Apple MacBook Air M5 15-Inch Review: Performance, Design, and Usability Detailed

The Apple MacBook Air powered by the M5 chipset stands out as a top choice for most laptop users. With a starting price of Rs 1,19,000, and a student discount of Rs 11,000, it is not inexpensive. However, it delivers a user experience that surpasses most Windows laptops in daily tasks and performance. The MacBook Air M5 comes in two sizes: a 13.6-inch and a 15.3-inch display. This review focuses on the 15-inch variant, which offers a larger screen, enhanced speakers, and a bigger trackpad.

Key Highlights

• Apple MacBook Air M5 15-inch starts at Rs 1,19,000 with a student discount of Rs 11,000
• The laptop features a fan-less design, aluminium alloy body, and weighs 1.5 kg for the 15-inch model
• Base model includes 512GB storage and 16GB RAM, expandable to 2TB storage and 32GB RAM
• M5 chipset delivers 1.5 times faster graphics and 4 times faster AI performance than the previous M4
• Battery life typically lasts one to two days for most users under regular workloads

Key Features and Specifications

The MacBook Air M5 15-inch features a high-quality aluminium alloy body. The design remains unchanged from previous models, maintaining symmetry and a premium look. The device is thin and lightweight, weighing 1.5 kg for the 15-inch model and 1.23 kg for the 13-inch variant. Both models have a fan-less design, ensuring silent operation. The laptop includes four ports: MagSafe charging, two USB-C Thunderbolt ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, only two USB-C ports may require users to use a dongle for additional connectivity.

The Air M5 is available in four colours: Silver, Starlight, Sky Blue, and Midnight. The reviewed unit is in Starlight, which has subtle golden hues. The 15-inch variant offers a spacious keyboard and a six-speaker system, providing a fuller sound compared to the smaller model. The screen delivers vivid, life-like colours and adequate brightness, although it does not match the OLED contrast found in some Windows laptops.

Performance and Usability

The major upgrade in the new Air is the M5 chipset. While the previous M4 chip was already fast, the M5 offers about 1.5 times faster performance in graphics-heavy applications like Affinity and Blender. For AI workloads, the M5 is around four times faster due to new Neural Accelerators. The base model now includes 512GB storage, up from 256GB, and 16GB RAM, which can be upgraded to 32GB on the 15-inch variant. Storage is also expandable up to 2TB.

The MacBook Air M5 excels in general computing tasks, offering smooth performance in applications such as Chrome, Pages, Keynote, and Photoshop. The macOS operating system contributes to a cohesive and user-friendly experience, with integrated hardware and software. Battery life is a strong point, with most users able to achieve a full day or even two days of use on a single charge. Intensive tasks like video editing or AI processing may reduce battery life.

Limitations and Use Cases

The MacBook Air M5 is not designed for gaming or highly specialized applications. Users requiring advanced graphics work, gaming, or custom software should consider other options, such as the MacBook Pro or a Windows laptop. For most users seeking a reliable, general-purpose laptop, the MacBook Air M5 15-inch offers strong performance, portability, and build quality.