When Apple first introduced the 15-inch MacBook Air in 2023, it redefined what a large-screen ultraportable could be. Now, with the new M3 chip, the latest generation of the MacBook Air 15 not only retains its impressively slim and lightweight design but also delivers comprehensive upgrades in performance, display, and battery life. After two weeks of in-depth use, I can confidently say: this may be the most well-rounded large-screen ultraportable currently available.

Design: A Masterpiece of Slim Aesthetics

The Midnight color version I tested uses a new anodized sealing technique that addresses the fingerprint issues common to previous dark-colored MacBooks, while giving the device a deep, refined finish. Weighing in at just 1.51kg—only about 100g heavier than the 14-inch Huawei MateBook X Pro—it offers a significantly larger screen. Its thickness of just 0.45 inches (approximately 11.5mm) puts it well ahead of all Windows competitors in terms of portability.

Even with a larger 15.3-inch display, the slim bezels keep the laptop’s size close to the 13.6-inch model, so it remains highly portable.This “big screen, small body” philosophy is exactly what defines the MacBook Air lineup.

Display: A Visual Feast for Mobile Productivity

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display features a resolution of 2880×1864, 500 nits of brightness, and supports the P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology. In real-world use:

It remains clearly visible even under direct sunlight;

Color reproduction is impressively accurate;

Text rendering is sharp enough to rival printed material;

For writers and designers who spend long hours in front of the screen, this display significantly enhances both productivity and comfort.

Performance: The M3 Chip Delivers

The base M3 chip (8-core CPU + 10-core GPU) exceeds expectations:

Geekbench 6 multi-core score: 12,052 — a 20% improvement over M2;

Handles over 20 browser tabs, Photoshop, and Premiere simultaneously with ease;

Notable improvements in video transcoding speeds;

While the 256GB model does have slower SSD speeds (read: 2968MB/s, write: 3167MB/s), the difference is hardly noticeable in daily use. For professionals, the 512GB or larger variants are recommended for a more complete experience.

Battery Life: Setting a New Industry Standard

In simulated everyday use tests (60% brightness, Wi-Fi connected):

Web browsing: 15 hours and 3 minutes;

Local video playback: over 18 hours;

Light office work: easily lasts two full workdays;

This level of battery life makes “charge anxiety” a thing of the past. Even under heavy load, the device maintains excellent thermal control—no uncomfortable heat buildup on your lap.

Audio and User Experience: Attention to Detail

The six-speaker system delivers a surprisingly rich audio experience:

Bass response is noticeably better than the previous generation;

Spatial audio creates an immersive soundstage;

Maintains clarity even at maximum volume;

The redesigned scissor-switch keyboard offers a satisfying balance of key travel and feedback, making long typing sessions comfortable. The oversized Force Touch trackpad remains the industry gold standard, and combined with macOS gesture controls, it offers a productivity edge over typical Windows laptops.

Ports and Expandability: The Only Drawback

Port selection remains the MacBook Air’s main weakness:

Only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports;

No HDMI or SD card reader;

Requires a dock for multi-device connectivity;

For professional users, this could be the biggest compromise when considering the MacBook Air. Still, given the device’s ultra-thin design focus, this tradeoff is understandable.

Buying Advice: Who Should Consider This Laptop?

The MacBook Air 15 M3 is best suited for:

For on-the-go professionals who need a bigger display but still value a lightweight, easy-to-carry laptop;

Students who need long-lasting battery life;

Content consumers who prioritize high-quality audio and video;

Long-term users looking for a laptop that will last 5+ years;

For creators with higher demands, the 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD version is recommended for a more seamless experience. That said, the base configuration is more than capable for everyday use.

Final Thoughts

The MacBook Air 15 M3 continues the series’ legacy of being surprisingly good value while offering a holistic upgrade powered by the M3 chip. It may be the only laptop on the market that truly delivers on four fronts simultaneously: a large screen, ultra-portable design, all-day battery life, and solid performance. Although there’s room for improvement in port selection and base SSD speed, these minor compromises are well worth it given the device’s overall excellence.