch trackpad with inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap and drag
SpeakersStereo speakersStereo speakers
MicrophonesDual microphonesDual microphones
In the boxMacBook Air; power adaptor; AC wall plug; power cordMacBook Air, power adapter, AC wall plug and power cord; OS X Mountain Lion and iLife

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